2016 TS Cross Fondo: An Invitation to Try the Dry

[joannafox]

Apply to “Try the Dry”!

We’re taking cyclocross into unchartered territory and we want you to be part of it.

The Tripleshot Cross Fondo promises groomed and ungroomed backcountry trails, winding through Bear Mountain, Thetis Lake Park, the Highlands, private property and Hartland Mountain Bike Park. For approx. 35 kms, you’ll be pedaling over logging roads, single track, rail trail, up and over hills and through hairpin turns.

We invite you to bring your sense of adventure and ride in an invitation-only Tripleshot Cross Fondo “Dry Run” on Sunday, March 6th. Trail marshals will help keep you on course, first aid will be available if needed (we’re hoping not!), and refreshments along the route will keep you going for the duration. Riders will be grouped by ability with a ‘guide’; official start at 9am and hope to have all finishers in by 1pm “ish”. For those thinking they need more time, an earlier start will be available. We promise not to leave anyone behind. (we don’t promise that it will be “dry”).

We want to test the course for the full-on event on September 25, 2016, a fundraiser for the Tripleshot Cycling Club’s Youth Team. We will be looking for your honest feedback and suggestions – the good, the bad and the ugly.

We are inviting 25 Tripleshot riders to take part…but we need your help in promoting the ‘real’ event in September. Tell us how you can help promote the TS Cross Fondo in 50 words or less – maybe you have more twitter followers than the Beib….or you are an underground cross blogger….whatever the trick, email us at tscrossfondo@gmail.com by February 21 and we’ll pick the top 25 ideas (and their riders).

Questions? Email us back and we’ll get back to you asap!

[Paul C.]

What the heck does Try the Dry
mean?
I will be gone March 6...heres a few marketing things I learnt putting on tris and running races .

1. Have a major press conferance by April 1 to launch it. Mary can give tips on press releases.Do another one in September.
2.Start an ambassador program with key people in any city of 50 000 or more in B.C
Alta. Washington and Oregon.
3.Invite every pro and elite athlete we have ever heard of from CX. Road ,Mtn Bike and Triathlon
4. Consider prize money.It creats a publicity buzz.
5.Give lots of comps. to people of influence, v.i.p.s , politicians , media ,a few poor people(really) and a few people you think are great.
6. Charge more than you are planning to and have a graduated fee structure...see Vic marathon.
7.Have a ridiculous deal or free for any kids and all Tripleshot members with an agreement these participants will each supply one volunteer.
8. Copy lots of ideas from U.S Gravelgrinders and triathlons.
9. As the data base of entrants and ambassadors grows ,send out a really sharp E newsletter with lots of pix and stories...monthly.

10.Do not depend on the internet and social media. Print alot of small posters and flyers.Give about 5 to all 160 club members.

There is more, but hopefully these are helpful for now.

First annual VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL TRIPLESHOT CROSS FONDO....or something like that.......Its going to be GREAT.
p.s. Don 't assume that anyone knows what a crossfondo is.
Cheers p.c.

[joannafox]

thanks Paul, some great ideas here, many of which we are planning for the main event in September, some that we will considering adding!

[Paul C.]

Great...still trying to figure out what Try the Dry....maybe I am missing something ....I am not sure if other people will understand it.

[Paul C.]

Out riding....thinking about stuff...either for March ride only.....TRY THE DRY RUN??? Or you are hoping March& Sept.are DRY? If not i give up!

[Lister Farrar]

We invite you to bring your sense of adventure and ride in an invitation-only Tripleshot Cross Fondo “Dry Run” on Sunday, March 6th. Trail marshals will help keep you on course, first aid will be available if needed (we’re hoping not!), and refreshments along the route will keep you going for the duration. Riders will be grouped by ability with a ‘guide’; official start at 9am and hope to have all finishers in by 1pm “ish”. For those thinking they need more time, an earlier start will be available. We promise not to leave anyone behind. (we don’t promise that it will be “dry”).

By the way, thanks for the suggestions.

[Lister Farrar]

Monday at 10:00, we'll be training some ride leaders for the March 6 dry run. If anyone wants to be a leader March 6, let me know. Meet at The Hub bike shop, at Bear, at 9:45.

Leaders will need to know the course to guide a group (it won't be marked March 6) and provide simple first aid, have a cell phone for emergencies, and be ready to help with flats and mechanicals. As usual, all riders Monday and at the dry run will need a tube, levers, patch kit, multitool, pump, tire boot, and snacks.

[Lister Farrar]

Hi all:

We still have a few places for TS members who would like to try the Cross Fondo course pre-ride this Sunday. All we want is your enthusiasm, feedback on the course, and help in getting the word out on the Sept 25 main event, to raise funds for youth coaching and the Nature Trail Society.

Respond as soon as you can because we have to cap the groups, we only have so many guides, and other clubs and shops are still responding as we speak.

Meet at the HUb Bike Shop. Registration (sign a TS waiver, no fee) is 8:15 to 8:45, and guided groups start at 9:00. A, B and C in the best Tripleshot tradition. Plan for 2.5-4.5 hours for the full route. Option for a beer and burger after at the Westin patio/restaurant. Hoyne Brewing of course (thanks Alan)!

Coffee and muffins to start, beer after, bike ride in between; I think we have ALL the bases covered.

Bike wash and showers available.

Post below if you want to come, and pm me your email so we can send an info sheet to you.

Cheers
Lister

[amyeee]

Hi Lister,

I'm interested, if there is still space available. I'll message you my email.

Amy

[Lister Farrar]

Hi Lister,

I'm interested, if there is still space available. I'll message you my email.

Amy

Awesome. Great to have you there Amy.

[Lister Farrar]

Any others interested, please send an email to tscrossfondo@gmail.com. This will get you into the email list we'll use for various announcements about the event. Thanks!