Event Organizers: Thank you!!!

By Konarider
This is not meant to scare away would be race / event organizers but rather to give those who have never participated on that side of the fence an insight into what's involved.

The Woolastook 5 provided me with an opportunity to work with Andrew and Chris on the organizing side of things. I've participated in maybe a dozen or so different events and never really took the time to realize what had to be done to successfully host an event or race. I offer you a quick overview of what's involved. I know I'm missing a few things.

For those who have done so in the past know exactly what I mean. It takes a lot of time to contact the right people to ensure licensing, insurance, land access, course marshals, volunteers to handle registration, sponsorship for prizes etc. All this is before the event even takes place. This entails months of phone calls, messages, and emails.

There is also choosing the appropriate course especially in an area such as Woolastook where there are so many choices. The course has to be cleared and marked. Then it has to be ridden to make sure it makes sense. I strongly suggest you don't do this at night after a few beer, it made for a few exciting moments to say the least. There's no way to tally up the hours put in so far and the event still hasn't officially started.

On the actual day of the event there needs to be the proper safety officials, logistics for the course marshals, registration of participants among other things. There's always some running around ensuring that everyone is having a good time. So while you're riding the organizers are still working hard. They may be sitting in the sun, but that's probably the first time they've sat down in the last couple of days.

Now the event is officially over. Participants are packing up and waiting for the final standings to be counted and the prizes to be drawn and handed out. The organizers and volunteers meanwhile are removing the course markings and any garbage left on the trail. They're also tallying up the results. Once everything is checked and double checked prizes are handed out, and the organizers can take a quick breath, before loading up their cars and heading home.

That's a lot of work. I was only involved in a comparatively small way and I was near exhausted by my efforts. I can only imagine what Andrew and Chris felt like. They put a lot of time into this as does every event or race organizer. It's not for the money, it's for the love of the sport.

So next time a local event or race needs some help, don't be shy, jump up and say you'll lend a hand. Whether it's being a course marshal or helping take down the course markings afterwards. It's all greatly appreciated.

THANK YOU TO ALL EVENT / RACE ORGANIZERS!!!!

Posted by O9man at June 26, 2008 12:38 AM

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