Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by MarkK on April 20, 2012 at 17:12

I'm glad someone else stated the truth.  Most of these charities paid their executives huge salaries while their charities suffer. It should be law that your entry must state how much of the money goes to the charity. 

Permalink Reply by Gillian on April 20, 2012 at 16:29

There were a few reasons why I was dubious about entering Amy's Gran Fondo this year. The price has pretty much sealed the decision against. I'd still love to do it once on that route. Maybe next year...

I've managed a couple of years of Spring/Summer riding now and ticked a few "must do" rides off the list. I suspect I will become more selective about paid rides over coming years though.

Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on April 20, 2012 at 17:18

Gillian...yes the Grand Fondo sort of has an appeal to me but have opted to ride part of the Great Ocean Road later in the year with some friends over a long weekend....use the money to pay for good accommodation and ride parts of the GOR which I want to see....maybe should write a guide about organising these sort of rides as they certainly are a unique challenge....

Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on April 20, 2012 at 19:13

While I can understand people being disappointed that with some charities a lot goes on "administration"

But is 10% of something more than 100% of nothing?

Are people who participate in these rides more interested in the ride and the social aspect or the charity?

Permalink Reply by Derek Hasel on April 20, 2012 at 20:01

I believe that 10% of something is better than nothing. However when 90% of funds raised is siphoned off for 'Administrative costs', including  HUGE salaries for some, then people should be aware of that. If CCSA, for example was honest then they would inform that only 10% of any money raised goes to what they advertise as 'their cause'. Some of the salaries of people in this particular "Charity", are disgusting.    And their ethics leave a lot to be desired.  

There are Charities whose staff work for NOTHING.   They usually are not high profile as they can not afford to spend any funds on advertising.  Just my opinion - and knowledge, of course.

Permalink Reply by Smudge on April 20, 2012 at 21:52

I was disappointed to have missed the inaugural Gran Fondo last year, but couldn't really justify it after having just finished riding from Pt Augusta to Wentworth with Sarah, Chewie, and the Cycle for Hope team. So, when registrations opened this morning, Sarah and I are in! Pretty excited about it too. Yes, some will say it's expensive, but it just means we have to choose what rides we join in on, rather than doing them all.

I like the idea of getting to ride along the GOR with no traffic! Like Belinda said, insurance for events costs so much, and yes, volunteers are awesome at events, and I have volunteered at a number of different ones, but we're still not free. Volunteers still need insurance, training, often times branded clothing of some kind, meals, drinks etc. Then the cost of traffic management to close the road off will be huge too.

I don't mind this price for an experience, and that's what I look at this as, and that's what I am paying for.

Added bonus of course is that the AGF will get some benefit from it too, and we do love the work that Mary and the team do.

Permalink Reply by James Jordan on April 21, 2012 at 15:42

Also being closed roads they need to pay an amount to the Police to assist with the event.

I did the Grand Fondo last year and will do it again this year.  Even though it cost me a bit once you add travel, accomidation, food and the like its still a great weekend away with my mates.

Permalink Reply by Dstone on April 21, 2012 at 8:25

For that coin you could join Adealide Moutnain bike club and do a couple of races - mtb or cx. Its the way i look at it.

Permalink Reply by Clive Palfrey on April 21, 2012 at 8:49

It's not really all that hard. If you want to do a long group ride you can always organise a wwekender with a few mates such as The Clare valley w/end that AVO is organising. I made the mistake of going on all the big rides over summer and then couldn't afford BikeSA membership or the Grand Slam series, both good value for money, next summer will be differant.

Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on April 21, 2012 at 9:04

@ Clive....hear you Clive...definitely ther BSA grand slam series is probably the best value for money series anywhere....those rides are so good fun especially if you ride there and back as well :)

 

Permalink Reply by Julian Sargeant on April 21, 2012 at 12:06

Clive, I also have to concur that BSA membership and GS series rides are a must! Definite value for money!

Permalink Reply by Frank on April 21, 2012 at 13:28

It's still a bazaar concept to pay to ride the roads we normally ride for nothing!

If 10% goes to charity, give $40 to charity effectively doubling ones contribution directly to charity and than go for ur normal ride.
They are definitely not worth entering for their jerseys.

Everything in Australia has sky-rocketed in terms of costs, many travelers say that it's now cheaper to tour in Europe than it is here and I agree from personal experience!

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