General Cycling Discussion - Ever crashed an organized ride?

Just wondering...and of course I wouldn't condone this...but whenever I do one of those organized or charity rides, it seems like it would be so easy just to park near the start/finish line and take off, making use of the rest stops, etc., without bothering to register or pay. Some of the rides issue rider numbers, others don't, and they never really check who's who once you're out on the road. Since a lot of these are for charity it seems kind of low to do this, but I was wondering, have any of you ever crashed an organized ride?

While I'm on this subject, I'll put in a plug for my new favorite charity ride, "Ride To The Rescue", which benefits the James City-Bruton Volunteer Fire Department in Toano, Virginia. It goes through some beautiful countryside in central Virginia (Toano is midway between Williamsburg and Richmond just off I-64) and includes some pretty challenging terrain (for this area, at least). http://www.rideva.com/rescueride/

From your title, I thought you meant, "Have you ever been the one to cause a major pile-up in a charity ride?" I was picturing that State Farm commercail where they show the guy at the front of a 40-car crash, and he is so worried about if his insurabce will cover it.

It could be done easily enough, but I think I'd have a hard time "facing the man in the mirror."

It's called pirating a ride. It happens.

It is unethical.

People who do it suck.

I've crashed organized rides before.

The only 'service' I used was the planned route and police presence. The guys I rode with and I never used the rest stops or any other 'freebie' given to registered riders.

I haven't done it in years, though, and probably never will again.

Haven't done it yet, but going to this summer, assuming my friends want me to join them on this specific ride. I didn't care for the aid stations last year or how the event was run in general. I'll bring my own supplies and ride with my buddies. I'd rather not do the ride, but it's good to hang with friends.

It is done on multi-day tours as well as charity rides. It's easy enough for someone to do and get way with. Volunteers at rest stops don't check for numbers. Since rides are not done on closed roads, anyone could ride along.

However, it's pretty mean spirited not to pony up the $25 for the charity. After all, someone spent time to plan the route, post the signs, recruit the volunteers, buy the refreshments, pay the cops, coordinate the sag wagons, etc. Pretty good deal for $25. You even get a Tee-shirt.

What do you ride? I'll keep a look out for ya on the Capital-to-Capital (http://www.raba.org/index.htm) on May 14th and (maybe?) the Ride to Provide (http://www.fanfreeclinic.org/ride/index.html) on June 4-5... Hopefully as a paid participant ;)

I haven't done it, but I know a few that have, or just showed up for the show. The Houston Moonlight Ramble is pretty cool little ride. Even though the organizers don't recognize the "pirating", everyone else does. In fact when the newspapers have an article about it, there are the "Ramblers" (those who paid), and the "Rebels" (those that don't).

Never crashed a ride. There has been one ride in particular where I felt like asking for my money back (which seems to be the same ride LO is talking about!). If I ever rode that ride again, I don't think I'd be too enthused about paying for it or using their provided facilities - they can keep 'em, for what they're worth!.

Otherwise, I think it's bad form not to pay. I don't care what the organizers think, but it's a bit of an insult to your fellow cyclists. Those who don't pay and use the rest stops etc are just making it more expensive for those who have paid.

As a ride organizer I can say that just setting up the ride, marking the route, printing the map/tick sheet, and getting volunteers lined up is a lot of work.
Whether you take part in the services or not (most pirates do) you are stealing from the organization that set up the ride and disrespecting the paid cyclists and volunteers.

If you are low enough to steal from charities then they probably don't want your money anyway. We'll see who's around to help the day you need it.
Make your parents proud, aim low.

Enjoy

Dr. Moto

Are you going to ride the Richmond to Williamsburg MS150 June 4th & 5th?

Joe

Ever crashed an organized ride?

Yes. Just last Saturday.
I asked the organizer if I could join them, but I didn't partake of the pasta feast afterwards. We all had a great time.