General So is the Epic getting ahead of itself - elitism in the dining hall

[capediver]

Speaking of Epic trips.

 

Are any of you keen for well priced accommodation in Morzine this summer? I have a mate who's rented a house literally 15m from one of the main lifts in Morz. Dates are 1-7 July.

 

This trip is for Roadies as well as MTBer's. I'll most likely be there with my MTB but will be renting a roadie for 3 days. 

Eeeee...time to head over to the ol' thread....https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/126290-want-to-ride-your-bike-in-the-biggest-mountain-biking-area-in-the-world-20/page-139

[Patchelicious]

It's a R75k per team event, it was elitist long before this food tent video.

[Patchelicious]

Were Grant and Amy riding on their own account, or were they sponsored?

[HairyLegs]

Were Grant and Amy riding on their own account, or were they sponsored

I think they were sponsored, but still on a budget as they were also auctioning a few items on FB to raise funds.

 

I think the issue wasn't about buying drinks, it was that there was nothing available to buy if they wanted to.

 

For me the, the riders are VIPs and not the fatcats that just come for the party.

[Patchelicious]

I think they were sponsored, but still on a budget as they were also auctioning a few items on FB to raise funds.

 

I think the issue wasn't about buying drinks, it was that there was nothing available to buy if they wanted to.

 

For me the, the riders are VIPs and not the fatcats that just come for the party.

 

See, I think there is 2 things happening here, and we probably need to address them separately.

 

Sponsors are required for these events to take place. Just like Grant and many others needed sponsorships to make their Epics a reality. These "fat cats" that we all love teasing are the ones who help pay for these events.

 

For this sponsorship, they get returns, this may vary from VIP treatment for some of their bigger clients, media coverage, brand association etc. This is a reality of the world, not just the epic. Just as the sponsored pros and semi pros probably have to give some value back to their sponsors. Now I think its important to remember that sponsorship is NOT always about media coverage, but thats a different topic of conversation. 

 

Sponsorship and VIP areas are part and parcel of most events (think Golden circle, express queues etc), not just MBTing, we need to understand it, even if we don't like it.

 

Heres the rub, if the facilities for the riders was not adequate (Im saying if, as I was not there), that is not acceptable and needs to be addressed with the organizers, absolutely. But address it as an issue on its own, don't dilute your stance with cries of elitism.

 

So in summary:

1: Let the sponsors have their moments, we normal rider benefit from it.

2: If the facilities at a race are not up to standard, make sure the organizers know about.

[lechatnoir]

Been following this thread with mild interest (at the outrage mostly), and I'll stick my head out and say that even if the service offering is worse the next time, and the cost is higher, it'll STILL sell out just as fast.

 

Seems like a nice business to be in actually - offer the bare minimum and charge a premium 

[V12man]

I think they were sponsored, but still on a budget as they were also auctioning a few items on FB to raise funds.

 

I think the issue wasn't about buying drinks, it was that there was nothing available to buy if they wanted to.

 

For me the, the riders are VIPs and not the fatcats that just come for the party.

NOT sponsored - self funded - with help from friends (and "sponsors") to cover the shortfall - the life of a pro athlete is not always easy financially.

 

There were a couple of issues - I can't put words in Grants mouth and he has finished commenting on the issue - I have tried to put them in order of annoyance - perhaps my bias somewhat, but sharing a table gives you a view.

 

1 - limiting riders to 1 bottle of water (after running out the day before)

2 - non availability of some drinks

3 - difference between front tables and "normal" tables

 

The video has been removed - mostly due to the contovery it has caused (completely justifiable) and I am sure some pushback he has experienced as well - from many sources.

 

What he missed out on was the altercation I had with a security guard about taking water off a front table when there was NO water to be had - this is also similar to the altercation we (partner and I) had with a security guard about bringing a bottle of wine to the dinner table a couple of years before (when there was free wine on the front tables) when this was not allowed by the organizers - this policy has subsequently changed after some pressure, and the disparity between tables also needs to change.

[GLuvsMtb]

So in summary:

1: Let the sponsors have their moments, we normal rider benefit from it.

2: If the facilities at a race are not up to standard, make sure the organizers know about.

I fully agree on both points. It all just seems like attention-whoring to post a video on social media before properly engaging with organizers and sponsors. I don't think his own sponsors were looking for this type of exposure and if I was one of them, I'd just quietly withdraw and align myself with riders who are on good footing with the management team at the Epic.

