[Closed] Re: The Poll. Why aren't as many people doing events this year

No spare money is my excuse.

It's my 'year of weddings'.

plus I suspect the financial climate and shit weather have put loads off.

Surely a better question would be 'why are YOU doing less event's this year' rather than asking people to summise on other's reasons. In which case you'll have to include an I'm not, I'm doing the same, (which should attract 60% if the reported reduction is accurate)

Prefer to have a weekend away just riding with friends in Lakes / Scotland / Wales etc.

weather mainly
lack of quality at events
lack fun and challenge like trans alps, trans provence
Can get great quality week in europe Andorra etc

Not done events for years and years. I realised that although the social scene is great, I have no desire to spend a fortune to ride round and round the same course (for racing) or in a massive chain of riders (enduros) when I can get the same kind of sociability by attending rides organised by mates through the forum

Surely a better question would be 'why are YOU doing less event's this year' rather than asking people to summise on other's reasons

That't the final option and hence why this thread was created.

For me I stopped years ago attending them as a competitor, I only ever did it for the social aspect so now go along for that either as a dogs body or just a spectator.

I suspect a mixture of lack of cash/generally being more careful with it and the weather

There's been at least 2 events where I've decided to wait and see what the weather's like and go for a late entry, both were a washout.

- Entry fees (seemingly rising costs of events year-on-year, with no extra for your cash)

- (price of) Fuel to get to events

- My perception that some events have just become tired, and I'm bored with them ie same venue, similar course

I was bored with my local(ish) Winter race series the last season so started doing off-road duathlons instead. I opted against MM24 becaue of the cost and I'm bored with it, and decided to do the (cancelled) Thetford Summer Enduro instead, as it was far cheaper/closer

And I'm saving cash/being choosy on events as I'm off to Les Arcs this month.

Weather (who wants to camp in this?). Expense (events are not cheap and fuel is horrible ATM).
Wanted to do some gravity enduros but they're full of ex pro DH racers so what's the point?
Doing laps and laps of a smallish circuit doesn't appeal to me at all.

A lack of decent competitive events I think for me.

I like long marathon style races & we cant "race" on bridleways etc & the events that are that distance have pretty lame & un-inspiring routes.

Shorter races remain interesting though..

Yes, theres the Gorrick series et al but quite often they are just riding round in circles for 4hrs+ & that gets a little dull after a while..

That & the weather is utter cr@p!

Weather has little to do with it for me. I book months in ahead and if it is bad just take it and ride anyway.

I've done a few -

Kielder Marathon series
Selkirk Weekend (Sportive and MTB marathon)
Virgin Money Cyclone
GT7

Price has put me off. I've done plenty of them before and for the price of an event I can just drive somewhere and go for a ride.

What they offer is often poor value for money in my eyes. I'd rather not pay for the free bottle, t-shirt, millions of feed stations that I don't use (just water for me would be fine) etc.

Ones I have done that I won't be doing again include

Whinlatter - as it was pretty expensive for what it was and I don't like queueing for sinlgetrack.

Kielder 100 - just for this year. I've done it twice and after finishing last year spent £100's fixing my bike.

New ones -

3 Peaks - one of the more expensive but it is unique and I've never had a go before.

Local XC series - cheap and local so done in an evening

Local CX series - cheap and local so done in an evening

Local Time trials - cheap and local so done in an evening

Sportive wise I've bought a GPS and don't need the "support" that goes with an event as I can quite happily go off and ride centuries without arrows, feed stations, photographers etc. HAving said that a few of the more interesting ones like Fred Whitton and Etape Caledonia may be on my list for next year.

The market is pretty saturated and all sprotives seem pretty similar. So unless you offer something unique then I probably won't bother. It would be good to see more hard courses. 100miles is fairly standard riding wise so it would be good to see some longer (150m+) ones or ones that really pack in the hills.

Same for the mtb stuff. I love the Selkirk course and like to support the Kielder race series but they are 4.5hr and 3 hr rides respectively (for me). I'd like to see more hard races which are longer. 50-75miles off road

'Change in focus' for people's type of riding maybe, are gravity enduro events getting full entries? or are people just doing trips and sacking off the racing altogether?

