Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Belinda Hoare on April 20, 2012 at 11:49

Consider the Public Liability Insurance premiums for the organisers, the need to offer prize money which is usually sourced in part by entry fees, and in this case, from a LIMITED number of participants (which I would guess is limited due to safety).  Mass-participation cycling events are hideously expensive to run, and if it's an Amy Gillet foundation event, then I'd hazard a guess that part of your entry fee would go towards supporting the foundation. 

Permalink Reply by Matt Brennan on April 20, 2012 at 11:59

It is expensive!  So is cycling in general.

Agreed these events would cost some to organise, but that is a bit rich.

If you aren't happy - I would let them know and not attend.

The only problem is there is always someone else with more money than sense to fill the void ;)

Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on April 20, 2012 at 12:21

Usually I just vote with my feet. I understand that part of the entry fee is to support a good charity, that's fine, but the other parts unless there is a break down of what each section is for, can be a little hard to swallow. Totally understand where you are coming from in this regard. $190 is a lot to pay to ride the same stretch of road you can do for free on any other day under other vehicular duress. But it obviously costs money to set up detours for cars, ambulance on the scene, advertising etc.

But as Belinda mentioned, PL insurance is jumping to stupid levels due to people looking for an excuse to sue. No doubt the local council/govco will be looking for a handout as well. Most of the people involved are volunteers so that counts them out of the funding. It all costs money to make a statement as loud as this. The AG foundation is a large one and is usually a good ride that is well organized and supported to go on.

But if you are not happy, just don't go. Do a different ride instead.

Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on April 20, 2012 at 13:25

There are lots of organized rides that are not run by paid people.

The Adelaide Touring Cyclists have a ride to Birdsville organized over 3 weeks.

the cycling for pleasure group have weekend at Mannum coming up soon.

Gawler Wheelers ride most Saturday mornings

If you look in the events page there are all sorts of activities you can participate in and all the organizes would like is a smile and a thank you afterwards (but this is probably not enforceable)

this would leave you money to give to whatever charity takes your fancy including "coffee for sweaty Lycra lads" but you probably wont get a tax deduction for this one.

From a business point of view is not the purpose to raise money for the charity?

If the event is very popular isn't it sensible to raise the price to make more money for the charity?

If they can get 4000 people at $150

or 4000 people at $160 which will raise more money for the charity?

Are cyclists seen as a group that are generous with deep pockets?

that is a different question.

Is it ethical for charities to do there best to get as much money as possible from people?

Again this is an other question but more money will allow them to do more good work.

Can you afford it?

Perhaps you should ask your wife and kids

Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on April 20, 2012 at 13:30

Mass organised rides always have their place especially if money goes to a charity. Sometimes there seems to be a saturation of the number of these events and cant attend them all. Yes they can be expensive but the odd one makes a day special and fun but if you do them all then they loose that magic. In my opinion do the odd organised mass ride and do different ones each year. Fill the gaps with other group rides, maybe the odd road race, and the odd day on your own. Best of all I liked the organised multi day event like ride for repat....it was so fun....important thing is to ride to enjoy and not turn it into a task...

Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on April 20, 2012 at 14:18

well said Rob.

Permalink Reply by Michael Bland on April 22, 2012 at 0:57

+1 ,    8~)

Permalink Reply by Mike Brisco on April 20, 2012 at 15:08

Julian,

Yes, agree is expensive. To be fair Amy Gillett  Foundation use these rides as fund raisers, and Don already beat me to most of the ponits I would make. However, .... 

Suppose a charity, is organising a ride as a fund raiser, funds  to promote cyclist safety. Suppose by putting up its  prices  33% - and cutting down services to riders - it  aims to raise, $20,000 more this year.

 Suppose this year, many riders avoid the ride, because they feel it's become  a rip off.  Or can't afford it. But the charity still makes the extra money

Is the charity acting ethically? Fairly? With integrity?  I'd say posslby not, but I'd be in a minority.

 The charity's aims are ethical, but its means  to achieve them, seem a bit unethical .  I'd insist that both the aims and the means be ethical. Not acceptable to me, to simply insist the aims be ethical - then use any means you can to achieve those...

Charities have, as part of their reason for being, part of their aim, a task to make society fairer .  We expect them to demonstrate that fairness, act fairly,   in all they do. Is difficult for them sure.   But they are at odds with their own aims - if  this year, they give poorer value for money, or the high entry fee excludes people . People generally think of such things as unfair. Best if the hypothetical charity doesnt do them - even if it makes a bit less cash than it otherwise could.  

The Amy Gillett Foundation do do a good job,   I hope they'll continue to run rides that offer good value for money, and at the same time promote cycling safety. .Difficult balance, but they seemed to be doing OK so far....

Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on April 20, 2012 at 15:45

I think the cost of a lot of these rides is starting to get abit high but I reckon this particular ride is not bad value as you get a closed road, not an easy thing to do. paying over a $100 to ride on open public roads is starting to lose some of it's appeal to me though. The charities need to find a WOW factor to their rides I think or they will begin to lose popularity, The VeloAdelaide ride didn't grab my attention but at least it had the chance to ride through the Heysen Tunnels, a closed GOR is appealing.

Did anyone look into the Cancer Council Lands End to John O'Groats ride that was in the press recently, now that was expensive. As much as that ride is on my bucket list I couldn't justify the cosst involved.

Permalink Reply by Derek Hasel on April 20, 2012 at 16:24

Mate I wouldn't give One Red Cent to anything that the Cancer Council is involved in. Less than 18% of the money raised by that Organisation goes towards Cancer Research or associated activities. Whereas the money paid to "Ride Like Crazy', for example has virtually ALL monies raised, including Registration going  to Cancer related Charities. Having had a considerable input into fund raising and bike riding fund raisers I know that there are a lot of people out there who work for some of these Organisations that are sitting on big fat salaries, Pizzes me right off !

Just my opinion, of course.

Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on April 20, 2012 at 16:32

Ooops.My apologies to the CC it was the Flinders Medical Centre Foundation

http://www.fmcfoundation.com.au/ukcycle

Permalink Reply by Derek Hasel on April 20, 2012 at 16:55

I should have realised Patrick.  Have helped raise over $30K for FMCF. They are one of the 'Good Guys' Completely transparent, you can nominate were your funds can be used and have nothing to do with CCSA (unless they have to).

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