Originally Posted by
Grumpy McTrumpy
I guess you haven't been to F'burg, since they did a lot of this stuff. The kids play area had one of those bouncy thingies. It was empty, as I indicated in the previous post. We were given a packet with lots of coupons in it.
Did they have a kid's race to go with the play area (see below)?
Originally Posted by
furiousferret
Honestly, this country doesn't really understand bike racing and like anything people will only show up to see the best...
It would also help for these races to establish some history and get a foothold. The Redlands Bicycle Classic has some finance issues but its part of the towns identity now. Of course creating the brand is easier said than done.
+1. I've helped to plan the Tour de Murrieta race in CA for the last few years. My responsibility was the vendor expo and the kids race.
Here is what I've come to understand about our race: Unless Lance Armstrong is going to show up the general public could care less about watching a bike race. The only way to get people to come and stick around is to make it a community event. We hold a popular Kids Race that is heavily promoted. Among other things, flyers go out to every Elementary classroom in the district. The Kids Race brings the families which helps us attract local sponsors and vendors for the expo. The vendors then help support the crowd by providing something to eat and browse through before & after the Kids Race. We also have 2 free Kids moon bonce things that also help retain the crowd. The Pro race is scheduled directly following the Kids race so the crowd sticks around for the most professional racing of the day (hopefully).
Our club can hold a successful bike race without all the above. But, almost no one would come to watch. Getting local government and business support is much easier when you can get the community behind your event.
A few pics from last year...
Kids Race
Early break in the Pro Race
