Off-season work behind the scenes
The off-season is busy for me in different ways than when I'm actually out on bike. I've learned to plan many things far in advance, which is kind of difficult as I'm a born procrastinator (I was born late!), but often works out better than leaving things to the last minute.
In the past 2 weeks, I've been:
You may have noticed that I didn't mention having planned the topic of or created any blog posts, yet here I am, publishing one. I'll be honest, I didn't know what to write about! Hopefully I come up with more ideas before the next blog is scheduled to post.
- Melissa
In the past 2 weeks, I've been:
- updating the website, including all course pages
- planning, creating and scheduling social media posts until the end of April
- planning, and scheduling newsletters, including their general topic
- scheduling blog posts.
You may have noticed that I didn't mention having planned the topic of or created any blog posts, yet here I am, publishing one. I'll be honest, I didn't know what to write about! Hopefully I come up with more ideas before the next blog is scheduled to post.
- Melissa
Related Musings and Articles
Summer Camp application?
As a parent, I know the struggle to find camps that work for our schedule, but also that have availability!
I switched to an application process for camps, as I dealt with a situation where a participant had a bike that was far too small to continue and the parent fought my policies. Applications allow me to pre-screen participants with their bike, to ensure proper fit, as well as the participant having the needed abilities. However, I also realize that completing the application - submitting photos - months before bike season starts can be a deterrant, resulting in parents choosing other camps before they're full instead.
How can I balance the needs of parents to have a guaranteed camp spot for their kids with my desire to pre-screen bike fit and participant abilities?
I switched to an application process for camps, as I dealt with a situation where a participant had a bike that was far too small to continue and the parent fought my policies. Applications allow me to pre-screen participants with their bike, to ensure proper fit, as well as the participant having the needed abilities. However, I also realize that completing the application - submitting photos - months before bike season starts can be a deterrant, resulting in parents choosing other camps before they're full instead.
How can I balance the needs of parents to have a guaranteed camp spot for their kids with my desire to pre-screen bike fit and participant abilities?
Calgary is 5th in N. America
Released in June 2022, the 6th annual city rankings placed Calgary in the top 10 for cities with population above 300,000. While this suggests Calgary is a pretty good place to ride a bike, cycling education doesn't factor into the rating categories at all. As a result, the safety aspect is far lower than it could be, in my opinion.
Have a read, let me know what you think.
Have a read, let me know what you think.
Instagram & Facebook
Personally, I use Facebook more than Instagram, but I have begun sharing things to both platforms. If you use either one (or both) of these, please Follow my page to be able to easily see, react, and share my content. Material is created to go out approximately once per week to the end of April. Postings may be more frequent during "summer."
I will consider doing a draw for a gift certificate, if there's enough interest.
I will consider doing a draw for a gift certificate, if there's enough interest.
Important Dates
Registration starts in
Mar 1: Public registration opens for all courses.
Apr 18: Cut off for Intermediate (adult) & Advanced course starting Apr 25.
May 6: Expected start date for First Time courses.
Jun 2-4: CIAC Instructors course hosted by SCC.
Jun 19: Application deadline for Week 1 Intermediate day camp (July 3-7).