[Nate A]

Just thought i would give everyone the heads up on the past big bear race,, The solo and due teams got a (little) bit of money, the expert teams, and everybody else got NOTHING for there 560 bucks, and hard efforts, they raffled off a few prizes and some teams won more then once.. with the number of teams and the cost person they made over 88,000 alone in entry fees, plus they charged some people 10 dollars to get in and 10 dollars a person to camp.... I guess thats how larids building that big new house..

 

[borregokid]

Race Promoters with Elitists Attitudes

Just thought i would give everyone the heads up on the past big bear race,, The solo and due teams got a (little) bit of money, the expert teams, and everybody else got NOTHING for there 560 bucks, and hard efforts, they raffled off a few prizes and some teams won more then once.. with the number of teams and the cost person they made over 88,000 alone in entry fees, plus they charged some people 10 dollars to get in and 10 dollars a person to camp.... I guess thats how larids building that big new house..

This has been brought up before. I think too many race promoters are elitists who generally have disdain for the average rider. There is a particular race I have done twice. The first year the promoter gave out t-shirts for the top age group rider in the "sport division. Last year he said the sport riders would be eligible for awards and prizes. He only awarded the top male and female with awards in sport while handing out about $2000 in awards at the expert level. I complained last year about his lack of recognition and he apologized. This year to fix things he has announced beforehand there will be no recognition or awards at the "sport level". I paid $50 last year for the chance at almost nothing and this year he guarantees it will be nothing. He did suggest I move to expert but I also questioned why he is running a "sport" category that self seeds into age groups when he isnt giving out anything. By the way this isnt part of a race series. I am not going to run the race-probably ever again unless there are big changes. Unfortunately I dont think enough people will complain and he probably isnt going to change since he has had some success.

As far as 24 hour races the 24 Hrs In the Old Pueblo is probably the best. The race fees were about $90 a person. There was no charge for camping. The water, sanitation, garbage, and first aid is top notch. Plus every racer gets a pretty decent t-shirt and commemorative poster.

 

[clarkin]

This is why Chris Scott's races are the best deals in supported endurance races out there IMHO. 2 meals, beer, pre race coffee/bagels, deep prizes, FULLY stocked aid stations and great people. all for $110 if you register early enough.

oh and some of the best riding in the country on well marked big ass single loop courses.

http://www.mtntouring.com

 

[jkg]

... and for solo

This brings up the issue again of solo recognition. At some races the solo 24 class has near 50 people and awards go to the top 3. There are rarely age classes (not never, but rarely). Meanwhile, the teams get teams of 2,4,5 plus oldert than dirt, older than the hills (at 9 mile) plus sport and expert. Some of these categories are fairly short on entrants. I'm all for more people getting awards, but I think something needs to be done for the solo people. That is hard racing (so are the othe classes, but there is a difference). At least give the solo people a different t-shirt that recognizes the achievement of riding solo (or a glass or even a sticker). Maybe age groups, but I would just say that in any race awards should run 10% or 20% deep. 50 entrants - 5 places. 5 teams entered - first place only?

 

[palmettosolo]

I'm all for solo recognition, having personally completed 10 solo 24's.

Okay take $560 divide that by 4-5 teammates = $112-140 a person. Now take a solo who pays $350 for an entry fee. This is why there is a pay out for the solo's. As for the solo's GG is far from a rip off. You should try out some of the other bigger promotions many give nothing back. Hey I have a ? - Who came up with a solo entry fee at $300 anyway. Solo's complete the most laps per rider and utilize the facilties the least, now who's getting ripped off?

 

[lrmrider]

As a sport rider/racer, I don't have a problem with not receiving money when I finish on the podium. But I sure as heck think the sport riders (the cash cow of most races) need to be recognized! My biggest pet peeve is the lack of quality aid stations at races. I paid what and you in return provided what...I can only think that I have been spoiled by the Laramie Enduro. It seems as if every other race I have been to has lame aid stations (if any). Seriously, two five gallon jugs of warm water and six crunchy granola bars doesn't make for an aid station - that's exactly what was at last weekend's race.

 

[Eddie O]

I've only done the new 24 Hours of Conyers, but thought it was done well. Very well organized, plenty of amenities (those showers, real time scoring, course crew, etc are not free) and every walked away with a prize. The latter was because there was very few racers there. Not everyone usually gets a prize, that's part racing (this is not your 4th grade field day. I think the turnout would have been better had GGP done their homework and not put their race on top of 2-3 other very popular local races, but that's their problem.

