Suzuki Classic Dirt 10

[Ted]

      I have to say that I am bitterly disappointed with this outcome. I had to organise time off from work for myself and the missus, book and pay for  Hunter Valley accommodation (needed to talk the missus into coming to CD with me) in the week before the event, paid my entry fee well in advance and planned a heap of stuff to drop off and pick up at the event. To cancel the accommodation now is going to cost me half of what I paid plus a $50 cancellation fee. To say that the state of the economy and lack of funds to pay a $40 entry fee for an event that is within a few hours of Sydney, has got to be a joke. We must really be dealing with the lower end of the socio-economic spectrum (or "bottom feeders", as I think Walter has described) if that is the case. I would happily paid two or three times the entry fee.  Also to blame last years weather or not liking the track , has got to be piss poor excuses as well. It was going to cost me over $800 in fuel to drive the 5000km plus return trip from North Queensland, but I was more than happy to do that, as I did last year. I feel sorry from the NZers who have paid for flights. To read all the pissing and moaning on this forum when the CD events were held in Queensland, from southerners wanting to have it closer to their home, really leaves a sour taste in my mouth. When they get their wish, (and that goes for the nationals events as well) they don't support the events.
      I am no way critical of the organisers or the good people from south of the border that I have met at the 8 Classic Dirt events that I have been to. But I feel that I am swimming against the tide and it is now highly unlikely that I will enter another event south of the Queensland border, except for maybe the Bike Bonanza. Maybe it is time for me to look another hobby, so I might dust off my old stand up Jet Skis and just go trail riding to get my motorcycling fix.

So Mr North Queenslander who thinks us lot from Sydney are bottom feeders. Obviously you know nothing about real estate. You are complaining about losing a couple of bucks in accommodation and a $50 cancellation fee. Mow some more lawns.

[number8]

Another way It could be looked at is that the event has always been a promotion primarily for VMX magazine, bearing in mind how profitable the event has been in recent years based on record breaking attendances, you have to wonder why the event should be cancelled at such late notice specially when there were overseas visitors committed to attending, the carry over profits from the previous few years in particular you think should have been able to off set a year that was not as profitable and certainly would have been valuable goodwill to the VMX community and all that had committed themselves and there money to go this year as John O said this event should not have been cancelled, to run it would have been giving back to the market place that the business of the magazine thrives off ? this will impact future CD's so the downward spiral could begin until it is a memory,just sayin

#8

Number 8, you truly have a chip on your shoulder don't you? 

Here is the reality.

No Classic Dirt has been nearly as profitable as you seem to think and continue to post on OzVMX.  There is a perception that you continue to try to perpetuate is that we are fat cats ripping off the Classic Dirt punters.  Nothing could be further from the truth in fact.  Carry over profits?  Don't make me laugh.  Yes, we made small GROSS profits on the last few CDs, but when the time and effort that is expended in organising them is taken into account, I doubt our hourly rate would be any better than 16 year olds working at McDonalds. 

The reality also is that running VMX magazine is not in any way lucrative and what small profits we have made in the past years have effectively subsidised the VMX Magazine business.  If you are offended that we are trying to make a living, good luck to you.  Just bear in mind that no other Vintage Dirt Bike magazine which isn't part of a big publishing group has survived in the last 3 years... then you may realise where we are coming from.

You really need to try and be a little more positive, not continually try to shoot anyone who is supporting the VMX scene down.  It's people like you who are killing this sport. 

No "Chip", No "perpetuating" or insinuating that you are "ripping off the Classic Dirt punters", No I'm not offended that you and your partners are making a living, The work expended is like all businesses and part of the big picture, the "goodwill from that event helps you sell your product through out the year I would imagine, and it has worked very well for you and the VMX community, The impact of cancelling will be determined by your paying customers in the future, No being "negative "you are completely on the wrong track there that wont fly, and No I don't think I am single handily "killing" this sport or the VMX scene, what could be interpreted here is your support has a price ,I may be wrong?

