How did it go?

I'm really anxious to hear how everyone's event turned out. We had a blast in Raleigh. We're still collecting money and waiting on our pictures to come on line. I'll write more later. Just curious.

Ashby

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Adrienne on February 9, 2009 at 4:48pm: Hi Ashby,
our event went great. we raised over $3,000 and had a total of 30 riders... I was very happy with that. Everyone that came had a blast and said they want to do it again....just to ride together instead of alone on their trainers. I'm looking forward to this event again next year! I have posted more details on my blog adriennesaeger.blogspot.com and I have a few key photos there too!

Congratulations to everyone on a successful ride-a-thon!!!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by John Wolski on February 10, 2009 at 8:04am: It went great in Palatine, IL, even though the weather outside was 52 degrees, and people were tempted to ride outside! We raised a little over $4,500 and had 20 bikes running for 9 hours (we were full all but one hour). Lots of upbeat music and Bob "the DJ" kept the energy high all day. Mike the Veloist took some great video that I am sure will be on here after it is edited.

THANKS TO ALL AGAIN!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by mike on February 10, 2009 at 6:25pm: Chicago went well. We had about 25 riders throughout the day (only a couple no shows, which the weather had me concerned about) and raised just over $3600. Met some great people and some folks that want to stay informed about events like this. Like Adrienne found, for some people, simply the ability to do a long trainer ride with others in a good environment was a big draw.

On the negative side....to be honest, based on how many triathletes and cyclists live in the city, I was disappointed by the numbers we pulled. I can't make people care, but I'm amazed that folks are more interested in their training class or coached ride that day than something like this. It also didn't feel like many people in the local tri community wanted to help get the word out when I reached out to them....of course I don't have personal relationships with many of them, so that could be part of it. I guess b/c of the way this moved me when I first got involved, it would impact others in a similar manner?

Anyway, I'm not complaining as we had a great day! Especially considering it was our first year and I had never tried to organize something like this, yet had a decent showing and got some local businesses to donate to the cause.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Adrienne on February 11, 2009 at 8:14am: I'm totally with you on this!!! Considering that cyclists and triathletes get this whole thing about Blazeman and Ironman, and training and the passion that goes into this sport, I was hoping for a better turnout too. The biggest trouble I had was getting people to just commit and sign up, but these are the same struggles I have with my business too. It's not personal, it's just that sometimes other things are considered more important. I'm sure that every year it will get better and better though. Every little bit that we do helps for this cause and I'm happy that we all had a great experience! Thanks for starting this annual event John. I'm looking forward to next year!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Momentum Fitness Center on February 11, 2009 at 8:09am: Mechanicsburg, PA event went well - we held back to back indoor cycling classes charging $10.00 per bike for 8 hours 14 minutes. Totalled a little over $1700.00. Definitely learned alot about promoting and running an event like this. Consider this one a learning experience and next year know better what to do. Can't wait!!

Thanks for giving us this opportunity and congrats to everyone.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rick Roten on February 12, 2009 at 3:05pm: The event was a first for Summa Wellness Institute in Hudson, OH and, thanks in great part to the hard work of Sandy, program coordinator @ SWI, we exceeded our expectations! We had an amazing turn out of 41 riders over a four hour period and raised about $1900.00. The energy provided by the spin leaders was electric! Julie started off a full house of eager athletes with a meaningful introduction which included a brief explanation of the cause. She then lead an energetic 90 minute program, eventually giving the lead position over to Pete, a spin instuctor with his own studio, who took the riders to the next level with a 2 hour program which included a one hour hill climb. Paulie stepped in to finish the ride and cool down. One rider went the distance, several half timers and many stepped in for a quick half hour. Great time! Very rewarding! Looking forward to next year! Thanks to all the participants and tireless workers... see you next year!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ashby Ray on February 12, 2009 at 3:20pm: Raleigh went well. It was our first time. We had a total of 15 participants. Our event started at 5:30am and ended at 10:00 pm, the full 16.5 hours. We had 4 bikes set up in Try Sports, a local triathlon store in one of our big malls. 3 of the 4 bikes were relay teams, with people riding anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. One participant rode the entire 16.5 hours. (Covering just under 210 miles) Because of the location, everyone brought or borrowed a bike and we all rode on trainers. We got a lot of attention, made the local news and talked to a lot of really great people. So far we've raised about $3,500.00, but donatons are still coming in. We had overwhelimg support from all who were a part of it and many of them have already asked to be a part of it next year. I'm ready to get started organizing again.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by John Wolski on February 12, 2009 at 6:44pm: It was an honor and a pleasure to meet and work with all of you incredibly great event organizers. All of you made this event great. Please keep the fire and passion for this. The world is a better place because of the kindness of people like all of you!

With great honor and respect,

John; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mary Ann Blais on February 21, 2009 at 10:47pm: Mary Ann and Bob Blais also want to thank all who participated...we are humbled by the outpouring of support over the past four years. This was Jon's vision and thanks to you all we are creating awareness and working toward a cure. After 140 years HOPE is not the focus!

A special thank you from Blazedad and Blazemom to John who worked his heart out...for that we are forever geatful.

In Strength and Honor

Blazemom; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stacy Mullikin on February 13, 2009 at 10:05am: We had an amazing time in Dallas!! REI was awesome...we had cyclists downstairs right where everyone walked in as well as a big room upstairs with a huge screen to watch Jon's video then Tour de France/IM dvds. Almost everyone rode for the full 4hrs. We had local triathlon coaches coach each hour. The coolest thing for me is people associated with ALS (speech therapist/nutritionist/doctor, etc) came to the event to ride or give support. I also had an incredible opportunity to go to the ALS clinic the day before the event and talk to patients. The most exciting result is we have several people who are going to sign up to be Blazeman Warriors!!!; ▶ Reply to This