Originally Posted by roadwarrior
Dude...
First off, the Indy 500 draws about 300,000 people. Not bad for "nobody cares..."
Second, there was this race in Chicago that had a $150,000 purse. All the good riders went there. With all due respect, those that know racing knew that this would be exactly as it was.
It was a publicity stunt. Geez...
Last, the guy that won will only be doing the individual time trial in South Carolina. He will not be in the US Pro race. As one needs to be licensed to race at that level. The stink of this was that the Disco people did not think of this beforehand...about a month ago, this became an issue.
$150 bucks to ride 25 miles....again, why the really good riders were in Chicago. Elk Grove was the race that Landis was to have ridden before his mess...the $150 bucks was a fundraiser and they made it expensive enough that you, at least, had to think about it before writing a check.
I know a couple of people who were thinking of going...this was before the ITT issue came up...and I asked them if they had ever ridden in a 6 hour race before, and I get "the look"...this race is about six hours long.
Thank goodness the licensing thing came up...
This was on a par with the "open tryouts" that major league baseball teams have. You pay a lot of money to "try out" when these guys spend millions scouting for talent. Rarely does anyone have the talent to make it...
Disco knows every rider in the world that is potentially good enough.
You completely misinterpreted my whole post.
First of all, the Indy 500 comment was tongue-in-cheek. I'm from Indiana, so I know how much of a big deal it is, at least to a bunch of Hoosier rednecks (tongue-in-cheek again if you don't get it).
Second, I understand that it was a publicity stunt. I said so myself. All the top level riders are already being scouted and I'm sure they know it (the "traditional route" I mentioned). This doesn't stop a bunch of delusional wannabes from thinking that this could be their big shot, and I would expect more than 400 of those people.
And after that you might expect a few additional people who are simply looking to donate to the charity and have a little fun. Look at how many people turn out for LA's charity rides all around the country, which carry a hefty price tag as well.
400 is a disappointing turnout no matter how you look at it.