Low Turnout at XC races?

[Big Game]

An observation about Jack Rabbit Run:

Two years ago, the men's 30-39 expert division closed out because there were too many riders (I think 40 or 50 was the limit). This past Sunday, there were 17 of us. Two years ago the field was packed with racers warming up. This year, it looked like a group ride.

I have my own theories, but I was wondering if anyone had any special insight into this trend (if indeed there is a trend)?

The race orgnaizers did cut out that muddy section of the course. I was glad they did. Gungy's bike (yes, he was outrageously generous enough to let me borrow it) stayed clean and the endangered salamander the townsfolk of Norwalk were concerned about was not harmed one bit.

See you at Bradbury. And Gungy, thanks again, your bike rocks. And dude...uh you're not using your Hei Hei June 1st, are you? (Because I'd really like to ask her out)

Your pal,

Big Game

[sizlinseagulsoup]

Here's the reason - JRR sucks.

They INSULT racers by making them pay 35 bucks for a pathetic hour long expert race. Pro's were boycotting the race this year for this reason, and it worked, having them lower the price to 30 dollars. However, it does not change the fact it's a shitty race. That race is about as close to mountain biking as driving a car is to motocycling.

Personally, I cannot stand anything NORBA anymore, insane fees for short and pathetic races. Look at EFTA, they are booming in what seems to be a mountain bike racing recession. Wahoo selling out weeks before the race and VT50 filling up in 8 hours. NORBA should take a hint, cheaper license fees, longer races on REAL TRAILS, cheaper race fees, and more free tshirts.

[Dino Sore]

I enjoy the CT NORBA series, but I agree with Kevin; the cost is a bit steep, especially if you've got two or three people in your family racing. They need to realize that for most riders, the alternative to their race is a 2-3 hour Sunday ride, which is FREE.

It does seem that the numbers are a bit lower this year, compared to 2002.

Been wanting to try an EFTA race, but most are too far away for me. I've been at the VT 50 the last couple of years (helping out the high school kids in their separate race) and it is a terrific event.

[snembalen]

Dino,
Keep July 27 available on you're schedule, EFTA will have a championship race, Efks Run, at Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown, CT.

There are a couple races in Mass, The Big Bang in Freetown and Landmine in Hingham that are worth looking into as well.

[sizlinseagulsoup]

July 27th is one of the few CT race courses that I actually love (Lime Rock, which in my opinion is a great race).

Some of the other ct races that I actually think are worth the money include...
*Wrath of Sun Valley (if they ever hold it again)
*Meadow Muffin Madness
*Dooley's Run
*Winsted Woods (it isn't one of my personal favorites, but enough people love this race that I think it is worthy to mention. In all honestly, I think I am just a little bit bitter about this course after a crash sent me to the ER for 3-4 hours :-P )

Another smartcycles race worth checking out...
*Eastern Cup (Not very hilly, but an awesome course)
*Anything at Killington (if they ever hold the Thunder+Lightning again, hands down my favorite mountain bike race course ever)

[fasterthankevin]

Hey kevin there were EFTA races on april13th and 27th!
But i see by the results that you were too busy being pack junk in the NORBA races. Instead of complaining about the series,why not volunteer to help make it better?

[sizlinseagulsoup]

Actually, I have offered to help out. Some NCC members are working at getting cheap mountain bike races back in the Pioneer Valley and I've let them know I'm willing to help.

[mtb2k3]

Good call Fasterthankevin!

Anyone else notice Kevin's icon/pictire is that of a screaming pussy?

He is the moderator?

Man....you can take whatever is posted in this group and chalk it up to wasted cyberspace!

Typical whiner...cries his eyes out, flames other races, yet offers no solutions and can't take the heat when someone offers a little resistance!

When questioning the cost of races in CT, has anyone ever considered that EVERYTHING in CT is more expensive than RI NH ME MA and VT??? Especially down where Jack Rabbit is held...Mr. Moderator might consider that!

I like what someone posted on the yahoo group...if you can't afford the races..don't race or....get a higher paying job!