I couldn't interest any of my riding mates in the weekender this year and its too expensive to travel up from the SW on my own.
My mates entered the 24/12 at Newnham Park but i've used the weekend away riding pass from the wife on a weekend riding the Quantocks and Dartmoor at the end of the month instead - didn't fancy riding the same course in laps for 24 hrs.
The only event i have entered this year is the Exmoor/Mondraker gravity enduro as it seems right up my street, natural (and hopefully technical) riding on Exmoor where i'm likely to gain a new route for future rides as i don't know the area and i like the idea of the racing format, and it seems really good value for money.

80% of major events seem to end with in camping and riding in a swamp. We make the best of it but it's not my idea of fun really. Once in a blue moon they're dry but the hit rate is too low.

Only doing a handful this year - did the MacAvalanche 2012, and all set for the Fort Bill DH Enduro in a few weeks time 🙂

Poll 'fixed' 🙂

weather and mud is my excuse, i keep hoping it will improve.... it never does.

Enjoy Xiphon, wish i was further up north sometimes!

Mostly as per the general ecconomic suituation,

lack of spare cash flow,(affecting everything)

Cost of fuel,

Vehicle running costs, distance etc,

Weather, rain and mud, doing damage to bikes etc, lack of showers etc.

Poor feeding options, never any vegetarian options,

Cost of event entry,

poor level of bike shop support at some, people do need some spares at races , like tubes and derailiers,along with tyres.

Has the total number of people doing events actually gone down though?

Or are people spreading themselves more thinly around more events?

Locally, there seem to be a lot more events these days which appear to be well supported. Plus, those I know that are prepared to travel are travelling further afield to even more events. Maybe the 'larger' events are losing out as a result?

Weather, event prices and travel costs/time for me.

Also, if people are getting into road riding they may be switching to sportives from MTB events.

Can't comment on this year as I moved out but...

It was costing me about £100 in fuel to go to some races last year - can't do that every weekend
The point above about Gravity Enduro being full of ex pro DH's is a fair one. Series looks better this year but wasn't that bothered about missing some as it was turning into mini dh.

Best events for price was still the Mega and the IOM E2E despite the cost of getting there.

In general the weather or a lack of cash wont kill an event. Both together and it will.

One exception to the rule - the annual Leigh Hill Mega entry numbers were massively up on last years 😉

Mountain biking got really quite big a few years back, and the demand for events grew.

Now that many of us have done Mayhem four or five times, we know the location and the course, and some of the fun has gone. Many of us also remember the truly appalling conditions and it's hard to get people to come along to that a second or third time.

And I think mountain biking has had its Elvis year - people are moving on to other things.

I was at 24:12 this weekend, and enjoyed it, but the rain-shortened course was either cataclysmically dull or unrideable. Not sure I'd hurry back if it wasn't for the blokes I did it with, and given it's a 5-hour drive and we were camping in a waterlogged field, I'll need some persuasion to do it even with them.

@stevede

I live in Lancashire, so it's still a 5hr trek up there!

Making the most of it, and having a mini-hols with mrs xiphon. Driving up Thursday, back Sunday.

Not done events for years and years. I realised that although the social scene is great, I have no desire to spend a fortune to ride round and round the same course (for racing) or in a massive chain of riders (enduros) when I can get the same kind of sociability by attending rides organised by mates through the forum

This +1

I could pay £40 for the weekended or £60 for a gravity enduro, or i could tag that onto my existing 'budget' for a weekend away and go somewhere further.

Last weekend I did Llandegla, Cannock (twice) and the Peak, in 36 hours, no accomodation costs, no extra food, just petrol and a bootfull of bikes. If I wanted to be compettative I'd probably do exactly the same, but with Strava.

I had entered Rd 5 of the gravity enduro and was really looking forward to it as it was going to be my first race ever. Then I found out that I had been walking (and riding) around for 6 months with a broken leg. No more riding for me until mid October and no proper riding until December at the earliest. 🙁

I still plan to go along to the race as my mate is taking part and doesn't drive.

