We get it – turning up anywhere on your own can be super intimidating, nerve-wracking and uncomfortable unless you’re the world’s best extrovert!
We get tons of people getting in touch every year to ask about coming to CAMP VC solo and we also get tons of people coming along to the event every year doing just that!
Despite what you may think coming along to Camp VC solo is a great way to meet new buds, try out new stuff, and well, have the best freakin’ time everrrrrrr so we asked the awesome Annelise Sealy, VC team member and extroverted introvert extraordinaire who before joining the team came to CAMP VC 2018 solo, to share her tips for putting yourself out there and meeting some of the most excellent womxn in the UK (yes, we’re biased).
So get outside your comfort zone and jump in - We guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
_________________________
I’m not going to lie – you won’t even find me visiting an art gallery on my own, so attending an actual festival on my lonesome was definitely not top of my bucket list. That being said – I wanted to go to Camp VC so badly! I’d done my CBT and DAS by myself in London (in classes full of blokes) and had no bike network to speak of. I hadn’t even been to one of the VC meet ups because I couldn’t find any non-biker friends to drag with me.
So, I decided at the ripe age of 28 that I would finally put myself out there for once and - *deep breath* - so something completely alone.
Turns out it wasn’t so bad after all – quite the opposite, in fact.
So here’s what I learned on the way:
Join the Facebook group
I know, “no one uses Facebook anymore” – except for events, they do! Join the Camp VC event page and use the Discussion tab and Post comments to link up with other people before the event. That year I had tried to get a friend to come with me, who ended up not being available, and I had a spare ticket to flog which I did (note: with enough time before deadline) on the group.
If you can’t make the ride out, find out who else can’t
I couldn’t make the early doors ride out on the Friday as I had to work. I’d sold my spare ticket to Louanne – Louanne also had work on the Friday and was planning on riding solo from London. We decided we would ride together and then we decided we would camp together too. I figured, even if she was an arsehole (she’s not – we’re still friends to this day – love ya Louanne!) at the very least I wouldn’t be doing a 3-4 hour journey on my own.
Tell you’re mates that you’re going – and ask them if they know anyone else who is too!
I’d posted about Camp on Instagram. A friend replied and said, “Hey – another girl I know is too and doesn't know anyone, mind if I introduce you?” And that was how Louanne and I met Jaz, who we happened to run into at a service station on the way and she offloaded all of our gear into her car. What a legend.
HAPPY CAMPERS
Once you’ve picked your optimal camping spot, say hi to people you see camping next to you. Sounds naff, or if you’re from London sounds absolutely terrifying, but literally – every single person at Camp VC is there to have a good time and make friends. Dive in!
Book activitieeees!!
Don’t worry if you don’t manage to get any of the pre-booked activities, there are loads of free activities that you can book when you get there, as well as walk-up activities. Pick a few that you like and you’ll meet people in smaller groups and get to do some cool shit together – learn to ride a bike for the first time, sign painting, photography, enduro etc.
Just enjoy it!
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, have a good time! You’ll be pleasantly surprised how great everyone that attends camp is. Enjoy 😎
___________________________
