Happy Friday-eve to you! I hope you’re looking forward to some labor this weekend. I’ve got some work to do on the homestead and will certainly get in a ride or two. Fall is fast approaching here in the California Alps and then we’ll be dealing with that white stuff so if you can schedule a Sierra adventure now’s the time!
Anyway, as I wrote several posts ago, I’d provide some D.R. numbers as soon I could and here they are!
Drum roll please.
| 2018 | 2017 | |
| Registrants | 2443 | 2448 |
| Riders | 1698 | 1728 |
| Five-pass finishers | 1045 | 1050 |
| First timers | 876 | 1021 |
| Hospital trips | 1 | 4 |
As you can see, the numbers are pretty close to last year’s, with the particulary notable exception of first-time riders and that very welcome 75% decline in hospital transports.
I had a conversation with Teresa Burkhauser, Director of the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce, a couple weeks prior to the Deathride. She was concerned about the continual decline in numbers and we were brainstorming some ideas. Some of these are hers and some are mine. For your consideration, loyal reader:
- Promote the 1-pass, 2-pass, 3-pass, 4-pass and 5-pass approach. I.E. There is no shame in finishing just 1, 2 etc. passes. Are some riders were thinking it’s all or nothing?
- Since there are more events now overall, that is likely having an effect on the D.R. numbers. Riders can find comporable events closer to their homes and so don’t need to travel as far to get that Deathride “bang.” You think?
- Add timed sections or KOMs. Riders would need transponders of some sort but IMHO this would add some motivation and bragging rights. Perhaps give out medals or trophies, too?
- Charge more and make it more of a Gran Fondo type of event with mass starts, timed sections or KOMs (see #3 above) and really good food?
- Host a camp for first timers or inexperienced riders (I mentioned this in that post awhile back)? I talked with quite a few riders on the Friday before the ride and many of them were not aware of things like: starting early (and with lights) if you’re doing all five passes; using a sack-back to carry your cold weather gear for the descents; and bringing your own food so you’re body isn’t shocked by strange input.
- A gear drop. Full disclosure…We’re (California Alps Cycling, that is) thinking of doing that next year since we have done it for our posse a couple times. What would be a fair price do you think?
Do you have any suggestions? Comment on this post or send me an email.
- Want to check out the D.R. site? Click here.
- Need some D.R. schwag? Click here.
- Want some California Alps schwag? Stay tuned for our store grand opening! We’ll have tees (men’s & women’s), stickers, and soon, those jerseys, bibs and wind-vests.
- Want to become a member of California Alps Cycling? Click here.
See you next year! Deathride on!
I like your ideas. I think newcomers are intimidated by the ride but may not consider doing less than 5 passes. Perhaps have a guided mass start dedicated to 1 and 2 pass riders? It introduces them to the ride and once they catch the bug it sets them up to be 3,4 or 5 pass riders the next year
Thanks for the input, Joe. I’ll be sure to pass your suggestion on to the organizers.
I did the Death Ride many years ago. I did 2 passes the first time to get the feel of it and 5 passes the next year. The multiple options were pretty obvious then. Unless you’ve changed things, people should know there are options. 2500 riders is nothing to sneeze at. Do you really want more? A mass start with that many people sounds like a lousy idea unless you’re trying to bring that “hospital trips” number back up. There was a time when there was nothing else that approached the Death Ride. Now there are more options for tough rides in more places, so numbers leveling off or dropping is to be expected. I ride a lot. I don’t race. I’d like to go back out your way and do the ride again. (I no longer live in CA.) If the Death Ride were a race I would not be interested in doing it again.
Appreciate the comments. You make some good points.