I see several factors affecting the organized rides. The host organizers are getting older and tired. They are ready to pass the torch to the younger generation. The only problem is the youth are not willing to take the torch. Seems everyone interested wants to ride, not be an admin. If we look at past structure of rides, they were predominantly organized by charity organizations. Usually, the organizers were not typical cyclist. So what was the draw, I think those organizations saw value in targeting the cycling community. Am I saying we have lost our value as a community, maybe. When we are no longer targeted as a valued resource for funding for charity events it speaks to the point. I realize everyone is nickel and dimed to death, and with the increase of the cost of everything the expense incurred by the organizations has to be passed on in way of registration fees. As a result the riders feel they are being milked for more money and not receiving anything in return for the price increase. Is this a result of lack of transparency in the distribution of funds, or clarity or public knowledge of what is being supported. With the cost of bikes, clothes, and accessories all being so high are we tapped out on donation funds. Along with the mind set of rides being a fund raiser as the original origin of most group rides, alcohol and the party culture was not normally part of the organizing groups culture. It seems there is or has been a shift in culture of the biking community towards a more party culture with rides like the DSR that offer post ride parties with alcohol provided have become more popular. What is the draw, is it the after party, is it event timing for on course riders via chip, is it prestige due to the limited number of participants, marketing, date? Maybe all the above? where do we go from here as a cycling community, have we carved the tomb stone for all of the group rides with our cheapness and unwillingness to accept the rising cost of registration?
I think there is currently a big opportunity for a small startup as an event coordination/organizer to pick up several Organized Rides in the tristate area. Not sure what that business model would look like. Would you maintain the original charity recipients, how much do you retain for operating expense, how do you keep it fresh at each event? All questions that would need to be addressed, but I feel the opportunity could be there if someone wanted to venture it.
to finalize I have to admit that at some point I have been that person I was pointing out, I am guilty as well as many others, no claim of innocence here.
