Category: Biking

09
Jul

Oficialii ECO Ambasadori ai Electric Castle 2018

În ultimii 4 ani, nenumărați cicliști curajoși s-au alăturat campaniei ECO Ambasadori de la Electric Castle pentru a promova diverse cauze ECO importante, și implicit, transportul alternativ.

A venit momentul să-i anunțăm sus și tare pe dragii noștri îndrăznețo-aventurieri ce vor pedala anul acesta un minimum de 250 km, din diverse orașe ale țării până la Castelul Banffy.

Un total de 40 de ECO Ambasadori, echipe sau individuali, își vor uni puterile pentru a susține un scop comun: acela de a promova utilizarea bicicletei ca obiectiv de interes național.

*Notă pentru festivalieri: alegeți carpooling-ul, trenul, autobuzul sau călătoriți cât mai multe persoane în mașină pentru a reduce emisiile de carbon din atmosferă.

Fără alte introduceri, haideți să-i cunoaștem pe mentorii ce vor aduce schimbarea la Electric Castle 2018!

__________________________________________________________________________

ECHIPE

Hyper Cycles – ECO Ambasadori ai Electric Castle 2018 

Echipa Hyper Cycles este formată din Zsófia, Andreea, Mátyás și Marinică. Ei vor pedala 330 de km pe drumul Cluj-Beliș-Roșia Montană-Aiud-Colțești-Cluj-Bonțida. Aceștia consideră că folosirea bicicletei ca mijloc de transport ar trebui sa vină natural și zilnic. Vor să evidențieze cât de ușor, cât de ECO, cât de sănătos și mai ales cât de util este transportul pe bicicletă.Continue Reading..

03
Jul

ECO Stage at Electric Castle with SolarSoundSystem

Did you ever find yourself in front of a stage, dancing, singing, enjoying the moment, the DJ, the view, the vibe and the people… when the music suddenly stopped? And did you think that you would do anything to make it start again?

This year the ECO Program ran by MAINOI at the Electric Castle Festival celebrates its 5 years anniversary. In order to properly mark this special year, the ECO Spot will give you the opportunity to keep the party going. All you got to do is… pedal.

The SolarSoundSystem is a concept started by Cédric Carles in 1999 in the Swiss city of Lausanne. The Solar Sound System network and projects traveled from Lausanne to Paris, Berlin, Basque Country, Marseille, even Tel Aviv and now they will join us starting July 18th to the 22nd at Electric Castle. Together with the Solar Sound System brought from Berlin, we will create the unique ECO Stage, powered entirely off-grid by solar panels and bikes linked to generators to pedal your way to the music. It’s simple: if the sun is shy or your pedalling stops, the music stops too. If you move your body to create energy, the show goes on!

This unique concept was created by Cédric Carles, Rubens Ben and Thomas Ortiz in their fight to create awareness and eco-responsibility in a fun and educational way. They’ve created a sound system that works with 100% renewable energy speakers, turntables and sound mixers. And you’ll be able to see solar panels working first hand and to actively participate in building up the joy of naturally-created sounds on the solar dance-floor.

Other notable projects of the SolarSoundSystem include a radio station whose server is powered by solar energy, research into repurposing green technologies of the past and a device for recharging disposable batteries called RegenBox. The RegenBox is completely ecological and works on “non-rechargeable” batteries.

Apart from the fun and interactive part, the Solar Sound System is a conversation starter. It points out that creativity can solve our modern days’ problems related to energy efficiency and climate change while engaging people to not wait for issues to be solved, but get involved and do what they can to be part of the change.

At Electric Castle, come to join the conversation at the ECO Stage located in the camping and to dance to the solar sounds.

The two DJs that will own the stage representing the SolarSoundSystem are Ben Ur and Niki Baida. Their beats are sure to energize you to the bones. Until the time comes, check out their mixes and get familiar to their sound here:

Ben Ur | www.mixcloud.com/Ben_Ur/

Niki Baida | www.soundcloud.com/nikibaida

Until the full ECO Stage line-up is announced, keep a close eye on this space and tune-in to the up-beat Radio 3S – SolarSoundSystem to set your mood for the festival. Groove on!

