Looking to Create a new TEAM in St. Albert

Psycho Mike · Guru

RE: Looking to Create a new TEAM in St. Albert

Psycho Mike · Guru

Ok...let's try this again....it ate my last attempt.

I talked to the Ride guides as I didn't see Trevor coming up on the team. The deal is he's left us for the time being. He had been talking about getting a work team set up, so perhaps that's what he's trying. If it doesn't work out for him, he's always welcome back.

Dale, if you could let Deanna know I have the updated scan of the jersey that I showed you on Saturday. I'll try to send it in the next day or two. Just a warning, it is a larger file.

As for jerseys....it sounds like one of the Ride Guides really likes our design and may be interested in getting one. It sounds like they would like to get some from teams doing custom jerseys for the Calgary office (that and he thinks ours are cool). I don't have any issue with it if you all don't...besides, more volme equals lower cost :)

Here's a link for jersey sizing:

http://www.akapparel.com/custom-apparel/flexible-sizes.php (copy and paste if it won't click)

Please let me know what sort of sizes people would need...and don't worry, if someone doesn't fit the stock sizes, they do customs for a nominal fee.

Anyway, that's about it for the moment....chat at you all again soon,

Mike

-- Edited by Psycho Mike on Tuesday 29th of September 2009 07:10:39 PM

afewspokesshort · Veteran Member

Hi Mike,

I have no issues with that. Maybe we can have an insider promoting the team, might just stand a chance of growing more from that.

Hey, took a big hit at work Monday. it seems someone on my email list didn't like the fact that I emailed them a pledge letter and the company line is such that this is not viewed as proper. So my email list shrunk considerably and is less than 200 now and still has some shrinking to do. I called the office today for help with all that. Truth is that I should have known better. Maybe we will have to start some other ideas sooner than later. Still have a job and that's a good thing! Later

Psycho Mike · Guru

Ouch...sorry to hear about that, Dale. Still, 200 is a pretty decent list and you're already in a good position for the ride.

I find it is easier (and doesn't risk company email) if you use the participant centre to send out emails. It is sent from their servers with whatever email you signed up with as the sender / return address. Rather than risk it at work, it's how I send out my emails.

I also just include the links...easier to say "hey, check out what I'm doing" and follow up with the folks who take a look at the personal page, rather than solicit directly. The participant centre tracks who looks at the links it includes with the emails it sends.

Just a few things to (hopefully) help,

Mike

Psycho Mike · Guru

Hehehe...we have swords :)

I dropped by a Halloween supply shop near work....and they just so happened to have a bunch of low-cost plastic fantasy swords that I should be able to make look a bit better for us. They don't weigh much and should be great fun for the Ride :)

Once I get them looking a bit better (man, I used to love working on plastic airplane models as a kid..this'll be fun), I'll pass them along :)

afewspokesshort · Veteran Member

I was using the web site. none of what I have done was from work.

afewspokesshort · Veteran Member

Swords sound good, be interesting to try and carry them, that will take some imagination. Some kind of back harness or something. Putting it on your waist, I think would get in the way. Maybe on your back some how. Just an idea

Psycho Mike · Guru

Hmmm....what email did you sign up with? It looks from the team contact like it is a home one. Seems fishy if they are punishing you for networking unless you were using the internet at work...Oh well. I guess each company has thier own policies...

-- Edited by Psycho Mike on Friday 2nd of October 2009 04:30:18 AM

Psycho Mike · Guru

Yeah, swords definitely go on the back. I use a hydration pack, so I thought that would be ideal.

