So are the days of our lives...
10-01-14, 11:20 AM
#1851
ride lots be safe
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speaking of moving or places to live, i'm concerned we're going to be moving to DFW in the next year. wife is there now. everything is approx. 30% cheaper there than here, but I suspect there's a reason ... and I'm not changing my screen name to TXcatV no matter ****ing what.
If you can swing it, West side / SW side of Fort Worth is the place to be for a bike rider.
10-01-14, 11:27 AM
#1853
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Officially declared the end of the Bethel Spring Series.
2014 ? End of an Era, Call for Help*|*Bethel Spring Series
Negotiating with New Britain on two weeks, the absolute max number of weeks they'll give me. I didn't put that in the post above because it's ongoing (a few emails today alone).
Looking to do 2-4 more races at 1 or 2 more venues, but I don't have venues at this point. I'll spend tomorrow morning calling other venue controllers/whatever-they're-called while Junior is at daycare.
The Series, without sponsorship, fell at least $6k short of covering its own costs. Ultimately if there is no Series at all next year it might not be a bad thing. However if I can cover the payments on the trailer etc, if I can leverage a new sponsorship deal that's on the table (includes some cash but mainly guaranteed volunteers which would reduce payroll significantly from $11k), then I can actually clear something in 2015. That's my goal, to clear a few hundred dollars a week. Every $400 is a month of payments on the Expedition and the trailer.
2014 ? End of an Era, Call for Help*|*Bethel Spring Series
Negotiating with New Britain on two weeks, the absolute max number of weeks they'll give me. I didn't put that in the post above because it's ongoing (a few emails today alone).
Looking to do 2-4 more races at 1 or 2 more venues, but I don't have venues at this point. I'll spend tomorrow morning calling other venue controllers/whatever-they're-called while Junior is at daycare.
The Series, without sponsorship, fell at least $6k short of covering its own costs. Ultimately if there is no Series at all next year it might not be a bad thing. However if I can cover the payments on the trailer etc, if I can leverage a new sponsorship deal that's on the table (includes some cash but mainly guaranteed volunteers which would reduce payroll significantly from $11k), then I can actually clear something in 2015. That's my goal, to clear a few hundred dollars a week. Every $400 is a month of payments on the Expedition and the trailer.
10-01-14, 11:37 AM
#1856
out walking the earth
Thread Starter
I'd wager dollars to donuts that it's in CDR's best interest to make it as convenient to the NYC crowd as possible. Given the general state of park racing and the specific state of the NY Spring Series.
10-01-14, 11:53 AM
#1858
Senior Member
Yeah, I'd love it if the successor to the Bethel Spring Series is closer to me, but let's be honest, NYC needs a spring training series more than Boston does.
I do wonder if Wells Ave is facing long-term challenges with traffic as well, but the situation seems reasonably stable for the time being.
I do wonder if Wells Ave is facing long-term challenges with traffic as well, but the situation seems reasonably stable for the time being.
10-01-14, 12:08 PM
#1860
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is that TTT the race that edr was castrated at a few years ago?
10-01-14, 12:51 PM
#1861
ride lots be safe
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10-01-14, 12:52 PM
#1862
Senior Member
Thanks for all the supportive comments etc.
I hear you. Ironically a NY promoter, not AVD, contacted me in sympathy and said that he's been looking for a venue in NYC area for years and simply can't find one.
I haven't done Wells Ave since college but the stories I see make it seem like it's pretty busy there also.
My worry is safety with cars nearby. At Bethel there were cars next to the field pretty consistently and some got mixed up in the race sprints. That's not good.
I think more Hartford (not even Boston). I had virtually zero teammates at Bethel because they did the Plainville Series. Less NYC for sure. No more NJ, a few more Boston.
Main reason for moving it closer to Hartford is I live north beyond Hartford. For Bethel I struggle each week to get home safely (meaning not falling asleep at the wheel) and that's when I stay at my dad's the night before and leaving the trailer at the venue. If I add 2-2.5 hours of driving in the AM then it's just not doable (trailer max speed is 65 mph and I typically do 45-50 up the hills, so it's slower than driving solo). I'm usually at home by 9 PM or so.
Yeah, I'd love it if the successor to the Bethel Spring Series is closer to me, but let's be honest, NYC needs a spring training series more than Boston does.
I do wonder if Wells Ave is facing long-term challenges with traffic as well, but the situation seems reasonably stable for the time being.
I do wonder if Wells Ave is facing long-term challenges with traffic as well, but the situation seems reasonably stable for the time being.
My worry is safety with cars nearby. At Bethel there were cars next to the field pretty consistently and some got mixed up in the race sprints. That's not good.
Main reason for moving it closer to Hartford is I live north beyond Hartford. For Bethel I struggle each week to get home safely (meaning not falling asleep at the wheel) and that's when I stay at my dad's the night before and leaving the trailer at the venue. If I add 2-2.5 hours of driving in the AM then it's just not doable (trailer max speed is 65 mph and I typically do 45-50 up the hills, so it's slower than driving solo). I'm usually at home by 9 PM or so.
__________________
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
10-01-14, 12:59 PM
#1863
Making a kilometer blurry
Yes. >.<
The course was vastly different last year (much of it shared with the new ToNB road race course). I like the new course, but it feels like we're going the wrong way on River Road. I'll always miss flying over that rough-ass chipseal after the "VBH" heading for the tracks. Still, the new course really is cool too.