 

Article by visiting author: Flavia Mocan (La Résistance)

 

23
Jun

Lead the Scene, Go Green @ Electric Castle 2018

Summer has already made its full presence since about a month now. We can stay out late and we constantly feel the need to eat ice cream.

But most importantly, our minds wander more. We think about dancing our shoes off while our faces are covered in sunshine. Thinking about those blissful moments which we’re gonna experience at Electric Castle 2018.

Of course, we’re all preparing our festival outfits in advance. We’re also thinking ahead of what artists we’re gonna see and making fun “to do” lists.

However, the mindset we bring to Bonțida is most decisive when it comes to the amount of fulfillment we’re gonna get at the end. It’s dandier than any brand new shoes we’re gonna wear. Why?

‘Cause taking care of the Banffy castle and its surroundings is important. Supporting the ECO cause which affects all of us is crucial. Basically, treating the dance-floor with respect and driving eco-responsibility through music is uber cool.

The ECO Program @ Electric Castle 2018

In 2018, MAINOI‘s ECO Program of Electric Castle proudly celebrates 5 years of sustained progress towards implementing sustainability standards at the festival.

We’re still riding along the journey towards creating the most ECO-friendly festival in Romania. Together with Lidl, we are continuing the #ZeroWaste mission, our long-term objective to reduce, reuse and recycle all the waste generated during the festival.

Last year, when we launched the #ZeroWaste mission, we managed to recycle 65% of the waste produced. This year we are raising the bar to 75-80% recycling rate.

But, there is a catch: we can only do it with all of you onboard!

Here’s how you can get involved:

Keep the Castle Clean

Everywhere in the festival, you will find recycling stations for recyclables (aluminum, plastic, cardboard, paper) and general trash. Thus, recyclable materials are not being discarded together with the other garbage but will get a chance to a second life.

 

If you camp, you will receive a disposable green bag for your recyclables and a black bag for your trash; please use the bags accordingly and bring the green bags, full with recyclables, at the ECO Spot, near the Lidl store, to get cool incentives in return.

In addition, as of this year, we will be running the awesome NO STRAW policy, therefore you won’t receive plastic straws with your drink. However, if you insist, biodegradable straws made from 100% compostable materials, will be available for you, at the bars, upon request.  

Eco Creators: Showcase the green and win  

We have a contest that might really spark your interest!

Help us raise awareness on our eco activities by showing the whole wide online world your perspective about the ECO program. Use either your lens or your writing skills in the most unique and surprising way, and get the chance to win great eco prizes!

We’re expecting images, videos or articles that showcase the sustainability practices you observe at the festival, but we don’t mind if your imagination goes further than that!  

You only have to post your creative content on your social network (Facebook, Instagram, blog, etc.) with #ecoec and #zerowaste hashtags, send us the link at electriccastle@mainoi.ro, until 24th of July, and you can win a bicycle, a solar backpack, and other nice props to help you become a legendary EcoCitizen.

ECO Stage: LEAD THE SCENE, GO GREEN

This year you’re going to simultaneously pedal and dance at our ECO Spot, as we are going to set-up the first solar stage ever at a Romanian music festival, by bringing the unique Solar Sound System to the Banffy Castle for your musical delight.

We are welcoming everyone in the camping to enjoy the sounds of our lovely innovative solar stage, located near the Lidl store. The stage runs daily 12h00-20h00 and entirely on solar and kinetic energy produced by you, wonderful electric people, at the bikes installation. Check-out the line-up here: https://electriccastle.ro/schedule

ECO Ambassadors by Ciuc Radler 0,0%

One of the most engaging alternative transportation with zero carbon footprint awareness campaign is the ECO Ambassadors, now at its forth edition. 40 cyclists who will hop on their saddles and pedal for more than 250 km to get to the Electric Banffy Castle to promote the idea that cycling should be considered a national objective, being a zero carbon footprint means of transportation.. Greet them at arrival, on Wednesday, at 18h00, at the festival’s entry gate and celebrate together afterwards at the Beer Garden.

 

Join the Facebook event here

13
Jun

Căutăm bicicliști ECO Ambasadori pentru Electric Castle 2018

<<ENGLISH version below>>

Dacă vrei să combini sportul tău preferat – ciclismul – cu distracția și dansul, cheamă-ți câțiva prieteni, urcați-vă pe biciclete și nu vă opriți până la festivalul Electric Castle de la Castelul Banffy (Bonțida, Cluj-Napoca).

