Some ride managers do so as a business venture,
but I'd wager that most do not. Generally speaking, rides do not make
much, if any, profit. A few generous RMs donate all their profit, or even
their intake, to worthy organizations or charities. I'd say that most RMs
do so for the love of the sport. It would take quite a bit of
profit to offset the enormous amount of work involved in putting on a
ride. If a RM is able to put on a ride in a public area that has trails
that are already maintained, or in an area that needs no trail maintenance, it
is much easier. Add trail maintenance to bookkeeping, communications,
public relations, permit applications and fees, and it does add up to be quite a
job. Positive suggestions help a RM to locate the shortcomings and help
improve the following year's ride; criticism merely causes hurt and anger for
the RM. Riders often have no idea what it takes to manage a ride unless
they also have managed one. A little consideration from disgruntled riders
would be nice. After all, why is it so important to have things absolutely
perfect by the rider's standards? Things happen that can prevent
perfection; adaptability to the unforeseen goof-up is part of the sport.
To all riders who may be inclined to complain......Lighten Up! It's not
the end of the World if things don't go your way.
I do understand that most (or is
it all?) Ride Managers have rides due to their love of the sport. Yet,
are they not also considered a "business venture" and a way to make
money? I am just asking - curious as to why there is such vehemence
about "the complaint". (Did not catch the 'original' complaint
- I will have to assume it was not 'constructive
criticism'.)
