NEMBA Bike Rally

[DonMyers]

Hi folks, I am submitting a proposal for a NEMBA event that could take place almost anywhere in NE. If you are interested in a race/rally kind of Cannonball Run kinda thing read the attached file and post your comments. Since I'm proposing it I think its kind of a fun thing to do. Let me know your thoughts. And, yes, I know we are not a race organization, but we might kick up a few more membbers this way. Face it, If two of us go out together we're going to 'race' at some point just for bragging rights. Enjoy. Don

[Dino Sore]

Don,

I would offer one modification. The "race" format may scare some people away (heck, even the race series can't draw people any more). How about making it a time-speed-distance rally? Follow the route at a specified average speed, something that an average rider can maintain. At the finish, give penalty points for going over or under the target time. Ideally, you could time each stage at the checkpoints, but that would complicate the event.

I guess this would require participants to have a cyclometer.

But, if not, I do like your idea and would give it a shot.

[DonMyers]

Thanks Dino, I used to drive in rally's under that format. It is a lot of fun, and I think we might be able to get it to work. We'd definitely need particip[ants to have a computer. Another fella also mentioned doing an oreinteering event by mtb. I think the ideas are out there, we just need to actually do one. I've had pretty decent response with this one. Why don't you do a proposal with your idea? See what kind of a response you get. I'm certainly not a racer unles they have a classification for over 60 and slow.
I had thought about developing a handicap system which would take effect after three races. We'd do it on a time differential % depending upon the distance of a race. Then we could have an open classification for non NEMBA members, and a closed handicap system for NEMBA members so we could race against eachother on an equitable basis. Thoughts?

[Mr_Cheeze]

Doesn't this entity already exist? I think they call them "funrides". Otherwise, I'm not sure I really get the point of the proposition.

[Husqvarna]

I thought the "Fun" in fun rides was riding a marked course and not having to constantly pull out the map to figure out where you are and where to go next.

[Mr_Cheeze]

I thought the "Fun" in fun rides was riding a marked course and not having to constantly pull out the map to figure out where you are and where to go next.

Ridden Wompy have you?

[Husqvarna]

Ridden Wompy have you?

Raced Wompy a couple of years back. I'm not a racer but thought i'd take advantage of the marked loop. Plus Paul was using the funds to donate a tool trailer to the NH Chapters.

My chapter, SeaCoast NH, is holding the Bear Brook Boogie Fun Ride on October 1. Trying to navigate with the map for Bear Brook is so whacked it would only help you get lost. So having a fun ride there is a real oppuntunity for those riders who haven't been there enough to find there way around. The Lost Trail has been known to host overnight visiters on occassion.

The funds generated from the event are used for trail improvements in the park.

[DonMyers]

Fun rides ARE fun, I've helped set up a number of them for CT-NEMBA over the years. My grandson & I were at Wompy last year for the fun ride. We had a great time.
This is less a map reading contest than an oportunity to
1) explore larger areas of rural terrain
2) attract new members
3) provide a low key competitive event for our members
4) Less set-up and take down time.
5) Money for trail maintenance and programs will come form increased membership

This summer I've been trying longer (30 - 40 miles), less technical rides due to a degenrative back condition. I still love to do the trail rides, but it is not always possible. I've found great pleasure in exploring old, dirt back roads (improved, unimproved, and abandoned) in Western NE and VT. I think we have the potential for a larger membership market if we can encourage some less agressive riders to enjoy what we have to offer. I think some of them are put off by the sweat, dirt and blood which occumulate after a really good trail ride. I know many of them are exhausted after 30 minutes on our NE single track, but can ride for a few hours on some of the dirt I've been exploring. Providing a little competition and prize money can add to the fun of event and broaden it's appeal.

Thanks for the comments, Keep them coming

[DonMyers]

Besides, You won't believe how fast you can go downhill on some of these old roads!!!! Definitely intot he 50's.

[elevatorbw]

One of the modifications I'd like to see would be a bracket for older than 30 women, if you think there are enough of us old futs around this place. How come the guys get to have a 45+ section and we don't, eh?

[DVRider]

This would be a fun format for a "race":
http://www.warriorssociety.org/events/toad_festival_general_info.html

[MTBR_Oz]

That does sound fun and also helps to even things out for all riders. I would love to see something like this happen.

[Mr_Cheeze]

This event is not for beginning or novice riders.

KInd of defeats the purpose of the original proposition, no?

[MTBR_Oz]

Guess it depends on whether you are looking for a race (were speed and skill are most important) or something that riders of different levels can participate in.

[DonMyers]

Sounds good to me. How many old futs do you think you could russel up.

[DonMyers]

Mike, How many good riders do you know who are not NEMBA members? NEMBA members are pretty thin on the graound here in CT. I'd like to give them a selfish reason to join. Don