I've volunteered at Jack Rabbit for about 8 years now, and knowing first hand what they go thru to make that race happen and the $$$ that they make...riders who like to race should be sending them early christmas cards every year!

Food for thought!

TC

[mtb2k3]

Further proof the moderator is a screaming little kitty....he toned down his own post....nice work!

[Z]

I'd like to stay above this fray... but I can't help but add that EFTA rocks.

I was a member of NORBA for a couple years when I started racing in the early 90's, but I got tired of the "hamster wheel" experience, going round and round the same course. And I didn't really like the idea of sending my money to Colorado.

Then I discovered EFTA - epic, point to point races, usually on great singletrack, with a nice low-key atmosphere. With some of those courses, just finishing the race was an acomplishment. It's like they invented the epic race years before 24 hour races became popular.

Plus they keep the money in New England.

I can't comment on how NORBA is today, but I always loved Second Start, Hillsboro, etc. And the VT50 miler kicked butt when I did it several years ago.

[sizlinseagulsoup]

Further proof the moderator is a screaming little kitty....he toned down his own post....nice work!


Alex Stanek,
Don't you have something better to do then harass a 18 year old guy over the internet calling him a "screaming pussy?" How old are you again?

[mtb2k3]

Harrassing? Nah....I'm just in a tit-for-tat kinda mood...Someone told me about your little tantrum about Jack Rabbit and so I thought I'd press a few buttons...but its all good now...18 explains a lot! Altho I might suggest a dose of respect and objectivity.

Sadly, I cannot take credit for coining the "screaming pussy" handle...that was another one of our group guys...my whit is not as sharp as it once was, my advanced age is taking its toll.

BTW- I've never said boo about EFTA ...I think EFTA is great...we'd jump in that basket any day...but it seems to me our events wouldn't be up to snuff! :'(

Alex

[gungywump]

Speaking of EFTA. I had a Big Game sighting at the EFTA event at Bradbury Mountain in Pownal Maine this weekend. A fine event that is well run. Another note about EFTA events. They run a TRIALS event around the parking area. This is great because while you are waiting for those who are racing you can keep entertained by watching some highly skilled riders do their thing.

Also, while I was waiting at the edge of the trail for those I knew to come around most of the riders who went buy said "Hi" or "How are Ya". I have Never had that happen at a NORBA event. And these were the experts!


Here's the Big Game in action:

[sizlinseagulsoup]

Harrassing? Nah....I'm just in a tit-for-tat kinda mood...Someone told me about your little tantrum about Jack Rabbit and so I thought I'd press a few buttons...but its all good now...18 explains a lot! Altho I might suggest a dose of respect and objectivity.

Sadly, I cannot take credit for coining the "screaming pussy" handle...that was another one of our group guys...my whit is not as sharp as it once was, my advanced age is taking its toll.

BTW- I've never said boo about EFTA ...I think EFTA is great...we'd jump in that basket any day...but it seems to me our events wouldn't be up to snuff! :'(

Alex




Respect what? Someone that can't come up with his own insults or someone that hides under the alias "TC?"

You're one to talk about "respect." At least I attempt to respect the opinions of others, however the second someone criticizes your races, you loose control. Go find something better to do, like make your juvenile insults on the ridemonkey forums, where the people don't just insult your races, they insult you. Your intellect isn't impressing anyone here.

[mtbnick]

i seems to me that xc is just losing popularity to freeriding and DH

[mtb2k3]

someone that hides under the alias "TC?"

You're one to talk about "respect." At least I attempt to respect the opinions of others, however the second someone criticizes your races, you loose control. Go find something better to do, like make your juvenile insults on the ridemonkey forums, where the people don't just insult your races, they insult you. Your intellect isn't impressing anyone here.

*YAWN* - Over and Out!

[EricM3]

That's because the Jack rabbit run is a sh**ty race. First ime i did it in 1991 it was a joke and the last time I did it in 1995 - with over 1300 people registered! it sucked just the same. plus the fact that watching an XC race is about as exciting as watching paint dry.

Cyclocross is where the action is at.