The course was vastly different last year (much of it shared with the new ToNB road race course). I like the new course, but it feels like we're going the wrong way on River Road. I'll always miss flying over that rough-ass chipseal after the "VBH" heading for the tracks. Still, the new course really is cool too.
10-01-14, 05:07 PM
#1864
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Yes. >.<
The course was vastly different last year (much of it shared with the new ToNB road race course). I like the new course, but it feels like we're going the wrong way on River Road. I'll always miss flying over that rough-ass chipseal after the "VBH" heading for the tracks. Still, the new course really is cool too.
The course was vastly different last year (much of it shared with the new ToNB road race course). I like the new course, but it feels like we're going the wrong way on River Road. I'll always miss flying over that rough-ass chipseal after the "VBH" heading for the tracks. Still, the new course really is cool too.
10-01-14, 06:42 PM
#1866
Senior Member
I'm a bit surprised by the response to my plea for help. Hopefully this triggers something and makes the Spring Series possible as well as other one day events.
__________________
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
10-01-14, 08:10 PM
#1867
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I know you'll be getting a lot of support from the NYC crowd, they posted a link on the CRCA Facebook page to your site. I hope it works out for everyone.
10-02-14, 05:27 AM
#1868
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I'm taking a trip with some teammates to the mountains this weekend, and I just checked the weather report. 80 percent chance of rain all day tomorrow and a high of 53 on Saturday. Looks like I'm going to have to dig out my arm/knee warmers, base layers, vest...
10-02-14, 06:29 AM
#1869
Senior Member
Problem with NY is taxes for payroll, all my part time employees are CT so they'd have to file NY returns because of me. Can't legally do contractors. Oh, unless less than x-amount. Hm I have to ask the CPA Missus. I think because they do what I say they need to be employees.
At any rate I think I have to file a NY return for any revenue.
__________________
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
10-02-14, 06:36 AM
#1870
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Hopefully you have someone you know (and maybe even sleep next to) who might cut you a deal on filing that extra return for you if it comes to pass.
__________________
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),
10-02-14, 06:49 AM
#1871
out walking the earth
Thread Starter
One sort of promising NY lead. The rest are all CT.
Problem with NY is taxes for payroll, all my part time employees are CT so they'd have to file NY returns because of me. Can't legally do contractors. Oh, unless less than x-amount. Hm I have to ask the CPA Missus. I think because they do what I say they need to be employees.
At any rate I think I have to file a NY return for any revenue.
Problem with NY is taxes for payroll, all my part time employees are CT so they'd have to file NY returns because of me. Can't legally do contractors. Oh, unless less than x-amount. Hm I have to ask the CPA Missus. I think because they do what I say they need to be employees.
At any rate I think I have to file a NY return for any revenue.
what am I missing? why are you paying employees. Every other promoter appears to manage with volunteers and club partnerships in exchange for fulfilling USAC requirements.
10-02-14, 07:24 AM
#1872
Senior Member
New Britain seems receptive to two weeks there. So there's that.
__________________
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
10-02-14, 07:45 AM
#1873
Senior Member
Pretty much every year, regardless of what the racers see, I get chewed out in post-race reviews for not holding a well run race. Paid employees handled many of those concerns.
I pay the employees half of what a volunteer (meaning free entry racer) would get.
Also in certain spots I wanted consistent, self-managing folks. Pre-reg, Turn One at Bethel, bottom of the hill at Bethel, etc. I wanted someone who wouldn't yell F You to a super rude driver etc which has happened with well intentioned volunteers.
As the years progressed the race required more. We didn't have a finish line camera for forever, but we got one because it helped make the race a better experience. A camera requires a dedicated person to run it, at least for the important bits, so it can't be a registration person, for example.
I decided to trade money to relieve stress. Over the years that's been okay. Now the costs have spiraled higher than I expected, like this year I was really under the *** to have two police instead of one, lots of marshals, etc.
The Missus is also a CPA and her reputation rides on her work. It's sort of like a pro racer being married to an anti-doping official - everything has to be audit-okay. Technically if I kept the Series under, say, 4 weeks, then I can stay under the pay cusp (and make them contractors). However, by definition of their relationship to me and the race, they're employees. They don't work with their own tools/equipment under their own rules. They do what I say, I provide them with things like radios, etc.
The officials are contractors, by definition.
On the other hand I want to reduce the number of employees. A quarter of my expenses are employees. Realistically I'll have 4, maybe 5, cutting costs by 40-50% (some costs are fixed, like workman's comp, so I can't reduce that significantly).
__________________
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson
10-02-14, 08:24 AM
#1874
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Can you possibly set up a franchise type deal where you have a main hub like New Britian but then have satellite races at SUNY, Hartford, Rockleigh, etc? SUNY and Rockleigh would be far for you to travel but if you hired people to help you run races that these outposts, the total number of riders could increase as certain locations will be local to a large percentage of riders. At these races you won't get the NY and MA crowd to mix like at Bethel, but it could be more regional type racing under your CDR umbrella.
10-02-14, 09:53 AM
#1875
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We had "volunteers" working corners at motorcycle races but they were a trained, core group that had two way radio contact with the race director. They'd get travel money and lunch, which sounds like what CDR's doing.
Not a huge outlay for a huge step up in quality. Certainly as much of a value added as a blue shirt.