I can see money being an issue.
So far I did 4 event so far this year. All being local (so local as I could ride to the start to one of them). I even registered to a club to race the event. I was tempted to do a fith one, but at 40€ a pop to be honest even for a two day event not sure it's great value for money. At the end of the year once you've factor the costs associated, I am sure I could have caught a plane and go for an extended week end of riding in scotland.

[i][s]Not done events for years and years.[/s][b]Have done a couple of events in the past.[/b] I realised that although the social scene is great, I have no desire to spend a fortune to ride round and round the same course (for racing) or in a massive chain of riders (enduros) when I can get the same kind of sociability by attending rides organised by mates through the forum[/i]

This. I'd rather organise something on here, or a camping and biking get together with mates for a weekend.

The market is pretty saturated and all sprotives seem pretty similar. So unless you offer something unique then I probably won't bother. It would be good to see more hard courses. 100miles is fairly standard riding wise so it would be good to see some longer (150m+) ones or ones that really pack in the hills.

One for your list

http://www.richmondcyclingclub.co.uk/content/cyclosportives-2012

Real hills, £15 entry, Proper changing facilities with showers and a meal at the end

I took part in my first event for about 15 years at Mayhem this year. Yes the weather spoilt it but I think we'll be back next year. Major consideration is the cost. When you add up the days off work, entry fees, fuel etc its not a cheap weekend and if i'm honest apart from the atmosphere, which was great, i would rather have a weekend away in wales or scotland.

It seems that suddenly, this year, everyone's event entries are down loads

at the moment our entries are stable/ going up

race 1 over 100, race 2 97 pre-entries, heavy rain but 50 riders signed up on the day so 133ish on the course (we did benefit from the racing calendar going quiet though)

we have great sponsors and prizes for a grass roots race £100 in vouchers for the win, vets on £75 in vouchers for the win, fantastic series prizes wheelsets/ brakesets from Hope loads of spot prizes. Our only issue is that we have lost prize parity for the women when the category is just starting to grow. Compare that to a £10 voucher TEAM prize for 3rd in Open category at a recent very large 24 hour race..... and we have the best butty van around 😀

Haven't done teh CRC marathons due to having a new son.

SITS is just too expensive as a solo or a pair.

A lot of the marathon/12/24hr things are down south - too far to go IMHO.

Entry fees seem to have gone up, bar Evans for thier Ride It series.

I am however doing the Hope series up at Lee Quarry, which is great value and a Wiggle sportive in Northern France, which for £50 includes the return ferry, parking in Dover, breakfast, feed stops and a goody bag.

ill health has curtailed me for the last couple of years.
but the cost of events would be a factor now......the price of a event is the price of a weekend away with mates riding in some very nice places.

Wanted to do some gravity enduros but they're full of ex pro DH racers so what's the point?

wasn't that bothered about missing some as it was turning into mini dh.

Genuine question, why? Isn't the whole point of the format to ride several relatively easy but longer than normal DH tracks back to back. You can't complain that the winners better than you, that's the whole point, to find out who's best. Bessides pro DH'ers are super fit, Mosley's been raceing the XC world cup this year! So the "ex pro DH'ers" would probably beat 99% of weekend warriors up the hils too!

We were going to enter the No Fuss events but then they were cancelled with no notice.

Most of the remaining events don't fit my niche enjoyment - of long distance endurance events that are not continuous short laps. A No Fuss lap would last me an hour, and as such over 10 hours, I would not get bored. Doing 2 laps or more per hour bore me.

Kielder 100 would be a good event, but bike destruction and significant amount of fire road put me off.

Trailmasters looks perfect, but cost is prohibitive and only for quite short special stages overs a very long distance event.

Travel costs/time to event (and therefore time off work / away from family) are also a major issue (based on Isle of Man so logistics always a big issue).

not picking on project but it's an easy way to get some points across

project - Member
Mostly as per the general ecconomic suituation,

lack of spare cash flow,(affecting everything)

Cost of fuel,

Vehicle running costs, distance etc,

Weather, rain and mud, doing damage to bikes etc,

lack of showers etc.

Poor feeding options, never any vegetarian options,

Cost of event entry,

poor level of bike shop support at some, people do need some spares at races , like tubes and derailiers,along with tyres.

that's the whole point, to find out who's best

So the "ex pro DH'ers" would probably beat 99% of weekend warriors up the hils too!

