Amashova flop

[Groggery]

The way I see it, MTN dropped out because of the whole Ichikowitz & co/Lions Rugby saga - you will recall that after that debacle, the Lions had no sponsor - MTN stepped in and then realised that they had no money/were willing to dump the Shova in favour of their sponsorship for the Lions. Said this in another thread: it's sad that cycling has to suffer because of mismanagement in rugby.

 

I think the organisers did a great job considering that there was no sponsor. I thoroughly enjoyed my race, and there were a record number of finishers (+/- 3800).

[The Drongo]

Hi Everyone,

 

I just thought to exprss my disgust at this years Amashova and wanted some feedback with what the general feel out there is?

Up until now I have rated Amashova as one of SAs' best races but after my experience this year I am left wandering. The irony.

First of all it costs a fair amount to get there and back(which is not the complaint)but it is also a fairly steep entry price. Now on arrival at the MMS I was looking forward to walking through the expo only to find out that there was no expo.

Then on collection of my race number I found out that there was no goody bag. As trivial (correct) as that sounds I am sure everyone (generalization ) doing races across the country has become accustomed to a small treat ???? that awaits them on collection of their race numbers? We even skipped the option to have our race numbers couriered to us in order that we could attend the expo. If we had known this we would have saved ourselves the extra night accomodation, had the numbers couriered and only travelled down on the saturday.

If this race is to attract the numbers that Argus and 94.7 enjoy then surely these are contributing factors?

I am pretty sure there are other opinions out there so please let's have them as I would like to know the general feel considering Amashova organisers have recently sent out a request to participate in a satisfaction survey.

[The Drongo]

From my past experience with organising races, just getting Metro Police assistance is very expensive (every Metro cop you see costs around R3000 or more). To that you need to add the additional cost for full road closure..

 

I beg yours pardon. The cops have to be 'paid' for?!?

What the hell do I pay tax for?

 

It should be part of their sworn friggin 'duty to serve and protest'. Bloody Metros. Damn daylight rip-off artists.

Edited October 19, 2011 by The Drongo

[GordonD]

I think the race race itself was really well organised.Despite having 5 punctures i was able to finish albiet a lot later than i would have liked,thanks to the support of the Cycleshere guys.As far as the goodie bags are concerned get used to it they are a thing of the past.Maybe a water bottle or suchlike would be a good idea.I will be back to race.Just a pity only 3000 odd participants when there were over 10000 entrants.The road back to JHB on Monday looked like all the cyclists came from JHB LOL.I will be back

[Seadog]

The road closure was good and I couldn't find much fault with any other aspect of the race. The finish at the new stadium is awesome. I carried enough to eat and drink myself and enjoyed this years Amashova. A goody bag, a crappy cap or a T-shirt would have made absolutely zero difference to my experience. Road closure is enough for me thanks.

[Cheese]

The amashova do not have a expo?

Come do OFM classic, You get an expo, not very big but an expo none the less, there is a goody bag as well.

 

But the main thing is well organised safe event .

You get a few hills , wind and a fast ride if you can hang on or of cause lead the group.

 

Try the Free state next time. MTN still sponsoring the event as well.

[StevieL]

Me, I do like an expo. But I only have a few weeks to wait until the 94.7 expo...

So, having said that... The rain wasn't great, but obviously something that is out of organisers hands...

Goody bag, I can take it or leave it. Nothing of great value inside usually anyways. I did get Dove deo at the end, so I could mask the wet damp smell that was coming from my cycling shoes.

Finished just in time for the rugby kick off.

And like a previous post suggested, full road closure is the biggest plus of all.

 

So, for me.... A positive experience. One I will be back to endure next year. (with a hopefully sunny day next time).

 

MY BIGGEST GRIPE IS WITH MTN. SHAME ON YOU!!!!

Edited October 19, 2011 by StevieL

[Groggery]

MTN still sponsoring the OFM?

 

Until when (2 weeks before the event)?

 

Yes, I know, very cynical - but they don't have a great track record with the Shova ...

[Slowbee]

look, Doreen, my manageress of home affairs, will through a riot if i arrive home from number collection witout a goodie bag to top up her supplies of useless sun caps, bubblebath, massage oils and soaps, plus the occasional treat of chocalate, energy bar (gets the ironing done in half the time yeh) etc, so no goodie bag and i have issues

 

 

post of the day !

[Slowbee]

Stop winging and train harder, simple as that. We dont expect any goody bags just a well organised race which is waht we got. Well done Amashova organisers

 

 

this attitude is really interesting.

 

for a large proportion of people who ride their bikes at these rides, its about the entire experience and package. Goodie bags and expo's form part of that experience, in the same way the vibe at water tables, people along the route etc.

 

 

When these experiences go away, then there is usually less interest in a ride, and soon the ride will fall away. Not all riders are racers and a stop winging attitude is short sighted.

 

oh yes, Swiss Van, if you read this, do they have goodie bags in the land of cold ? Do they even have fun rides ?

[ricochet_rabbit]

Chaps, I don't think MTN dropped the race at the last minute. I did hear rumours that "Durban Tourism" or similar sponsor demanded they get all the finish straight branding which caused MTN to go whooa, who's the main sponsor here?

 

(ps: I don't work for or have any involvement with MTN)

[ricochet_rabbit]

I think the race race itself was really well organised.Despite having 5 punctures i was able to finish albiet a lot later than i would have liked,thanks to the support of the Cycleshere guys.As far as the goodie bags are concerned get used to it they are a thing of the past.Maybe a water bottle or suchlike would be a good idea.I will be back to race.Just a pity only 3000 odd participants when there were over 10000 entrants.The road back to JHB on Monday looked like all the cyclists came from JHB LOL.I will be back

 

You have to remember that 10000 includes two races (38Km & 106Km). There were also a large number of people who didn't want to buy a chip for 1 race so were not timed.

[Benjamin]

Chaps, I don't think MTN dropped the race at the last minute. I did hear rumours that "Durban Tourism" or similar sponsor demanded they get all the finish straight branding which caused MTN to go whooa, who's the main sponsor here?

 

(ps: I don't work for or have any involvement with MTN)

Also no race has a right to a sponsor. Sponsorship is given by a supplier because they feel the exposure they get and longer term revenue generation is worth the investment that they make. The event can do all they like but if sponsor feels they not getting a return then they gone like last weeks pay. I also imagine as a generalization, event sponsors are harder to come by as there is just less spare cash around.

[Sepia]

Terrible race. Best be forgotten and never ridden again.

Bad logistics. Feeding stations?

Never again at this price. Tire of the cycling related rip off.

Thank goodness for all the mobile repair vehicles. Thanks guys!

Edited October 19, 2011 by Sepia

[Thor Buttox]

this attitude is really interesting.

 

for a large proportion of people who ride their bikes at these rides, its about the entire experience and package. Goodie bags and expo's form part of that experience, in the same way the vibe at water tables, people along the route etc.

 

 

When these experiences go away, then there is usually less interest in a ride, and soon the ride will fall away. Not all riders are racers and a stop winging attitude is short sighted.

 

oh yes, Swiss Van, if you read this, do they have goodie bags in the land of cold ? Do they even have fun rides ?

 

Morning Mr Bee... Will we be getting a goodie bag for the Charity Ride? So we can give it to charity?

[Pronutro]

Hi Everyone,

 

I just thought to exprss my disgust at this years Amashova and wanted some feedback with what the general feel out there is?

Up until now I have rated Amashova as one of SAs' best races but after my experience this year I am left wandering.

 

...

 

Lost your bike?