Planning Changes

Over the past couple of years we have seen a vast increase in the number of times we have had to cancel events due to severe weather warnings. This worsening trend is bound to continue as the effects of climate change take hold, with high winds and torrential rain becoming more prevalent during the biking season.

In order to improve our chances of having good enough conditions for events, we are changing the Calendar system and introducing a 'Next Event' page.

We will put the details of our next run on the new 'Next Event' page only when we are happy that we have a day with a good enough weather forecast. Whilst we have yet to identify a suitable day, this page will simply state that there is no run currently planned. This means that we will no longer publish a Calendar of planned one day events covering the season.

So that we are able to respond to a good forecast as quickly as possible, the details put on the new 'Next Event' page will be somewhat more concise than before. We have dropped the route map and Itinerary, and the requirement to put your name down as an attendee, as we recognise that the notice time will be much less than before. There is a small section where the handles of those who have had time to let us know that they'll be attending can be put, but in practice you can just turn up at the meet-up unannounced.

Rest assured though, that as soon as a suitable day is identified and an event chosen that will take advantage of the areas that are likely to have the best conditions; you will be notified by email in the normal way. So, even if you don't regularly check the 'Next Event' page, you'll not miss a run provided you regularly check your email.

The Calendar page will be split into three distinct sections: There will be a direct link to the 'Next Event' page, a short calendar of planned multiday events (such as the Annual Ferrets Weekend Event) and fixed date events (such as the Thundersprint), and lastly a diary of event reports.

Just to make it absolutely clear how we will operate, in practice it'll go something like this:-

Throughout the year we'll continuously and closely monitor the weather forecasts on the look-out for a suitable day for a run.
When we spot a good forecast we'll choose a run from our pool of routes, or create a new one if time allows, that will take full advantage of the areas that are forecast to have the best conditions. Currently we have almost 40 pool runs to choose from.

The 'Next Event' page will be updated with the details of the chosen run and a Notification sent out to all Registered Ferrets. Note that accurate enough forecasts won't give us much more than 4 or 5 days notice.

We would appreciate if those Ferrets who see the Notification or 'Next Event' page in time and intend going on the run would let us know, but if not then just turn up on the day, and at the time quoted and you'll be most welcome to join us anyway. However, if we don't know that you're joining us and you run late, then we won't know to wait for you!

Currently we're not intending changing the way that we organise multi-day events, as these depend on forward planning of accommodation, and fixed date events such as attendance at bike shows as we obviously have no control over their dates.

We will obviously be monitoring this new method over the season, and if it needs modifying to improve it then we will, but we're keen not to change things too much as this may just end up adding confusion. If there's anything that's not clear, or if you have any suggestions or comments, then please do feel free to contact us. Your views are important to us.

As ever, we're always looking to improve the way we operate so that we can all have the best chances of enjoying as many great biking events as possible.

T'Ferret Keepers