I was looking for a more relaxed race experience aimed at mere mortals.

Weather has killed it for me this year, although did MM & entered for Sleepless. Hated Mayhem (1st time I've ever thought that since my 1st in '02)
The likes of MM & Sleepless are getting a big stagnated, same format, same courses, same (often poor) facilities will only attract people for so long.
There are more endure/endurance events in the calendar than there ever used to be, diluting the same number of competitors between them
I also now to go abroad to do a Sportive or two, better weather (usually) better value (IMO) bigger entrance, better organisation.

Poor feeding options, never any vegetarian options,

Ok I involved with as a dogs body at many events with them so sorry if this looks like a promotion but SIPS events have alway catered for Veggies.

For me its a mixture of:

The cost - Not just the entry fee, the price of fuel etc too. Going to Mayhem was an expensive weekend away.

The weather - I'm thinking of doing SITS but a lot of what is putting me off the idea is that I could pay £50, and it end up being like Mayhem (which I odly enjoyed), but probably wouldnt have gone to if I hadnt already paid over £55.

The courses - On the whole a bit dull, not techy enough or interesting enough. Also I'm an average rider. I'd like to do as many laps as possible in 24hrs. At the length of course limits the laps/£ ratio.

Other commitments - I've got a young son, most of my friends have young children, or are pushing their careers. Events come second. See below.

An obersvation is that the average age at events appears to be going up. All very good because people tend to be afluent in the late 30's-50's but its not encouraging younger people to come through. People as they get older have more commitments and therefore cant get away for events as easily.

This year so far I've done Colne MTB Challenge and Mayhem. I'm considering SITS, but that depends on being able to get a 4th team member. I'd love to do the Grizedale MTB Challenege, but it looks like its not happening.

£15 for a 3hr marked course local ish to where I live in many ways is much better value than £50 + fuel for 5 hours of laps at a 24hr event.

I also think it's telling that no magazine/ website is focused on events (other than their own). Getting publicity is a constant battle and it impacts the sponsored riders as well as the event organisers.

Look on the news pages on STW and the average event PR gets 1000-1500 views at most, a [s]rehashed press release[/s] story abou a new "widget" or "doodah" 3000 plus views

Not being doing enough miles recently to do anything but suffer all the way round.
That said, I entered the CYB Enduro yesterday. That'll be my first event for 12 months, so hopefully be the motivation to get me pedaling a bit more!

Oh, I may have this wrong.. but STW used to list all the events in a Fixtures section, which I don't think happens any more?

I wouldn't know which site to look at for events...

I've actually done more. My son has got the bug for the kids class in our local XC meets (Gorrick) so we can make a day of it with me doing the veterans. We'll still be doing the Mayhem even after this year's conditions as it's a fantastic social and we can get away with cranking the disco up on the Sunday night.
Historically I've gone through phases of racing for a couple of years and plateauing then giving it a miss until I'm old enough to get into the next age category.

Perhaps the more relevant question is: Why aren't so many younger riders getting into MTB eventing to replace the older riders that leave through natural turnover.
The Big Bike Bash is good example of this.

Maybe the larger events should make more effort to provide entertainment for non-riding attendees.

Only done a handful of mtb enduros. Each time I have never really enjoyed them .. too much getting stuck behind some biffer on singletrack puffing away on his 6"FS. So I doubt very much I will be entering another.

Did do a few roady sportives for the first time last year. Quickly realised they are a total waste of money. That said - I did get talked into entering the tour of the Black mtns again this Sunday .. that will be the last.
Sportives are too expensive and certainly dont offer value for money.

We tend not to enter early due to general lack of organisation, but were planning on doing the two 10 at events (Kirroughtree and Llandegla), in fact I was just about to book K. when they cancelled it 🙁

NB You're Poll is missing "I would do the same number if they didn't keep cancelling them"...

As for the above comments from Brownbacks, having been to quite a few of their events,i can honestly say they are well worth the low cost,true grass routes racing for a budget, with some great prizes.Prizes even for marshalls.

No mud, or hardly any,great scenery, a steam railway down the road, easy access, plenty of hard standing parking,nice tea at the snack van, oh and freindly riders and marshalls.

