Starting a Cycling Society at my University

[mrfacetious]

Hi there, massive apologies if somebody's got to move this because it's in the wrong place, to begin, I did have a look around for somewhere suitable.

Basically I've just received all the forms and things to set up a society for cyclists at my university, mostly socially rather than competitive, with rides, campaigns, charity events and workshops. I can't help but feel slightly out of my depth though - I know it'll only be a matter of time before somebody goes "hey, when are you going to organise a DHMTB ride for us" or "This is awful, why can't the chief average 74mph like I can". I've never really been a member of a club before, though I've gone with a club on a couple of runs.
What I was really after though, was advice on how to arrange events - how can I arrange for local experienced cyclists to get on side - maybe come in and give some talks or run some basic repairs workshops. Do I have to book visits from people online, or will the man from the LBS be happy to help (I feel a bit stupid going down and asking without having any idea what reaction to expect)?
Any help is really appreciated, and if you can give me some more suggestions too that would also be great!!

 

[Norm]

I'd go down to your LBS and say pretty much what you've written there. Everyone starts somewhere and we can't all be experts on our first attempt. The LBS would probably jump at the chance to support and gather themselves a captive audience.

I'd recommend, though, that you think about what sort of cycling. Do you want to focus on road, DH, XC etc or do you just want to try and incorporate everything and segregate if it becomes too large. I'd try to have some sort of idea yourself first, though, as saying you are looking for leisure rides on quiet roads may get people interested who would never sign up for a bike club as they'd worry that it was all about time trials or whatever.

The details to arrange events depends on the size and the sort of riding you are doing, IMO.

 

[upandover]

Hi,

I agree. While I've never done this, my work tends to involve setting up new stuff.

I would - Say what you're doing, tell him why you think it will benefit him (community of people linked with the shop, building relationships with new cycling students as they arrive, getting more people cycling with him the natural choice), and see what he says. Have a clear idea of the range of ways he could get involved, know which are essential and which you could take or leave etc.

Remember to, that there are (I imagine) more bike shops. Some people won't respond, and it's not because of you, so you find someone else who will. Remember two I guess that if after talking with him, you don't feel he's the right contact, you still have choices too. Much of approaching people is simply a numbers game, keep trying and refining until you find people who say yes, and have potential to be pleased about it.

I'd also wonder if there are local cycle clubs of different types who might be interested in supporting, is there anyone on here nearby who might come and do bike set-up etc with you, are there any keen cyclists on staff who may be able to offer support, could you get some free cycle training or something from the council, or get a trainer in for a normal single person session cost? There'll be plenty more ideas. Could you get a guild grant (if they still do those) to buy some rollers etc, for some fun evenings in. Could you together get excited about an annual Uni ride, and encouraging all students to get involved.

I guess the other thing I would say is, don't be afraid to get a few people together with some ideas and talk about the possibilities, even if you use your bikes after (to the bar!?). Don't feel you have to get everything set-up and then start something. Often having the ideas and having pursued a few possibilities are enough then you have other to help you.

I'm sure there are plenty of other ways to go about this, and loads more ideas - hopefully others will offer some more. A few thoughts none-the less though.

Cheers
Steve

 

[mrfacetious]

Thanks guys, appreciate the well thought out replies. I know I'm looking at a very small niche in the student population if I look at "serious" road riding as the key focus - I would much rather, as was said, look at leisurely rides and give people the opportunity to explore the area - I'm in Leicester, and Leicestershire has some lovely countryside 2 minutes from the city which I didn't find out about for months after starting here. If I had enough interest I might set up seperate events for the speedier amongst us, but it's mostly about bringing people with a common interest together (and lobbying the uni for some better cycle facilities!). We do get funding so this will probably get spent however demand requires.

I am really excited about this and don't want to be put off by my own inexperience - you're right though, everybody starts somewhere and this is a start.
There is an LBS which I know already has ties with the uni so I'll probably go to them first.
Again, thanks a lot for the help, I'll keep the forum updated on my progress

 

[Norm]

You might even find a support network through the Uni if you approach it right and if it relevant to your course. You could say (because it would be true!) that you are using this as an opportunity to develop personal, inter-personal and business skills. There's not a vast difference between starting a successful club and starting a successful company.