Why dont you see me?
Back in the day Id drive up to East Jesus the day before and set up my tent. There would be several people Id know camping and wed have a great time. The next morning wed wake to a stupid random rooster or redneck with no muffler. Wed all do a little course work and wait for registration to open. It would only cost about $20 to race dual slalom, $20 + $10 for downhill and shuttle fees, or $45 for both. It sometimes included a shirt. If a sponsor was there theyd throw in some schwag, but nobody gave a crap. It was fun.
Now it seems to me like its all about somebody making money. Theres no camping because they want you to use their hotel, race entry is obscene, the courses RULE but you have to have a $4K bike to ride them, and everyone cares about the prizes now. I have a $4K bike so that doesnt bother ME, but it keeps my friends from racing. No camping??? WTF?! Now youve cut your race field in half AGAIN. The last race I did was Sugar last year. I got busted for sleeping in my car. They asked me to leave and go get a room in their hotel. I almost drove home right then, but I decided the more rebellious thing to do was sleep in my car in another spot.
So race promoters... If youre scratching your head trying to figure out why your attendance is low, this is why I do not come. Money is a big deal to a lot of people.
Cheers!
Mike McCoy
Back in the day Id drive up to East Jesus the day before and set up my tent. There would be several people Id know camping and wed have a great time. The next morning wed wake to a stupid random rooster or redneck with no muffler. Wed all do a little course work and wait for registration to open. It would only cost about $20 to race dual slalom, $20 + $10 for downhill and shuttle fees, or $45 for both. It sometimes included a shirt. If a sponsor was there theyd throw in some schwag, but nobody gave a crap. It was fun.
Now it seems to me like its all about somebody making money. Theres no camping because they want you to use their hotel, race entry is obscene, the courses RULE but you have to have a $4K bike to ride them, and everyone cares about the prizes now. I have a $4K bike so that doesnt bother ME, but it keeps my friends from racing. No camping??? WTF?! Now youve cut your race field in half AGAIN. The last race I did was Sugar last year. I got busted for sleeping in my car. They asked me to leave and go get a room in their hotel. I almost drove home right then, but I decided the more rebellious thing to do was sleep in my car in another spot.
So race promoters... If youre scratching your head trying to figure out why your attendance is low, this is why I do not come. Money is a big deal to a lot of people.
Cheers!
Mike McCoy
