Hi
with low low entry numbers for the XCC winter events it is hard to justify the effort of organising. Can anyone throw light as to why BMBO members are not entering?
We have advertised on BMBO web pages, local press, bike shops, done email shot and advertised on all cumbrian Foot-O club websites.
Is it that local riders have just done enough events?
Your thoughts would be appreciated

I think one problem particularly this year is the weather. People don't want to commit too far in advance in case of another blizzard wiping out either the event or their own chances of leaving, or getting back to, home

Well this has prompted me to get round to entering (and renewing my membership!). Personally for me this is my third winter living up this way but the first time I'm going to get the whole series in so trying to keep the numbers up.

The first 2 rounds were the MTBO races at Whinlatter and Grizedale. Personally my favourite sort of event, but these don't appeal to many trailquest regulars, so I wouldn't take these entry levels to heart.

Certainly the weather affected the Orton round (obviously, it was postponed!), I suspect some people didn't enter because the first snowfall was 10 days before the event, and long range forecasts from a week before that. Personally I find it strange when people stop riding when it is icy and snowy, but most do.

I don't think XCC have used Fabian4 before, correct me if I'm wrong? I think it's a good system I've used a lot before but maybe as simple as people don't like this change and were/are going to turn up on the day and enter? Certainly with the snow for the Orton event and still 10 days to go until Stainforth I don't think the full picture is there yet with entry levels for these.

Am I also right the 2.5hr format is new for this winter? What was wrong with 3? There's certainly an element of value for money that some want, not necessarily a personal opinion. I think 3 is always my prefered length - long enough to forget about the clock for the first half, but short enough to ride hard througout.

Hope helpful!

2.5 to allow us to do event a get it cleared away in one day.
We have used FAbian 4 before.
WIth 10 entries a week before Stainforth by rights the event should have been cancelled. With the late entries 50 or so actually rode on the day.
However most organisers do not have the luxury of time off in teh week, we have employment which basicallly precludes getting extra a maps etc printed for late entries.
So there is little incentive for an organiser to put in the effort and then endure the angst of 10 entries with 7 days to go. Yes you point out "" I suspect some people didn't enter because the first snowfall was 10 days before the event, and long range forecasts from a week before that." but you can get your entry refunded in case of event cancelled.
so by having a pattern of entering so late, organisers become discouraged and then there will be no events to enter.