I'm headed to one of my annual, poorly attended gravel races this weekend and was wondering again why this race never has more than a hundred riders. It starts in Veyo, Utah, which is sort of isolated, but not more than Beaver which sells out Crusher in the Tushar every year. The second race the same company puts on is in Cedar City and we have never had more than 140 for that one (split between 100 and 60K). And yet, the first year they had BWR Cedar City, it had like 350 people, at least. Both races end up being a lot of solo riding for me because of the low numbers. Does the branding of Crusher and BWR make that much difference?
It’s not all branding. It comes down to marketing/promoting and legacy. Both BWR and Crusher go back to 2011, DK/Unbound goes back to 2004. Races that aren’t as old just aren’t going to be known about, or hyped as much as older races. I live on the East Coast and have never heard of any gravel races in Veyo or Cedar City Utah, but I certainly have seen a lot about BWR and Crusher on all kinds of cycling websites, social media etc. The promoters need to get their races better marketed on national platforms, but I suppose that costs money.
The unbound gravel, bwr, steamboat, etc are great events and have their place, but I enjoy the smaller events that are low key, offer good food, atmosphere for participants and family after the ride/race. I feel you can tell a lot by the entry fee cost vs what the event offers and sometimes I think the smaller events not branded /advertised as well are better off in the long run.
I have ridden some local events and been to a few big event races. The difference in the event is alot about the environment and set up in the community. Smaller events are more personal, but really feel small time without all the local and national hype, vendors, and big-time racers. Of course national advertising is much different as you would expect. As an example, I have gotten at least half a dozen emails from SBT GVL so far this year alone. And the big, well known event is much more centered around the big name riders. Small events are fun but lack the environment of a festival, in my opinion. A little of both is my flavor.
Frank wrote:I have ridden some local events and been to a few big event races. The difference in the event is alot about the environment and set up in the community. Smaller events are more personal, but really feel small time without all the local and national hype, vendors, and big-time racers. Of course national advertising is much different as you would expect. As an example, I have gotten at least half a dozen emails from SBT GVL so far this year alone. And the big, well known event is much more centered around the big name riders. Small events are fun but lack the environment of a festival, in my opinion. A little of both is my flavor.
Well put. It can be fun going to a big event with hundreds(thousands?) of participants where bikes and riding bikes takes center stage. As you said, a festival. One or two of those a year is enough for me. From a riding standpoint, I prefer the laid-back feel of the smaller local events.
