A Growing Trend?

Posted by on May 28, 2006 in Uncategorized | No Comments

Are declining numbers at “big time” 24 Hour races a growing trend?

Some numbers to look at. These are the number of Male solo riders from a few GG and 24HoA events.

24 Hours of Temecula
2003: 10 Solos
2004: 9 Solos
2005: 7 Solos
2006: 4 Solos

24 Hours of Snowshoe/Big Bear
2002: 25 Solos
2003: 15 Solos
2004: 22 Solos
2005: 15 Solos (Big Bear)

24 Hours of Moab
2001: 28 Solos
2002: 50 Solos
2003: 41 Solos
2004: 53 Solos
2005: 58 Solos

24HoA Hurkey Creek
2003: 19 Solos
2004 #2: 19 Solos
2005 #1 19 solos
2005 #2 19 Solos
2006 #1 18 Solos

24HoA Leguna Seca
2003: 40
2004: 35
2005: 49 (inlcuding National Champ. riders)
2006: 25 Solos

I don’t know if any of this means anything, the question was brought up on MTBR (of course) and so I thought I’d look at some numbers to see if these big races are actually declining in numbers. What is interesting, is that the events of 2006, so far, are the ones that have had a drop off in attendance. There is not enough data to really come to any real conclusion, but given the general mood among solo racers I wonder if these big money events are falling out of favor?

Add to this that events like the KTR, TI, Dirty Kanza, and several “small scale” 12/24s are seeing numbers jump in attendance. The KTR went from 15 starters to 56 starters from 2005 to 2006. I think TI went from 50 to about 65.

Anway, just some food for thought…

6 Comments

  1. Jason
    May 28, 2006

    You are the Data Master! As I mentioned on MTBR I think the decrease is due mostly to cost. Did GG REALLY think that someone not super rich is gonna do a 6 race series at $330 a pop?? YIKES!!!

    I think after cost it comes down to the increase in lower key events, with lower costs, not to mention how many people are into beating themselves up like we do.

    When I did the 12 Hours of Lodi Farms in VA the cost was $35 for Solos. They had over 50 racers in Solo Open, plus a chicks, and single speed class. Easier to test the waters at $35 than $330.

    Sorr for the extended rant/comment.

    Jason

  2. Travis Swicegood
    May 29, 2006

    I’d say it’s the same reason I’d prefer to race the NMORS than the NMBS – for half the price I get to race in an event where I actually stand a chance of making my entry fee back as a non-pro racer. And it’s cool to go into the smaller venues and see the city really come out to support you. At the Gallup Dawn ’til Dusk 12 hour, they had the mayor of the town there giving out awards! Oh, and for your $40 (solo, co-eds were $70 for the team) you got a shirt, water bottle, and a dinner with 3 kegs of beer after the race. I don’t see GG or 24HoA offering that up… 🙂

  3. Jeff Kerkove
    May 29, 2006

    For me it comes down to $$$.

    That’s all from me. I don’t need another ban from an event.

    🙂

  4. Guitar Ted
    May 29, 2006

    Hey Adam, great topic! I also looked into the numbers, but I checked into the team numbers instead of Solo. I found much the same as you did. Nothing to really indicate a trend, but some events are showing fewer numbers than others.

    I’m thinking that this year will be a turning point in alot of racers agendas. Gas prices, flight ticket prices, motel costs, and the general increase in prices of goods and services are going to re-arrange the endurance landscape, I think.

    Either the “big” production events will come down in price, or they are going to disappear from the calendar. Smaller, local, underground type of events may prove to be a thriving kind of event in the future.

  5. Dicky
    May 30, 2006

    Burn 24 hour
    this weekend-@39 solo men
    05—37
    04—31
    03—26
    02—19

    Earliest entry fee available has gone from $65 in 02 to $85 in 06.
    Worth every penny. Seems like the big boys just need to trim some fat off their events. Showers? Fireworks? Dangerous Dan Flow Show? Whatever. Just give me a good course, efficient timing, and someone to race.

  6. Cellarrat
    May 31, 2006

    Anything over $100 is too much for me… $250 for 24 hrs of e-rock! way to much!

    Great topic I don’t mind the events were I have to take care of myself a little more =)

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