Facem cinste, din nou, cu ocazia celei de-a patra ediții a campaniei ECO Ambasadorilor! 

Tu și prietenii tăi veți fi ambasadorii ideii de schimbare pe care dorim să o producem prin sensibilizarea opiniei publice și a autorităților privind utilizării bicicletei ca un obiectiv de interes național. ECO Ambasadorii primesc un pachet de bun-venit care conține intrare gratuită la festival, camping, medalie, tricou tehnic și alte cadouri.

Nu ne deranjează dacă vrei să pedalezi singur, dimpotrivă! În fiecare an mulți lupi singuratici au acceptat provocarea noastră și au dus-o la bun sfârșit cu brio.

Ce trebuie să faci pentru a deveni ambasador ECO?

  • Pedalezi până la Castelul Banffy pe o distanță mai mare de 250 km. Reține: aspectul cel mai important este lungimea rutei, nu distanța dintre orașul de plecare și Bonțida. Distanța trebuie a fi parcursă în zilele de dinainte de festival având destinația finala Cluj-Napoca în data de 18 iulie, până la orele 12:00.
  • Ești vizibil în online, comunici eficient și ești activ pe social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). Cu cât capacitatea ta de a ajunge la oameni este mai puternică, cu atât crește șansa ta de a fi selectat.
  • Ai propriul smartphone/tabletă cu date mobile. Este foarte important să ai un dispozitiv cu conexiune la Internet pentru a partaja conținutul media (fotografii, videoclipuri, streaming live) în timpul călătoriei.
  • Ai cont public de Strava/altă aplicație pentru ciclism. Este util pentru a-ți demonstra călătoria pe distanțe lungi. Va trebui să utilizezi acest cont pentru ca noi să-ți urmărim călătoria pe bicicletă spre Electric Castle.
  • Deții echipament de ciclism și bicicletă potrivite pentru acest tip de călătorie.
  • Ești experimentat și capabil din punct de vedere fizic pentru a încheia drumul în condiții de siguranță.
  • Participi la activitățile desfășurate la ECO Spot, vorbești cu oamenii despre beneficiile ciclismului și despre schimbările în curs de desfășurare pentru ca acesta să devină oficial mijloc de transport alternativ în România.
  • Ai 18 ani sau mai mult.
  • Îți planifici călătoria dinainte. Avem nevoie să fii prezent în Cluj-Napoca pe 18 iulie dimineața, până în ora 12:00 (locul și ora exacte vor fi anunțate). De acolo vei pedala cu întreg grupul ECO Ambasadorilor până în Bonțida.

>>>> APLICA AICI până pe 20 iunie <<<<<

ECO Ambasadori este campania prin care asociația MaiNoi împreună cu Electric Castle și Ciuc Radler 0,0% promovează transportul alternativ și încearcă să sensibilizeze opinia publică în legătură cu schimbările necesare pentru ca ciclismul să poată fi practicat ca mijloc de transport alternativ în viața de zi cu zi.

 

ENGLISH VERSION

Daring Cyclists called to be ECO Ambassadors @ Electric Castle 2018

If you’d like to combine your favorite sport – cycling – with dancing your shoes off, call a couple of friends, get on your bikes and don’t stop until Electric Castle Festival, at Banffy Castle (Bonțida, Cluj-Napoca).

The 4th edition of the ECO Ambassadors campaign started and it’s on us again! You’ll each get a goodie pack which contains a free full pass, camping & other gifts.

We don’t mind at all if you prefer pedaling alone, so don’t worry. Every year many great lone wolves accepted our challenge and got through it heroically.

What do you have to do to become an ECO-Ambassador?

