View Poll Results: Do you attend paid cycling events?
Yes, I like attending cycling events
21
65.63%
No, I don’t see the point
9
28.13%
I only take part in free events
2
6.25%
Voters: 32. You may not vote on this poll
Paid cycling events…worth it?
#26
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I regularly sign up for paid events. But I am picky about which ones though. If the cost is obscenely expensive and filled with testosterone bros (hello RBC Whistler Gran Fondo!) I avoid it like the plague. But if the event is put on a by an amateur club, and will introduce me some routes I have never done or seen before, I will gladly plunk down my hard earned cash.
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depends.
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#28
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I just signed up for this one and am very excited about it. https://www.cyclesequatchie.com/ My brother is coming from Ohio and my BIL who lives in the area will join me. It's taking place right where I bought my retirement land, so it'll make a good scouting trip.
#29
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I do charity rides if I like the route and the charity. For that reason, I expect my fee to far exceed the perceived value of the drinks/snacks/support provided along the way... and I hope that those products were donated or at least heavily discounted for the same reason.
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#30
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Attempting a century was something I've wanted to do for over 40 years. Had there been a paid event available to me back in the day, I probably would have done it long ago. But now that I have that out of my system, I will probably stick to my regular Saturday morning rides where I go where I want when I want. But if there was something that supported a charity that looked fun, I would possibly do it even if it was a ride I would feel good about doing unsupported.
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#31
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I rode my first organized ride yesterday. It filled that bill well. I had a cut tire 75 miles into a century and was able to make it 10 more miles to the next rest stop. From there I had to ride the sag van back the last 15 miles. Were I on my own 15 miles from home, my wife could have easily came and got me. But all the well stocked rest stops and peace of mind knowing that I could call for sag, mechanical, or medical help was worth the entry fee. If I was younger, I would likely sign up for something like this again.
Attempting a century was something I've wanted to do for over 40 years. Had there been a paid event available to me back in the day, I probably would have done it long ago. But now that I have that out of my system, I will probably stick to my regular Saturday morning rides where I go where I want when I want. But if there was something that supported a charity that looked fun, I would possibly do it even if it was a ride I would feel good about doing unsupported.
Attempting a century was something I've wanted to do for over 40 years. Had there been a paid event available to me back in the day, I probably would have done it long ago. But now that I have that out of my system, I will probably stick to my regular Saturday morning rides where I go where I want when I want. But if there was something that supported a charity that looked fun, I would possibly do it even if it was a ride I would feel good about doing unsupported.
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#32
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I don't mind paying for an event. We ride at least 12 a year.
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Gladly pay for a brevet or race but no eroticas or grand fondues for me.
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I only do a couple of organized rides and usually just one a year at most. One I've never rode on the actual event day, I just download all the info and ride it a week later on my own and the road markings they put down last for about 8-9 months! I would never "bandit" a ride but doing it on my own on a different day is ok.
#36
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#37
Member
I will gladly pay for a charity event. They are typically well sponsored and most have 100% of money earned going to an organization. As a new cyclist I will absolutely push myself harder knowing there are others on the route and it's supported. Gives me a safer opportunity to push my limits.
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Anyway I take part in about half a dozen timed Sportive events every year. Major events like the Etape du Tour and smaller local regional events. They are worth it to me. I see them as a bit of a challenge and something to train for.
Yesterday I did the Tour of Cambridgeshire Sportive 100, which is a major national cycling event in the UK. Thousands of riders, fully closed roads and a big weekend festival. Definitely well worth it if you like that kind of thing.
#39
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Fascinating to read what you all think about events. There’s definitely a split between those who like events and those that would prefer just to get out their on their own.
I guess, based on the responses, that it’s very much geared (see what I did there!) towards traditional type events with marshals etc.
So with that said, I had an idea of a different type of event that wouldn’t be reliant on marshals, closed roads or drink stations but instead could be enjoyed by all. I’m going to create a new post and would love to hear whether you think it has any legs or not and whether it would be something you’d participate in.
I guess, based on the responses, that it’s very much geared (see what I did there!) towards traditional type events with marshals etc.
So with that said, I had an idea of a different type of event that wouldn’t be reliant on marshals, closed roads or drink stations but instead could be enjoyed by all. I’m going to create a new post and would love to hear whether you think it has any legs or not and whether it would be something you’d participate in.