MadisonBiking.com

Umm... what? This looks like a poster/flier for the Subaru RALLEY team. That's automotive. You want the forum next door.

Well, since we've got no input from anyone here, we're not insuring the ride and it won't be organized by us.  Too bad.  I've been sticking my neck out to get more of the non-motorsports Suby people socially involved.  When the only response I get from this forum is an uninformed snide remark, I won't be offering here next year.

I really hoped for better things, but probably shouldn't be surprised in Madison.

Ok, since I have been (rightly) called out for being snide; I apologize.

In the interests of intellectual honesty I would like to provide some constructive criticism regarding the flier.

First, I appreciate that you are attempting to interest cyclists in "outdoor" activities. But, since this event (from reading and re-reading and re-re-re-re-reading) the flier it appears to me to be a nice advertising opportunity for Gary Fisher (I'm sorry http://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/new … /4205.html The Gary Fisher Collection) and Don Miller Subaru. This is my main objection as it feels, to me, that this attempt to 'reach out' to the "non-motorsports Suby people" is purely to get more buts in automobiles and not one to foster good relations between cyclists and motorists. Will you, please, clarify for me what you mean by "non-motorsports Suby people"?

Second, if your intent was to link this event with The Subaru Cup WORS racing event your flier didn't do this. I would whole-heartedly support getting more people excited by the most prestigious Pro Series WORS racing event. But, as I said. Your flier doesn't do this.

Third, your flier itself left much to be desired. I'm glad you're getting a demo tent from Trek to come down with bikes. That's awesome. But, plonking that tent and those bikes down next to your shiny autos sends mixed messages to your consumers. My personal opinion is that this is another attempt to marginalize the Bicycle as a "toy" when placed next to the car. Why aren't you also giving away prizes for the highest verified milage on a bicycle? How about the muddiest trail bicycle picture? Why isn't the Gary Fisher logo up there with DG and Don Miller?

Finally, your posts themselves were offensive to me personally. Unfortunately, I have stuck my toe in this discussion again which gives me more chances to get ticked off. Perhaps this criticism should have come with my first post and you would understand where I'm coming from. However, firing back your own snide criticisms of my spelling, my choice of automobile (an Acura) and my supposed geographic location (Madison) does nothing for my mental image of you as a person.

You are presenting a CAR SHOW with bicycles as an afterthought. This pisses me off to no end as the inclusion of bicycles appears an afterthought. And since your name is linked on that flier with an @donmiller.com e-mail address I can only assume that you are an employee of Don Miller my leap-to-conclusion assumption was that when you proposed having a bike ride your boss DIDN'T tell you "we don't want to do that because we want to sell cars". Which, in all honesty, he should have considered for its impact on your business.

I'm glad you're acquainted with the Full Moon ride. I'm glad you appear to be interested in bicycles. I'm glad you want to get people to go on a bicycle ride. But, you don't provide a route. AND E. Wash (when not closed to automobiles for events like Bike The Drive) is an absolutely terrible place to leave from for a massed bicycle ride in the middle of the day.

If any of this ramble makes sense, great. If you understand where I'm coming from and the extent of my ire, great. If you wanted to draw my full opinion out, you should have asked. But, what you DID do was just fire off your own brand of snark.

fin.

Last edited by Severian (2010-06-22 4:16pm)

Severian wrote:

AND, When has Don Miller ever supported a cycling event? (This is an honest question)

Actually Subaru was a sponsor of the...wait for it...Subaru Urban Assault race a few years ago.  Since Don Miller was a checkpoint I would assume the dealership was directly involved.  This year, however, New Belgian Brewery is the title sponsor.

With all due respect, I think there is a pretty good link between Subaru owners and cycling (outdoorsy stuff, etc).  Well, at least I know a few.  I'm thinking that the idea was - need a good vehicle for your bike trips - try a Subaru.  Maybe not the best planned event - with perhaps little input from the cycling community, but perhaps with some good intentions.

Last edited by Wiswell (2010-06-22 9:15pm)