Cycling's fun, sure - but imagine how much more fun it could be
if you were on a jazzy cycling tour, seeing interesting and cool
things, accompanied by music! Sound good? Self-funded start-up Bike2basics
is just what you need. Founder Lucy explains all...
0-5 seconds: Sum your business up in a
sentence
Relaxed, music-filled bike tours.
5-10 seconds: What's the business
model?
Customers register for a ride and meet us at a specified
location. We ride slowly through the countryside, the tour guides
knowing the route off by heart, and with a loud speaker on the back
of their bike. If it is a festival ride then we also take people's
bags to the festival and the bikes back.
10-15 seconds: Who are your
competitors?
Main competitors are regional cycle clubs, which are free.
15-20 seconds: What's your USP?
Bike2basics is geared towards active people who want a
social experience doing something different, not already
committed cycling enthusiasts. We have music on our bikes and are
the only tour group that head to festivals.
20-25 seconds: How have you funded it so
far?
My own saved money.
25-30 seconds: What were you doing
before?
At university studying Human Science.
30-35 seconds: Where did the idea come
from?
At university I came off a scooter and went under the
wheels of a truck. It hurt. It also meant walking became a problem,
but cycling was not. I cycled all over Europe with my brothers, and
gradually people began to join us. It was clear we had a product
that people loved, and so from there Bike2basics was born...
35-40 seconds: What's the smartest thing you've
done so far?
Make my own website using Wix. I spent too much time and money
chasing up a website developer, and decided to do it myself. It was
soon clear that I was not going to pick up programming in the week
or two I had anticipated, and so turned to Wix who provide website building
templates. I had a good-looking, functional website up in
less than 2 days, for less than £100. Winner.
40-45 seconds: What's the stupidest?
Buying a whole load of festival tickets to sell as part of a
package (ticket+tour). I was marketing the tour to people who
wanted to go the festival, which of course meant, they probably
already had a ticket.
45-50 seconds: If your business was a biscuit, what
would it be?
Party Ring. Obviously.
50-55 seconds: Which idea are you a bit jealous
of?
The Mongol Rally, by the Adventurists. That just looks like
fun.
55-60 seconds: Where are you going to be in 12
months' time?
Taking Bike2basics into Western Europe.