#8

I am happy to stand by my post.  You have repeated insinuated or stated that you think CD has been very profitable, and yet you have no basis for your assertions.  As I stated, CD has made some money, but in fact the last 2 years were the least of all.

And I didn't say you were single handedly killing the sport, merely that you are one of those who is not helping.

As I said before, your perceptions about the viability of the magazine business are fanciful as best.

The words you are putting in this thread appear to be contradictory and designed to justify a bad decision for the supporters of CD, you attacking me further supports that, my thread ended with a "just sayin", You claim that the event has not been "that" profitable but the reason it is being cancelled this year is it wont be "profitable" as you are aware I do have a bit of insight it to what has been generated income wise in the past in particularly from the Conondale CD's so Yes there is a basis to the assertion,

What you have written is "You really need to try and be a little more positive, not continually try to shoot anyone who is supporting the VMX scene down" & "It's people like you who are killing this sport", an outrageous statement like that can only be attributed to your lack of knowledge/history and your sensitivity and the dilemma that the CD patrons have been left in by cancelling the event,

Furthermore attacking me on the perceptions about the viability of the magazine business, does not change anything I have no "fanciful" perceptions at all of your business,

The real point hear is that there are lot of VMX people that committed to this event financially, they have been effected by this 11th hour decision,

What would have been really impressive and shown a level of goodwill towards CD patrons that could not be doubted is that the numbers are down but the show will go on, and make that show fit a revised budget especially when your so late in announcing the cancelation,

I truly hope that the event is not irreparably damaged due to this cancellation.

#8

Mate, you had insight into the income of one of the Conondale events, but that insight does not take into account all costs incurred by a long shot.  Your repeatedly implied view that we made huge profits at Conondale is just plain BS and VERY offensive.  Sure, I wish we HAD made the sort of money that people in QLD were claiming that we made, sadly it was just heresay.

And of course, you have no idea whatsoever what it costs to run the event at Wallerawang.  So you have no idea whether we can or cant afford to run it now.

Our decision to cancel was not taken lightly, as we had stated and we also have incurred losses already related to CD10.  It a bad deal for sure, but you piping in claiming that we have some magic pudding to finance a loss making event just demonstrates how selfish you are.

This is nothing more than a desperate rant now once again personal attacks on myself kind of reveal the situation more than anything else you have offered up as justification,

Lets see the definition of selfish, 
Selfishness is placing concern with oneself or one's own interests above the well-being or interests of others.


Any how ,Good luck that's all from me

#8

[AjayVMX]

Another way It could be looked at is that the event has always been a promotion primarily for VMX magazine, bearing in mind how profitable the event has been in recent years based on record breaking attendances, you have to wonder why the event should be cancelled at such late notice specially when there were overseas visitors committed to attending, the carry over profits from the previous few years in particular you think should have been able to off set a year that was not as profitable and certainly would have been valuable goodwill to the VMX community and all that had committed themselves and there money to go this year as John O said this event should not have been cancelled, to run it would have been giving back to the market place that the business of the magazine thrives off ? this will impact future CD's so the downward spiral could begin until it is a memory,just sayin

#8

Number 8, you truly have a chip on your shoulder don't you? 

Here is the reality.

No Classic Dirt has been nearly as profitable as you seem to think and continue to post on OzVMX.  There is a perception that you continue to try to perpetuate is that we are fat cats ripping off the Classic Dirt punters.  Nothing could be further from the truth in fact.  Carry over profits?  Don't make me laugh.  Yes, we made small GROSS profits on the last few CDs, but when the time and effort that is expended in organising them is taken into account, I doubt our hourly rate would be any better than 16 year olds working at McDonalds. 

The reality also is that running VMX magazine is not in any way lucrative and what small profits we have made in the past years have effectively subsidised the VMX Magazine business.  If you are offended that we are trying to make a living, good luck to you.  Just bear in mind that no other Vintage Dirt Bike magazine which isn't part of a big publishing group has survived in the last 3 years... then you may realise where we are coming from.

