Since the feet still ache, I've spent time reviewing what races I'd like to hit for the remainder of year. (Thanks for all of the suggestions.) One race no one mentioned but that I looked at today is the 24hrs of Landahl. I was actually starting to get excited at the idea of going for it until I checked out the price. $330 for Solos. That's over 3x 9 Mile.
I don't get it.
The same weekend there is a 12hr in Wisco just north of Wausau for $35. 4 times the gas yet still quite a bit cheaper (though shorter). I am sure the Granny Gear events are top notch, but are they THAT much better? It's sad and perhaps telling that I can do multiple races, hundreds of miles away from the crib for the cost of one 24 that's a little over three hours away.
In fact, the Heartland Race guys have a 12 hour roughly a month prior at the same local. They put on a strong race, so where's the value?
Not sure if this post counts as whining, bitching or appropriate observation, but I don't see how that kind of price point can stand up considering the other options available. As always, feel free to tell me why I am wrong. Frankly, I'd be happy to be proven wrong on this one.
Perhaps it's for the better. I can't ride rocks anyway.
Rule #22. Never commit to a race if you can't afford beer afterwards.
Snob out.
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10 comments:
Granny Gear are all on.
For the price you get an event. What's that worth...i guess is about $330 if you spring for it.
I'm of the opinion of paying less for races, but if you are wanting to ride a nationally recognized event then you got to pay the price. What your paying for is the advertisement and the support crew involved in putting on a traveling bike/event circus, and i mean this with all respect to those involved. They put on a great event.
If you're talking about the 12-hour WEMS race in Wisco, it's actually the next weekend, Sept. 29. Sorry!
when roundeye and I went to the east coast to pit for Chambers it was a granny gear event, it was a circus, lots of people, but all in all, you were just riding your bike down the trail.. with a lot of people around..
there is no way in hell I'd ever pay that much to race.. not when there are sooo many other events that are well put on, and well attended, besides, I think I hit Landahl 3-5 times this year..
I pay that much to race a bike, I'd better be gettin a lot more each lap like a back rub at the check in.., free beer, and lobster, sushi, and steaks at the checkpoints out on the course... and real time updates to know where my compotition is.. (probably in front of me)
maybe some live entertainment during the event. like Van Hallen playing out in the middle of the woods for inspiration.. yeah, that's the ticket...with Tool and dave mathews on other parts of the course. then I might be able to justify 300+ bucks for a race..
in my opinion, no way is it worth paying 300+ bucks to race your bike for 24 hours...
it is of course worth just going to the event to spectate and see the shinnannigans, and ride a few laps here and there..
Did the GG Moab dealie a few years ago. Massive turn out and lots of pros. Really enjoyed riding with the best in the nation.
Also got a bunch of stickers and a glow in the dark frisbee for my entry fee. Wow.
300 bucks(us) better come with a happy ending....
I'm with paddy!
Careful there Snob, or somebody will ban you for pointing at the white elephant in the middle of the room.
How much of that $300 is paid back to the racers in the form of cash? Or, are you only racing for non-cash prizes and paying for atmosphere?
granny gear is a good promoter, but yeah, their entry fees are INSANE! it's like they think everyone has their team paying their entry fees or something. i can't afford those kinda entry fees!!
heck, $330 probably would cover my entry fees into just about every race i've done thus far in 2007!
ok, that said, i've won a total of $1500 at the 24 hours of moab ($600 in '98; $300 in '99 and $600 in '00), so yeah, if you race one of the pro or pro/am classes, you can get paid for a top-5 finish.
but in those seasons, i had a sponsor that paid for my entry fee. it was like $250/person, even back then!
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