-- Edited by Psycho Mike on Friday 2nd of October 2009 04:30:44 AM

Psycho Mike · Guru

Hmmm...that's wierd! Dale, you've vanished from the webpage! I hope that's a glitch.

afewspokesshort · Veteran Member

No not a glitch, self preservation! Yeah everything I did, I did from home, but the boss feels that it was inappropriate of me to contact my work related contacts with regard to the fundraising. So if I disapear for a while, hopefully it will help quiet things down a bit at work. I took your advise and created a link to my page that i can send to prospective sponsors. Haven't sent it to anyone yet but I have tried it my self and seems to work fine. Just eliminates prying eyes that I don't want right now. It's all good. Just a little quieter. Later Dale

Psycho Mike · Guru

I see...fair enough. *passes Dale a "You Don't Know Me - Witness Protection Program" t-shirt* ;)

afewspokesshort · Veteran Member

I don't have alot of time tomorrow, but thinking of getting out for a ride. Anyone interested? Dale

Psycho Mike · Guru

I'd love to, but can't....Friday's night ride is probably all the riding I'll be able to do this weekend :(

On a good note, though....I met two people who are interested in the Ride and may join up with us....one was someone I mentioned before (finally met him, though) and the other was his co-worker. I've also started my blitz of emails to kick off the fund raising on my end. I know work will be great about it, so I started going through my collection of business cards...networking is so much fun.

I've also looked a bit into the group fund raising stuff at the Ranch / Hudsons etc. It's pretty straight forward....sell tickets keep the loot. They turn in tickets, we get a kicker. I'll have to look into more of the details, but it is an option.

afewspokesshort · Veteran Member

Hi Mike,

No worries, it actually turned out to be kind of a rotten day for riding. I ended up staying inside and climbed on the old trainer bike and managed to put in about 20 min. Not very long, but enough to get my heart pumping.

That sounds good about the possible 2 new riders and your fundraising kick off. We only have approx 8 months to go, should be lots of time. What about the ticket selling? I've never heard of something like that. It sounds like a lounge or bar and you/we would sell tickets for what exactly? That sounds like it could be very beneficial.

Have you thought about say 50/50 draw? I've done one in the past and it's a little involved to get going, but once things are up and running, Tickets made or purchased, selling them is pretty easy. Just a thought. The license if I remember correctly, only cost $25 dollars and with that license you can sell $10,000 dollars worth of tickets. Giving the team a chance of making as much as $5000 dollars. If we set a short time span such as 2 months, we could conceivably do this three times before the ride. I would be okay, getting things set up. I was thinking that we could wait a bit for the team to grow some more or just do it now and include that as a team building tool, " Come join the Cancer Crusaders, we're committed to helping you fundraise and meet your goals!

Yeah maybe a little cheesy, but it may sway some riders to the team.

I just thought that maybe I should ask you what your goals are in regard to the team? Do we want to go crazy with the recruiting process, do we want to go crazy with the fundraising? What should be our goals?

Sorry to blab on, just wanted to get a couple of thoughts out there. Let me know what you think.

Later,
Dale

Psycho Mike · Guru

Cool....draws and such sound like an idea too. All sorts of ways to fund raise :)

As for the team, I'm not exactly sure what I'd like to do. My original thought was to get a good number of like minded folks together...I wasn't sure of the number I was thinking, but all have to be "fun" so that we could really enjoy the theme. As much as I'd love to go head-to-head with Connecting to Conquer Cancer (last year's huge team) I just don't know that we'd have the same fun if the team got that big.

In looking at it, I'd say a team of 15-25 would be ideal....small enough that we'd have a decent chance of getting to know each other, big enough to be a significant presence in our jerseys and "family" enough to care for and help each other as we train and ride the Ride. In terms of financial, I just want everyone on the team to make the minimum so that they can ride. Sure, I'd love to get everyone well beyond that minimum....but just getting everyone riding means a decent amount coming in for the Cancer Foundation.

I know how cancer has touched the lives of those around me...and there are many others who I've met since I joined the Ride last year who I've had the chance to talk to and find out their stories...I want to do something about it, but I also want to keep the close-knit support that makes a challenge like this a positive event for survivors and those left behind.

It don't know if this is making sense, but I hope you get the idea.

Mike

Psycho Mike · Guru

D'oh!

I don't want to seem like I'm being authoritarian on this....Annette, Dale and Deanna (and Jason and Jeff when they join in), what are your thoughts? How big would you like to see the team? How big do you all want to go in the fund raising department? Just because I kicked things off doesn't mean I want to rule with an armour clad fist ;) What are your thoughts and ideas....you're part of the team and it doesn't exist without you, so chirp in too :)

Psycho Mike · Guru

Monday morning good news time :)

One of the metro Edmonton shops is willing to support us with staff pricing on all our needs. I'll be sending details out via email, but basically they aren't in a position to sponsor or donate directly but think it's a worthy cause and will provide staff pricing to team members (just bring a team business card). It may be a little out of the way for some folks, but I'm willing to sneak over and then meet up with team members to deliver their stuff if anyone wants to take advantage of it.

