RED SHIELD RIDE: Free Publicity!

RED SHIELD RIDE: Free Publicity!: I'm really grateful this week for the publicity from within The Salvation Army itself in regard to the Red Shield Ride. This months ...

Free Publicity!

I'm really grateful this week for the publicity from within The Salvation Army itself in regard to the Red Shield Ride.

This months 'Others' magazine features an article on the Red Shield Ride and some of my favourite photos from the past couple of years.  You can read the article online here.  Or you can order a copy of the magazine by clicking here (but you will probably have to subscribe for a year).  Alternatively, you can walk into a Salvation Army Corps and probably pick up a copy for a couple of bucks!

Its a funny thing though, publicity!  I love to see and hear it because the more riders we can get participating, the more people I get to meet; the more fun I'll have and the more money we can potentially raise - that's a big reason for doing this after all.

I'm consistently finding that the build-up publicity takes so much more energy out of me than the publicity we get during the ride.  I'm not why that is, in many respects it should be the other way round.  In the 'build-up' I'd say I have more energy and time than I get during the event itself.  Interviews, phone calls and write-ups can be just as draining as spending the whole day riding - and often are at the end of those days.  But I for some reason I find it more engaging and rewarding at the same time.

I definitely don't want a career in the media, but I'm grateful for the reach it affords me at times to speak about the work of The Salvation Army with some of the world's most vulnerable and marginalised people.

Training Rides

In a first for the Red Shield Ride, we're offering Training Rides which will kick of tomorrow!

I find it a little amusing that I'm offering to lead others on training rides for a cycling event. I wouldn't say that I'm particularly gifted, fit or creditable as a cycling to even be suggesting that I could help others perhaps for an event in the future.

But hey?  Why not?  We'll give it a go!

So from now until we being set off on Saturday 20th May, every fortnight I'll be leading anyone who wants to come along on a series of rides that will increase in both distance and meters climbed. 

So if you want come along, I'll be behind New Town Station Nursery on Bell St in New Town at 8am.  Don't worry if you're not sure about your ability, come along and see how we go!  This week we'll be heading down to Kingston Beach and back via Strickland Avenue (up passed Cascade).  We'll be shooting for between 55 & 60km.  Bring your own drinks and food if necessary!

For an idea of the route, you can have a look here.

Gearing Up for 2017

Take three!

They saying goes; "third time lucky!" Well I don't necessarily believe in luck, but I am hoping that this time around, the Red Shield Ride will reach further into the Tasmanian community and raise more money to aid The Salvation Army in journeying alongside some of the most vulnerable member of the community than ever before.

I'm still learning new things about how to go about putting on a Charity Ride, and yet at the same time things others things are getting easier with the familiarity.

Advertising is starting to go public and recruitment for riders is underway!

This year's Ride will be held over five days; Saturday 20th May - Wednesday 24th May.  The format is looking somewhat simpler, but that doesn't mean things are going to be easier.  

Even though we're only riding for five days; we're again going further and climbing higher.  Each day will hold it's own challenge, we're planning on riding over 660km's and climb over 8000m.  

Riders are being encouraged to sign up for single rides.

All the information can be found at www.salvationarmy.org.au/redshieldride; you can register to ride, sponsor a rider, or simply have a look if you're interested.

There'll be more information to come in the coming days so watch this space.