normdouglas
Likes Dirt
Entries open tomorrow.
There is an extra stage added for 2012.
All details here > www.forrestfestival.com.au
There is an extra stage added for 2012.
All details here > www.forrestfestival.com.au
Forrest Festival 2012 - Offical Thread
- Thread starter normdouglas
- Start date
riderideride
Likes Dirt
So jealous of everyone who gets to do this race! Enjoy! Best race of the year! If you didn't do it last year you don't know what you missed out on: EPIC FUN!
truely is an some eventl. Trails work even after a monster downpour. Have been keeping my eye out to ensure i get an entry in. The extra stage is a perfect addition. Now to work out accomodation!
mtb101
Likes Bikes and Dirt
$
gee mate, I know you will get a full field but the Otway Odyssey is $125 for a 100ks of riding, surf coast 24 hour is $185 for a solo, think it was about $125 for the Garmin 24 hour and you guys are: $195 to $250. I know it's a great event and location and well run of course, but for the average punter/non elite, that's pretty steep.
gee mate, I know you will get a full field but the Otway Odyssey is $125 for a 100ks of riding, surf coast 24 hour is $185 for a solo, think it was about $125 for the Garmin 24 hour and you guys are: $195 to $250. I know it's a great event and location and well run of course, but for the average punter/non elite, that's pretty steep.
normdouglas
Likes Dirt
When it comes to stage races, we think this is more than reasonable.
You have 5 races over 2 days, that's less than $50 per race.
Please compare ours to other stage events.
We have great prizes, excellent prize money, we bring in extra amenities for riders (toilets showers) and we donat $5 per rider directly back to the trail fund (not many others do that).
Happy to take your feedback though.
cleeshoy
Eats Squid
Ultimately u get what you pay for, this race is worth it!!
akashra
Eats Squid
I don't think $195 for a 2 day stage race is unreasonable, but it is on the expensive end when you look at overall event entry fees. While I get Norms point, I don't think anyone's paying $50 to do a 40 minute XCT event, so we need to be fair and compare apples with apples here.
People had the same whinge about the National series last year - "$150 for race entry!?". But you then looked at Bike Buller, all of two weeks later at the same venue, and it was $50 more for the same thing, and noone complained.
The main concern I have is that Vet men get stacked - we'll paying the same entry fee as everyone else, but for a category twice as large. That means you have half or less a chance of challenging for a podium as anyone in another age category. It would be nice if there were a fair distribution of field sizes - whether that's achieved by having A/B, or splitting it further so 30-34 and 35-39 provide an even split across them, I don't care.
I also think comparing it to the SurfCoast is a bit unfair - over the years it's increased in cost almost every year, I'm one of less than 5 people who have now done every event. The first year I think it was $60 for solo 6 hour, which was fine. Then it went up. Then it went up again. And again. I almost didn't enter when the entry fee for solo 6 hour went up to $90 this year. I looked yesterday, and it's now a whopping $100 for solo 6 hour entry. At $100, I think it may have jumped the shark
I feel more comfortable paying $195 for a stage race than $100 for a 6 hour entry.
But lastly, you have to remember this event will sell out. Ultimately it will sell 300 units whether sold at $100 or $250 - and remember the event doesn't have to compete for dates with the Garmin 24 Hour this year. It's fair to say that a race organiser can afford to put on a better event with the income at the highest rate possible which will still sell all 300 units. If it were $250, sure, you might not enter. But someone else will probably fill your spot, as 300 is a reasonably low cap.
People had the same whinge about the National series last year - "$150 for race entry!?". But you then looked at Bike Buller, all of two weeks later at the same venue, and it was $50 more for the same thing, and noone complained.
The main concern I have is that Vet men get stacked - we'll paying the same entry fee as everyone else, but for a category twice as large. That means you have half or less a chance of challenging for a podium as anyone in another age category. It would be nice if there were a fair distribution of field sizes - whether that's achieved by having A/B, or splitting it further so 30-34 and 35-39 provide an even split across them, I don't care.