  • Pedal to the Banffy Castle from a distance greater than 250km. Bear in mind: the most important aspect is the length of your route, not the distance between the starting city and Bonțida.
  • Be visible online, a good communicator and active on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). The stronger your ability to reach people, the greater the chance of being selected.
  • Own a smartphone/tablet with mobile data. It is very important to have a device with an Internet connection to share media content (photos, videos, live streaming) during your journey.
  • Have a public Strava account/other biking apps. It is useful for proving your experience in pedaling on long distances. You will have to use this account to track your journey by bicycle towards Electric Castle.
  • Own suitable cycling equipment and bicycle for this kind of journey.
  • Be experienced and physically capable to complete the trip in safe conditions.
  • Participate in the activities held at the ECO Spot, talk to people about the benefits of cycling and about the changes that are being pursued in order for it to become an official means of alternative transportation in Romania.
  • Be 18 years old or over.
  • Plan your journey ahead. We need you to be in Cluj-Napoca on the morning (before 12:00) of 18th of July (exact time and place TBA). From there, you will pedal to Bonțida along with all the ECO Ambassadors.

>>>> APPLY HERE until June 20  <<<<<

ECO Ambassadors is the campaign through which MaiNoi association together with Electric Castle and Ciuc Radler 0.0% promotes alternative transportation and tries to raise public awareness about the changes needed to make cycling possible as an alternative means of transportation in the daily life.

 

08
Jul

ECO Game Contest @Electric Castle 2017

UPDATE 19th July: The winners of the Eco Game at Electric Castle 2017 are:
 
1. Geanina Corondan – 1st Prize Eco Legend – iute Bike, offered by Atelier Pionion
 
2. Turosu Cristina – 2nd Prize Eco Angel – EC 2018 VIP pass
 
3. Radu Andrei – 3rd prize Eco Guardian – EC merch: back-pack, t-shirt and sunglasses
 
Congratulations to all of the 500 participants to the Eco Game! We are the people who will green the world! 🙂

UPDATE 13th July – The Eco Game is up and running! Come visit us at the ECO Spot in the camping!

UPDATE 12th July, 19:37 – The ECO Game will start tomorrow, Thursday, 13th July. We will announce the exact starting time through another update on the Regulation’s webpage. Stay tuned!

________

Are you a camper of Electric Castle 2017? See you soon!

Find us in the camping, sign up at the ECO Spot and start the journey of an Eco Citizen. We’re looking for nature lovers, people who want to take action and lead by example. You are most welcomed in our cosy spot. 🙂 Pedal the best out of you at the charging point and have fun playing the ECO Twister!

You can become Eco Guardian, Angel or Legend of Electric Castle. What you need to do is to complete between three to five activities and get the chance to win some cool merchandise, a 2018 Premium EC Pass and a Iute Bike. Read the FULL regulation below.

ECO Game - five actions to become an ECO Citizen of Electric Castle 2017

ECO Game – five actions to become a Legendary ECO Citizen of Electric Castle

What will you become at Electric Castle? An ECO-guardian, an ECO-angel, or maybe even an ECO-Legend

What ECO Citizen title can you gain at Electric Castle? An ECO-Guardian (for 3 eco-actions completed), an ECO-Angel (4 eco-actions completed), or maybe even an ECO-Legend (all five eco-actions completed).

 

Citește în limba română: Regulament ECO GameContinue Reading..

28
Jun

Electric Castle: the 2017 ECO Ambassadors on bicycles

We are happy to announce our heroes on bikes for Electric Castle 2017! Our fiery and strong-minded cyclists, the official Eco Ambassadors .  They are ready to pedal more than 250 km to the castle, rooting for the causes they care most about.

Atelier Pinion – Electric Castle 2017 ECO Ambassadors

Alex, Matei and Bogdan are three passionate bikers from Bucharest. They are are going to pedal 620 km from the capital to Bonțida, Cluj. Their team is wearing the name of an independent bike and coffee shop which they’re representing during their journey.Continue Reading..

26
May

Cyclists Around the World Called to Be ECO-Ambassadors for Electric Castle

If you and your friends are cycling enthusiasts and got the rhythm in your veins, hop on your bike and have a blast at Electric Castle Festival. It’s on us! Free full pass, camping & other goodies await you at the gate of the Banffy Castle (Bonțida, Cluj).

Radu, a 2016’s ECO Ambassador, arrived at the Electric Castle after travelling 500 km by bicycle.

What do you have to do to become an ECO-Ambassador?

