Any chance that nationals will return? I want the top step next time.
Beech Mtn Resort 2013 - Park and Race Info Thread
- Thread starter waterdogs
- Start date
So who's going for opening day?
I was thinking about heading up for just friday (planning on being there again next weekend), but then I saw they open at noon. I was hoping they opened earlier, but I still might go. I'm in Raleigh. I also need to get my bike together ('11 jedi), the last of the parts come today so it shouldn't be a problem. Let me know if you are interested.
Heading up to Ga. tomorrow for a few days, then to Beech for 1 or 2.
As expected the hype surrounding opening weekend is underwhelming....
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I just don't want to see it fail and be blamed on lack of rider support when most mtbikers in the area have no idea this is happening this weekend. I doubt that there are enough hardcore DHers to keep this place alive, they need to reach a larger audience than those of us that are already converts.
I was actually surprised at the number of non-downhill riders that were at the last race/ride day this past year. Quite a few cheaper (maybe even walmart) bikes out there and families riding the beginner trail. Not sure if these people were locals or family of the racers, but it was still a decent turnout.
Looks like they are building more beginner trails too. So that should help fund the park more as well as introduce more people to DH.
Looks like they are building more beginner trails too. So that should help fund the park more as well as introduce more people to DH.
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I will be leaving Raleigh around 6pm on Friday and going to Hickory. I'll be up at the mountain all day Saturday.
If you need any help getting that Jedi up and running let me know.
I'm super pumped about Beech opening, but opening the same weekend as the first Snowshoe race isn't gonna help their week 1 attendance. I'll get up there the following weekend though.
That a Snowshoe RACE is overshadowing a new bike park opening is not news. It is new, therefore attendance will not be greater than a well established decade old park's race event.
The park opening is AUTOMATICALLY LOSING MONEY! To anyone with a fiscal knowledge of costs on the scale we are talking, a bike park is a loss leader for multiple years. At one point, even when Gravity Logic was helping establish forecasts for parks, they were stating 5 YEARS would be the minimum for a bike park to operate without profit.
So don't expect Beech to be making any money off this any time soon. It's a supplement for the time being and will take several years for consumers to purchase equipment and buy into the product they are offering. This is not an iPhone cover on eBay.
The park opening is AUTOMATICALLY LOSING MONEY! To anyone with a fiscal knowledge of costs on the scale we are talking, a bike park is a loss leader for multiple years. At one point, even when Gravity Logic was helping establish forecasts for parks, they were stating 5 YEARS would be the minimum for a bike park to operate without profit.
So don't expect Beech to be making any money off this any time soon. It's a supplement for the time being and will take several years for consumers to purchase equipment and buy into the product they are offering. This is not an iPhone cover on eBay.
Patience grasshopper.
I've got about 4 riders coming up with me. Camping at grandfather campground.
^^
In all seriousness, when was the last time you actually looked at a flyer in a shop, or anywhere for that matter? Maybe I'm the only one, but they could have a money shot of Kate Upton on a flyer and I doubt I would even notice. Ads in the paper, email spam, etc...same thing, I just totally ignore it. I'm just not sure how you would *effectively* promote the opening day other than using social media like Twitter or Facebook (not sure if they did that or not, as I'm a simple caveman and don't use either site). Regardless, I hope through the magic of people who've actually been to Beech encouraging their friends to come along (gasp - grassroots effort) they will have a nice showing and much stokage will be enjoyed by all.
In all seriousness, when was the last time you actually looked at a flyer in a shop, or anywhere for that matter? Maybe I'm the only one, but they could have a money shot of Kate Upton on a flyer and I doubt I would even notice. Ads in the paper, email spam, etc...same thing, I just totally ignore it. I'm just not sure how you would *effectively* promote the opening day other than using social media like Twitter or Facebook (not sure if they did that or not, as I'm a simple caveman and don't use either site). Regardless, I hope through the magic of people who've actually been to Beech encouraging their friends to come along (gasp - grassroots effort) they will have a nice showing and much stokage will be enjoyed by all.
^^^^
What he said. Let's be realistic Bizutch is just spouting off to assert his perceived relevance to racing and/or Bike park resort operations.
If I can find a babysitter for the hours of 10am - 2pm Saturday I am heading up. I have a tenative reservation for the other spot on my bike rack from Charlotte.
