ncermak Posted October 31, 2010 Report Share Posted October 31, 2010 While I know there are many USASA regions where there are some well attended races, Many series are feeling the pinch (economic and mountain pressures) of running a race for 10-20 racers, and in some case even fewer. Even in my home series, I am seeing decreased numbers We maxed out at 45 racers 3 years ago, and hit an all time low of 10 at our first event last winter. While we all are enjoying the the trickle down benefits of race technology (Metal Boards, sidewinders and Isolation plates), I worry that racing is threatened by the low numbers at regional events, and could be going the way of Ski Ballet in the near future. So I implore this community to find your local USASA series, and spare a few days of your season to go out and hit the gates. I know most of us are beyond the days dreaming of the world cup, but we owe it to the future riders to help keep that dream alive. Forego racing Nastar to race USASA and get to Nationals at Copper. This is not a plea for USASA, but for the discipline of racing... (Mods - please keep this in the community rather than the racing forum...better yet, put a sticky on it) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~tb Posted October 31, 2010 Report Share Posted October 31, 2010 As I have stated in other threads, I am looking to race this winter. . . I was going to do the WA race league but could be talked into USASA . . . Being in your region I was going to look into what this would entail, but the website has not been updated with any info about this upcomming season. Being a family man, if I can get this stuff on the calendar, I can probably do it, but if its not on the wife's calendar soon, she will fill it up with other commitments. Any idea when race schedule will be published? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trailertrash Posted November 1, 2010 Report Share Posted November 1, 2010 I worry that racing is threatened by the low numbers at regional events, and could be going the way of Ski Ballet in the near future. I think it has already, hence the low numbers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Futahaguro Posted November 1, 2010 Report Share Posted November 1, 2010 After 20 years of boarding and never racing I just signed up this year:) Minnesota may suck but it is better than nothing. Gets me really excited to board again. Just waiting for the fake snow to start flying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike T Posted November 1, 2010 Report Share Posted November 1, 2010 Many series are feeling the pinch (economic and mountain pressures) of running a race for 10-20 racers, and in some case even fewer. Even in my home series, I am seeing decreased numbers We maxed out at It goes both ways. Last season, someone who wanted to race USASA @ Mt Bachelor and didn't want to do any other USASA events had to pay $195 for *one* weekend of racing, early season, with questionable snow coverage and enough slush to make it kinda dangerous. I thought about it but wound up forerunning instead. Just couldn't justify that kind of coin for *one weekend* of racing especially with the above weather issues. Especially when, behind door #2 was a $75 NASTAR season pass, out of which I probably got 50 runs if not more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncermak Posted November 1, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2010 every series is independently run, and faces individual challenges, which include availability and cost of the venue, as well as equipment and staff. The USASA membership is $75. event fees are separate, but rather than running against pacesetters, you are in an actual race format for the day. That membership will also allow you to compete in any series. In Massachusetts, our fee is $25 for a single event, $40 for a double event (2 races in a day). We run races on 3 separate days, with a GS and Slalom each day. the toata cost to race the series (excluding lift tickets) is $195. All series are governed by the rule book and sanctioning agreement which mandates that a series must run at least two separate days of an event to qualify for nationals. Yes, It is more expensive than Nastar, But it is course set for snowboarders by snowboarders, and it is where the few remaining serious racers and coaches are developing. Nastar is a great product for fun; USASA is promoting development, which is what we need now to keep enjoying the benefits of race driven technology. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncermak Posted November 1, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2010 As I have stated in other threads, I am looking to race this winter. . . I was going to do the WA race league but could be talked into USASA . . . Being in your region I was going to look into what this would entail, but the website has not been updated with any info about this upcomming season.Being a family man, if I can get this stuff on the calendar, I can probably do it, but if its not on the wife's calendar soon, she will fill it up with other commitments. Any idea when race schedule will be published? My race dates: 1/9 - Crotched Mtn 1/16 - Ski Ward (afternoon race) 2/13 - Ski Ward (afternoon race) all races are GS and SL. Our website will be updated soon... and in the meantime, please become a fan of ridemass on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ridemass/195889276014 -Noah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeoffV Posted November 2, 2010 Report Share Posted November 2, 2010 Noah I might be VERY interested in racing in the series. I've got a season pass to Ward. What night are you and Steve training during the week? I'll check out the FB site tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncermak Posted November 3, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2010 I look forward to seeing you out there...Check in with Fleck on training... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph Posted November 8, 2010 Report Share Posted November 8, 2010 Alex & I usually sign up for the Southern VT series. I love getting in the gates if my schedule permits. I think my better half is looking to do more gate time this year too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fastskiguy Posted November 11, 2010 Report Share Posted November 11, 2010 good god, ski ballet?? do you really think so? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncermak Posted November 12, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2010 good god, ski ballet?? do you really think so? yes...once sanctioned events stop happening, its over.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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