Greetings and salutations all you infamous NEC riders,
It’s been a while since many of you have heard from the likes of me, but I plan to rectify that!
I’ve been traveling all over Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts in order to meet as many riders as possible. Not only do I enjoy your company, but I also value your ideas and opinions. That is why I’m currently writing this note to all and asking you to weigh in.
We are looking to alter the structure of the New England Classic from it’s original 2 and 7 day ride options to something different. Most likely the 2 day ride will remain, but the 7 day ride will take on a new format. We need to increase our ridership and fund-raising overall for the New England Classic.
This is where you all come in. We’re looking to grow the NEC while still running a fiscally responsible and quality ride.
Post your thoughts, here, about some of the options that are already being looked into and add your own:
• 2 Day & 5 Day Ride Option: The usual NEC 150 route, Day 3 to Attitash, and return to Woburn over the course of 2 days
• 2 Day & 5 Day Ride Option: The usual NEC 150 route, different Day 3, 4, and 5 all together
• What about a 3 day Fall Foliage ride Columbus Day Weekend starting in NH, along Rt 1 to Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park?
• Reverse part of our prior route (Woburn, Franklin Peirce, to Montpelier?)
• Boston to New York?
• Which New England states would you like to ride through within 5 days? 4 days?
We have a unique opportunity to experience something new, fun, and all for a good cause!
In order to create such an amazing ride, we’ll need your thoughts, ideas, and input. Know of a great location/route/or scenic spot you’d like to share with others? Post your route suggestions, preference of number of days/length, etc – add onto this thread!
I’m really excited to see what 2010 has in store for us and how we can continue to make such a big difference in the lives of so many loved ones fighting diabetes!
Warm Regards,
~Ryan, Your-Friendly-Neighborhood-ADA-Guy
Ryan Williams
New England Classic Tour de Cure Associate Manager
rwilliams@diabetes.org
888.342.2383 ext 3456
80 Elm Street
Portland, ME 04101
Join us
I do not support an October ride to replace the July ride for the following reasons: (1) weather. Rain in July is very different than rain or even snow in October. (2) Family commitments. Children are in school or college (Family weekends).
I truly enjoy the current 7 day format; especially Day 4 with the century ride and the hills.
If you were to go to a 5 day, make it a completely different ride.
A Boston to NY has merit; however it also increases the cost associated with getting back to Boston after “x” days riding.
Ryan, Of course I’m most fond of the 7 day NEC. However, I do understand the need for change in order to bring more riders and more money. In my opinion, you also need to raise the cost of registration. I know that the PMC registration is $150. And that is just for one overnight. Perhaps you could gradually increase the registration fee over the next couple of years to what it actually costs the ADA per rider.
I like the idea of a 5 day ride with the first 2 remaining the same. But days 3, 4, and 5 being totally different. Though the NEC 550 is an amazing ride and beautiful route, perhaps it’s time for something new to attract not only new riders, but maybe bring some past riders who no longer participate in the NEC. I wouldn’t mind doing more NH and ME or possibly even more in MA. There are some beautiful roads in the Western part of the state. Perhaps you could do MA, Southern NH and VT. I also like the idea of a fall foliage 3 day ride on Columbus Day weekend. (Heck, after all the issues and pain in the back/neck and lack of riding I had at this year’s NEC, I guess I would just about do anything.)
First – if the summer ride is replaced with a Columbus Day weekend ride, I would no longer be able to participate due to the distance I have to travel to get to the ride.
With regard to dropping the summer tour from 7 to 5 days – I realize it is only a difference of 2 days, but for those of us who travel a long way, losing those days and their scenery would definitely decrease the appeal of the ride.
I agree with Nancy that increasing the registration fee might help defray some of the rider costs.
I agree with the October ride comments. It was 45° when I woke up this morning. And that was in downtown Boston. I can’t imagine what it would be like in the mountains. Plus, it’s dark by 5:30.
w/r/t the 7 to 5 days, if that’s what we have to do to get an acceptable ROI for the ride, then there’s little choice. We’re here to raise money for diabetes care and research. And as fun and beautiful as the ride is, that’s the real goal here.
