The end of January saw BikeFest return to Spain for the third year, with 18 intrepid riders cycling a challenging 390km over three days, from Valencia to the Fira de Barcelona, ready for the start of the ISE 2024 trade show.

Organised by #WeMakeEvents, PLASA and AFIAL to raise much needed funds for industry charity, Backup Tech, the 2024 edition of BikeFest Spain was proudly sponsored and supported by Ayrton, AVIXA, Equipson Group, ISE, LSi magazine and SeeSound. It saw representatives from AELTC, Autograph Sound, AVIXA, Clair Global, Equipson, FLUX Creative Consultancy, PLASA, Reclaim Audio, Sharp, Stage One Creative Services, and Wonder Works, pedal along the Mediterranean coast, stopping off in Peñíscola and Tarragona for a well-deserved rest along the way.

“This is the third year we have delivered BikeFest Spain and it’s strange to think that only two years ago, ISE had to postpone, and we arrived at an empty venue,” says Juan Jose Vila, Equipson COO, AFIAL President, and BikeFest member. “However, because of how quickly we have bounced back, our industry is under huge pressure, and we still need to raise money to help those in need. Every year we have riders returning to be a part of this great cause, so I hope you can donate for all their efforts!”

“I’ve completed the UK edition of Bikefest three times previously and so when the opportunity to take part in the Spanish version arose I was on it faster than you can say ‘Chamois cream’!” adds Dave Wiggins or Real Marketing Services. “It’s really hard to imagine how it could have been any better – Nicky Greet’s mastery of logistics (with invaluable assistance from Cara) and world-class organisation by Juan José Vila and his team meant that all us riders had to do was keep pedalling. From a keen cyclist’s viewpoint, it was a wonderful experience in itself and to share it with such a great group of industry characters made it extra special. 

“But way above and beyond the sheer joy of the thing, the funds we raised for Backup Tech absolutely validated every mile and every ounce of effort. It was such a memorable thing to be part of, for so many reasons, that I am very grateful to have been there. Can’t wait for the next one!!”

“It’s always gratifying to know that the industry recognises the need to keep supporting Backup Tech’s work, so that we can keep supporting those in need in our incredible industry,” says Backup Tech Chair and Wonder Works Director, Piers Shepperd, who was cycling for the second year running. “Every BikeFest is a pleasure to take part in, but the Spanish edition is certainly the most demanding. It’s wonderful to see that people want to take part in it again and again, and that we have newcomers taking up the challenge, all in aid of a common cause.” 

Donate to BikeFest Spain 2024 at https://we-make-events.raisely.com/o/bikefestspain2024 and look out for information about BikeFest London later in the year.