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Post by Mark Simpson on Nov 22, 2004 14:06:27 GMT
Assuming we, as "Gravity Enthusiasts", wish to expand the popularity and profile of Gravity Sport, WHICH SHOULD COME FIRST? A/ Courses fit for racing and to qualify for National and World rankings? OR B/ "New blood" full of enthusiasm for the next thrill and looking for their own places to "keep it real"(what DOES that mean? ....lol) Dont reply straight away! Think about it and reflect on this! ONLY 8 people voted on the UKGSA logo so far! ...Dalby cancelled AGAIN! ...DUE TO LACK OF SUPPORT! .....Is this the Death knell for British gravity sport? It seems to me a RADICAL and, possibly risky, new look needs to be taken at the way the sports are promoted in order for any of us to find someone to ride with in the future...... 'cause as it stands, the future looks VERY dim in the UK! THINK ON!
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Post by gray on Nov 22, 2004 18:22:09 GMT
Mark,
What do you suggest we do? What are these radical new ways that will bring hundreds of new lugers out of the wood work.
I'm really interested to know.
Your holly grail of gravity sports promotion needs to be shared. Then I can stop all my hard work and just turn up to races and have fun.
Cheers,
Graham
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Post by Longy on Nov 23, 2004 6:34:04 GMT
What about every race you attend you bring a friend that rides for free? Get together a "pot" of old leathers and gear so people can ride for a few months while they save for gear or decide whether or not they like it?
Just a thought.
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Post by BOS on Nov 23, 2004 10:00:03 GMT
Mark White air was a roaring success, at least four media companies were there filming and such like. Rider turn out was good, so the word is speading. The reasons as i see it that Dalby was cancelled was: 1. Cost of two rides straight after each other, alot of competeitors are students or just plain poor so couldnt afford two races straight after each other. 2. many people couldnt create the free time after just 'giving up one weekend' for white air. 3. Travel, many competeitors come from the south and couldnt afford/make the journey. & 4 (and most important) A huge amount of people said 'oh yeah we are coming' but didnt actually do anything about it like signing in and paying the race fees. We need a certain amount of money upfront to ensure a race. So please people dont just presume the race will go ahead, sign in via pay pal so we know your definete and the money is then there. (sorry to be so forward) Im sure there would have been enough people turn up at dalby to cover the event! This is a topic i have thought of a sort of solution to but i need to sound it off Grayham and Derek and such people! Hope to see you at a few races next year mark
BOS
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Lee
Beginner
Posts: 23
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Post by Lee on Nov 23, 2004 12:21:14 GMT
I feel like I need to confess: I am one of those guilty of saying 'oh yeah we are coming' and then did not complete the paypal thingy to define my pledge to come. I feel doubly bad as I was so looking forward to the meet and was definitely going to be there, and the fact that I contributed to the race being cancelled makes me feel real bad.
The 'radical' thing I propose for next year is to be sure to support the UKGSA committee and recognise all of the hard work that goes into organising the races. And I think the simplest most effective way for the individual is to go to as many races as possible.
Guys you are doing a superb job. I am looking forward to seeing you all on the hill next year for a good season of racing.
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Post by Longy on Nov 23, 2004 13:01:04 GMT
Yeah ditto but paypal did nick over 2 grand out of my account that week so i couldnt pay electronically........besides that i've made a pledge to attend 90% of the races next year instead of waxing lyrical about how i'm going to get there and waiting for folk to give me a lift.
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Post by Muzzo on Nov 23, 2004 14:30:28 GMT
just want to add. A lot of people don't give a dam what the logo looks like , but if they do , there is a chance to vote on an open forum.You cant get fairer than that. The UKGSA has put on 2 fine races in its 1st year .IOW in particular helped to promote the Gravity Racing Scene in the UK.The event was run smoothly, with little or no waiting around for the next run, a riders dream + it kept the spectators attention.Top Stuff In words of BOS Keep It Real
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Post by mike on Nov 23, 2004 23:01:00 GMT
Hiya All.
I think the Ukgsa has had a great 1st year! It has been made possible by gravity sports enthusiasts. I mean everyone, all the riders, the UKgsa committee members, and all those people that have given up their free time to marshal; therefore ensure the safe running of our events. A huge thank you must go out to Dave, Sophie, Side Show, Geoff, Helen, Martin and Sue.
We should not for course forget the support that we have received from the likes of Roark at Zen Lemmon whose sponsorship made White Air possible and such a success. (Roark thanks for the Red Bull and water too.) Nigel the organizer of the White Air Extreme Sports Festival for his emphatic eagerness to see Street Luge, G-bike and Downhill-skate added to the line up at White Air. Nigel’s a real extreme sports enthusiast who’s made a sufficient commitment to our sport/s this year, professionally, personally and financially. Lush Longboards for providing prices at White Air for Downhill-skate. Essence Clothing for contributing to prices as well. Best not forget the Forestry Commission at Dalby for allowing us two potential race days there this year. It is a shame that we only got one, but it was a cracker. I know that Derek and Ian are already working on next year. I hope that everyone knows what is needed to make this happen. After all the events are organized so we can all ride and race!