I also think comparing it to the SurfCoast is a bit unfair - over the years it's increased in cost almost every year, I'm one of less than 5 people who have now done every event. The first year I think it was $60 for solo 6 hour, which was fine. Then it went up. Then it went up again. And again. I almost didn't enter when the entry fee for solo 6 hour went up to $90 this year. I looked yesterday, and it's now a whopping $100 for solo 6 hour entry. At $100, I think it may have jumped the shark
I feel more comfortable paying $195 for a stage race than $100 for a 6 hour entry.
But lastly, you have to remember this event will sell out. Ultimately it will sell 300 units whether sold at $100 or $250 - and remember the event doesn't have to compete for dates with the Garmin 24 Hour this year. It's fair to say that a race organiser can afford to put on a better event with the income at the highest rate possible which will still sell all 300 units. If it were $250, sure, you might not enter. But someone else will probably fill your spot, as 300 is a reasonably low cap.
mr chicken legs
Likes Bikes
its $95 for the odyssey 50k.only $100 more for 3 extra stages good value i think. no rain this year please norm
jamespierce
Likes Dirt
This was hands down one of the best organised races I did last year, also very fun. Please don't under estimate the logistics of setting up and moving all the timing etc for the difference stages. The hill climb and descent both had riders names, count downs and real time timing for two concurrent stages etc.
On another note, I must admit my heart had a little start when I saw $780 for 6 riders at the Surf Coast 24hr ! It seems disproportionate compared to the 6 and 12hr entry fees.
On another note, I must admit my heart had a little start when I saw $780 for 6 riders at the Surf Coast 24hr ! It seems disproportionate compared to the 6 and 12hr entry fees.
Value
We all have our own idea of value. Is it the prize money on offer (not for me ever!!!) Is it the great tracks? Is it the time on track (twice as long as the winner in a km event for me!) Is it the number of kms in an event? It is the length of time of the event? Is it the free beer afterwards?
Whatever your criteria is go to the events that meet your criteria and don't enter the others. Clubs, promoters, clubs working with promoters - all have different costs and a need to have different amount in their wallets after the event. All I do is enter what I can afford, will enjoy and give me personal value. My judgements are mine and I vote with my feet, survival of the best events.
We all have our own idea of value. Is it the prize money on offer (not for me ever!!!) Is it the great tracks? Is it the time on track (twice as long as the winner in a km event for me!) Is it the number of kms in an event? It is the length of time of the event? Is it the free beer afterwards?
Whatever your criteria is go to the events that meet your criteria and don't enter the others. Clubs, promoters, clubs working with promoters - all have different costs and a need to have different amount in their wallets after the event. All I do is enter what I can afford, will enjoy and give me personal value. My judgements are mine and I vote with my feet, survival of the best events.
there are plenty of great vibe events at great prices.
I really don't understand why riders complain about the cost of events.
There are so many club events in Vic that are so cheap, if you don't like the cost of an event just don't go.
Look at the options for cheap racing.
For $25 Ballarat and Castlemaine ran fantastic, creative, fun events as part of the interwinter ,round 3 is next in Reesdale and will be awesome.
$10 gets you weekly racing at Dirt crits at the Westgate or No frills Friday at the You Yangs,
$50 gets you racing in the Vic Enduro series. The race in Albury this weekend or the race at Blores hill in a few weeks are as good as any races I have ever entered. Or the 6 hour in forest is $50
Geelong also ran the Gazebo over summer for I think $15 or $20 and if you want to go stage racing Geelong have a stage race at the you Yangs as part of the interwinter which as mentioned is only $25 or $8.33 a stage.
If you want to keep things cheap, join a club and put on a stage race, they are so much fun to run and really all you need is a track and a stop watch. Other wise please don't complain about the cost, the vibe of an event is not just created by the organizers, by turning up competing, saying hello to mates and enjoying the event you become the Vibe.
The PP events are fun and also have a great vibe, but if you don't have the cash there are plenty of other options.
I really don't understand why riders complain about the cost of events.
There are so many club events in Vic that are so cheap, if you don't like the cost of an event just don't go.
Look at the options for cheap racing.
For $25 Ballarat and Castlemaine ran fantastic, creative, fun events as part of the interwinter ,round 3 is next in Reesdale and will be awesome.