But there is an opportunity here. A big one. Over the past so many years (six that I’ve been involved) it’s been a real struggle for the organizers to find places to stay, and we have to carry everything with us in an armada of support vehicles. If we were to change the route entirely, we might be able to count on more local support for manning sag stops, reducing the expenses of the ride. Sure, we’d still need the gear truck and some support vehicles, but maybe we could get by with far fewer. That, and bring out support of the local communities as well.
I present this just as an example and am not submitting this for consideration, but take a look at this:
(click to embiggen)
It’s a 300-mile ride through Western Mass, VT, and NH. We still get boatloads of hills, travel through some communities where we can stay and get support, and still get an awesome ride. This example starts and ends in Bedford, skirts the Quabbin, goes through Amherst to Tanglewood (anyone for a concert?), up through happy valley, and back through VT and NH. (It could be lengthened or shortened in any number of ways.)
There are all sorts of other alternatives. Maybe entirely up the coast to, say, Acadia, and boat back (if there is one). Or to Acadia, back to Portland, and Downeaster back.
Maybe a tour of New England breweries! Wachusett, Harpoon, Redhook, Smuttynose, Allagash, Shipyard, &c &c &c. May not get much riding done though!
So, broaden your thinking. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a modification of the 7-day ride, it can be completely new and different.
I agree that the cause is the important issue and did not mean to imply that I would no longer support the cause BUT driving 2000 miles over four days (round trip) plus motels plus … is personally expensive and it might be more efficient for me to concentrate my fundraising for the local Tour de Cure event(s). I would hate to give up the New England ride, but cost effectiveness is an issue for riders as well as organizers.
To add to the suggestions Todd has made about asking for community assistance: I participate in a 7-day tour for Habitat for Humanity here in Indiana. The group usually numbers around 100, including sag support/volunteers. Our overnights are hosted by local affiliates. We sleep in school gymnasiums, carpeted meeting rooms in church community centers, and even bunk beds at a church camp (only one night with this luxury). We bring our own sleeping mats (or air mattresses for those of us who are getting too old to be on the floor) and sleeping bags, towels, etc. Our dinners and breakfasts are provided by the host affiliate – frequently a church group is enlisted for this task. This is a great opportunity to be advocates for the cause and to meet folk from around the state.
While there are still expenses involved (the church or school will have a fee for us to use the space, and there are insurance costs that the tour has to cover, etc.), I assume they would be much less than those charged by the colleges and lodges. Many hospitals have diabetes education groups and perhaps they could help identify community groups that would support the bikers.
While looking at route possibilities, rather than “traveling” to a new location each night, would it be possible to spend two nights in one location, with a “sight seeing” loop ride on the second day. Riders who are not up to long miles every day would have the option of resting a bit on these days (or walking, touring the town) so you might attract riders who have not felt up to the day-after-day riding.
Just a few ideas.
Some of these ideas have been done or discussed in the past… Reversing the route would eliminate the long stretches up the coast, and increase the difficulty for the two day riders, which would obviously decrease the appeal of the two day ride, and increase the skill level and fitness/training requirements, which would in turn, decrease ridership for the 150.
There used to be a fall foliage ride, it was called The Finger-lakes (Mileage) It was dropped several years ago, I believe for lack of ridership.
Boston to NY… AIDS ride… They kinda own that… The reason the Cape Cod Classic was dropped several years ago was because “Every group has a ride out the cape”… I would imagine the same would happen in this case.
I’ve long suggested that the issue facing us in terms of increasing ridership is marketing… 7 days, 4 states, 550 miles- The longest ride of it’s type in the area- Nobody else does that… We could also find more riders where we already have them- other TDC events. We could set up an information booth at these events, with a REALLY BIG BANNER, hand-outs, presentation materials, route maps, pictures, etc. Even if we didn’t get them this year, we’d be in their mind for next year…
Just a few thoughts,
Steve
I have never participated in the NEC but plan to in 2010. The 7 day 550 mile route through New England is what really intrigued me to put this event on my calendar. I would hate to see it shortened before I get the chance to participate. I live in Florida and plan to drive the 1500 miles (one way) to be a part of what sounds like a well structured unique event.
