I'm doing my first charity ride, a century, in August, and it's one where there's a fundraising requirement but my company is sponsoring riders so the requirements were waived.
While not having a fundraising minimum made it a lot easier to decide to jump in (I ended up easily raising over the minimum just by asking my close family), there are a few other things that helped nudge me to participate:
- Passionate advocate within my company who publicized the event and made it seem achievable by sending informative emails and also including tips on how to engage others
- Lots of local enthusiasm and visibility for the event -- I'd seen the set up last year and some riders during the event with their event jerseys and have lots of respect for all who did it previously
- Clear information on the ride's web site explaining that anyone can do it (there are shorter routes and also a walk), emphasis on it not being a race, links to simple training guides, and further ways to get engaged, all helpful for someone new to charity rides
- Easy access to start and finish line... I live close by and can get there by MUP, while there is free parking for others
- There will be a party! With riders being allowed to bring a guest.
I'm really looking forward to my event and feel incredibly privileged to be in a sport that offers such an outlet for turning something I enjoy doing into something valuable to help others. I'm also excited from a persona achievement perspective to go for my first century. I think there's something appealing about not making things too easy for riders so they see a reason to do your ride vs. another and have that feeling of accomplishment.