$10 gets you weekly racing at Dirt crits at the Westgate or No frills Friday at the You Yangs,
$50 gets you racing in the Vic Enduro series. The race in Albury this weekend or the race at Blores hill in a few weeks are as good as any races I have ever entered. Or the 6 hour in forest is $50
Geelong also ran the Gazebo over summer for I think $15 or $20 and if you want to go stage racing Geelong have a stage race at the you Yangs as part of the interwinter which as mentioned is only $25 or $8.33 a stage.
If you want to keep things cheap, join a club and put on a stage race, they are so much fun to run and really all you need is a track and a stop watch. Other wise please don't complain about the cost, the vibe of an event is not just created by the organizers, by turning up competing, saying hello to mates and enjoying the event you become the Vibe.
The PP events are fun and also have a great vibe, but if you don't have the cash there are plenty of other options.
mtb101
Likes Bikes and Dirt
thanks for reply norm, yes I could do the sums on how much per k your event is but it's pointless really, know it will be a top class event and good value for money. as others have said if you want affordability (or cheaper prices) do the club events, fair enough. I look after a running club events and we are having a debate over online entry pricing vs people who pay on day - if we go online pricing costs go up, the principle I try to stick to is affordability for the average person getting into running - a bit of a socialist approach. cheers.
normdouglas
Likes Dirt
Oh I love a socialist approach... in fact I often describe myself as a socialist at heart with capitalistic leanings..
I know from first hand experience (as I'm sure you and others do) that clubs can burn out... That's why we need PP's also and they MUST make money, otherwise they won't do it again.
I also firmly believe that it's incumbent upon PP's to make sure they give back decent prize money and prizes when they run events.
Again, thanks for the comments, I really respect your opinion.
Cheers
Very well run event last year and great no sheep station vibe, plan to come along and have some real fun on the bike. Cost I have no issue with as the timing and set up was great.
Each stage had live updates so if you made up time on the climb you would over take the people in front of you, timed descent if you were a bit slower/faster your position would change again. You could see your position at the start of each stage. Bunched most of the first day with people of similar speed so met a lot of new people and had some laughs.
Norm we're bringing families back this year and I'm sure they'd like to see some of the action if you could list where would be the best place to come watch etc on some of the stages. Oh and really important the Lions Club bacon and egg sangas need to be easier to find on the second day.
Each stage had live updates so if you made up time on the climb you would over take the people in front of you, timed descent if you were a bit slower/faster your position would change again. You could see your position at the start of each stage. Bunched most of the first day with people of similar speed so met a lot of new people and had some laughs.
Norm we're bringing families back this year and I'm sure they'd like to see some of the action if you could list where would be the best place to come watch etc on some of the stages. Oh and really important the Lions Club bacon and egg sangas need to be easier to find on the second day.
normdouglas
Likes Dirt
Great idea about the "where to watch". This will definitely be in the rider briefing pack.
Just on the "riding with similar people", I've actually commented on this before. I love multilap enduro type events, but I know that many people hate/are scared of the idea of being passed by faster riders.
The great thing about a stage race is, that in theory the above will never happen. As you've said, you get to ride with the same group of people around you each stage...
Oh and Jess and I rode the new stage 4 the other arvo... just awesome. Average time will be around 15 minutes... you'll have the "blood thing in your throat" going on if you wanna go fast, but it's just so much fun.
mr chicken legs
Likes Bikes
hope red carpet will get some repair work before the race.rode it yesterday upper section is in terrible condition.
A question for the locals.
Are trail builders allowed to cut back the grass trees around the Caspers area? I did a recon ride on the weekend ahed of the Festival next week and parts of Track 15 (and possibly 13 as well) were quite impacted by the growth. Trail surface was in excellent condition, just hard to get much visibility. Totally understand that managing the growth might be off limits but keen to know.
Are trail builders allowed to cut back the grass trees around the Caspers area? I did a recon ride on the weekend ahed of the Festival next week and parts of Track 15 (and possibly 13 as well) were quite impacted by the growth. Trail surface was in excellent condition, just hard to get much visibility. Totally understand that managing the growth might be off limits but keen to know.