Also, I have heard back from one contact that he's going to push for some corporate support for us (and he may join us as another rider). I don't want to jinx anything, so I'll leave it at that for now.

Yay,

Mike :)

Psycho Mike · Guru

Welcome to the Crusade, Jason :)

Jason · Veteran Member

Thanks for the welcome to the team and look forward to the journey

afewspokesshort · Veteran Member

Thanks Mike, that really sounds like some good news, I'll be sitting tight waiting for that news.

Hummmmm in terms of the team I really like what you laid out 15 to 25, I think if it went a little bigger that would be alright too. I do like the idea of keeping it on the smaller size like you suggested. It makes logistics a little more managable. Easier to get to know everyone.

Welcome Jason biggrin , welcome to the team. We are a pretty easy going bunch and with the likes of Mike in the lead I know we are going to do great deeds in the name of Cancer research and support programs. Welcome!

Later,

Dale

abrokenshire · Senior Member

Hey folks, I haven't chirped in for awhile. Been pretty busy with work and flu season (Yep the little darlings have shared with me

) I'm cool with whatever size team we can get, although I like the idea of a smaller more intimate team for the comraderie. Based onn how things were for the ride last year, size was not an issue. There was a whole lot of comraderie & mutual support from the 1742 strong team.

Welcome Jason, looking forward to meeting up with you.

Dale, sorry to hear about your situation at work. My approach to co-workers was not only welcomed but encouraged. Sounds like you have a bit of a Scrooge for a boss. Did you approach them before soliciting support? It almost sounds like a bit of sour grapes for being left out of the loop.

Anyone interested in a get together to view our "Grand Knights" new toys, meet & greet each other, and do some brainstorming? Love your idea for the draws.

Annette

Psycho Mike · Guru

Ok...for those who don't know, Jason is the founding knight in our Calgary camp ;) We'll have to try to get a few more bodies in that end of the province to keep him from getting lonely ;)

Toys...fancy you should mention those....I may have to get a few more swords now ;) Still, I'm going to try to get them looking a bit better than how they come from the store ;)

Group meeting sounds great if we can swing it...Jason, as I said, I'll be down that way the weekend after Thanksgiving, so we can hopefully meet up at Calgary Cycle as I drool over a Knolly ;) Just watch I don't rust your armor with the puddles of drool, okay? ;)

Jason, we also have a facebook group, in case you're interested there....sometimes it can be easier. I'm going to jump over to the team page so I can email everyone with the details about the shop.... sleep tight everyone ;)

Jason · Veteran Member

I joined the group today. If you guys up in the arctic have a meeting just do a pm or email
facebook whatever you like I can get the jist of it.
The draw thing I am in support of .....my $.02

Jason

abrokenshire · Senior Member

Hey Mike & Jason,

I will also be in Calgary Oct 17 (got tickets for the football game). Maybe we could all meet up there & "knight" Sir Jason. What do you say?

Annette

Psycho Mike · Guru

Cool Jason...we'll keep you in the loop.

We can try for a meeting on the 17th...I'm just not 100% sure when I'll be coming through. Depends a bit on Mrs. Psycho and how much she wants to enjoy the Fairmont in Banff before returning home ;) I will be dropping by Calgary Cycle, though....I seriously want to drool over the Knollys ;)

What time is the game, Annette?

Jason · Veteran Member

Im totally open for the day so whatever time you guys mosey out and about is fine.

Psycho Mike · Guru

Excellent :) One less hurdle to rolling the wife outta bed: I don't need to take my life in my hands and try it at 7am :D

abrokenshire · Senior Member

Game time is 1:30 pm so have to be at the stadium by 12:30 or earlier if we want to get parking. How about after the game. Maybe we could meet up for a bite?

