BikeFest is back and calling for new recruits
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Since being spearheaded by PLASA and Backup seven years ago, BikeFest has grown into a popular industry event, taking place in Spain and the UK each year in the lead up to ISE in Barcelona and PLASA Show in London respectively. Each BikeFest event raises thousands for industry charities, with BikeFest Spain 2023 raising an incredible £50,000, helping industry professionals suffering with ill health or financial hardship.
And soon the BikeFest London team will be back in the saddle, ready to cycle up to 80 miles on Saturday 2 September, in time for PLASA Show at Olympia London from 3-5 September. The friendly team of intrepid cyclists includes all ages and abilities – and they are calling for new recruits! Growing in numbers every year, BikeFest offers a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded industry professionals and create lasting friendships. There is simply no other networking event like it.
Piers Shepperd, chair of Backup Tech, comments, “BikeFest is a brilliant initiative for the events world - each year bringing together people to raise funds supporting industry charity Backup. BikeFest London caters for different fitness levels to ensure that nobody gets left behind, but more importantly it’s also a brilliant way to spend time with old friends and make new ones. This year has seen a huge increase in the number of live event crew and backstage technicians needing support from Backup – your pedalling will make a real and lasting difference to the people who most need help.”
Continuing with the tradition, BikeFest London will be split into teams according to ability: the Racing Snakes will traverse the entire 80-mile route over the stunning yet strenuous Surrey Hills, while the affectionately named Slugs will cover 40 miles along a less challenging route. And new for this year is an even more gentle ride, soaking up 20 miles of the scenic Thames Path.
Sarah James of Gasoline Media says, “I took part in last year’s 40-mile Bikefest route from SFL’s HQ in Reading finishing at the Royal Albert Hall, and what a ride it was. I have to admit that my lack of training, combined with a bike that felt like it was made out of antimatter and torrential rain as we reached Windsor made it a challenge, but one that was so worth it. The guys I was cycling with were fun and encouraging and pushed me through to the end…The camaraderie, sense of achievement and knowing that I was doing it for such a great cause made every mile and aching muscle worth it. So much so that I’m doing it again this year…I can promise you it will be a day to remember.”
Peter Heath, managing director for PLASA, comments, “BikeFest is a fantastic community event, truly for the people by the people. And we’ve ensured that BikeFest is accessible for all abilities, so I hope to see many new recruits this year who may be new to cycling, even if it’s just a hobby! The most important thing, of course, is that we raise as much money as possible for Backup Tech, Music Support and Stagehand, who in turn support our colleagues in need.”
www.bikefest2023.com
Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/667453209517?aff=oddtdtcrea
