Worst Day success brings pains and gains
Posted by Jonathan Maus (Editor) on February 17th, 2006 at 3:29 pm
I just heard from bike community mastermind and uber event promoter Ayleen Crotty that the final tally for Sunday’s Worst Day of the Year Ride was a whopping 1,525 people. That’s an amazing turnout and over twice the amount of riders they had last year.
The big turnout was a cause for celebration from organizers and sponsors…but it made for a challenging day for some participants. Over in the forums, I noticed this account from a disgruntled rider. You can also read Ayleen’s gracious response.
I think it’s important for us to realize that the people behind many of these great events are not making tons of money and they’re doing a lot of work so we can have fun on our bikes. Thanks again to all the sponsors and organizers for such a great event!
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February 17th, 2006 16:55
Thanks for talking a little more about WDYR, Jonathan. I think it's important to note that the overwhelming majority of people had a great time on this ride. Personally, I think it's the most diverse ride of it's size in all of the Portland area. There were tons of people who don't usually pay to go on rides in attendance, particularly the early 30's bikers. I saw families, teens, spandex warriors, scrappy riders and ocassional riders. Our menchanics reported a TON of creaky bikes that hadn't been ridden since last summer - a sign that WDYR and the CCC got them on their bikes for a fun day! Obviously the ride keeps growing because we've got a fun event - and we'll just keep making it better!
February 18th, 2006 15:26
Ayleen,
Your reply to the disgruntled participant was an impressive example of diplomacy! Whereas most of us would've become defensive and pissy, you took her comments seriously and reinforced the legitimacy of her complaints (while gently pointing out the limitations of WDYR staff/resources). We should all be so level-headed.
Ever consider a job at Specialized? Or in politics? :)
Cheers,
JV
February 20th, 2006 17:00
I wrote a little piece on the WDYR in the community voices section and found that given the double-than-expected turnout, Ayleen did a cecent job. Yes the route was confusing, but anyone who wants to complain can talk to me after reading about my 48 mile trip with my cargo trailer and billboard.
February 20th, 2006 23:44
I saw the note there that it is good to realize that many of the people behind these events do not make money, etc...
1,525 people at $25 dollars a head........
Sounds like sone group pocketed a chunk of change.
Not to be negative, but I was fully planning to go on the Worst Day of the Year Ride, until I learned it was 25 dollars a head....
What ever happened to riding for fun, and for free, because we like it?
I commend the Organizers of such events, they do a great job, and people have fun.
But, most people in this town don't just commute to work on the bike.
They ride because they have to.
They ride because they need to.
I bet if it was $5 dollars, or donation, 2,500 people would have shown up.
And 1,525 of them would have galdly still donated the 25 dollars.
And the others would have donated extra, if possible.
I just see a huge seperation in cycling events in this town.
Let's bring it together.....
And make the fun reasonable for all...