Well, all for a good cause and all...yada, yada...I know...and I'm being a curmudgeon on this point. But, let's consider.

I try and attend anywhere from 15 to 20 cycling events every year [maybe more...at least 1 a month]. Now registration, travel costs, motels...well, it all adds up you see. No problem. As the Geico commercial says, 'It's what I do' [some of us not competitive cyclists live for the events, which give us purpose to train, look forward etc].

One objective I have is doing at least one century a month. Not a hard goal to reach, but I like to ride supported events if I can for these centuries. As we might know, the 'events' are hard to find in the winter months and some of the hotter summer months...crowded up in spring and fall.

So, when I go looking for a January ride to do a century, well, I jump at whatever opportunities I find [which are not many].

But then I find the ride I've signed up for is one of these darned charity events. I say 'darned'...'cuz I just can't afford it. These charity events, where riders are asked to donate [or find donations], sometimes in hundreds of bucks...well, they are sort of designed for those riders who might attend a 'one time' single event where they mark their calendars months in advance and sort of 'prepare' for that one event...where they devote time and energy [perhaps] in raising donations and the like.

All fine and good mind you. I'm all for 'good causes'. But these 'charity rides' are not geared toward those cyclists who might be trying to attend a LOT OF EVENTS through the years. Sheese maKnee...who could afford such a thing, much less have the time. So, it's been my assessment that the people probably attending such high donation events are probably pretty well to do...professionals, doctors, lawyers...people who probably just 'give' the donations out of their own pockets [blowing anywhere from $200 to $500 a ride, including registration and travel etc, no big thing for deeper pockets].

So, people like me...are SOL and when I see these charity events, I regretfully MUST pass them up [although, I'd love to attend, pay the fees, and even donate a small tithing myself...say an extra $20 or so anyway. But nooo...these events are expanding these days, to where it's required to 'raise' upward of $200 bucks or more just to ride [on top of registration etc].

So...I'm a curmudgeon. Especially here in January where the ONLY rides I can find are ones that require these 'extra' extravagant 'donations' [for me anyway]. So, looks like another 'solo' century ride for me this month [instead of something sagged and supported].

Anyway, that's my rag I guess. I know, I know...all for a good cause. Pretty soon, there won't be many rides left for those like myself I think [ie POOR!!!]. I mean, all I do is show up, ride, eat a few granolas along the way, and go home [but the rest stops do help along a 100 miler]. And I have to fork out hundreds of bucks for charities I have no idea what they really do [some anyway]. Still, it's good to be a part of the 'crowds'; which I think is what such events are really all about [that are not competitive]. They do create memories [even if they drain the bank account].

End of rant.