I totally understand that the ADA needs to raise funds and that the ride has to make money….BUT….i honestly feel like this is a unique ride and that part of the problem is its poor advertising. I don’t know what is currently done for advertising…but my guess is that general tour de cure advertisements won’t bring people to this ride. I’m thinking advertising SPECIFICALLY for this ride…if you got something into biking magazine talking about this – i bet people would come! Or if you targeted biking communities, again specifically focusing on how amazing this ride is….i bet people would come. Just some thoughts.
If you must change the ride…i think July is the best time (october gets too cold if it rains) – and i’d be sure to stick with at least a 5 day ride that covers some gorgeous terrain – i liked the idea of heading west to the berkshires if that saved money.
But honestly…i think having the ride as is for one more year and doing TONS of specific advertising for just the 7 day ride…this would bring in tons of new people…because it is a unique ride
another idea – put up booths at sporting events….like local triathlons – you might find people there who are interested and there are always booths up at those events…..
All of the suggestions are good, but bottom line is that we are not bringing in enough riders and we aren’t returning enough money to the ADA. This is an outstanding ride, but it is very hard, and the average enthusiast has some concern about being able to handle all the miles. I LOVE Barbara’s idea about two night stays with loop rides, and Todd’s route is terrific for a 5 day ride. One question — are riders willing to either cover more of their costs or raise more money — this will also help. Advertising will help – but it takes staff time to man booths or volunteer time. Other thoughts?
Thanks, Naomi – the triathlon idea is a GREAT one! If there are people out in the world that are willing to further support the ride and volunteer some time at these events, I think potential riders would appreciate hearing about the ride coming from an actual cyclist! It’s true – there can always be more advertising. I should be keeping everyone up-to-date with the NEC ad efforts as they occur each year. This way, if there is a specific stone left unturned – you can tell me about it and give me more leads. The sad truth is, ad space costs money as well and if we aren’t making enough to support the ride, there isn’t enough to advertise either. Here is a list of last year’s NEC efforts:
- Full back page ad space on New England Sports Magazine
- Ad space in Bicycling Magazine
- Brochure distribution (12,500 brochures) – The Phoenix paper as the distributor
- Ad space on Red Line through MBTA cars/stations
- Save the Date postcard mailing to veterans (300 member list)
- Calls to all VT and NH riders involved with TdC events (100k, or 100mi) from 2008, 2007
- Mix 98.5 fm radio PSAs
- ads on WCVB – Boston’s Channel 5 (ABC affiliate)
Online:
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/community/18778352/detail.html
http://www.diabetes1.org/Events/index.cfm/2/NE/#Massachusetts
http://www.landrys.com/events/default.aspx
http://www.charitybicycleride.com/charity_bike_events.htm
http://www.whofish.org/
http://www.crw.org/charityrides.htm (Charles River Wheelmen)
http://www.bikereg.com
- Facebook NEC advertisement ran for three months – 111,232 impressions, 196 clicks, 185 visits
- Paper G online advertising
- East Coast Alliance advertising/brochure distribution
- Map My Ride ads and Training Ride Group
- Linkedin Group advertising
- Meetup.com for cycling groups
- http://www.newenglandclassic.org blog (everyone’s favorite one stop shop place for news)
Misc:
- I participated in Landry’s Bicycle Marketing Rides
- Trained in Safety by MassBike/League of Amer. Bicyclists
- Robo calls (sent last month and again this month) to all 3 year past participants (voiced by committee member)
- approached potential sponsors for 2010 (Nypro potential, Anthem is going National, seeking Pfizer grant, Wal-Mart grants, need leads into Fidelity Investments, Bank of America, Gold’s Gyms, Johnson&Johnson, Novo Nordisk and more)
Well, I will be very disappointed to loose the 7 day ride. It is what attracted me to the event in the first place. In order to take a week off from my practice, I needed a big event to participate in, and dropping it to five days makes it less special and less of an event. I may still do it, but will be very tempted to choose another event instead. Ironically, this fall, I have had more people than ever asking for info about the ride and talking about signing up. Certainly, if the ride becomes a fall foliage ride, I will not be able to attend. I agree with the comments above that what attracted me to the ride in the first place is its unique nature. It is hard to imagine how making it more like all the other events out there will allow it to attract more riders.
Ryan, that’s a good advertising list, but how much of that was specifically dedicated to the NEC?
When people hear TDC, they automatically assume one day ride, 25, 50, 75, 100 mile route. Why? Because the ADA national ad campaigns defines the TDC that way.
