FISCHER,JAMES (HP-Corvallis,ex1)
Ken,
Several years ago, the fee structure was perceived to be rather confusing
with some races charging more than others. For example, the bigger better
organized races often charged less than the smaller more out-of-the-way
events. Some races were more expensive due to a stiff $5/rider BLM fee.
Other events provided free t-shirts or food (or both) for the same price
other promoters charged to simply enter the event. In an effort to better
package the events, a decision was made to standardize on an entry fee
everyone could agree upon. Some bigger events which drew lots of people
didn't need the cash, so much was given back in the form of prizes and
services at the event. Smaller events need to charge more to break even
when faced with a minimum purse of $1000-$1500 cash payout, land use fees,
number plates and other stuff.
The late fee was increased to $10 when the bigger events were getting
400-500 people with over 1/3 of them registering on race day. An attempt
was made at a broad-based timing system using computers. Since data entry
was a major headache, we needed people to register early so we could get
them into the computers. The computer timing is not as simple as it sounds,
and I applaud the Doug Clevingers and the Dana Bandys of Oregon who have
made their systems work. Anyway, the higher late fee was used to pursuade
people to register early enough for us to get them into the system in a
timely fashion instead of doing it wildly on race day.
Things have changed over the past few years making race promoting more
economical (mainly due to OBRA's influence) like common number plates,
cheaper access to equipment, lower insurance surcharges etc. ATB Racer
participation has declined by 50% or so from three years ago and this makes
manual timing much easier. With advances in timing organization, manual
timing is very simple and there is little need for finish line timing
equipment. Final results in electronic format are still required, but this
can be done at home over a beer rather than at the finish line with people
standing over your shoulder. No quick data entry is required.
Many of the current promoters need to charge the higher fees to break even
given their costs and the reduced numbers at the events. I don't see the
costs going down unless there is an organized message sent by the racers
that they will no longer tolerate the fees. As Mike Murray has so
eloquently put it, "Vote with your wallet, and the promoters will listen."
I am not defending or attacking any of the promoters for charging what they
do. As a former promoter, I know what it takes to make the races worth
doing and I also know what services I like to provide and the associated
costs.
I hope this helps clear things up a bit.
Regards, Jim Fischer
Former OBRA ATB Rep and Mudslinger Promoter
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Lindhorst [mailto:mtbd-@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2001 11:17 AM
To: ob-@topica.com
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Racing fee's
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Hello all
I am a mt biker who raced the last two events in Bend and Bear springs. Let
me first say that both races were put together very well and a blast to
ride. The promoter (I forget his name) was very nice to deal with and just
did an overall great job. My only question is why is it so expensive to
race? I dropeed $45 in Bend, this did include my OBRA license and I dropped
$40 at Bear springs. I understand that there is a $10 late fee which seems
quite high to me. Its very difficult to plan to hit a race a few weeks in
advance, especially if one has a family. I don't know what I'm doing from
day to day let alone a week from now. If there can be some way to register
online would be great to stay away from late fees (maybe there is a system
and I just don't know about it) I would hate to spend $25 to race only to
find out something has come up and I have spent $25 for nothing.
Please don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I'm just trying to better
understand why the costs are so high. Maybe there is a system out there that
I'm not aware of that one can register just a few days or a day in advance.
Anyway, thanks for a great race series and a big thank you to Sobe and Cliff
bars for the items they supply. Can anyone supply me with contact info so I
can thank them myself? Now get out there and ride!!
Ken
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