Epic 2015 entry

[GLuvsMtb]

Barefoot,

 

To be fair it would be good if you are transparent as to your costs incurred. I too volunteered in 2008 to get a guaranteed entry in 2009. I still had to travel to Knysna and used my own vehicle to transport riders and equipment for no compensation from the orginisers to Knysna and from stage to stage back to Lourensford.

 

My costs in 2008 exceeded R4k, so that is not the "issue". Perhaps just inform others what you had to fork out to take 1200 riders' crap for 7 days. OK, most folk are pretty decent, but you get the tjop that thinks the Epic is about him / her. Usually they don't make it past stage 3, but you still have to deal with them for at least the first 3 days.

[Brogue]

Barefoot,

 

To be fair it would be good if you are transparent as to your costs incurred. I too volunteered in 2008 to get a guaranteed entry in 2009. I still had to travel to Knysna and used my own vehicle to transport riders and equipment for no compensation from the orginisers to Knysna and from stage to stage back to Lourensford.

 

My costs in 2008 exceeded R4k, so that is not the "issue". Perhaps just inform others what you had to fork out to take 1200 riders' crap for 7 days. OK, most folk are pretty decent, but you get the tjop that thinks the Epic is about him / her. Usually they don't make it past stage 3, but you still have to deal with them for at least the first 3 days.

 

Gluvs, did the end (guaranteed entry) justify the means (>4k costs and rider crap) for you? Do you think the Epic volunteer programme is worthwhile and would you recommend it to those who don't intend to ride it? Did you use make use of the guaranteed entry to participate in 2009?

[Stretch]

I have to admit I am blown away by what I am reading here. The arrogance of the CE has left me speechless. I have sat with sister in law making pots and pots of pasta salads that she has bought the ingredients herself and then sat up at night and made, then spent the entire next day gracefully handing it out to tired riders at mckenzie club. there is no entry being dangled in her face and she certainly did not have to pay to do it...ok so the community benefits...but through donations made up entirely from the race fees, not some other bs source of income...sorry for the rant..but I am absolutely flabbergasted

[GLuvsMtb]

 

Gluvs, did the end (guaranteed entry) justify the means (>4k costs and rider crap) for you? Do you think the Epic volunteer programme is worthwhile and would you recommend it to those who don't intend to ride it? Did you use make use of the guaranteed entry to participate in 2009?

I had a sponsor for the 2009 event, so a weeks leave and about R4k was totally worth it. It was great to see first hand what riders went through. I made some friends for life and got a whole new perspective on support services at the race. I dislocated my shoulder and broke 2 ribs half way through Atta 2009. Finished the day, but was out for Epic. I wonder some days if I would have made the Epic in 09 if I actually got to the start in one piece... I guess we will never know hey?

[Brogue]

I had a sponsor for the 2009 event, so a weeks leave and about R4k was totally worth it. It was great to see first hand what riders went through. I made some friends for life and got a whole new perspective on support services at the race. I dislocated my shoulder and broke 2 ribs half way through Atta 2009. Finished the day, but was out for Epic. I wonder some days if I would have made the Epic in 09 if I actually got to the start in one piece... I guess we will never know hey?

 

Ok, from a rider's perspective you would recommend the program.

 

I have to admit I am blown away by what I am reading here. The arrogance of the CE has left me speechless. I have sat with sister in law making pots and pots of pasta salads that she has bought the ingredients herself and then sat up at night and made, then spent the entire next day gracefully handing it out to tired riders at mckenzie club. there is no entry being dangled in her face and she certainly did not have to pay to do it...ok so the community benefits...but through donations made up entirely from the race fees, not some other bs source of income...sorry for the rant..but I am absolutely flabbergasted

 

It appears as if Vermaak and Co have successfully contrived to butter their bread on both sides. They tap into the psyche of eager would-be riders (like Gluvs) to fork out a "volunteer fee" and other incidentals in return for a guaranteed place. Maximum profit, minimal costs. No disrespect to Gluvs, but your sister epitomises the true spirit of a volunteer.