If you owned a bar, and there weren’t enough customers coming in, the answer would not be to close at 6:00, the answer would be to get more customers.
How would you do that? Advertising. Not about all the bars in town, (The whole list of TDC events in your charge) but about YOUR bar (The NEC).
It’s no secret, I’m opposed to changing the NEC. Taking a unique event, and making it like every other event is not the answer you’re looking for.
Steve
Ryan, I participated in the 7 day ride for the first time this summer and found it absolutely amazing. The 7 day route is beautiful (though sometimes painful) and I plan on doing the ride again next year.
I hope that the ride can remain the same. We just need to have more people hear about it and experience it for the first time like I did. I am absolutely opposed to changing the ride and I don’t think I would do it again if the ride was shortened!
Cole
I know many of you will miss the seven day ride. After only one season, I fell in love with the ride and feel your pain. In the end our sole purpose is to raise money to support research, programs, and advocacy efforts – all to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes. A five day ride allows us to fulfill our goal effectively and increase growth so we can make a larger impact. I read a fortune cookie’s message a while ago and it still stays with me: “Everyone loves progress, nobody likes change.” It still makes me smirk.
I’ve done the 2 day ride for 2 years now. I was told about it after the ocaen state ride in R.I.went from a 2 day ride to a century ride.
I live in R.I. and wouldn’t like to travel any further than Mass. to do a two day ride. Theres another ride in R.I./Mass. around the same time as the NEC,run by another organization that I could do, but I like the way ADA runs it’s rides.
So I’m against changing the ride. I think that a higher entry fee is warrented.
I know other riders that didn’t know about the NEC untile I’ve told them about it. I’ve tossed around doing the 7 day ride for next year.
Change is never easy – but whatever we can do to increase money for the ADA is worth a shot! We’re In!
Dont misunderstand me I’m all for change,
I would like the start not be moved or not relocated to far away,because I still want to ride wiyh ADA.
I don’t want you fellow riders think that I’ve forgoten about the reason why we ride. I would love to see an end to diabetes.
I’ve only now had time to catch up on everyone’s comments. Surgery was last Friday and I’m fairly clear of pain drugs now. So my head is a bit clearer to think and comment. We all have to remember that the purpose of the ride is NOT the length, route, or scenery….the bottom line is that it is all about fundraising and ending diabetes. As I said earlier, I love the NEC and would love to keep it going for as long as possible. But I truly believe that ist IS time for change. Change of route, change to increase ridership, change to increase donations. Todd’s idea of a 5 day MA, Southern NH and VT 5 day ride is a terrific one. There are plenty of challenging hills and mountains in the western part of MA. Change of route may re-ignite interest in riders who have done the NEC in the past and no longer do it. It may attract more local riders. Increasing the registration fee is an absolute must.
Here’s a question for every one…. How much would you personally be willing to pay for registration? Myself – I could go to $150 or $200. I know it costs much more per rider, but for now, that’s what I could do. Ryan, perhaps you could weigh in here….I’m not sure if you’ve actually posted what the actual cost per rider is, but maybe you could shed some light on it. Maybe riders don’t realize how much that actual cost is.
In any event – 3 days, 5 days, 7 days – now that my neck has been operated on, I plan to ride whatever is planned for 2010. Plus, I can’t imagine spending my b’day without all of you.
For those who weren’t on the conference call, a possible solution I offered:
You said “We need to increase our ridership and fund-raising overall for the New England Classic.” As one of the worst fundraisers in the history of fund-raising, I agree.
A five day route WOULD make it less intimidating for new riders, make it possible for riders to take fewer vacation days- and lower costs… All of which are good. The NEC is the biggest ride of it’s kind around, and people come from dozens of states around the country to take part in such a “Destination” event.
The ADA is assuming that decreasing the ride from seven days to five will make it more profitable, and equally appealing- What if the number of riders decreases by half, and you’re proved wrong? Has anyone considered that? Can you put the crap back in to the bull?
Redoing the route would require new overnight locations, new rest stops, and an entire new design that would take months to complete, ride out, and coordinate.
Here’s my idea…
Change the ride by adding to it, not taking away from it, Make a 5 day ride that takes place during the 7 day ride, just like we do with the two day ride.
