Tour de Vic: Talk me into it

[katew]

OK.

So, I can ride that route any day of the year. Except for the ones when I'm imprisoned in my office or on a ferry. And maybe, the 330/365 when I'm too slow/tired/fat/sleepy/out-of-shape to last that long in the saddle.

But, other than that, I can ride that route any day of the year. Why should I pay $200 to do it on September 22?

I'm all ears.

[Rolf]

Let me know if you're looking for someone to argue the opposing proposition.

[DavidB]

I can ride that route any day of the year.

Think you just answered your own question.

[Mark C]

Nothing wrong with riding it without paying as long as you don't stop at the aid stations and except the medal and can of coffee at the end.

[barton bourassa]

Kate, just pay up and ride! There is just something special about the shared experience. The training. The anticipation. The mass start with 1000 other cyclists. Closed road; well, almost! As you know from other events you have raced and participated in, you will likely not ever push yourself as much as when packs of other riders are racing along.

It is a great goal to work towards. I don't like the $200 either but it is the one major event I'll do this year.

Barton.

[Josh.E]

If you're thinking about it, you should do it. Riding in a group with 1000 other cyclists is a pretty cool experience.

Jumping in the group without paying is pretty cheesy though. The organizers of this event put in a sh*tload of work into making it happen each year. They have to coordinate with 9 different municipalities, each with different police forces, organize marshals, road closures.

It's run as a for-profit business, but it's the single biggest event in victoria each year to get exposure for cycling, and if you want to ride it, you should be willing to support it. IMO if you want to benefit from all their work and ride in the group, you should pay the money. Otherwise, just go for a ride on your own somewhere else.

[Rolf]

Josh's post reminded me of a fruitful discussion on the forum when the first Tour de Ryder was announced. I expressed initial skepticism about a for-profit event that didn't necessarily offer great value to a regular local rider. However, after some of my initial misgivings were slain by wiser folks than me, I came to see the general benefits of a mass-participation event to Victoria's cycling community. The discussion may help your decision process along, Kate: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1850

Also, you should read some of the ride reports from 2011: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=2390

Finally: that was a great, challenging ride this morning. Thanks to you and the other fellas for helping me get back on the road (even if you did hand me my posterior on Interurban)!

[stevierooks]

Hey Kate! Let's do this event!

I was on the fence too until recently when I went to the website. Looks like an event that was tailor made for our kind. I can't imagine missing it unless I have to. Paying $195 might just force us to enjoy it even more.
There are some goodies included with the fee - a gym membership (that I'll never use), a can of coffee (that I will re-gift), a broom wagon and first aid (that I don't want to use) and a medal... I want the medal

see you there?
Rooks

[katew]

Great thoughts here...

I am leaning "yes," thanks to your input. Just learned that a work trip may conflict, though.

To be clear, I completely agree with Josh about banditing events and would never consider that.

Rolf, I must thank poor Marcus for that Interurban sprint: he pulled us all the way from Camosun while I cruised in New-Guy-Paul's Lawless-quality draft. Now, would the kind of scruples I mentioned about banditing have extended to telling the new guy why all hell was breaking loose and that he didn't need to stay on the front if he didn't want to, should Marcus have been able to take a break?

They would not.

[myboys]

I did the short 50k of the Tour de Victoria last year. I thought, 'that's it, dammit! I am going to start riding again, and this is it'. I rode with a friend from work (who rode an old, heavy mountain bike and easily kept up with me the whole way, the bugger). I've done loads of races over the years, but this was easily one of the best organized, enthusiastic events ever. I couldn't wait to do it again, and committed to getting out on the road more. Now those 5 a.m. wake-up calls feel routine, even if the rides are often challenging. It's fun, the roads are clear, and people yell (encouragingly) at you.

Mary G.

[rhughes]

OK I will try this two ways.

1. When I used to golf (and organize events) I often heard "why should I pay to play at my own course?". I would say something like; "there is nothing else like teeing it up against the course at its best and 200 other players. When you stand on the first tee knowing there are no gimmies, no throwing it out of the sand or any other nonsense--it is what separated "golfers" from "players". (you wanted to be a player). There are lots of people who own bikes around--but far less "cyclists".

2. Kate--I know you can run 21K, bike 80K and swim 2K any day you feel like it for free right here in Victoria. How much was it that you paid for the same privilige in New Zealand last year??

Ritchie

[Kevin F]

My 2 cents. Best cycling experience of my life so far. Didn't plan on it playing out the way it did, really still feel fortunate I experienced it and I often think about the whole event in a very positive way. Your mileage many vary but you definitely won't get that TDV experience on that day if you don't sign up.

Ps this year I am planning the make it over King George Tce. On Ryder's back wheel and escorting him across the finish line.