Craig:
The concert idea is a good one, if you can get the band to donate thier services.
Also, there is a Western Mass rider who is holding a "comedy night" at a local nightclub. I don't know the details, but I think he got some comics to donate thier time for this.
I was seriously thinking about taking a shot and was willing to personally "cough up" up to 50% of the minimum. Then my wife got laid off from her job. I'm really upset at not being able to ride this year, but I have to be realistic.
Unfortunately, I too, have heard from a number of other riders who are skipping this year due to the economy. It's interesting to note that the two-day rides are not fully subscribed yet. If memory serves me, they were "sold out" by the first of February in previous years.
George