  • Choose an eco cause to promote before, during and after the festival. Any cause from deforestation to ecological education. Are you already working for a cause and you’re motivated to support it in the long run? Even better, your chances of being selected increase.
  • Pedal to the Banffy Castle from a distance greater than 250km.
  • Be visible online, a good communicator and active on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). The stronger your ability to reach people, the greater the chance of being selected.
  • Own a smartphone/tablet with mobile data. It is very important to have a device with Internet connection to share media content (photos, videos, live streaming) during your journey.
  • Have a public Strava account / other biking app. It is useful for proving your experience in pedalling on long distances. You will have to use this account to track your journey by bicycle towards Electric Castle.
  • Have the determination to convince as many festival participants as possible to join the ECO program at Electric Castle.
  • Own suitable cycling equipments and bicycle for this kind of journey.
  • Be experienced and physically capable to complete this kind of journey in safe conditions.
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Plan your journey ahead. We need you to be in Cluj-Napoca in the morning on the 12th of July (place and time TBA).

We greatly promote team working, but we also accept lone wolfs. Continue Reading..

02
Jun

Bicicliști ECO-Ambasadori pentru Electric Castle 2016

UPDATE: Am ales echipele (verificați mail, inclusiv folderul spam), acestea sunt: GeoBikers, Banffy Bike, TriSport, ZorBa Team,  Croitorul & Co, Turul Bucuriei, Martorii Sfântului Pedalie, CGL (Cycling Garbage Lovers), Sirius. Sambata ii anunțam si pe ECO ambasadorii individuali.

Căutam bicicliști cu suflet eco și muzica în sânge, din România Mare (include Republica Moldova), care să devină ECO-Ambasadori pentru ediția Electric Castle 2016!

Alătură-te eco-ambasadorilor europeni care pedalează vara aceasta înspre castel și ajută-ne să transmitem mesajul unei vieți mai conștiente și mai prietenoase cu mediul.

eco-ambasadori romaniaContinue Reading..

05
Apr

Keen to be green? Be our International Eco-Ambassadors group!

Are you a group of 2 to 5 friends who love cycling, music festivals and fun? Then this is for you!

Team up, put your cycling equipment together, work your body out before the show and start riding the joy and fun of spreading the word about an eco-friendly world by bicycle through Europe on your way to Electric Castle Festival in Romania.

Check out this year’s line-up and get into the vibe by watching the 2015 after-movie:

If you are:

a. residents of one of the following countries: Germany, France, UK, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece

b. experienced cyclists with proper equipment (bicycle, gear) for long journeys,

then we – MAINOI NGO – environmental responsibles for Electric Castle, invite you to be our ECO Ambassadors and fill in the application for your entire group here by April 27th. Update: Deadline extended until June 22th.

When starting the journey, you can either reach the starting point of the closest hub to your location, namely: Amsterdam, Paris, Vienna, Munich or propose another city.

Each group need to have an ECO Ambassador Leader, who will:

  • lead the group of cyclists (2-6) from your country to Romania;
  • plan the journey from your country’s starting point to Oradea (Romania). We recommend EuroVelo routes to reach Romania, but you are free to adapt them according to your group’s location.
  • help us spread the call in your country to find the other cyclists who will complete your group. You can choose the members of your group. Anyone you know with a cycling record of one journey of at least the same distance that you would be riding together can join you.
  • define the minimum technical requirements that the eco-ambassadors should meet to join the ride;
  • be MAINOI’s and Electric Castle’s contact person;
  • monitor the journey through the Strava app, send pictures and videos from the road;
  • promote cycling as alternative means of transportation, love for Mother Nature and eco-friendliness at the festival.

What do you get in return?

  • ECO Ambassadors will receive free entrance and free camping at the festival.
  • Eco Ambassadors Leaders receive the ECO Ambassador title, which means free entrance at Electric Castle Festival, free camping spot, and other festival goodies, such as meals, coffee and drinks;
  • The ECO Ambassador Leader also gets a camera to capture all the wonderful and funny moments from the journey.  Take good care of it, because it can be all yours after completing the journey;
  • we are waiting for you and the other groups at the Romanian border to travel together the last 350 km (Romania does not have cycling lanes, so you will find this incentive very helpful).