In all fairness, when we did the MADHRA series, we generated tons of interest by hitting ALL outlets. I personally emailed a flyer to every shop I could find the name of from Maryland to Ft. Myers and Birmingham, AL. I abused my fax privilige at work too. Sure, lots are on Facebook and Ridemonkey, but we still aren't the majority. Heck, I hit the "ignore" button on Facebook more than the Accept button when it comes to events, media, etc so much it's an impulse now and I gloss over stuff that might be important.
Heck, I ran into almost a DOZEN guys shuttling this weekend who I know for a fact have nothing to do with social media. If you aren't describing it to them over a beer or a bong, they aren't aware of it.
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My comments had nothing to do with what you are spouting off about. It's as if you actually want me to punch you.
Especially if you are smart enough to do so after threatening someone in writing.
Bike park brawl in parking lot 2! Bring your tapout muscle shirts and temporary tribal tattoos! Bizutch for the win, I heard he's the reigning champ circa icycle 2006.
It’s not about making the customers aware of it at the shop through a flyer but more about letting the employees know about it. They are the ones selling the bikes and talking up places to ride in the area. And trust me, we get a lot of questions about riding in the mountains at our shop in Charlotte. But how can an employee at a bike shop recommend riding at Beech if they have no idea what is going on there? There is only one person at our shop that rides DH, kind of, but there are 8+ guys selling bikes there and talking to customers about where to ride that have no idea what is going on at Beech Mountain.
Don’t be naive and think the only people interested in lift assisted riding all know each other on facebook and frequent ridemonkey.
Don’t be naive and think the only people interested in lift assisted riding all know each other on facebook and frequent ridemonkey.
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Idle pugilist threats aside, I don't think the "MADHRA model" is applicable now that we're past the 19th century and pony express mail distribution. And I think you nailed it with your last statement - make sure your beer/blunt bro's are well aware of the opportunity.In all fairness, when we did the MADHRA series, we generated tons of interest by hitting ALL outlets. I personally emailed a flyer to every shop I could find the name of from Maryland to Ft. Myers and Birmingham, AL. I abused my fax privilige at work too. Sure, lots are on Facebook and Ridemonkey, but we still aren't the majority. Heck, I hit the "ignore" button on Facebook more than the Accept button when it comes to events, media, etc so much it's an impulse now and I gloss over stuff that might be important.
Heck, I ran into almost a DOZEN guys shuttling this weekend who I know for a fact have nothing to do with social media. If you aren't describing it to them over a beer or a bong, they aren't aware of it.
Maybe people interested in Beech's success should even try to organize carpools and shared lodging...Or, just get on RM and b!tch about how they didn't get Flava Flav's likeness on a shop flyer touting the upcoming big occassion.
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MBrennan stepping up! Word
No "MADHRA model" suggestions here. Just trying to say the same thing NCBMXPRO said with less eloquence. If anything, I think marketing in this day and age is absurd because there are so many different ways to advertise, you just go for them all.
Yeah, with Beech's monstorous marketing budget, what exactly pray tell do you think they should do? In a way, I agree with you that most forms of marketing are now obsolete because most consumers can (easily) determine how they receive information (if they receive it at all). Do the used car ads during football tilts make me want to go check out their acres of lightly used Pontiacs and Mercurys - No. Do the REI gear emails I receive all time make me patronize their Northface jacket warehouse - No.
I could go on and on, but in the end, if I want to buy something or use a service, I simply use the Googles. That and try to solicit suggestions/recommendations from my beer/blunt bros. In short, I take it upon my damn self to get the information I need, and I pass it along to people whom I think it might also be useful to. Likewise, I would suggest that if you're passionate about having a mountain bike park in western NC (especially if you're in the bike industry), *you* have a responsibility to not only go as often as possible, but to encourage as many potential riders to check it out as you can.
I could go on and on, but in the end, if I want to buy something or use a service, I simply use the Googles. That and try to solicit suggestions/recommendations from my beer/blunt bros. In short, I take it upon my damn self to get the information I need, and I pass it along to people whom I think it might also be useful to. Likewise, I would suggest that if you're passionate about having a mountain bike park in western NC (especially if you're in the bike industry), *you* have a responsibility to not only go as often as possible, but to encourage as many potential riders to check it out as you can.
Up form south Fl. in the Ga. area waiting for the weekend
vinny dadtus.
your dad is not happy with you rob
better do some roids i hear biz itch is tough
I'd really like to hear from Beech about some of this stuff because some of it sounds kind of crazy for a for-profit business.
