NoWhammies

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.

Troul 

depends.

Paul Barnard

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.

urbanknight

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.

Chuck M 

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.

Bald Paul

Check this site now and then, you may find something that will peak your interest! Events - Oklahoma Bicycle Society (okcbike.org)

Machka 

I don't mind paying for an event. We ride at least 12 a year.

No Mojo

Not a fan of paid cycling events unless it’s a race.

GhostRider62

Gladly pay for a brevet or race but no eroticas or grand fondues for me.

SpeedyBlueBiker

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.

rsbob 

Ah, the infamous underwear ride! Good for you.

fords4life

You're going to have to tell us more about these erotica rides.....

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.

PeteHski

The very fact that paid cycling events exist tells you that some people think they are worth it. Those people who don't bother with paid events will tell you that they are not worth it.

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.

BikerDev

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.