My comments where aimed more at the larger organisers, with larger overheads.

And if you havent been before enter their next race and give it a go, or just turn up and have a look.

"Maybe the larger events should make more effort to provide entertainment for non-riding attendees."

Mayhem used to be good IMO for this, things like the Orchestra, Fireworks, Climbing Walls, Trials Riders etc.

Mayhem now just oozes making as much cash as possible ie all the silly add on races, and nothing but dull trade stands.

I wouldn't know which site to look at for events...

XCracer.com and British Cycling are the old favourites

Bike Radar are doing something more organised these days as well

but not all will be captured, like this one http://www.rpmrt.org.uk/mary-towneley-loop/ which I will be doing instead of Kielder 100

Sportives are too expensive and certainly dont offer value for money

- Price, you can go away on a riding weekend and use the money for a B n B instead.
- Too many entrants. Who wants to ride with 100's of riders anyway? Queuing, arrghhh!
- Road bikers trying to be mtb'ers...you get stuck behind them on the descents! 👿

I've always liked the Kielder series because it hasn't got too many competitors. I guess they'd like more though?
Grizedale was a good one as it sorted out the men from the boys if it was wet.
10 at Kirroughtree was the best event I've ever done. Was an expensive weekend though, as I hired a van and had to buy camping gear too.

Mucho £ for not very much in many cases.

I only do those which offer a reasonable amount in exchange for entry and/or give a big chunk of proceeds to charity. eg: Brownbacks, HTN and Rough Ride.

Not done any of the 24hr races for some time now, mainly due to
- courses not standing up to even a bit of bad weather
- price going up and up
- punters getting less and less

I did Muckmedden and the "10 under the Ben" in the Spring, but was disappointed that the 10UB, Selkirk MTB Marathon and GT7 were all crammed together - and now there is virtually nothing in July or August.
Bad scheduling.

Short of money.

Short of time.

Prizes even for marshalls.

My comments where aimed more at the larger organisers, with larger overheads.

we are all volunteers, nobody makes a penny, we give away/ spend on the riders everything we make, we couldn't do it any other way. How many volunteer run events have cancelled? or are they all commercial ventures?

the disasterous 2012 Welsh XC series hasn't been mentioned either in the list of "lost" events

Would love to do the enduro races - but cannot justify 2 days away at the weekend.
How about making the enduros - if you don't qualify on the Saturday - you can still race on the Sunday, but start towards the back.

Got to be value for money.

Last September I did the Rondo Gourmet in the Pyrenean foothils near Pau in France with a few hundred riders.

50km ride with feed stations at 15 and 30km.

Massive quantity and choice of food and drinks, including beer and wine followed by a 2-plate meal at the finish.

The price was €8 that is not a misprint... €8

And the organisers did not make a loss.

PaulD

Personally a lot of it is just that there aren't enough free weekends... back when I was young(-er), free and single I did a lot, but now we have far more commitments so I just can't get as many bikey weekends away as I used to... so when I do, I prefer going for proper rides on proper hills rather than racing or riding round relatively uninspiring courses.

I didn't notice the HONC short of entries. Looks like they have a good idea.

money, mud and the "scene"

There are few races in the local area, and i really can't be bothered travelling to ride a bike unless the course offers something really special. Races such as Mayhem which are in the local area i will not do, i know the course and it never copes with bad weather so why bother?

I can't stand mud, which whilst a bit is a fact of life, this year is taking the ****! Too many years of riding through mud and it has no appeal.

And the scene, which rather than going for a ride, has turned into WI meetings with bikes grates. I like riding bikes, not standing round talking about bikes. I started riding at a time when riding to the top of a hill was half the point, and you could have fun climbing, people would actually try and race up hill. Now no one seems interested in going up hill. I have seen too many close calls where people are racing downhill on open paths, to much building, etc. Natural trails keep on being "improved" with the addition of jumps, northshore, etc. Just getting disalusioned with the whole thing to be honest.

It is not i am not riding, i am riding more than i have for a long time, just on the road these days. If i want a bimble i can, if i want to beast myself i can.

Mayhem now just oozes making as much cash as possible

^this

Several reasons for me.