I think many folks are pretty rough on promoters/directors with very little thought about what goes into the production. I've certainly had my eyes opened while directing the BURN 24 Challenge the last 2 year. That said not all promoters/directors are created equal.

Eddie O

 

[douglas]

As far as 24 hour races the 24 Hrs In the Old Pueblo is probably the best. The race fees were about $90 a person. There was no charge for camping. The water, sanitation, garbage, and first aid is top notch. Plus every racer gets a pretty decent t-shirt and commemorative poster.

OP is a great race, and not crazy expensive..they get a BIG turnout, and go 5 deep on the podium. Prizes for team riders are small but cool, but I go for the fun & challange, not to win $ or get some big prize.

 

[mtnpat]

This is why Chris Scott's races are the best deals in supported endurance races out there IMHO. 2 meals, beer, pre race coffee/bagels, deep prizes, FULLY stocked aid stations and great people. all for $110 if you register early enough.

oh and some of the best riding in the country on well marked big ass single loop courses.

I agree, never heard of a dissapointed racer at the SM100 or W101. You forgot the awesome camping venue and covered pavillion at the SM100.

Thanks for reminding me, I gotta register for the SM100. :thumbsup:

 

[miSSionary]

As a sport rider/racer, I don't have a problem with not receiving money when I finish on the podium. But I sure as heck think the sport riders (the cash cow of most races) need to be recognized! My biggest pet peeve is the lack of quality aid stations at races. I paid what and you in return provided what...I can only think that I have been spoiled by the Laramie Enduro. It seems as if every other race I have been to has lame aid stations (if any). Seriously, two five gallon jugs of warm water and six crunchy granola bars doesn't make for an aid station - that's exactly what was at last weekend's race.

You are right on and you should maybe try some of the Leadville Trail 100 events, AMAZING aid stations (Water, Poweraid, Powerbars, Hard candy, PB&J's, Turkey wraps, Chips, Pretzels, Cookies, Advil {breakfast of champions}...) and the same awards go to ALL finishers. If you win your age group you do get more stuff than that. Leadville is cool because of the atmosphere and vibe, not the most challanging course but one of the better days in the saddle IMHO. :thumbsup:
Laramie gets such great reviews, guess it's time I make it up there.
Cheers,
miSSionary

 

[The Mongol Lord]

Show me the Money!

I've competed in the 24 hrs of Moab 3-4 times and the 24 hrs of Temecula 3 times. Both are GGP events. I keep going back because I've always had a good time at GrannyGear races. I figure my entry fee is buying me entertainment. If I were to be racing for money, I don't think the race would be any more fun. I don't ride for cash(good thing for me!) and I don't feel disrespected by promotors who don't earmark prize $ for sport class winners.

 

[Enduro Adventures]

24 Hours of Pisgah agrees

I've only done the new 24 Hours of Conyers, but thought it was done well. Very well organized, plenty of amenities (those showers, real time scoring, course crew, etc are not free) and every walked away with a prize. The latter was because there was very few racers there. Not everyone usually gets a prize, that's part racing (this is not your 4th grade field day. I think the turnout would have been better had GGP done their homework and not put their race on top of 2-3 other very popular local races, but that's their problem.

I think many folks are pretty rough on promoters/directors with very little thought about what goes into the production. I've certainly had my eyes opened while directing the BURN 24 Challenge the last 2 year. That said not all promoters/directors are created equal.

Eddie O

Promoting a 24 hour race is expensive and takes way more time than I expected. The best races I have raced (except the 24 Hours of Pisgah) were the 24 hours of Canaan, Moab, and the Burn. I have been trying to recapture the feel of Canaan with the 24 Hours of Pisgah. I do agree that it pissed me off to pay to camp in the gravel parking lot at Snowshoe after paying a stiff entry fee. To pay to camp at Moab is not so bad considering the logistics of getting hot showers, porta pottys, water and power to the venue. As of now I am able to offer free cabins to the first 60 teams registered, and free camping to the rest. There are several hot shower houses too. With the stiff price I pay for the venue I will eventually have to charge for the cabins at least, if not for the camping.

 

[teamdicky]

With the stiff price I pay for the venue I will eventually have to charge for the cabins at least, if not for the camping.

People will still come to your race. Excellent dollar to fun ratio. That's what it's all about.