From what I've seen in this thread (and someone please correct me if I'm wrong), the riders are the ones who are doing trail maintenance (for free), and now it's up to us to market the new bike park as well. Any business should have a solid marketing plan/budget for all services, much less NEW offerings such as this.
The thing that really frustrates me (and this transcends industries, so I'm not point fingers at Beech) is that when the business fails from improper management, and/or lack of marketing, etc., it's always somehow the customer's fault. This has been consistent through the year on this forum as well with regards to races, other bike parks, etc.
All that being said, I'll be there Sunday if the weather cooperates and will likely go many times this summer.
From what I've seen in this thread (and someone please correct me if I'm wrong), the riders are the ones who are doing trail maintenance (for free), and now it's up to us to market the new bike park as well. Any business should have a solid marketing plan/budget for all services, much less NEW offerings such as this.
The thing that really frustrates me (and this transcends industries, so I'm not point fingers at Beech) is that when the business fails from improper management, and/or lack of marketing, etc., it's always somehow the customer's fault. This has been consistent through the year on this forum as well with regards to races, other bike parks, etc.
All that being said, I'll be there Sunday if the weather cooperates and will likely go many times this summer.
Do you solicit and entertain advice from an internet forum for your business? If so, where so we can heckle your business
B-That a Snowshoe RACE is overshadowing a new bike park opening is not news. It is new, therefore attendance will not be greater than a well established decade old park's race event.
The park opening is AUTOMATICALLY LOSING MONEY! To anyone with a fiscal knowledge of costs on the scale we are talking, a bike park is a loss leader for multiple years. At one point, even when Gravity Logic was helping establish forecasts for parks, they were stating 5 YEARS would be the minimum for a bike park to operate without profit.
So don't expect Beech to be making any money off this any time soon. It's a supplement for the time being and will take several years for consumers to purchase equipment and buy into the product they are offering. This is not an iPhone cover on eBay.
Excuse me, but if I recall correctly... The last two seasons, you were telling me how opening a park is a no brainer and how we would be able to make money??
This seems funny hearing this from you now.
If you don't take some advice from your customers you are a fool
And the opposite can also be true - taking advice from alledged omniscient customers can be a fools errand.
And since Talia just checked in, maybe the marketing critics should submit their marketing plans/suggestions via email.
And since Talia just checked in, maybe the marketing critics should submit their marketing plans/suggestions via email.
Alright guys and gals. I appreciate all the comments and interest. I get it, we have not done some huge roll out on marketing. I haven't spent several thousand on pinkbike and ridemonkey ads...yet. I have not pulled the trigger on our website roll out, (that will run in correlation with our first event release.) I am working on a new design for our first big event. We just solidified a neat surprise. You will see those fliers at all of your bike shops. Additionally, you will start seeing more information here and there. I spent most of the last couple weeks dealing with trail maps, working on sponsorship leads, booking bands, dealing with alcohol permits, ordering equipment, making sure we have the right equipment, working on disc golf score cards, meeting with brides about weddings, talking with breweries, booking frat groups for winter, working on sponsorship proposals, more sponsorship proposals, ordering print materials, getting event volunteers, sending out press releases. (yes I literally do all of these things) I am doing a lot. I have worked pretty hard the last couple years to provide funding and things to get this park going. Granted, I had some help from herndon and others, but its been a huge undertaking for us, that people do not always see. I do it because I love it and I want to see it work. Another reason I have pushed for it, is because of the riders. You guys are super supportive and nice and it makes it worth it. I agree, we do need to spend some marketing dollars and really push this and we plan on doing so..but here is the deal. We have to have a polished product to market and that is what we are focusing on now. This opening weekend is our soft opening, so I think you will see a bigger marketing push as we progress in our trail development.
I will be honest and say I was wondering how this summer would go with building. Would my GM really want to do this the right way? Well, damn if I haven't been pleasantly surprised. Ric has been out there working like a dog, trying to get the trails ready. They are bringing on a bigger crew next week. The plans they have for this summer are awesome. They want to do it right. They want to expand the trail system and they want to produce a product that makes people happy that can cater to all skill levels. Its going to happen and I am proud and excited with the work so far. I just saw kristian and jason testing the trails, they said it was fun and people will be stoked.
Here is our tentative plan for the summer and the weekend.
