Mike, you and I both know which mountain I'm talking about
US/Canadian Open at Whiteface ~ $10,000 Cash Purse
- Thread starter downhill mike
- Start date
I think you are referring to our last Pro GRT/ECCC Race. You are correct and I was not happy with how some of our customers were treated. One worker almost pulled Tracey Mosely's lift pass for sitting on her bike in the wrong area, while she tested her suspension. I went as high as I could go within the organization to make sure that never happens again. The conversation started like" Mr Governor........"
To address a couple of other questions. If a big name rider want to cross the ocean to race at the US/Canadian Open at Whiteface that would be great! However, we are focusing more on the best on this continent. Looking to attract racers such as Steve Smith, Rob Fraser, Kyle Sangers, Neko Mulally, Mitch Ropellato, etc.
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In my opinion money does not motivate 13 year olds. Things like tires, helmets, and swag motivate 13 year olds. It could be very possible that prize money would actually corrupt some of the things that they enjoy about the sport. Is that not the reason that many people like college sports more than their pro sport counterpart? A number of amature racers have already said that money is not a motivator for them, if it was then they should probably be racing in the Pro class. For most racers (most of the pro field included) the things that attract them to an event are the course, event atmostphere, and percieved value.
Look at the first couple of years that Whiteface held the 5k race. The money has always been good at Mike's events and it allways comes out of his own pocket to front the expense of the purse. The first few years it drew a huge number of regional pros from the saturated east coast race scene. The money was good and he paid 10 deep so lots of people thought they had a fighting chance at getting some money. In recent years the competition became much harder with teams like TWR, Giant, Transition, KHS, etc. showing up. The payout was actually increased but it was spread out only 5 deep. At this point all of the regional pros knew they no longer had a chance of getting any money and the size of the pro field shrank. I think that the few pros that have continued to show up did so because the course and event were of good quality. I know that is the reason that the amature field is usually larger than most of the east coast races. I really think that if the timing of the 5k had been earlier in the season, before half the potential customers were broke financially from racing all season or broken from injuries sustained during the season then the turnout would have been much larger.
I agree with what everyone else has said. Put the money into attaining some great amature prizes and back to the pro purse and do the "Big" race the weekend of June 16/17. This is an "off" weekend after Fort William and before Mont Saint Anne. Almost everyone is going to fly into either Albany or Montreal that week so they will be in the area anyway. Since it would be convenient money will attract the big names, which will then attract everyone else.
We do have a big downhill race with a large pro cash purse on June 16/17, 2012.
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I was joking. I was just learning how to race at that age. Lots of shoelaces wrapped around pedal spindles. I still haven't learned how to tie my shoes.
You have to look at your audience then. There are probably 1000 other things that would get kids more amped on bike racing than a $25 check for 3rd place. The same thing for the 40+ sport class. Just give them quality and they will show up. If you want to pay amatures then offer money for the Expert/ Cat 1 Class. The Sport Cat 2/3 racers are not there for the money.
Don't bet on it the weekend between the World Champs in Austria and WC finals in Norway.
Weekend before or weekend after the MSA/Windham rounds would be ideal.
Mike one thing that would be awesome is the ability to camp in the dirt parking lot.
but it certainly isn't a deterrent
Pros:
We feel as $5,000.00 is a sufficient cash purse for the pro field. If anyone (sponsors included) wants to add some more money to that we will not say no. It is still 8 1/2 months before the event, so think optimistically, and maybe the cash purse for the pros will increase.
Amateurs:
As far as the $5,000.00 for amateurs, it's not a bad thing! It should also help fill up categories and create some great competition and camaraderie! We never thought that a $100.00, $50.00 or $25.00 cash prize would make every am in the states and Canada drive to Whiteface for a chance at that kind of cash. We picture an amateur that wins, getting a medal or trophy, some cash (maybe enough to cover the registration fee) and a sweet prize. Heck, to me that sounds like a fun race! And if that happens to be a 14 year old kid, I do bet he/she would be pretty stoked! That stoke will certainly outlast the weekend event.
There is a very good chance that this race in 2013 will have UCI points and also a larger cash purse for the pros. Now picture something like $15,000.00 cash for the pros and $5,000.00 for the amateurs.
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One thing to think about in regards to cash for Cat 2/3 (and even if you 13): It is seen as $$$ towards gas. Gas prices are predicted to be quite a bit higher come the summer, so winning some cash helps to ease that burden. If you're 13, your parent most likely drive you there, so there is a cost there as well. Whiteface is quite a hike for most of us.
Hey Mike - will you have a "5 and under" DS race class? Guess who would like to ride the track!
Hey Mike - will you have a "5 and under" DS race class? Guess who would like to ride the track!
Wow, so much touchy feely, it's like the opposite of diablo.
hahaha, i'd rather have this attitude than "up yours, customer" but I'd still love to see WF throwing megaevents that compete on a national stage rather than focusing locally.
all in good time sandy andy
Good time now, ok!
Registration opens on March 1st with a field limit of 499.
Ahh the little lifty lady - I rolled through the tunnel, where there was no sign until you came out the gondola side, and got chased, chastised, and had a mark put on my pass and told that if I got another, I would lose my pass.
Waaaaaay overboard, poor judgement - I would hope that something so small wouldnt be a power trip, but for some people it is I guess.
Definitely need to put that sort of thing to rest.
Waaaaaay overboard, poor judgement - I would hope that something so small wouldnt be a power trip, but for some people it is I guess.
Definitely need to put that sort of thing to rest.
That has been addressed and taken care of. We now position our staff at that location. Easy fix.
Sweeet - now how about some more food options?
The new manager at Centerplate will have whatever we ask for on the menu. Their new executive chef always asks us what we want.
Next concern?
Next concern?
I'm not a good enough rider to win ALL THE PRIZES.
You are the prize, lunchbox!