1.Cost of fuel - I can't afford to travel long distance.
2.Lack of time due to family commitments and work.

I prefer long distance endurance events, but not laps. Did the Kielder 100 a few years back but can't justify expense now. I did the Rough Ride again this year, which I enjoyed.

I used to do some 'local' cx races, but even travelling to those now seems dubious.

How many new riders is the sport attracting? What is the average age of entrants to these types of events, is the average rising (assuming anyone keeps track)?

I would imagine most of the riders on STW have been riding for many years so have 'been there, done that', and have moved on to other things, or just ride for pleasure. I certainly have and cannot envisage a time when I will enter another race/event again.

Also these things go in cycles* - a few years ago road-riding was only for the hardcore racers, now its the thing to be seen doing.

(*no pun intended!)

Many events are the same old format - Mayhem is in it's xxth year, and I have done it 6 times or so over the past 10 years. Due to entry costs and crappy course when wet I won't bother next year.
XC races - would like to do more but they aren't local enough - but the FNSS is an ever growing series - I would like to do these but my Friday nights are a "me and her" night. These are growing as they a short, cheap, friendly and open to all.
Trailquests - I love these but am having a year off to focus on other stuff. Sportives - did the Dragon, thoroughly enjoyed it, but £30 plus fuel to ride a big loop I could do anytime is getting tiresome.

Kielder - will do this again (but I'll only get in the car to travel if the forecast is OK, as last year my bike repairs cost was prohibitive). Dusk til Dawn - will do that, but if the weather is crap I won't travel, as again, bike repair costs are too steep.

I think I am moving towards a couple of major events, rather than lots of little ones - am doing the Grand Raid Cristalp this year, which although expensive, is worth working toward.

So, reasons for not entering as many events - tired format, costs and time.
Reasons for entering the ones I am: challenge and good riding.

Mayhem now just oozes making as much cash as possible

You think? Pat doesn't look like a rick man to me, I would guess me makes a very modest living from running events. The costs of hiring venues, showers, toilets, fencing etc will eat up nearly all the entry fees.

not fit enough and don't really see the point in racing when I'd no longer be in with a shout at winning.
don't really understand paying to ride at events that aren't races.

[b]Courses: [/b]

mrlebowski

I like long marathon style races & we cant "race" on bridleways etc

iomnigel

Most of the remaining events don't fit my niche enjoyment - of long distance endurance events that are not continuous short laps

This...what would it take for us to be able to have point to point races in the UK? Seems crazy that this is "impossible".

[b]Cost:[/b] Generally I think the cost of the longer events is not so bad when you bear in mind camping for a couple of days, facilities etc. Some of the shorter events are really expensive though. I've entered Big Dog again, as it's my local and great fun but come on.. 6hrs for £35? Erlstoke gave us a whole long weekend for that!

On the plus side, really enjoyed Gorrick 100 and Erlstoke this year. Would be doing Sleepless if it didn't clash with Big Dog.

Conversely, it's been an absolute nightmare trying to get into road races this year. In January I submitted 10 entry forms to various 3/4 and 2/3/4 races and was rejected from all of them. One in Coventry had 80 places and had 1500 entries.

I know that many of my friends along with myself have converted to road racing for a number of reasons;

Location of races - living in the flat lands, unless I wanted to travel the length of the country each weekend I'm pretty stuck for XC races. I entered all of the NPS, but only went to three just because I couldn't face the drive. Not much can be done about this, you want mountain bike racing, you need mountains

Number of races - if I wanted to, I could road race/crit/TT pretty much every night of the week without having to drive more than 30 miles from where I work. With the exception of Beastway (which is about 50 miles) there's bugger all on during the week. Again, with a local series and the NPS, even then you've probably got two races a month max. There are a much higher number of road events in a closer vicinity. Again, not much can be done about this. If more people raced XC, there would be more races. Catch 22

Damage to bikes/weather - I raced in truly horrendous conditions yesterday on my road bike, which is worth a couple of grand more than my XC race bike. It's the third race I've done where the roads have been pretty wet and conditions generally nasty. It took me all of 20 minutes to wash my bike when I got home yesterday and my kit could go straight in the wash as it was more wet than dirty. The last round of the MSG XC series I did, I wrecked both brakes (including pads), the bearings in both my new wheels, a cassette, chain, BB and scratched my frame to buggery. All in at least £300 worth of damage and it was raining less that it was yesterday. Again, not much anyone can do - race off road in the wet, its going to be muddy and horrid.