You really need to try and be a little more positive, not continually try to shoot anyone who is supporting the VMX scene down.  It's people like you who are killing this sport. 

No "Chip", No "perpetuating" or insinuating that you are "ripping off the Classic Dirt punters", No I'm not offended that you and your partners are making a living, The work expended is like all businesses and part of the big picture, the "goodwill from that event helps you sell your product through out the year I would imagine, and it has worked very well for you and the VMX community, The impact of cancelling will be determined by your paying customers in the future, No being "negative "you are completely on the wrong track there that wont fly, and No I don't think I am single handily "killing" this sport or the VMX scene, what could be interpreted here is your support has a price ,I may be wrong?

#8

I am happy to stand by my post.  You have repeated insinuated or stated that you think CD has been very profitable, and yet you have no basis for your assertions.  As I stated, CD has made some money, but in fact the last 2 years were the least of all.

And I didn't say you were single handedly killing the sport, merely that you are one of those who is not helping.

As I said before, your perceptions about the viability of the magazine business are fanciful as best.

The words you are putting in this thread appear to be contradictory and designed to justify a bad decision for the supporters of CD, you attacking me further supports that, my thread ended with a "just sayin", You claim that the event has not been "that" profitable but the reason it is being cancelled this year is it wont be "profitable" as you are aware I do have a bit of insight it to what has been generated income wise in the past in particularly from the Conondale CD's so Yes there is a basis to the assertion,

What you have written is "You really need to try and be a little more positive, not continually try to shoot anyone who is supporting the VMX scene down" & "It's people like you who are killing this sport", an outrageous statement like that can only be attributed to your lack of knowledge/history and your sensitivity and the dilemma that the CD patrons have been left in by cancelling the event,

Furthermore attacking me on the perceptions about the viability of the magazine business, does not change anything I have no "fanciful" perceptions at all of your business,

The real point hear is that there are lot of VMX people that committed to this event financially, they have been effected by this 11th hour decision,

What would have been really impressive and shown a level of goodwill towards CD patrons that could not be doubted is that the numbers are down but the show will go on, and make that show fit a revised budget especially when your so late in announcing the cancelation,

I truly hope that the event is not irreparably damaged due to this cancellation.

#8

Mate, you had insight into the income of one of the Conondale events, but that insight does not take into account all costs incurred by a long shot.  Your repeatedly implied view that we made huge profits at Conondale is just plain BS and VERY offensive.  Sure, I wish we HAD made the sort of money that people in QLD were claiming that we made, sadly it was just heresay.

And of course, you have no idea whatsoever what it costs to run the event at Wallerawang.  So you have no idea whether we can or cant afford to run it now.

Our decision to cancel was not taken lightly, as we had stated and we also have incurred losses already related to CD10.  It a bad deal for sure, but you piping in claiming that we have some magic pudding to finance a loss making event just demonstrates how selfish you are.

This is nothing more than a desperate rant now once again personal attacks on myself kind of reveal the situation more than anything else you have offered up as justification,

Lets see the definition of selfish, 
Selfishness is placing concern with oneself or one's own interests above the well-being or interests of others.


Any how ,Good luck that's all from me

#8

Anything you say.   

Good definition by the way.  Exactly what I thought it meant. 

[Husky500evo]

So Mr North Queenslander who thinks us lot from Sydney are bottom feeders. Obviously you know nothing about real estate. You are complaining about losing a couple of bucks in accommodation and a $50 cancellation fee. Mow some more lawns.

Ted, I was actually including you in the list of good people from the south, that I have met at a Classic Dirt event. I thought that your bikes were of a very high standard too, by the way. What has real estate got to do with it ? I have some, so I know a bit about it, but I wouldn't think of myself as being wealthy. Things must be really crook with real estate in NSW though, if people can't afford a couple of hundred bucks for a once a year iconic vintage dirt bike fun weekend. As for mowing lawns (?), I work in a coal mine and if you had read the news lately, the industry is in a downturn. I work extremely long hours away from home on a lot less money than I was on 12 months ago, but I am still prepared to spend money on things that I am passionate about. 

