Northern cycle event opinions?

[electriccyclecentre]

As we are hoping to move to new premises at the Rheged visitor centre It got me thinking the place would be a great venue for a cycle show. Maybe not on the scale of some of the bigger ones, but still a great spot!
What do people think to a venue this far north? (CA11 0DQ.) I though it might bring in some folk from Scotland that don't bother traveling to the very Southern events.
Let us know what you think.

 

[funkylyn]

My first thoughts are that it would be better for a Cycle show to be nearer larger population centres than Penrith/Carlisle/Kendal/Dumfries.

Really for the north of england, in my opinion, it would be better to be drawing from the Manchester area or Tyneside.

Then after that there is the question of exactly where and how people could test the bikes ......do they have a test track or area away from the crowds of people visiting the centre anyway ?

However, saying all that, Penrith is a good area for attracting holidaymakers from all the Lakes area and for a smaller event as you say it could be perfect as long as there is somewhere to ride the bikes safely.

I certainly think you have picked a great venue for your business, and with a guaranteed footfall, my advice would be to take that advantage and keep all that lovely footfall for yourself

Lynda

 

[electriccyclecentre]

Thanks for that Lynda. Great points and I do tend to agree that Manchester would be a good place for an event.
Good to hear what others think still.

Pete.

 

[Kudoscycles]

I still think that the Ladybower/Derwent reservoir area would be a good venue for a northern roadshow,I wrote to the centre there but did not get a reply.
Perhaps it needs a direct contact with the owners.
I would be very supportive of such an event,maybe sending some test bikes up to a local dealer but could not get directly involved-run out of staff now that holiday times are starting.
KudosDave

 

[JimB]

I still think that the Ladybower/Derwent reservoir area would be a good venue for a northern roadshow,I wrote to the centre there but did not get a reply.
Perhaps it needs a direct contact with the owners.
I would be very supportive of such an event,maybe sending some test bikes up to a local dealer but could not get directly involved-run out of staff now that holiday times are starting.
KudosDave

It's Severn Trent Water who control that.

It is indeed a fabulous cycling area;

Peak District Cycling Hub Derwent, Cycle Hire Centre, Bike Routes

The information Centre there is run by employees of Severn Trent Water who may not be personally motivated to respond.

There is also an established bike hire firm on the site of the main car park (Fairholme);

Derwent Cycle Hire: Peak District National Park Authority

JimB

 

[Cyclezee]

As we are hoping to move to new premises at the Rheged visitor centre It got me thinking the place would be a great venue for a cycle show. Maybe not on the scale of some of the bigger ones, but still a great spot!
What do people think to a venue this far north? (CA11 0DQ.) I though it might bring in some folk from Scotland that don't bother traveling to the very Southern events.
Let us know what you think.

Rheged would be a good location in the north for tourists and lots of them stop there after leaving the M6 enroute to Ullswater, Keswick and West Cumbria. It's on the edge of the Lake District, has good parking, less than a mile from my stepmother in Stainton (maybe that is not a plus point), the old road that goes to Redhills is very quiet and would be good for people to test bikes, it was the main road when I was a kid.
The ride to Pooley Bridge and Ullswater past Dalemain is pleasant, in fact Dalemain could be a possible venue for a show, you could ask Bob McCosh, owner of the estate if you could use it and tell him I suggested it, then wait for him to freak out.

If people want to really test hill climbing abilities, they could ride from Rheghed past Dalemain, turn off for Dacre, go down the hill into Dacre, through the village and up Dacre Banks, that is a challenge and a half, then before getting to the A66, turnaround in the gateway to the field on the righthand side at the top of the banks and do the ride in reverse. Excellent brakes are required for this one.