Electric Castle (2)

Electric Castle (4)

ECO Electri Castle MAINOI Romania

The Eco-Ambassadors Campaign 2016 is an initiative of MAINOI Association and Electric Castle Festival to promote cycling as alternative means of transportation and to spread the word about the shift we all need to make towards a carbon-emission free lifestyle.

Last year 12 ECO Ambassadors joined our CO2 Footprint Reduction Program, by riding their bicycles to the Banffy Castle from more than 250 km. It turned out to be a beautiful collective experience, so this year we decided to dig deeper and reach out to nature lovers and adventure seekers throughout Europe.

We are looking forward to meeting you, Eco Ambassadors Leaders! We are the people!

For more details, contact beatrice.gabor@electriccastle.ro | +40 730 490 890

14
Mar

Be an International ECO-Ambassador for Electric Castle Festival

Are you a bicycle passionate, an explorer who loves music festivals?

Read carefully below because this just might be the best idea for how to spend your summer vacation!

We are looking for cyclists who want to ride their bicycles in a great adventure through Europe to reach the final destination, the Banffy Castle in Transylvania, on July 14th. This is the place where the magical 4th edition of Electric Castle Festival takes place. Check out this year’s line-up and get into the vibe by watching the 2015 after-movie:

If you are:

(1) a resident of France, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria or Hungary, and

(2) a cyclist with good equipment (bicycle, gear) and at least two long cycling journeys already undertaken,

then we – MAINOI NGO – environmental responsibles for Electric Castle, invite you to be our ECO Ambassador Leader, to spread the word of an eco-friendly world throughout Europe.

What do you do as an ECO Ambassador Leader?

  • lead the group of cyclists (5-6) from your country to Romania;
  • plan the journey from your country’s starting point to Arad (Romania). We suggest Paris / Amsterdam/ Munich /Vienna / Budapest as starting points and recommend EuroVelo routes to reach Romania, but you are free to adapt them according to your group’s location.
  • help us spread the call in your country to find the other cyclists who will complete your group. You can choose the members of your group. Anyone you know with a cycling record of one journey of at least the same distance that you would be riding together can join you.
  • define the minimum technical requirements that the eco-ambassadors should meet to join the ride;
  • be MAINOI’s and Electric Castle’s contact person;
  • monitor the journey through the Strava app, send pictures and videos from the road;
  • promote cycling as alternative means of transportation, love for Mother Nature and eco-friendliness at the festival.

What do you get in return?

  • you receive the ECO Ambassador title, which means free entrance at Electric Castle Festival, free camping spot, and other festival goodies, such as meals, coffee and drinks;
  • you receive a camera to capture all the wonderful and funny moments from the journey.  Take good care of it, because it can be all yours after completing the journey;
  • we are waiting for you and the other groups at the Romanian border to travel together the last 350 km (Romania does not have cycling lanes, so you will find this incentive very helpful).

If you want to join this summer’s Eco-Cycling-Journey, you can apply here by March 25th. Update: we have extended the application  date until  31st of March.

Electric Castle (2)

Electric Castle (4)

ECO Electri Castle MAINOI Romania

In the beginning of April, we will also be launching the call for the ECO Ambassadors, who will complete the groups coordinated by the ECO Ambassadors Leaders. There will be ca. 25 seats available for the Eco-Ambassadors, travelling in groups of 6, with one leader per group. The ECO Ambassadors will receive free entrance and free camping at the festival.

Cyclists from Germany, France, UK, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece can apply, but, upon selection, they need to reach the closest hub to their location when starting the journey (Paris / Amsterdam/ Munich /Vienna / Budapest). Stay tuned for details!

The Eco-Ambassadors Campaign 2016 is an initiative of MAINOI Association and Electric Castle Festival to promote cycling as alternative means of transportation and to spread the word about the shift we all need to make towards a carbon-emission free lifestyle.

Last year 12 ECO Ambassadors joined our CO2 Footprint Reduction Program, by riding their bicycles to the Banffy Castle from more than 250 km. It turned out to be a beautiful collective experience, so this year we decided to dig deeper and reach out to nature lovers and adventure seekers throughout Europe.

We are looking forward to meeting you, Eco Ambassadors Leaders! We are the people!

For more details, contact beatrice.gabor@electriccastle.ro | +40 730 490 890