Psycho Mike · Guru

It's a possibility....just don't know how late things are open / how soon the Mrs. will want to be headed back to Edmonchuck. We can try, though :)

Jason · Veteran Member

Things will be open probably to be safe till 5:00. Theres major crazyness after the games too its difficult to get out of the stadium area.

Psycho Mike · Guru

Excellent!

Well, I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. :)

abrokenshire · Senior Member

I guess we will just have to make it another time. Later Dudes.

Psycho Mike · Guru

Okie dokie ABS....enjoy the game, though :)

Psycho Mike · Guru

Hi Jason,

Just so you know, we'll probably be in town in the early afternoon....I'm guessing 2pm-ish for Calgary Cycle. Hopefully I'll be able to hook up with you there.

As some good news for you, I may have found another Calgary rider for the team. I'm at a conference in Banff right now and one person I've met is quite interested in the Ride...if he joins, he'll be a training partner for you :)

PM

Jason · Veteran Member

Hi Mike
Check your inbox
j

Psycho Mike · Guru

Checked ;) See you there...I'll be the one with the bib (they'll want a drool stopper on me to keep the floors dry ;) )

PM

Psycho Mike · Guru

Jason, it was nice meeting you on Saturday. I hope I didn't bore you too much when I got chatting Knolly bikes ;)

ABS, I hope you dressed for the game....44-44, whoda thunk it? As it turns out, I ended up being at the Denny's just a little west of McMahon when the game was over....had I remembered your number, you could have joined my wife and I for a snack :)

Oh...remember how I told you all that we may have another member from one of the local bike shops....well, we do. Jeff, I don't know if you've discovered the board yet, but welcome to the team :) (If he doesn't know about it yet, I'll let him know. He'll be over here soon enough ;) ).

PM

Jason · Veteran Member

Welcome Jeff!!!!!

Psycho Mike · Guru

Hehehe....not even in the team for 24 hrs and Jeff's already got the fund raising started. Good Job :)

Jason, keep me informed about which bike you're going to use. I think Dale is looking to go Roadie, ABS has a 700c wheeled hybrid, Jeff will likely have a roadie from the shop he works at and I'm not sure what Deanna rides. If you go mtb, I can be convinced to ride my Cake rather than the 'cross bike so that we're not leaving you behind at all.

PM

abrokenshire · Senior Member

Welcome Jeff. The team continues to grow. Woo Hoo

Jason · Veteran Member

I will be riding my Rocky with the Tom slick tires. Shouldnt be too much of an issue.
it rides pretty good as a road bike surprisingly.

Psycho Mike · Guru

Yeah....my 205 km single-day ride on the Cake, with slicks of course, made me think the same of it :)

afewspokesshort · Veteran Member

Welcome to the team Jeff! Nice to have another Crusader on the mission.

I noticed that our team has raised over $5000, WOW good job, and we still have a little over 8 months to go.

Question to all, Is it to late in the season to hold a BBQ fundraiser? You know the one you see out side the grocery store or Canadian Tire. My sister and I are doing a couple in the spring but I thought that maybe we could still do one before the snow. Let me know what you think.

abrokenshire · Senior Member

I'm definitely in for that, even if the weather is a tad chilly.

afewspokesshort · Veteran Member

Thanks, ABrokenshire

I will talk with my sister and we will set something up and let you know.

Psycho Mike · Guru

Sorry gang,

I was still up in McMurray...fighting my way back through the snow....didn't get back until later this evening. I wasn't able to make the ride :( Still game to get together, though....my mountain bike likes the snow :D

I'm also game for the BBQ...keep me posted and I'll be there if I can :)

abrokenshire · Senior Member

Perfect. I will send you a private message with my contact info. Looking forward to finally meeting you in person.

Psycho Mike · Guru

We have been found by another Rider...now Crusader :) I'm not sure if she'd on the board yet, but we have a new member on the team :) Welcome Katy!

Psycho Mike · Guru

Hehehe....well, I've got what I need to start working on the chainmail fund raising items now. At this point, it look like it'll be keychains, bracelets / wristbands and necklaces.

Who knows, if I can hit the minimum in good time, perhaps I can do a little extra something up for the bike (once I decide what I'm riding in 2010).