Edited April 22, 2014 by Brogue

[Shebeen]

Hi barefoot,

 

I'm going out on a limb here, and guessing that since you address us as 'cyclists', you are not one of us. So by a process of deduction, you never actually intended to do the race. I'm trying to think of reasons to pay to be a volunteer at this event, it's not quite like voluntourism as there you help poor people. At the epic you lekgat vir rykgatte. I don't understand it, and probably never will - there have been suckers like you lining up for years.

 

Anyway, it seems like you are trying to squeeze as much out of a 'guaranteed' entry as possible. You should probably take the R4k some keenbean has laid on the table, because you will soon learn that only one person makes money out of the Epic, and he wears shoes. Any attempt to upset this balance will result in you getting a bloody nose from the keyboard warriors.

 

But wait, you have done some serious analysis in determining that this guaranteed entry is worth gold. Maybe you're right. but it would be a bit more convincing if you could actually add the numbers up correctly.

 

yours sincerly,

Shebeen

hub cynic since 1993

[SwissVan]

Hell...pay to volunteer...that's a bit rich...even if you get a guaranteed entry (at the normal price).

 

Just goes to prove that it takes all types and people will pay extra just to get that entry...and in some case not to get that entry.

 

BUT

 

Its all voluntary, you either do or don't, enter (try) or don't...no one forces anyone to do it

 

Will be interesting if the OP can reveal how much he manages to get for his entry ticket

[rouxtjie]

Hi barefoot,

 

I'm going out on a limb here, and guessing that since you address us as 'cyclists', you are not one of us. So by a process of deduction, you never actually intended to do the race. I'm trying to think of reasons to pay to be a volunteer at this event, it's not quite like voluntourism as there you help poor people. At the epic you lekgat vir rykgatte. I don't understand it, and probably never will - there have been suckers like you lining up for years.

 

Anyway, it seems like you are trying to squeeze as much out of a 'guaranteed' entry as possible. You should probably take the R4k some keenbean has laid on the table, because you will soon learn that only one person makes money out of the Epic, and he wears shoes. Any attempt to upset this balance will result in you getting a bloody nose from the keyboard warriors.

 

But wait, you have done some serious analysis in determining that this guaranteed entry is worth gold. Maybe you're right. but it would be a bit more convincing if you could actually add the numbers up correctly.

 

yours sincerly,

Shebeen

hub cynic since 1993

Love your work....

[DIPSLICK]

Hi barefoot,

 

I'm going out on a limb here, and guessing that since you address us as 'cyclists', you are not one of us. So by a process of deduction, you never actually intended to do the race. I'm trying to think of reasons to pay to be a volunteer at this event, it's not quite like voluntourism as there you help poor people. At the epic you lekgat vir rykgatte. I don't understand it, and probably never will - there have been suckers like you lining up for years.

 

Anyway, it seems like you are trying to squeeze as much out of a 'guaranteed' entry as possible. You should probably take the R4k some keenbean has laid on the table, because you will soon learn that only one person makes money out of the Epic, and he wears shoes. Any attempt to upset this balance will result in you getting a bloody nose from the keyboard warriors.

 

But wait, you have done some serious analysis in determining that this guaranteed entry is worth gold. Maybe you're right. but it would be a bit more convincing if you could actually add the numbers up correctly.

 

yours sincerly,

Shebeen

hub cynic since 1993

 

100% agreed, but here is the kicker, SOME GUY WITH HUGE CASH WILL LOOK AT THIS AND SAY

BARGAIN AT ANY PRICE,,,,,,,,,SUPPLY AND DEMAND BUDDY

[rouxtjie]

100% agreed, but here is the kicker, SOME GUY WITH HUGE CASH WILL LOOK AT THIS AND SAY

BARGAIN AT ANY PRICE,,,,,,,,,SUPPLY AND DEMAND BUDDY

spot on J....sad if you think about it.

[ChUkKy]

Pay to volunteer???

