"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Big Time Sports Business Comes to Cycling in USA

I think this is new at the Tour of Georgia for this year. For a mere $25,000 you can do the following. Do you think it is a good thing? Would you do it if you had the money?

YELLOW JERSEY

Limited to 1 member at $25,000

BEHIND THE SCENES EXPERIENCE

* Watch the race finish and awards from special VIP section located next to the awards stage located on the finish line
* Six (6) tickets to the opening gala in Savannah, GA -including accommodations for two (2) nights stay at The Mulberry Inn on April 19th and 20th, 2008
* Six (6) tickets to the overall finish in Downtown Atlanta -including accommodations for two (2) nights stay at TWELVE Centennial on April 26th and 27th, 2008
* Six (6) tickets for the Atlanta VIP reception following Stage 7 in Atlanta, GA on April 27, 2008
* Six (6) tickets for VIP hospitality for any 2 stages
* Six (6) tickets to the official team dinner


Caravan Rides
One (1) space to experience the chance of a lifetime and ride in one of the VIP vehicles for one lap of the overall finish circuit race in downtown Atlanta, GA

Train with the Pro’s
Two (2) month’s of professional coaching from Kevin Livingston through his own training system and company, “Pedal Hard .” Package valued at $625.00

Official Tour de Georgia gift bag
Commemorative Tour de Georgia Jersey, Polo, Hat, Commemorative Poster, Water Bottle and Official Spectator Guide

* Helicopter Ride, for one, on Stage 6 – Blairsville to Brasstown Bald
* Autographed Yellow Jersey of Overall Tour de Georgia winner.
* Autographed jersey from each overall Stage Jersey Winner
* of the 2008 Tour de Georgia’s five (5) winners - Leaders, King of the Mountain, Sprint, Best Young Rider & Most Aggressive 
* One (1) Litespeed Limited Edition Tour de Georgia Bike

no

I'd do it for $24,999.00. I would want to save a buck to buy a diet pepsi.

If I had multiple millions of dollars, sure I would--mostly because I'd be financially supporting something I love while at the same time getting an up-close-and-personal view of the event. I'd try to negotiate being able to ride the stages before the races in a supported manner as part of the package.

--Steve

You can fly in a russian fighter jet for that kind of money. I would take the MiG.

The ToC had some high priced deals like this.

What no socks? ...... NO

Its worth it just for the gift bag.

Actually the heli ride would be really cool, but not $25k cool.

For 25k, I'd want to be able to ride every stage and they let me win. And I keep the bike at the end, plus polo shirt and hat.

I would rather spend my money like Elliot Spitzer.

If I had multiple millions of dollars, sure I would--mostly because I'd be financially supporting something I love while at the same time getting an up-close-and-personal view of the event. I'd try to negotiate being able to ride the stages before the races in a supported manner as part of the package.

--Steve

I tend to agree. Sometimes things like this can be very sweet, sometimes they suck, so if I was in hte market I would check out how pay to play VIPs were treated in the past.

For me many things come before cycling so I'd pass, and if I was going to go this route I'd more likely support the Tour of California. But for a good ole boy from the south who is into ccling and has done well in life (eg has money) it does sound sweet.

For the Tour of Gerogia, a definite no. For the TdF, yes.

I would rather spend my money like Elliot Spitzer.

Good thinking. Maybe some special treatment on the Heli ride would make it worth the 25k. :D

Take away the Litespeed and the package would be about 8 bucks.

There are some wealthy cycling fanatics out there who would have the means and desire.
I think it's a good way to add value to those who travel in that circle. Not too many of us qualify.

IMO, the heli ride would be a snore-fest, but it would make it easier to get down off of BTB.

Couldn't you take the $25K and become a minor investor in one of the smaller teams? You'd get all the same access. Heck, probably more. They might rope you into driving one of the cars or changing wheels.

If someone offered to pay this for *me* to go, I'd turn them down. I just couldn't deal with all that waste.

Interesting responses. Upon reflection, I think if I had the 25K I would pay teachers' salaries (yes more than one) in a 3rd world country. Much better return on the $.

Interesting responses. Upon reflection, I think if I had the 25K I would pay teachers' salaries (yes more than one) in a 3rd world country. Much better return on the $.

Classy answer! If you were running for president, I'd vote for you.

Az

Interesting responses. Upon reflection, I think if I had the 25K I would pay teachers' salaries (yes more than one) in a 3rd world country. Much better return on the $.

Sweet Mother of Merckx shut the F up and ride your friggin bike you holier than thou WEENIE.

http://dcsbible.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/flanders.png?w=134&h=167

Classy answer! If you were running for president, I'd vote for you.

Az

I'm running for Supreme Overlord. I promise to spend all the money on Zipps and Powertaps. And what the hell, an SRM or two. Maybe matching R3-SL/P3/SLC-SL's. And what the $25k doesn't cover, I'll just embezzle.

But I promise kickbacks to my loyal supporters.

Sweet Mother of Merckx shut the F up and ride your friggin bike you holier than thou WEENIE.
Well not really, I could have employed at least one teacher in Mexico for what I paid for the Merlin. But no, just had to have the Ti bike. Hell it is not even recycled Ti. There, now I feel less weenie. :D
I did vacation in Mexico this winter and left more than a few $$ down there. Now I feel even better.