Getting started with Cyql - Part 2 of 6
Planning and organizing trips with Cyql
In the previous post of this series, What is Cyql and How Do You Start Your Own Club on the Platform?, we discussed how to use Cyql for your cycling club. In this second part, we take a closer look at a crucial aspect of club management: planning rides. Thus, we look at the basic settings for organizing a ride but also at the more advanced options Cyql offers. From organizing race or gravel ride to assigning ride leaders for extra safety, Cyql provides you with everything your club needs to organize rides.
Why Cyql for trip planning?
In basic terms, planning rides for your club is not that difficult. You pick a date, a start location, and determine the route. But for a cycling club, this process can be quite time-consuming if you don’t have the right tools. Cyql offers an easy-to-use and powerful set of features that facilitate this process, allowing you to focus on what’s really important: cycling together.
With Cyql you can:
- Easily add and manage rides: The platform makes adding rides simple and quick.
- Advanced route options: Import GPX files or create routes through integrations with platforms such as RideWithGPS and Strava.
- Seasonal planning: Plan rides over a longer period of time, such as the weekly workout or the monthly Sunday morning ride, with repeated rides.
- Manage participants: Easily manage who is participating in a ride and ensure an optimal experience for your members.
- Customize rides: Set up rides based on distance, speed and even type of terrain, so there’s something for everyone.
Adding rides to your Cyql club
Adding rides to your Cyql club is quick and easy. Through the Cyql dashboard or the app, you can create new rides by filling in the necessary details, such as the name of the ride, the type (e.g. race, gravel or MTB), the start location and date and start time. You can also add the route, via GPX file. After adding the ride, club members can register via the app or web-app, so you always know who is participating and you can prepare everything properly.
- Ride name: Give your ride a clear name so members can quickly see what the ride is about.
- Type of ride: Define the type of ride. Cyql supports different types of rides, such as:
- Race: For the more competitive cyclist.
- Gravel: For adventurous rides off the beaten path.
- MTB: For mountain bikers who like technical routes.
- Group ride: A ride in a relaxed atmosphere with the goal of cycling together.
- Start location and time: Enter the start location and start time. Saving start locations allows you to easily reuse them.
- Route: Add a GPX file so members are aware of the route.
Seasonal planning, repeated trips
Cyql’s repeated rides option allows you to easily schedule rides for the entire season. This feature allows you to automatically repeat rides on fixed days and times, such as weekly or monthly. This not only saves time, but also ensures that members always know when rides will take place, allowing them to better prepare and coordinate their schedules. Whether it’s weekly training rides, club rides or other regular events, with repeated rides you can easily and efficiently schedule your rides for the season and not have to manually create new rides each time. This way you keep everything organized and clear.
Managing participants
With Cyql, you easily manage who joins a ride. After you add a ride, members can sign up via the app or web app. Cyql provides you with a clear overview of who is or isn’t attending, so you always know who to expect. Moreover, club administrators can always update the participant list via the dashboard, for example, if someone is unable to sign up or unexpectedly doesn’t show up.
Want to prevent the number of participants for a ride from becoming too large? Then set a participant limit to prevent the group from becoming too large. Once the limit is reached, new participants are automatically placed on the waiting list. If a place becomes available, it will be taken by the first person on the waiting list.
Adding GPX routes
Of course, when planning a ride, the route should not be missing. Cyql offers several convenient options for adding a route. For example, you can easily import GPX files, select existing club routes from the GPX library or use routes from other platforms, such as Strava and RideWithGPS, in Cyql. This makes planning rides even easier and ensures that participants always have the correct route.
- GPX import: Already have an existing route you want to use for a bike ride? No problem! You can easily import GPX files so your club members know exactly where to ride.
- Integration with Strava and RideWithGPS: Cyql has links to tools like RideWithGPS and Strava. This makes it easy to import and use routes for a Cyql ride.
- GPX library: Manage and club GPX routes easily in the Cyql GPX library, including search filters and detailed route previews.
Employing ride leaders
Safety is of paramount importance to Cyql, as it is to the many cycling clubs affiliated with us. Therefore, Cyql offers the opportunity to designate ride leaders for bike rides. Ride leaders are members who are responsible for guiding and ensuring the safety of the group, which is certainly advisable with larger groups. A ride leader can lead the group, set the pace and act as a point of contact in case of emergencies.
- Ride guidance: Ensuring that the ride is managed properly, for example adhering to traffic rules and setting agreed pace.
- Point of contact: A central point of contact for ride participants, for example in case of emergency.
By appointing a ride leader, you ensure that each ride runs smoothly and the safety of all participants is maintained.
Communication and reminders
Organizing rides is not only about the details of the bike ride, but also about connecting with your members. Cyql makes it easy to keep everyone well informed. For example, they receive notifications regarding rides and can communicate with the participants by posting comments within a ride. This ensures that club members are always up to date with the latest information and feel involved in the club.
Important tips for organizing rides
Plan bike rides ahead of time: Organize rides in advance so that members can prepare and there is plenty of time to arrange everything.
Diversity of rides: Provide a variety of rides so that there is something for every level and type of rider. From short rides to long distances, for beginners to advanced riders.
Make use of the calendar: Use the calendar feature in Cyql to conveniently schedule rides so that members always know what’s on the agenda next week.
Why Cyql is ideal for your trip management
Next time...
In the next part of this series, we’ll dive deeper into how Cyql can help you improve communication within your club. We’ll discuss how to use posts and notifications effectively to keep your members engaged and everything running smoothly.
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Need some help getting started with Cyql?
Have you taken the first steps but need some extra help? Or would you like to learn more about Cyql? Feel free to contact our support team or schedule a call with one of our representatives to discuss the possibilities. We’re happy to assist you and look forward to helping your cycling club succeed!