 

call me stupid but WTF... ?!?!?!?!

 

You paid to work, as in took money out your pocket, gave it to your employer?

 

Cheeses rice bud....

http://s.quickmeme.com/img/b2/b227417787284a1593ed616250b9072a733f09b210cd241719951799c19f4cf6.jpg

[KevinHow]

Not nearly, BUT R53 700.00.....

 

You know I did the first Cape Epic in 2004 and it cost just over R14K for the two of us?

[Shebeen]

blAH BLAH blah..... whom we have never worked before as a measure of their commitment to the Absa Cape Epic and volunteer programme. Many of our volunteers are invited to return year after year because each year is an experience of a lifetime.

volunteering at the epic gets you a new life too.

[GLuvsMtb]

Volunteers "selling" their guaranteed entries is nothing new. I had 3 approaches at Lourensford once riders completed the 2008 Epic to "buy" my guaranteed entry. Back then one guy even offered me R8 000 (I think the entry that year was about R20k for a team?). I find it surprising that a bunch of very clued up individuals are now shocked to find out that volunteers pay, and that they recover their cost by selling their guaranteed entries. I am however not surprised at the condescending and snide remarks. I guess it is unfortunate that the OP timed his post inbetween the Oscar trial holiday and the Pinarello fred losing steam. If you don't like being charged a fee to volunteer... well, then don't volunteer! (Simple really)

 

Some have very good reasons to secure their entry. Mine was that I wanted to ensure that my sponsor did not back out once I got the entry months after the lottery closed. I am sure there are many out there with similar concerns.

 

Barefoot, good luck in selling your guaranteed entry. I remember when I volunteered that there were people that wanted to be part of something amazing like the Epic and R4k was a lot to part with for the "privilege". I supported and assisted these individuals in 2008 to recover some of their cost and sent this link to friends that I know who are looking for entries for next year's Epic.

 

Besides it was not their brainwave (or brain fart, depending on what side of the envy equation you are) to charge people to volunteer.

edit:

Just remember not to get too greedy.

Edited April 23, 2014 by GLuvsMtb

[Solstice]

Volunteers "selling" their guaranteed entries is nothing new. I had 3 approaches at Lourensford once riders completed the 2008 Epic to "buy" my guaranteed entry. Back then one guy even offered me R8 000 (I think the entry that year was about R20k for a team?). I find it surprising that a bunch of very clued up individuals are now shocked to find out that volunteers pay, and that they recover their cost by selling their guaranteed entries. I am however not surprised at the condescending and snide remarks. I guess it is unfortunate that the OP timed his post inbetween the Oscar trial holiday and the Pinarello fred losing steam. If you don't like being charged a fee to volunteer... well, then don't volunteer! (Simple really)

 

Some have very good reasons to secure their entry. Mine was that I wanted to ensure that my sponsor did not back out once I got the entry months after the lottery closed. I am sure there are many out there with similar concerns.

 

Barefoot, good luck in selling your guaranteed entry. I remember when I volunteered that there were people that wanted to be part of something amazing like the Epic and R4k was a lot to part with for the "privilege". I supported and assisted these individuals in 2008 to recover some of their cost and sent this link to friends that I know who are looking for entries for next year's Epic.

 

Besides it was not their brainwave (or brain fart, depending on what side of the envy equation you are) to charge people to volunteer.

edit:

Just remember not to get too greedy.

 

I think its very reasonable to want to get some money back after being a volunteer...#pain&suffering

Also surprised Barefoot isn't asking for more dosh...

And to the cynics...to each their own...

[rouxtjie]

............

I find it surprising that a bunch of very clued up individuals are now shocked to find out that volunteers pay, and that they recover their cost by selling their guaranteed entries. I am however not surprised at the condescending and snide remarks

...........

mmm I don't think we are shocked that they pay, more a case of shocked at why they pay?

 

but yes....ultimately to each their own...if that is what tickles you, go for it.

Edited April 23, 2014 by rouxtjie