[Sorelegs11]

As with most events that are cancelled the blame is always pionted at the organisers, the date, the venue etc when the sole reason for most events, be it VMX, motorcycling in general or most other non mc events the real reason is simply lack of patronage.

As an event organiser, a swap meet, that I ran succesfully on my own for 10 years I can fully comprehend why events get cancelled.
My little baby struck 2 years in a row from rain affected grounds, it went ahead but the mojority of the punters decided to stay away as they thought it would be off.
After taking a hit of a couple of k each time, which I squirrelled away for that rainy day, enough was enough.
The next year everyone calls up whining that the swap isn't on, why, because they failed to support the event and now its over.

Cancellation is the last thing any organiser or club wants to go thru but in the end one has to look after ones best interests.
If you think it sucks then pull out the cash and take a punt, underwrite it, I can guarantee nobody will knock you back.
If you think you can do a better job, get to work, find a venue, buy some insurance, get some advertising happening,get a good phone deal and saddle up for a shit load of dumb enquiries,dumb advise, sleepless nights and who knows you might just pull it off. 

[Ted]

So Mr North Queenslander who thinks us lot from Sydney are bottom feeders. Obviously you know nothing about real estate. You are complaining about losing a couple of bucks in accommodation and a $50 cancellation fee. Mow some more lawns.

Ted, I was actually including you in the list of good people from the south, that I have met at a Classic Dirt event. I thought that your bikes were of a very high standard too, by the way. What has real estate got to do with it ? I have some, so I know a bit about it, but I wouldn't think of myself as being wealthy. Things must be really crook with real estate in NSW though, if people can't afford a couple of hundred bucks for a once a year iconic vintage dirt bike fun weekend. As for mowing lawns (?), I work in a coal mine and if you had read the news lately, the industry is in a downturn. I work extremely long hours away from home on a lot less money than I was on 12 months ago, but I am still prepared to spend money on things that I am passionate about.

I am sorry for writing that, I do apologise

 This NSW bashing is bullshit and way off the mark. Money and passion have nothing to do with these events falling over. Unlike other states, NSW people will not attend the opening of an envelope. Unfortunately once a NSWelshman has been there and done that they seem to move on to the next thing. It's always been that way. Not good but that is how it is.

Anyways all is not lost. There is plans in motion for a ride over this weekend. Should be announced in a couple of days. Good on ya HEAVEN VMX.

[Ted]

Ok guys its announced. Who wants to ride MX, grass track and Vinduro on the CD weekend at Buladelah.   Three hours north of Sydney. Check out the Vinduro section on this forum

[XC83]

Anyways all is not lost. There is plans in motion for a ride over this weekend. Should be announced in a couple of days. Good on ya HEAVEN VMX.
[/quote]

Good news!

[HVA61]

If i was in the  position that i had to to pick a group of men that i would like to stand with i would be proud to have Ken and Alistair in that group.

If was going to invest my hard earned in a VMX event it would their event.

You must applaud people who take the commercial business risks ,who make sound commercial decisions and dont go ahead and do things half assed. You want half a VMX mag. , you want to climb half a mountain , swim half the channel , good men dont do things in half measures , and good men dont shout men down who make sound judgements based on good data.

Kid yourself not #8 , these men may have a commercial interest in the magazine , but they have a passion second to not many men i have met for the VMX scene.

So pull your head in.

[Husky500evo]

I am sorry for writing that, I do apologise

 This NSW bashing is bullshit and way off the mark. Money and passion have nothing to do with these events falling over. Unlike other states, NSW people will not attend the opening of an envelope. Unfortunately once a NSWelshman has been there and done that they seem to move on to the next thing. It's always been that way. Not good but that is how it is.

