bikepacker
Guru
- Location
- South Worcestershire
Sorry and I know it may sound mean but as a solo cycle camper there is no way I would pay £14 to camp for one night. There are other sites in your region that charge much less.
Advice on promoting our cycle friendly campsite to cyclists?
- Thread starter Ray Baxter
- Start date
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byegad
Legendary Member
- Location
- NE England
Where in the Borders are you based?
Sara_H
Guru
Me too, I always go to UKCampsite when looking for a site - the campsite search function is fab.
Sara_H
Guru
Hmm yes, The OP should consider a "single occupancy fee". I suggest £7!
It's certainly in my upper limit for what I'd pay. However, you have to make allowances for the kind of site that it is. The most I've ever paid for a night was £17, but it was an Adult only campsite. Therefore, the owners were losing half of the usual market (anyone with kids). It was also rated 4 stars by the English Tourism board, and all the facilities had recently been refurbished, had free wi-fi, and it was in Exmoor - accomodation's often more expensive there due to its popularity.
If it's a very cycling-specific campsite, it's less likely to attract families so I can understand a higher price. It's also rare to find somewhere that allows campfires. For £14 though, I would generally expect no additional charges (i.e. hot water, loo roll included etc) and good quality facilities.
Ticktockmy
Guru
- Location
- Crawley, West Sussex
I guess you are near to the NCN route 1 and the coast and castle route (NCN76) two websites among which would be good to advertise on are http://bedsforcyclists.co.uk and http://www.coast-and-castles.co.uk but word of mouth is by far the best advertising you can have.
albion
Guru
You really simply need to mention that the £14 fee includes vehicle parking.
That way most regular hikers/cycle campers will realise that there will be a 'backpackers rate'.
This is often at £5 to £7 per person. Obviously £10 for 2 people without a vehicle then becomes quite acceptable.
I do not think it totally necessary to publish that as the majority of campers arrive in a vehicle these days, often c/w a stupidly large tent.
That way most regular hikers/cycle campers will realise that there will be a 'backpackers rate'.
This is often at £5 to £7 per person. Obviously £10 for 2 people without a vehicle then becomes quite acceptable.
I do not think it totally necessary to publish that as the majority of campers arrive in a vehicle these days, often c/w a stupidly large tent.
Ticktockmy
Guru
- Location
- Crawley, West Sussex
Regarding your website, a couple of points that I would as a cyclist looking for a pitch for a nights stay be put off by. Is that the main image on the front page shows what looks like a very swampy site, because the image is in the main a picture of the Lake, whereas a nice picture of the camping field with the lake in the background would make it more appealing.
With your pricing you do not mention backpackers or cyclist rates which is something you should bear in mind, I see the site needs to be booked, but backpackers and cyclist often do not know where and when they will be stopping for the night so will in most cases they will be looking as they ride maybe from late afternoon to early evening depending on the time of year.
By the way well done on the old Allen Scythe nice to see you got it up and running again, ohhhh please don't ruin a nice bit of history by welding the back end of a bicycle to it.
With your pricing you do not mention backpackers or cyclist rates which is something you should bear in mind, I see the site needs to be booked, but backpackers and cyclist often do not know where and when they will be stopping for the night so will in most cases they will be looking as they ride maybe from late afternoon to early evening depending on the time of year.
By the way well done on the old Allen Scythe nice to see you got it up and running again, ohhhh please don't ruin a nice bit of history by welding the back end of a bicycle to it.
Ray Baxter
New Member
Thank you all so much - such good advice and feedback. The difficulty is finding the time to make it all happen. My first plan will be to get on my bike with a camera, notebook and create some different circular routes from the campsite - so many possibilities and a great excuse to get on my bike. We can do the internet stuff over the winter.
A few discussions about cost and some great points - yes, cost is inclusive of power shower, hot water, parking, loo roll, bike storage etc. Some reviews here regarding cost http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=12209. Everything considered we think that it is a good deal and we have loads of fantastic feedback.
Best wishes, Ray
Ticktockmy, don't worry, we too had a change of heart about the Allen Scythe - I cut about an acre of grass today and it worked a treat.
A few discussions about cost and some great points - yes, cost is inclusive of power shower, hot water, parking, loo roll, bike storage etc. Some reviews here regarding cost http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=12209. Everything considered we think that it is a good deal and we have loads of fantastic feedback.
Best wishes, Ray
Ticktockmy, don't worry, we too had a change of heart about the Allen Scythe - I cut about an acre of grass today and it worked a treat.
Hi
A couple of further comments. Your site says you have secure bike storage - which is probably top of many people's priorities. But presumably you have a foot pump and some tools people could borrow if they needed to. And do you have somewhere to dry clothes? (I'm guessing that a jacuzzi and massages probably aren't on offer).
Also you say you are a small site and booking is essential - which would worry me because if you're cycle touring your schedule can be subject to change. I'm touring in Italy and some campsites have an informal area for small tents - which operate on the basis that you all squeeze in. Might be worth considering as cyclists generally don't need a lot of space.
A couple of further comments. Your site says you have secure bike storage - which is probably top of many people's priorities. But presumably you have a foot pump and some tools people could borrow if they needed to. And do you have somewhere to dry clothes? (I'm guessing that a jacuzzi and massages probably aren't on offer).
Also you say you are a small site and booking is essential - which would worry me because if you're cycle touring your schedule can be subject to change. I'm touring in Italy and some campsites have an informal area for small tents - which operate on the basis that you all squeeze in. Might be worth considering as cyclists generally don't need a lot of space.
Gravity Aided
Legendary Member
- Location
- Land of Lincoln
You have very nice comments, and good reviews. What is contained in these reviews point out the areas that are the strengths of your site. Posts above also offer sound advice as to the concerns of cyclists.
It would rule it out for me as well, that and the booking being essential. Part of the joy of cycle camping is the flexibility to change plans on the move, booking campsites takes that away.
