telenick

Yeah, I know there's already a TBP thread ...but it has gone the way of "hey, what did you eat for dinner?" and "Wanna talk about mountain biking now?" So I'm starting a new thread. K?

Here ya go...

I love the Triple Bypass ride for its nostaglia, scenery and awesome route topography. It falls on my birthday every few years and will again this year.

But too many things about TE create a big sucking sound and the Triple is at the heart of it. No disrespect to those who are signed up and stoked for the ride. That's really cool.

Here's what I see:

The event used to be wide open up to the day of the ride and was 36 bones regardless ...with a jersey and all the same stuff like State Patrol escort, meat wagons at the ready, six aid stations, mechanical support, picnic. Now it's nearing 5Xs the original cost and you can't get a free shower at the end anymore. Quite frankly, the food is lousy and last year some dope stole all of the gel packs from every aid station that morning.

Yeah, I know that costs have increased but so has rider participation. The bottom line is that the Triple is a revenue pump for TE in excess of 450K bones. About 30% of that goes to cover overhead. Another chunk covers charitable contributions and the rest is fat. I'm told by insiders that the fat is in excess of 100K bones. I'm all for capitalism - but for my tastes, cycling needs to be more about grass roots than big business.

What's next? Doping checks for the Triple?

I think valygrl said it best when she said that "TE is incenting cyclists to cheat". Not allowing transfers and partial refunds is a big part of that sucking sound that I'm talking about.

No rant is worth a darn without a proposed solution. Here's my simple 1 2 3 solution:

I think we need a Triple Bypass ride that isn't on July 12, 2008. It certainly is easy to self support. I think we can complete it with a post ride meal at the Agave in Avon for less than 30 bones each sans liquor.

I'll buy the first round of Maragritas.

Pwnt

Where do I sign up? I would LOVE to join this unsupported venture.



P.S. I'm having spaghetti w/ meatballs

DataJunkie

I am thinking every event rocks until I curse it by signing up.
Anyhow, I would be in for an unsupported version as well.

I must be one flaky SOB. I can't find much to complain about in Colorado. Except for our pathetic snow removal operations.

OOoOOoO!
No one complains about brevets. Maybe I will stick to those instead.

Bulldozer

They offer a service and people are more than willing to pay the asking price for that service. Like it or not, cycling is big business, a multi-billion dollar business.

Sounds like someone didn't get in before the deadline and is eating sour grapes.

On a side note, the logistics of granting refunds or transfers or even maintaining a waiting list are daunting, especially in a volunteer organization.

telenick

Not quite ...I've ridden this event - what, 11, 13 times? What I clearly said was that TE is taking advantage of their success - and it's showing.

For 450K bones they can handle the logistics of both transfers and refunds.

Thanks for being the finger wagger in this thread. Every thread needs one.

DataJunkie

Is there an organized ride in Colorado that is both affordable and doesn't suffer from what you have mentioned?
I enjoyed elephant rock but that one is very crowded.
The copper triangle?

bmclaughlin807

I'd be in for the unsupported version of the ride!

And yes, DataJunkie... brevets are different... they're not trying to make money on them. In fact there is only one brevet in Colorado that I've seen that costs money, and that's the Last Chance 1200k. Of course, we don't have the same kind of checkpoint support as they do in some areas, but I guess that's why there are no fees involved!

snowy

I'm in!! Just pick a day and till me where to show up. I'll buy the second round!

Pwnt

I'm on vacation the last to weeks in July. Can we try and do it then?

c_bake

I'm in!

celticfrost

Pen me in as a definite possible.

Iowegian

I'd love to do this if the timing is right. I was hoping to do my first TB this year but I'll be out of town on the date. I'll buy the third round for those still standing. We could call it 'Bypass the Triple'

valygrl

In. Can't do it week of June 21-29 (BTC) .

colorider

I'd be game if scheduling works out.

valygrl

brilliant

Pwnt

Love the name. :LOL:

telenick

I think the second half of July would be awesome. I'm coming back to this thread occasionally - so keep this in the back of your head.

DataJunkie

Knowing my luck it will be the 19th. 1 week after the triple.

snowy

That date sounds good for me! Lets keep this going.

Bulldozer

I know the TE treasurer so I'll ask him how much is left after gifts are made to charities. What number would make you happy?

Bulldozer

I've got your answer. It's $0. That's how much is left after giving to charities. So, by doing the ride, you are supporting the donation of over $90,000 to charities. TE gave away $95k in 2006 and $92k in 2007.

Heyduke

I'll drive up for this group ride. Let me know date/time/where.

bmclaughlin807

We could start in Lakewood like I did last year... *tries to look innocent*

CastIron

Ditto. But on the way back would be entertaining. Nick I'll even let you pilot the GS before the booze flows.

Shifty

Can I come play too?? July would work for me....I think.