Toby Baines of Citygrove Securities talks about his preparations for the 100 World’s Biggest Property Bike Ride.
As networking events go, peddling furiously up White Down Hill whilst trying to maintain pace with hundreds of fellow cyclists may not seem like the ideal way to meet new acquaintances, but the two actually go hand in hand. Take away the comfort of the bar and regularly circulating canapes, replace them with bib shorts and a CamelBak and you’ve actually got yourself the perfect combination of a challenge and camaraderie.
To add to that, the beauty of cycling is that it’s something everyone can get involved in: yes, I like to think the long distances I’ve covered in the past require a certain level of skill, but the truth is, it’s more a case of sticking to a route you can manage and not going overboard. For the eight riders from Citygrove taking part in the CBRE World’s Biggest Property Bike Ride this year, this is certainly what I’ve told the two of them who have as good as never ridden a bike in their lives. I know they’ll be fine on the day with the shorter 25km course.
With Citygrove a sponsor of the Bike Ride for the second year running, and also having taken part myself last time, I’ve seen first-hand how many property professionals of all ages and experience turn up with wheels pumped and helmets clipped. From architects to agents to investors, hundreds sign up for the chance to say hello to familiar faces, meet new contacts and enjoy an incredibly beautiful part of the UK while they’re at it.
It’s a great challenge and the more people involved the better because, at its heart, it’s raising money for a very important cause with Shelter. When Citygrove was given the opportunity to act as sponsor again, it was a very easy yes for us.
As I did last year, I’ll be attempting the ‘epic’ 100km route, so I’m sure I’ll begin a training plan of sorts very soon (or simply turn up on the day and hope I can make it up those hills without turning backwards). Expert or novice, it’s sure to be a fantastic day out.
To secure your place, and find out more, head to the website: http://bit.ly/1R0u9q2
Toby Baines, Chairman, Citygrove Securities PLC
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