This September, in the week of British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, Tour of Britain and to celebrate Bristol becoming the European City of Sport 2017, TechSPARK Bristol meetup is bringing a whole new meaning to bike geekery.
Its newest meetup series, TechRIDE will bring together cycling enthusiasts (and the cycle curious) to mix, mingle and collaborate on everything tech – while on a scenic ride of course!
“I’m hoping Bristol can build a great reputation for innovating at the intersection between sport and technology”
Led by General Manager at Yogscast – a leading network of Youtube gaming channels – and fellow bike geek Rich Keith (pictured left), the ride will take a meandering but gentle route through some of Bristol’s quiet back streets and out into the surrounding countryside to give attendees the chance to network on the go.
Rich tells us: “I love cycling and am your cliched lycra-man at the weekends. When I go to trade shows with the Yogscast I try and arrange a ride with other people attending the event. This started out as an excuse to continue cycling, but I realised that riding with new people is a great way to get to know them – essentially it’s networking with added benefits and is unlikely to end up with a hangover the next day (or take as long as golf).”
“We’ll go at an easy pace and stop for coffee so anyone who is interested can take part”
Rich adds: “I’m hoping Bristol can build a great reputation for innovating at the intersection between sport and technology. With Strava now in the city, Disrupt Sports moving in and start-ups like Mbition, This Mum Runs, MoveGB and InYourStride to name a few – we’ve got a chance to make Bristol the destination for like-minded companies. ”
Get involved
The great thing about TechRIDE is that you don’t need to be an Olympian to join in. Rich explains: “It’s an informal coffee ride and we won’t be hitting it hard. We’ll go at an easy pace, stop for coffee and start and end at the Mud Dock so anyone who is interested can take part.”
You will need to bring your own bike and helmet, alternatively you can hire a Brompton from Bristol Temple Meads. There is also the possibility of using Mud Dock’s showers afterwards for those who don’t have that option at work – you’ll just need to let fellow organiser Abby Frear know in advance via the meetup page itself.
The first TechRIDE is due to take place on 9 September at 8:30 – 11am, starting and finishing at Mud Dock. To find out more and sign-up for free, join the TechSPARK meetup group.
While you’re at it, why not stay up-to-date with all the top tech news, events and jobs in Bristol and Bath by signing up to the TechSPARK newsletter.
Image Credit: Matt Gibson