Anyways all is not lost. There is plans in motion for a ride over this weekend. Should be announced in a couple of days. Good on ya HEAVEN VMX.

Apology accepted Ted. I think it was you that I had a chat to about an immaculate '83 KX500 at a Conondale CD, which I was interested in because I had one of those brand new back in the day (and I thought that you were a good bloke). Anyway , I am all ears about a vintage bike ride on that weekend , because seeing that the holiday is booked, I was thinking of still going down to the Hunter Valley anyway.

[number8]

If i was in the  position that i had to to pick a group of men that i would like to stand with i would be proud to have Ken and Alistair in that group.

If was going to invest my hard earned in a VMX event it would their event.

You must applaud people who take the commercial business risks ,who make sound commercial decisions and dont go ahead and do things half assed. You want half a VMX mag. , you want to climb half a mountain , swim half the channel , good men dont do things in half measures , and good men dont shout men down who make sound judgements based on good data.

Kid yourself not #8 , these men may have a commercial interest in the magazine , but they have a passion second to not many men i have met for the VMX scene.

So pull your head in.

HVA,

Your entitled to your opinion, with out question as I am mine ,having been in the middle of a previous CD negotiation with the VMX people I have had some insight into what transpired so what I have based my opinion on has some substance, so unless your there accountant maybe you should "pull your head in"

#8

[Ted]

I am sorry for writing that, I do apologise

 This NSW bashing is bullshit and way off the mark. Money and passion have nothing to do with these events falling over. Unlike other states, NSW people will not attend the opening of an envelope. Unfortunately once a NSWelshman has been there and done that they seem to move on to the next thing. It's always been that way. Not good but that is how it is.

Anyways all is not lost. There is plans in motion for a ride over this weekend. Should be announced in a couple of days. Good on ya HEAVEN VMX.

Apology accepted Ted. I think it was you that I had a chat to about an immaculate '83 KX500 at a Conondale CD, which I was interested in because I had one of those brand new back in the day (and I thought that you were a good bloke). Anyway , I am all ears about a vintage bike ride on that weekend , because seeing that the holiday is booked, I was thinking of still going down to the Hunter Valley anyway.

Buladelah is one hour from the Hunter Valley. See ya there

[Mick D]

Ok guys its announced. Who wants to ride MX, grass track and Vinduro on the CD weekend at Buladelah.   Three hours north of Sydney. Check out the Vinduro section on this forum

How good is that! A silver lining! What a club!

I have two weeks off! Was going to do the round CD trip hang with friends in the Blue mountains, then CD, then a mate's sheep station at Wellington. I guess they will be getting cancellation phone calls now. Whoo Hoo!

Hey Bazza, can't put you up, but I can pick you up in luxury from Sydney airport and get you back there!
Hell I will even let ya drive if ya promise not to crash into anything
And I have heaps of spare new helmets, riding gear etc, what size are you. you can have my XR500, MC125 74.5gp or 81 mega 250 or an ER185 May have some others screaming by then as well!

And I am sure you will have some other Kiwis to sing Kumbaya with!

No point wasting them plane tickets mate!

[HVA61]

Actually #8

As a significant corporate sponsor of the  CD format for the time the team have had the mag. and running their Classic Dirt events we have a very good understanding of the set up and running costs , but most most importantly the logistics involved . so kid yourself fella . "You no nothing"

So again , pull your head in

[Graeme M]

OK everyone, this thread went seriously to the pack. So, we're disappointed but it's what it is. Looks like there is an alternative and of course CD10 will be back next year. As always, the facts get slanted depending on who's telling the story and it doesn't really help to go any further over-analysing and casting blame.

So, it's now locked and will be dropped as a sticky. Bring on the rest of the year and hopefully a better 2014.

And for anyone who's up for some Vinduro fun on the ex-CS10 weekend, HEAVEN will host an event at Buladelah. How cool is that? Find out more here;

http://forum.ozvmx.com/index.php?topic=30951