Quality of field - I did the first NPS at Sherwood in the Sport category. The lad who won the category was an ex-Raleigh pro who pretty much wiped the floor. I rolled in about four days later for 50-something place. Basically the gun went and I rode around on my own for an hour and a half. The same at Dalby and the same again at my local events. XC races turn into a bit of a time-trial for the most part, in the last 20 races I've done, I'd say only two had the bar bashing/actual racing that I get doing road races. Yesterday in the road race, everyone sat together with various attacks going off the front which were either chased down or developed into a proper break. You actually felt like you were racing, even though I was in a field that were predominantly Cat2's and could hand it to me if needed. Races should be hard, that's how it is but the categories in my opinion are a bit of a joke in MTB. Where's the fun in driving 5+ hours to Dumfries, to destroy your bike and kit and then come bottom of the field to lads who are doing 20+ hours training a week.

This all said I'll continue to race XC next year, but my focus will be on the road stuff. For the money, you get much better racing.

We managed to hold steady on numbers at the SPAM/Charge Erlestoke12 - the hottest, sunniest race of the year so far 8)
Another 100 or so would have been good, especially more 12hr riders. It was noticeable that there was a large increase in the 6hr cats'.

Personally I'm not all that interested in just doing a few laps of a short course, and I'm not bothered about 'racing'. I would rather do a longer ride, going somewhere interesting/scenic. So something like an MTB marathon style or an off-road audax, but there's not many of them around here.
Also would like to try some trailquest / MTBO, but again not many around (in Scotland).

Plus the difficulties of getting to events without a car. I'm happy to travel down the day before, but that requires somewhere to camp nearby.

So instead I'm mostly doing audax, as well as hill running.

"You think? Pat doesn't look like a rick man to me, I would guess me makes a very modest living from running events."

No, I doubt Pat is a rich man, but I have seen the event change of the years. I did it from the start in Brum, and did the first few years in the Malverns before having a 5 or so year gap before coming back again last year.

The events almost got too big for its own good. Running race, running with a dog, a sportive etc, expensive T-Shirts, free goody bags (just lower my entry fee thanks) less toilets and working showers etc. All adds up to chasing £££'s rather than sticking to the format of running a good 24hr bike race...

simple answers for me...

now got a young family so priorities have changed and generally i'm nowhere near as fit as i used to be (not that i was very fit anyway).

obviously the price (entry & fuel etc.)

also i've started doing a bit of bivi'ing which is a lot cheaper and if i'm honest i would rather go on an overnighter in the wild than an overnighter at say MM or Sits.

Partly health setbacks, partly cost of diesel, partly too few classes for women.

I will only travel if it's to an endurance event, and then only if it's a single lap, or possibly two laps but certainly not lots of eg 6 mile laps.

I'm rebuilding my fitness now but doubt I'll be up to racing long distance this year anyway.

I think races these days are missing the fun of the old races, Malvern, Boltby, Keilder and the old Nemba races seemed more about fun than competition. Stw weekender seems more like a format I'd do but its miles away.

Prefer to do Roadie events, grand total of one event this year in August the Wild Wales Challenge, spending any other funds on Skills (Jedi) and travel costs and B&B, other spare cash on bike related bits & bobs.

Tried a few mtb events some years ago, found them good fun in a "rites of passage" way but prefer point-to-point riding rather than round & round and there aren't too many of those type of events around (AFAIK).
STW weekender does sound good, but too far away to be honest.....

Having attended the Bontrager 24/12 for the last 3 years, I thought that I'd try to fool the weather into being sunny by not going this year - looks like the weather didn't notice that I wasn't there 😉

Also, this would have been the first year in four that I didn't spend my birthday in a field outside Plymouth, so it just didn't feel right somehow.

Doing other stuff though - Coast to Coast (almost) in a perfect weather window, Bothy Camping/Biking on the South Downs, and possibly some last minute event when (if) the weather clears.