The annual event has been parked in the bike sheds during the pandemic, but it has now been scheduled for September 4th and 5th.
Rotarians of all ages can take part in the Rotary ride
Rotary clubs are being encouraged to use the weekend cycling showcase as a focal point by organising a cycling event.
Depending on the local Covid regulations, a cycling event can be organised outside, or inside.”
Organiser Keith Hopkins said: “We are all looking for something to do post the pandemic, and this ticks all the boxes, almost irrespective of Covid.
“Depending on the local Covid regulations, a cycling event can be organised outside, or inside.
“Every club in Rotary GB&I is encouraged to get involved this weekend, or over the month.”
Keith is encouraging Rotary clubs to be imaginative, plan and sell the idea to the local community, using social media and email to encourage people to join Rotary Ride.
Businesses competing for the safety of their own rides are great, and gives an opportunity to get other organisations involved such as the council, police, fire brigade and the NHS.”
Here are some examples of how to organise a Rotary Ride event:
Riding the route on a Penny Farthing is one of the unique ways in which Rotarians are raising funds for Prostate cancer
Outside: Challenge individuals to cycle a target number of kilometres, supported with sponsorship and donations. Many people are doing their daily exercise and there has been a huge increase in bike sales. People can take on the challenge whenever and wherever they wish.
An organised event could be at a local estate, in a public park, and on cycle tracks. These are ideal for the family rides and a chance to highlight Rotary. Outdoor parties and BBQs could be possible by then.
Road cycling is great for those with experience and for keen cyclists. Casual events can include cycling from one club to its neighbour and enjoying hospitality on arrival.
Inside: At home, or at the gym, use exercise bikes and set targets over a week or a month – riding from home to Paris, London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Cardiff or even further.
Covid-allowing, you could set up static bikes at shopping centres and supermarkets, challenging shoppers to ride as far as they can in two minutes, or time to ride a kilometre.
Challenge local businesses to get involved, either outside or in their workplace.
Businesses competing for the safety of their own rides are great, and gives an opportunity to get other organisations involved such as the council, police, fire brigade and the NHS.
There are links to videos of previous rides, plus further information on our dedicated Rotary Ride page.
This explains –
- What Rotary Ride is all about,
- The benefits to Rotary and clubs,
- Facts about Prostate Cancer,
- Insurance cover, risk assessments, bike care, registration to attract the public and promotion templates.
Folkestone Channel Rotary has already got into the spirit by organising a charity event featuring 350 riders enjoying the sights of Romney Marsh in Kent.
Riders from all over the South East took to 30, 50 and 70 mile circular routes, raising more than £7,000 raised for charities including South Kent MIND.
The ride has been based at The Star Inn at St Mary In The Marsh for the past 12 years.
Members from Folkestone Rugby Club taking on Rotary Ride from The Star Inn
Many riders had very personal reasons for taking part such as the memory of family and friends who had been victims of COVID-19.
Take a look at the guys on the road in this video shot by Simon Dolby, South Kent MIND CEO.
