Ok cool, I asked what your idea of grass roots was so I could better answer you question.
And this is for pretty much everyone.
Grass roots racing doesn't necessarily mean 'cheaper' racing . . . . . .grass roots, for us, means that it's
not part of some big organisation or movement, there's no corporate or government sponsor or funding involved, if there were it's possible that we could offer subsidised entry to attract new riders, which would be ideal!
The park is run by riders to create a great riding venue (out of a steep muddy hill) that funds itself, not some non rider looking to make a few quid or a business interested solely in profit. We love riding and want to build a cool place for all to enjoy, when it's done it'll be a great asset for the UK MTB scene. Since there's no one round here with a spare £100,000 kickin' about, we've got to work for it.
Racing is not really a winner as far as making cash goes, if you noted down all intailed as a business proposal (and don't forget all those volunteers/marshall's etc), you'd get laughed out of The Dragon's Den!
We do it for the park, the good of the sport and simply cos it's good fun!! (This is the 'good business' side of it which we try to bear in mind when we're lugging stuff about ankle deep in mud sometimes)
I've no idea of the costs incurred for organisers at other venues, but for us this is what it costs to ensure the event is a success. But if they run a good event then you can be sure they've worked for it, so support them all the way!
For those who've not been to a race (or one of ours) you get,
A taped race course (obviously
)
A race plate.
Marshalls (volunteers yes, but they get fed and a free race entry for whoever)
Timing!!
Prizes.
Race insurance.
Uplift (for practice and timed runs using bike specific trailers)
Paramedics to stick you back together.
Loos.
Parking.
And a load of people running around making sure you have a good day out!
What makes everything possible at the park is the Uplift service, we don't operate 15ton military lorries just to make us feel butch! these are the only things (within financial limitations) that can cope with the uplift track (which btw we have to rent per event and resurface at times £££) without falling apart after a few trips. The skilled work that goes into these trucks is unbelievable!
On the road Paul tells me fuel economy runs at a heady 6mpg, up a 30 degree incline loaded with trailer 40 riders and bikes, probably it's a little less
When you fill up your car next try and remember how much fuel was per litre a year ago.
They'll be tons of new stuff at the park to do by the summer, all paid for by it's riders, worth the 22% for sure!
As SJ said the extra will mean different things to different people it depends on your situation I guess...
But that's what it takes to make it happen at this venue and that's why racing has gone up to £30
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