The inaugural Vuelta de Isla Negra: ten lessons learned

The 51-mile event, which translates as cycle round the Black Isle, raised around £1,000 to help develop world-class sports facilities for the local community.

There was a real buzz as cyclists from the north and north east of Scotland business communities came together to support the first phase in the £300,000 re-development of AAA’s existing amenities, due for completion in spring next year. This work includes the development of a new tennis court and multi-use facilities for sports such as football, basketball and hockey.

But what did I learn throughout the weeks of determined preparation, and during the event itself?

Here are my top ten lessons —

1. Coming up with a dream fundraising idea that means getting paid to ride a bike for a day doesn’t work if you then need to organise everything on the day itself (well, at least not if you are a total control freak, like me).

2. When you sit down to plan an event like this it can quickly become apparent that more things could go wrong than could go right.

3. Notwithstanding lesson two, it’s well worth pushing on through — don’t think the logistical challenges are insurmountable.

4. Accept help when it is offered. Particular thanks are due to William Gray Construction Limited for expert input regarding way-marking the route (and filling in the odd pot hole on blind bends!)

5. Paella isn’t a good idea for a buffet — thanks to the caterers at Fortrose Cafe for keeping me right on that one before finalising the menu.

6. You can never have too many spare inner tubes to do quick fixes for punctures. And a spare tyre or two doesn’t go amiss either.

7. People will smile even when cycling up a 19% climb when you stick a camera in their face — no matter how tough the going, or how they’re feeling inside.

8. An hour-long pre-event photo shoot hurts your facial muscles — no wonder supermodels seldom smile in magazines.

9. There are few things that can’t be fixed with either extra long cable ties or duct tape.

10. Cycling is the new golf. It was great to have the company of such a wide variety of clients and contacts from the north and north east of Scotland for the day AND raise some cash for a great local community project.

So what’s next? We’ll be back next year with another event, so watch this space. Meanwhile, you can make donations to this fantastic cause online.