Rider Base

[J Gallo]

I think that's a great idea. If they are small like the indoor schedules, those would be perfect!

[Hardys]

All of you have some great ideas. Jason G. your idea on the "Mentor" thing might be an important part in new rider retension. I've seen lots of new faces when Dave does his new rider orientation at Rad. (when I do make it out) But I don't see many of those faces return for more races. Also, instead of 10.00 for an entry fee for a trophy, take 5.00 for a ribbon. ( I don't think this a problem for ABA) I know kids love trophys but 5.00 might seem a little more do-able to say a single parent on a budget. Not everyone drives a new SUV to the office. As for the mentor end of it, count me in. I'm not so good that I have no time to share my knowledge with new riders. I may not be "THE BMX GOD" but I've been behind him once or twice!

[greg]

I totally agree on the mentor thing. In fact, i would even go one step further and do a team or group thing. Let me clarify this...........lol just popped into my head when I wrote that, anyone ever see "The ghost and Mr. Chicken" with Don Knotts? if you have, then you may remember that line..................back to topic...........I know how hard it probably is for most kids, and parents for that matter, to go to a track and just be on their own. It can be confusing, intimidating, and just plain scary. I do think that this is one factor that keeps BMX from really growing. There is no real support mechanism, no team comradery, no relief pitcher in the 9th inning when you just cant get it done. I think that there are allot of kids that thrive in this kind of environment, being on their own, with no one but themselves to make them get to the next level, but there are probably more kids that just don’t operate like that (at least when they are just beginning).

That’s why I think the mentor thing is great. The thing I don’t like about the mentor thing is it puts everything on one person to support this new kid, and his family. What if we could take what is best about team sports and adapt it to BMX. I don’t think a team has to have all the same uniforms, or a sponsor, or a coach (although it could). But what about just grouping maybe 10 racers together to form teams, have team captains, they could all wear the same color arm band or something, and they could compete in the track team competition. Have a BMX league, so to speak. You could still run the regular races, but designate certain days as league day, where the teams compete. If structured correctly, you will provide an environment for the individual achievers to excel, and also provide a support structure for the racers that need that too.

So, what are peoples thought on this? Good or bad?

[Hardys]

Good show, Greg. I think you have the right idea. To make this work, I think the number of "mentors" would have to be resonable to the amount of riders invoved. You couldn't spread one person too thin. Let's say no more than five riders to one mentor person. Five would be the ideal size for a "team" that you spoke of and it would be easier for the mentoring rider to give attention to their riders. To start with, there probably wouldn't be that many new riders to deal with. One or two mentors working with a few riders would be about it. I'll bet that would change though, through word of mouth and other ideas in this rider count subject. The new riders do not have to be just kids either. This could be for the BMX Mom or Dad who wants to give BMXing a go! We need some older riders too! I think overall, this could help in new rider retension. It would take the stress of " what do I do now" away to concentrate on riding. I remember what my first time was like! More on this later! Rich

[bnd]

I may not be "THE BMX GOD" but I've been behind him once or twice!

.....Thanks for the compliment Rich. I'll flow you a 10x7 glossy, specially autographed just for you. I'll also make you an honorary, card carrying member of the bnd fan club.

Your welcome.

b.