Three Phases of trail development:
Phase 1- June 7th (soft opening)
The guys have been working on getting the existing trails ready for the weekend. They have made some additions to the trails and the beginner trail system. From what everyone says, its awesome and fun. We are getting good feedback. So, this opening weekend is going to be our soft opening. You will see some big changes with the current trail system. Its fun and worth the trip. We will not have our final trail map done, but we will have maps available to navigate the trails.
Phase 2:
July 19-(grand opening)This is the same weekend as Bikes Brews and Views. We are tagging this as our grand opening. This weekend you will notice further trail development, more signage. You will also notice a new and developed trail map.
Phase 3:
August 17: More trail development
It is hard for me to say exactly what will be open and when, as there are many variables that play into construction. I do think they are going to add some skill areas, a new beginner trail, and integrate some interesting features into the mix. We also have a few other surprises in store.We are also working on accessing some new property for another trail. As soon as we start work on more trails, we will release that information. Our designer is almost done with the first phase of our map, so we will post that soon. We named all the trails after Led Zeppelin songs: )
On another note, I met with the town last week and the TDA. I think I sold them on allocating some funding towards trail development, mapping and signage for the town. They also landed some grant funding for those trails.(a pretty substantial amount) So, it looks like, eventually we will be able to correlate our trail systems and you should see some major improvements with the existing lay out and infrastructure of the towns trails.
Look, I think its going to work: ) Just be patient and you will see good things come from us. We are trying and I promise to update everyone on our progress. As always, if you have specific questions, you can email me at tfreeman@skibeech.com.
Like I told the TDA last week, only 4 percent of the nation's population skis or boards, and 40 percent of the nation's population are cyclist. It can work, and Butch, yes a bike park can make money, at least I sure hope it does. So why don't you be positive for a change, sheesh. ; ) You are giving me anxiety already, and I haven't even seen you yet.
PS-magic cycles is hard at work getting their bike shop ready.
Thanks for the support guys. I hope everyone can make it to brews and views/grand opening in july..
I will be honest and say I was wondering how this summer would go with building. Would my GM really want to do this the right way? Well, damn if I haven't been pleasantly surprised. Ric has been out there working like a dog, trying to get the trails ready. They are bringing on a bigger crew next week. The plans they have for this summer are awesome. They want to do it right. They want to expand the trail system and they want to produce a product that makes people happy that can cater to all skill levels. Its going to happen and I am proud and excited with the work so far. I just saw kristian and jason testing the trails, they said it was fun and people will be stoked.
Here is our tentative plan for the summer and the weekend.
Three Phases of trail development:
Phase 1- June 7th (soft opening)
The guys have been working on getting the existing trails ready for the weekend. They have made some additions to the trails and the beginner trail system. From what everyone says, its awesome and fun. We are getting good feedback. So, this opening weekend is going to be our soft opening. You will see some big changes with the current trail system. Its fun and worth the trip. We will not have our final trail map done, but we will have maps available to navigate the trails.
Phase 2:
July 19-(grand opening)This is the same weekend as Bikes Brews and Views. We are tagging this as our grand opening. This weekend you will notice further trail development, more signage. You will also notice a new and developed trail map.
Phase 3:
August 17: More trail development
It is hard for me to say exactly what will be open and when, as there are many variables that play into construction. I do think they are going to add some skill areas, a new beginner trail, and integrate some interesting features into the mix. We also have a few other surprises in store.We are also working on accessing some new property for another trail. As soon as we start work on more trails, we will release that information. Our designer is almost done with the first phase of our map, so we will post that soon. We named all the trails after Led Zeppelin songs: )
On another note, I met with the town last week and the TDA. I think I sold them on allocating some funding towards trail development, mapping and signage for the town. They also landed some grant funding for those trails.(a pretty substantial amount) So, it looks like, eventually we will be able to correlate our trail systems and you should see some major improvements with the existing lay out and infrastructure of the towns trails.
Look, I think its going to work: ) Just be patient and you will see good things come from us. We are trying and I promise to update everyone on our progress. As always, if you have specific questions, you can email me at tfreeman@skibeech.com.
Like I told the TDA last week, only 4 percent of the nation's population skis or boards, and 40 percent of the nation's population are cyclist. It can work, and Butch, yes a bike park can make money, at least I sure hope it does. So why don't you be positive for a change, sheesh. ; ) You are giving me anxiety already, and I haven't even seen you yet.
PS-magic cycles is hard at work getting their bike shop ready.
Thanks for the support guys. I hope everyone can make it to brews and views/grand opening in july..
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