The #WeMakeEvents BikeFest fundraiser is returning to London this September to raise money for industry charities Backup Tech, Music Support and Stagehand, and the organizations are calling for more participants.
Spearheaded by PLASA and Backup seven years ago, the industry event takes place in Spain and the UK each year in the lead-up to ISE in Barcelona and PLASA Show in London, respectively. Each event raises thousands for industry charities, with BikeFest Spain 2023 raising £50,000 to help industry professionals suffering with ill health and/or financial hardship.
The BikeFest London team will be ready to cycle up to 80 miles on Saturday, September 2 in time for the PLASA Show at Olympia London starting on September 3. The team of cyclists includes all ages and abilities, and offers an opportunity to meet like-minded industry professionals and create friendships.
Piers Shepperd, chair of Backup Tech, states, “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 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 of 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, concludes, “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.”
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