Northern California - Event Items You Most Often Buy

Many of you in Northern Ca know of our club, Alta Alpina, over here in Tahoe/Alpine Co/No Nevada. We have been working very hard on our new ride....Alta Alpina Challenge: Riding the Wild Sierra and have cleared some very major obstacles and are well on our way to a June 13 ride date.

I would like to ask you very knowledgeable riders some questions if I may...I value your input.

What event merchandise items other than a jersey are you most likely to buy if it is not included in the event price and you really like the designs.

Socks
Vest
Technical T
Shorts
Bibs
Extra Bottle
T Shirt
Other?

Much to learn...thanks.

Twain
Alta Alpina Cycling Club

A lot depends on how it looks.
But that said, I'll buy a tee shirt if it's reasonably priced. Well, that's not true. I sometimes buy them even if they are too darn much.

I know you said other than a jersey, but that is my most likey purchase after the the shirt. I'll buy a jersey if I really like the design. I liked the 07 Seattle to Portland, and the Tierra Bella has great looking jerseys.

Considering I've been to only 1 event and just bought a long sleeved T, I guess that's how I'd have to answer.

That was more than 10 years ago though. So now I just don't know. Full zip jerseys would likely be bought. 3/4, likely not. I've discovered that I really like full zip jerseys. T shirts are always good. Never have enough of those.

Thanks

I wonder if this would be better off over on the general discussions board.

Considering I have been to about 50 or so events (I lost track at 5), I rarely buy shwag from events ... but if they are willing to give things away to me, I'm all there. But if you are just starting to attend events, I'd say jersey, socks, t-shirts are the typical thing to do. They start getting expensive if you collect enough of them.

Sometimes I will buy a T-shirt or jersey if they are reasonably priced and good quality and nice looking. I never buy any of the other stuff.

If your charity needs some more money, how about a housing service for out-of-town cyclists. Charge $20 or something per night for a bed and breakfast at your club's homes.

Regarding give-away items like T-shirts and post-ride meals, etc., my advice is to skip them and lower the entry fee instead. The economy is going to be rough this year and you'll get a lot more takers for a $20 event than for a $40 event.

Thanks johnny99

Interesting idea about the housing, Have you seen this in other rides? Lodging is in very short supply in Alpine County, camping is a bit more readily available.

Economy aside, rides are selling out faster than ever. Still must be a relatively inexpensive thing to do.

I really like having jerseys to commemorate rides - especially bright, gaudy designs that are attention-getters (so that people in cars will see me) - but I have so many jerseys now that I don't wear them all. I actually signed up for a century in the spring and didn't order the jersey. I would still buy one if it was a really special ride.

I really like long-sleeved t-shirts from centuries. I'm a teacher and I can wear them to work.

I bought a cycling hat (the kind with the dinky little brim that flips up) at the RAGBRAI years ago. I didn't wear it cycling, but wore it playing beach volleyball. I wore that thing until it fell apart. I would love to buy cycling hats from centuries, but I have a large head and they usually don't fit.

A nice-looking water bottle would be desirable. I can always use more water bottles.

So......

long-sleeved t-shirt
cycling cap (if it's big enough)
water bottle
jersey (if it's a "special" ride to me for some reason.)