Day 5 is our shortest day- Have a couple rooms for riders to shower, just like we do at the finish line- We load the bikes onto a truck, put the riders on a bus, and send them off after dinner.
I’ve spent hours on the phone last night and today, Penske will rent us a 22-26’ one way truck from Rutland, VT to Somerville MA, 2 days, unlimited mileage, for $190 if you reserve right now.
US Coachways will charter us a 49 passenger luxury coach (A/C DVD etc) from Killington to Woburn for $563.
I also presented a formula for fund-raising that increases the minimum for the 550, by a fair and reasonable margin, and creates one for the new 5 day route.
What this does is present the opportunity for more riders, doesn’t require months of work to put together, doesn’t require changes that would diminish the ride, alienate vets, or decrease the appeal for those who travel from hundreds or thousands of miles away, at the same time we’re increasing the net profit for the cause.
Basically, I offered the option of the NEC 400 for a total cost to the ADA of $753 to cover the truck and the bus.
GearMan
I’m with GearMan … 7 days of riding is what I want….not 5.
Increasing the individual fundraising …well …yes, it may seem like that increases the total $ raised …and it might. A little.
But I think the main issue is to increase the number of riders.
The 7-day ride is hard…so maybe a flatter or more scenic option would appeal to more people.
I really think there is some sort of organizational or marketing issue here …how can the PCM have a zillion riders? Really ….the difference is not the route, the number of days, or the minimum. I think you should be focusing on marketing …. not the route.
Having been absent from the ride since 2001, I may have a unique perspective…
It has always been my intent to return to this ride. If I’d known that the 7 day were in jeopardy, I would have taken action. Is there anyway to contact all the past riders to make sure they know what he situation is? I followed the ride on facebook this year and had no idea there was such a problem.
That said, I would not return to the ride if it were only two or three days. 5 days probably. I think the 5+2 option is a winner.
I’d like to state for the record that Greg lives in Texas.
I have long thought that more and better advertising for this ride would be useful. Being totally not business oriented I have no ideas about this . . . but word about this ride needs to be extended. It’s a great ride and has been since 1992. I talk it up to anyone I know who is interested in cycling, but I’m only one person.
I agree with Barbara, we have enough people who travel and have traveled to join us for years that we shouldn’t lock them out with a shorter ride.
Fall ride is a lovely theory, but I would be out. Fall weekends are money makers in massage and I really just don’t do cold weather riding – the running takes over then it makes me warm instead of frozen.
Miss all you folks, hope everyone is doing well.
I just came back from a two day ham fleamarket that I go to and it was 28 degrees this morning. I can’t picture riders riding any real distance day after day in October when the high could be 40 degrees. Couple that with rain and we have a disaster. Nancy can tell you all about freezing in July during a t-storm.
If it gets changed to October that may leave me and some volunteers out. Especially in 2010!
I was planning on doing the 7 day ride for the first time in 2010. I would certainly be interested in a 5 day ride, but the 7 day ride is unique and what attracted me to the event.
Looking at the 2009 guidelines – $40 entrance and $600 minumum fundraising is not in line with other organizations; its very low. I just completed the 3 day American Lung ride – $75 entrance and $500 minimum fundraising. The Boston/NY AIDS rides, at least the ones I did years ago, had substantially higher fundraising goals – over $2000 for a 4 day ride.
I would not be interested in a Boston-NY ride for ADA – there are other Boston/NY rides (although next year’s AIDS ride is NY to DC) – and also because of logistics. The start/end in the same town is very convenient. It also keeps your costs lower – transporting bikes and people back to the start is an unnecessary cost.
A $150 entrance fee and $1000 minimum fundraising wouldn’t deter me, or others I think, from riding and would go towards making the ride viable. I think offering a 5 day ride in addition to the 2 and 7 day could help attact more riders.
I’d love to do the 550 mile ride and I hope it will continue.
Patty
Hi Patty,
I think there was some confusion- The $600 was for the two day ride, (150 miles). The fund raising minimum for the proposed 5 days (400) 7 days (550) for 2010 (Although lower than those for the AIDS ride or PMC) haven’t been set yet, so I don’t want to comment as to what they might be. It is one of the things that will need to be looked at to ensure a responsible return to the ADA.
Hope this helps, look forward to meeting you!
GearMan