Originally Posted by FlashBazbo

I know they SAY the DK will never change. But my entire career has been wrapped up in acquisitions like this one. I've seen too many. Unless the organization was screaming out for change and change would universally be seen as needed, they always say the surviving entity will not change. But if there were no reason for a change to happen, they would not have made the acquisition (or the sale). And even if they TRY to keep it the same, they just can't. It would have changed anyway under the old ownership but, with new ownership, the constituencies will be a lot more touchy (and more likely to bolt) in the face of needed changes. At some point, probably 18 to 24 months from now, the new owners will demand a change that Jim & Co. just can't stomach. At that point, Jim & Co. will realize that they don't own the future, anymore. Their response to that will be pretty important to the future of the event.

I think the corporate / bike industry aspect will get better. If you're really into the bike show thing, I think this will be good news. I think the grassroots aspect will continue to deteriorate. Let's face it . . . the "grassroots" aspect of DK has been slipping away for several years now. It couldn't last forever. And if they get too "slick" or the face of the event is too "for profit," the locals will likely lose enthusiasm. Kansans will make huge sacrifices to make a truly local event -- a COMMUNITY event -- into the greatest thing going. (Look what they've done, to this point, with DK!) But if big money comes to town, they'll wonder why they should continue to be what makes the event happen.

Another important 2018 DK fact . . . one of the key land owners/managers who kept the route available every year died in the last year. He was a huge supporter with a lot of influence with local ranchers and land owners. It's very possible that DK was/is going to have a harder time putting together the route through the open range. (Say goodbye, cowpens!) Jim got and kept the route because of his relationships and those of this supporter. I will be shocked if land access doesn't, at the very least, cost a lot more in the coming years. The DK may lose some of its traditional landmarks.

All that to say . . . I'm planning to go back. I'm not looking forward to 3,000 entrants -- unless they stage the start for the 200, that's just waaaaay too many people to cram onto a 1 1/2 lane dirt road at the start. DK already isn't the old DK. It will be exciting (I hope) seeing where the new owners take it from here!