Challenges
blackriver’s patented route-specific Challenge technology is a proven way to inspire your riding community to get out on their bikes and back into the store. blackriver is the only platform that offers the tools to host and track local Challenges.
Riders can discover Challenges in local searches on the Explore page, on Profile Pages, and in their Social Feeds. When they “Join” a Challenge, the route is automatically added to their Planned Rides and the host receives a notification.
Use Challenges to get new riders on safe routes, inspire active riders to ride somewhere fresh, or dare experienced riders to push their limits. Every rider who completes a Challenge gets a notification and email congratulating them and inviting them to redeem their award in the store or online.
How to host a Challenge
Create a Route - To begin, create a route that will be approachable and enjoyable to all levels of rider. We recommend drawing the route in blackriver in order to generate a RideCard, but you can also import a GPX or TCX file to quickly establish a route. Add a description and some images to give riders a good idea what the experience will be like. Use this footer to make sure your riders understand how to participate:
"Here's how to complete the Challenge.
Log in and hit the "Join" button on this Challenge.
Ride the full route in either direction, tracking the ride with blackriver app or a Garmin device. Navigate the route on the app or export the route to your Garmin.
When you finish the route, save it on the app or upload it from your Garmin. You'll receive a notification and/or an email confirmation of your success. Show your confirmation email at the (bike shop) to redeem your reward!"
Set a date range - Two weeks to a month is ideal. Riders can ride it whenever it’s convenient for them, but you’ll want at least two weekends to make it accessible.
Add an Award - Awards can be anything you want! We recommend a small but interesting giveaway and/or a small discount in the store.
If you’re offering a discount, create a SKU for your POS to track purchases associated with the Challenge.
Publish & Promote - After saving your Challenge, spread the word on social media, your website, and in an email to your customer list. Invite your followers to download the join blackriver and download the app. It’s free!
Consider hosting a group ride to ride the Challenge route and post a Facebook event to invite riders. Make sure everyone tracks the ride with the app and encourage riders to post their Ride Stories.
Track Progress - Export the Challenge Data to see who’s registered and completed the Challenge. Track redemptions of prizes in the store. At the end of the month, use the export to create an email list. Send the riders a “Thank You” email and invite them to your next Event, Challenge, or sale.
Click here to read about Dirty Kanza’s successful “Teapot Mound Training Challenge” in February.
We’ll be publishing more Case Studies and Success Stories from retailers and brands using blackriver Challenges to engage their audiences. If you have a story we should hear, send us an email!
