Bike Ride "Momentos"

[tprevost]

In leiu of T-shirts, what would you like to have as an event givaway???

Waterbottles
Socks
Caps
Visors
??????

I'm trying to think of something other than the 'normal' t-shirt that people would actually keep and use after the fact.

I'd love any comments and suggestions that come to mind....

Thanks!

Tracy

[Shaula]

SOCKS!!! That would be different. You can rack up the t-shirts!

[caligurl]

i like the socks idea!

caps might be cute!

visors... no

waterbottles.. personally.. that would be a no cuz i have a bunch and i don't use them.. i always use my polars! others, however.. might like them!

patches are always nice (but i like the socks idea better than a patch!)

the patch kit we got at tour de palm springs was useful and unexpected! (patch kit.. as in tire repair! lol!)

i like medals, too! a couple of rides i've done has given them out...

[Eden]

My most used bike ride swag has been a little microfiber pouch for keeping my glasses in and a bottle cage carrier that I put my tools/tubes in (like a cage rocket, but a little less high tech). Other little nifty items have been custom lip balm and a little zipper pull thermometer (both from the Chilly Hilly -there's a theme ).
Water bottles are usually the wrong size for my bike and tee shirts I have a plenty, but socks do sound like a fun idea.

[bouncybouncy]

SOCKS!!!!

never can have enough socks!!! i like hats too, but they can start to add up like tees...and to get a decent waterbottle to use as a give-away is probably not cost efective??? maybe...all the waterbottles i have gotten as freebies are leaky...

so again...i vote socks (besides...you can use the left-overs for a secret sister...hehe)

[Adventure Girl]

And if you do give socks as swag, remember that one size does not fit all! Be sure there is a choice of sizes (just like t-shirts).

[caligurl]

oh... i like eden's lip balm idea too (but still like socks best, if you are counting votes!) i ALWAYS carry a lip balm.... and if you go that route.. make sure it's a good scent/flavor! (got one at a vendor and it smells like ben gay.. ICK!)

also.... got a little purse/wallet thing at smog to surf... .i THOUGHT It would be really cool and useful.... \they both sit on a shelf unused!

so socks or lip balm!

[Eden]

The lip balm was the good kind - nice and smooth and ummmm tutti frutti.

Oh- and there's a local hospital that is the title sponsor for a lot of rides around here now (and the title sponsor of my team plug plug ). They give away what they "ouch pouches" that have band aids, gauze pads, alcohol pads, antibiotic ointment - basically all of the stuff you need for minor road rash. Being on the team I have lots of them around and they are very handy.

[Pax]

How about the lip balm coupled with small bottles of sunscreen...handy and useful.

[Adventure Girl]

A small first aid kit is a great idea!

Or how about tubes of sunblock.

Or hand cleaner stuff. Maybe something like this stuff:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=14939

[Dirt Girl]

I've been on our mtb clinic committee several years. We did the t-shirt thing a few years, but one year had bandanas printed with our design. A multi-use item, some people use them as a sweatband. Me and my allergy-pone nose used to struggle with tissues all the time until someone told me to carry a bandana. Clean ones are good in some first aid situations.

Other things I've gotten and liked are the gels and energy bars.

[Blueberry]

All of the T-Shirts I've received are the standard men's variety and *they don't fit me correctly* If you want to do clothing, at least have some women's shaped T-Shirts.

I second the suggestion of Bandanas. That's a great one - inexpensive and very useful. Map holders are also good, as are socks (provided they're cycling specific, of course). Water bottles aren't so good, unless you're going to splurge for a good one.

Carrie Anne

[tprevost]

WOW! You ladies are awesome! I was talking to my LBS regarding being the mechanical sag and the Pearl Izumi rep happened to be there and he actually was the one who mentioned the sock idea (which I loved!). I was thinking of a PI sock (S, M, L choices) along with some sort of patch (or one of the other great ideas mentioned above ) as part of the whole theme. Apparently PI has a budget for this stuff as a way to help the stores that sell their clothing...

This is all kinda coming together so I'm starting to think its an omen that I should go forward! Thank you all VERY much!!!

Any more ideas?????

Tracy

[Susan126]

I have so many t-shirts that my drawers won't close! I had to buy a plastic storage bin and place many of the ones I rarely wear into bin. And I can never have enough socks! Just ask my hubby! He always makes a comment (or two) regarding my large sock collection!

[caligurl]

well... again... i still like the sock idea (with a logo from the ride on it!)

and a patch is nice!

but i wanted to add another idea that the bandana suggestion made me think of... i would rather have a buff than a bandana... i have several that i wear as neck warmers or sweatbands or scrunchies.. over my mouth when it's cold! they are really usefull and IMO better than a bandana! (however i would give the bandana to brie and she would look cool in it!

i sure hope you have this ride on a day we can come and it doesn't conflict with another ride!