[Patchelicious]

NOT sponsored - self funded - with help from friends (and "sponsors") to cover the shortfall - the life of a pro athlete is not always easy financially.

 

There were a couple of issues - I can't put words in Grants mouth and he has finished commenting on the issue - I have tried to put them in order of annoyance - perhaps my bias somewhat, but sharing a table gives you a view.

 

1 - limiting riders to 1 bottle of water (after running out the day before)

2 - non availability of some drinks

3 - difference between front tables and "normal" tables

 

The video has been removed - mostly due to the contovery it has caused (completely justifiable) and I am sure some pushback he has experienced as well - from many sources.

 

What he missed out on was the altercation I had with a security guard about taking water off a front table when there was NO water to be had - this is also similar to the altercation we (partner and I) had with a security guard about bringing a bottle of wine to the dinner table a couple of years before (when there was free wine on the front tables) when this was not allowed by the organizers - this policy has subsequently changed after some pressure, and the disparity between tables also needs to change.

 

I just want to clarify my stance, as I can see that my question might come across as snide.

 

My question about whether he himself was sponsored or not, was not to point out anything about Grant himself.

 

It was purely to illustrate that sponsors are needed, especially when it comes to "semi pro" athletes, and that surely they of all people must see the upside of having sponsors involved.

 

On your point 3 I agree. Whilst I believe that VIP areas have their benefit for events as businesses, the disparity needs to be kept in check and be as tasteful as possible.

[V12man]

I fully agree on both points. It all just seems like attention-whoring to post a video on social media before properly engaging with organizers and sponsors. I don't think his own sponsors were looking for this type of exposure and if I was one of them, I'd just quietly withdraw and align myself with riders who are on good footing with the management team at the Epic.

Is your name Cyril?

 

I will remind you:

 

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing" Edmund Burke

 

Grant is, and remains, one of the good guys.

 

I am out of this...

[NotSoBigBen]

Been following this thread with mild interest (at the outrage mostly), and I'll stick my head out and say that even if the service offering is worse the next time, and the cost is higher, it'll STILL sell out just as fast.

 

Seems like a nice business to be in actually - offer the bare minimum and charge a premium 

 

I'm afraid the days of companies (ALL) thinking otherwise are long gone ... salaries are treated exactly the same way, pay the minimum expect the maximum effort and then some 

 

Profits drive everything despite those that think that passion and service drive anything!

[Patchelicious]

Been following this thread with mild interest (at the outrage mostly), and I'll stick my head out and say that even if the service offering is worse the next time, and the cost is higher, it'll STILL sell out just as fast.

 

Seems like a nice business to be in actually - offer the bare minimum and charge a premium 

Luckily its a free market, and if the gap between cost and value gets too big, it creates a void for others to fill.

[Toxic]

Berg and Bush is the same.. chill zone open to all..snacks, juice, coffee, flavoured milk available all day..

The Cape Epic use to be like this few years ago.  I've done 2013 and 2016.  I've noticed a big difference between these 2 years.  The food in marquee tent where shocking in 2016.  It really caters only for the pro / very rich amateur riders.  We where an average team with average bikes and felt out of place in this event.  Not so sure I will do it again....

[CleatsnCleavage]

Husband did the Epic this year and when i showed him the video he said there were bars outside the dining tents where you could buy softdrinks, beer and wine. So not sure if grant missed those. Agree though that at the price you pay, unlimited bottle water - at teh very least - should be available. 

[lechatnoir]

I'm afraid the days of companies (ALL) thinking otherwise are long gone ... salaries are treated exactly the same way, pay the minimum expect the maximum effort and then some 

 

Profits drive everything despite those that think that passion and service drive anything!

 

And this, dear people, is going to tech people to vote with their feet and wallets. Regarding the Epic, my legs voted for me... 

[Rigardt@Scott]

Luckily its a free market, and if the gap between cost and value gets too big, it creates a void for others to fill.

 

Agree completely. I for one think the Epic is ridiculously overpriced. Do I want to do one? - Yes; can I afford to? - No. I will probably end up doing a Joberg2C next year. It's as simple as you say - people's wallets will do the talking - and by the looks of things there are more than enough who are willing to pay for the Epic experience. Until the event feels the hurt in their pocket the riders will get less, and will pay more.