Packfiller Productions, the home of The Packfiller Podcast, Packfiller Racing and Challenges, Velo Update, and professional announcing services. We also talk a lot about the two wheeled lifestyle (road, MTN, gravel, and even track).
Good discussion on individual "limiters" on making the choice to register or not for a race, more specifically, a stage race. Something that doesn't get enough attention is the cost of lodging. For example, in my case, I was specifically targeting both Bloom and Baker City since September of 2023. Both races tick every box for me, reasonable proximity to my home (<8 hours of driving), excellent organization, safety, good field sizes, realistic/fair entry fees, and hard courses with enough climbing to make a significant difference on the overall outcome of the race. Essentially, as close to "perfect" for me as I could hope for. However, in both cases, despite the idyllic race related features, I chose not to attend these events solely because of the cost of lodging. For each event, the cost of lodging is close to $800 before taxes and fees, so likely closer to $1000, and this is for a basic no-frills hotel room. When factoring in gas prices, food, misc needs specific to the event, this all adds up to closer to $1500. So, yes, the race specific features are ideal and a reasonable value for what's offered, but the cost of lodging is unfortunately overlooked by the organization and the ONLY reason I decided to skip these otherwise fantastic events. Typically, major events will partner up with 1-3 other local area hotels well in advance and offer up a participant discount, but when I checked, there was no such event related discounts. As it stands, there's no way I'm willing to pay out between $800 - $1000 in hotel fees for a (realistic) chance at some podium pics and merchandise. Note: It's important to point out that I am not affiliated with a team or group, thereby, I am traveling alone... of course having the option to share a room and split the costs could change the situation, perhaps making it significantly more affordable. Though many, if not all, hotels will raise rates based on the number of guests per room though, so how much savings is difficult to say. Anyway... lodging is a HUGE factor in the decision making process.
Do away with all communication to the cars. Then we’ll have exciting racing again. This year was great, but to have every year exciting, eliminate radio communication to the riders.
You guys are very funny and I really like the content, however (oh here we go) have you seen the movie I robot with Will Smith and Shia Labeouf? Shia LaBeouf’s character randomly cusses when a cuss word doesn’t need to be added and Will Smith’s character tells him to stop because he cusses for no reason and sometimes it doesn’t make sense. That’s how I feel this show is. I don’t care about cussing but when it’s added in randomly when it doesn’t need to be sounds like I’m on a playground. Other than that love the content.