I do believe that all involved in the Ukgsa, be it riders, sponsors. Committee members, volunteer marshals, have approached this year with enough radical thinking to achieve something that we should all be proud of:
Both races have been run with the safety of riders and the public as a primary concern to the Ukgsa. No riders have been seriously injured. No member of the public has been hurt as a direct result of our activities. If the Ukgsa had neglected to consider and provide all safety measures reasonably possible for either its riders or the public, we would not have received permission to run any events this year (FULL STOP!)
We have promoted Gravity sports within the UK: We have at least two TV programs that will feature Street luge (and to a lesser extent Downhill-skate and G-Bike.) Blue Peter’s new presenter joins the existing team in late December. So look out for Zoë Salmon’s Street luge experience with Pete Elliot, soon after. Also watch out for Britons Most Extreme TV series (Sky) Street luge episode featuring our very own Joel da King some time after February. (I will keep you all posted on exact dates as I have them confirmed.)
I don’t confess to be an expert on extreme sports event organizing, but I have learnt a few things over this last year (particularly in relation to organizing White Air.)
No one, and defiantly no local council or authority will allow an event to proceed unless you can grantee that:
Public liability insurances are provided. (Up to the local’s authority request, at least 3 million.)
All safety risks are recognized and resolved.
The local community is aware and happy for the event to proceed.
As a result of providing all of the above at both events this year we had two races.
If we hadn’t we would have had none!
Personally I feel that the only way to continue promote gravity sport is to keep providing safe events for all; experienced riders, new comers, the public and the media.
If anyone thinks that a TV company will turn up to an event to film without first compiling to a detailed possess of risk assessment is sorely mistaken. (Details of the Ukgsa risk assessments where requested by both BBC and Britons Most Extreme before they could film!) A production company is legally responsible for its employees in regard to health and safety the same as any other. Broadcasters and TV production companies are also bound by the regulation of Ofcom and the B.S.C. Both of which have extremely tight rules regarding the broadcast of illegal activities. (Basically the producer has to provide evidence to the commissioning editor/broadcaster that the public as a whole will benefit from the broadcast of illegal activities. “Dispatches” may get away with it we don’t! It’s the law!) The only TV coverage of events/ race/ stunts, that do not meet the standards of local authorities or neglected to inform said authorities, will receive, will be from local news and will involve at least one of the following:
Police arresting riders, whilst resident’s descried the reckless behavior of the hooligans that where involved.
Paramedics loading injured parties into ambulances, and concerned local reporters stressing the dangers involved in such irresponsible acts.
Local Councilors condemning the actions of those involved and promising the public that no one will ever be seen on this road doing such things again!
All of which are detrimental to all of those that wish to see the Ukgsa continue to provide responsible, organized , safe, competitive and publicized events.
I personally, as I’m sure all of you do, want to see more events next year. You can all help by signing up early for all the 05 races as they are confirmed. I know the team is working on this as I type.
Any ideas, possible races venues, etc. let us know! Keep ideas like those already posted above coming.
Thanks for a great first year.
Keepin’ it real! Mikey Ps Keep 15/16 of October free if all goes to plan you won’t to miss White Air 05
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Post by Joel on Nov 25, 2004 10:10:04 GMT
Mark
You have been on the scene for a very short period of time, in fact you have only ever come along to one SSSprint event! I even admit to still being a newbee having only been riding for 3.5 years. I have however turned up to a LOT of races.
If you had come along to White Air, seen the efforts everyone has put in and the MASIVE rewards they have reaped you would not say the future looks DIM!!! The amount of media coverage, number of spectators and positive response of everyone there, including the local council and town Mayor is an indicator that the sport is on the UP!
When I started 3 years ago there were no board makers in this country and very few regular riders. Now Len has started making very nice boards, there are a few others around and the number of regular riders and events has more than doubled. In addition to that there was almost no contact between the Stand-Up crowd and Lugers. With increasing co-operation between us numbers are swelling and people are trying out new things.
OK, it is a shame that we only managed to put on 2 UKGSA events this year, but we have learned a hell of a lot. By not overstepping the boundaries, doing everything by the book and not stepping on any toes we now have a positive image and good references with which we can approach new locations and put on more events.
It will take time and a hell of a lot of effort, but the future for gravity sports in this country is looking VERY GOOD!
Joel
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Post by BOS on Nov 25, 2004 11:22:05 GMT
Sorry Lee my post was not ment to make anyone feel 'real bad'! It was just to make people understand the nessecity (not spelt right) to sign up to ensure an event goes ahead! Hope to see you and longy at some events next year! There will perhaps be a way of paying via snail-mail and cheque next year for all those interested!
BOS
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Post by Longy on Nov 25, 2004 17:30:25 GMT
Respects BOS currently i'm gearing up for it....no more talk, no more bullshit just more speed and more victory dances ;D
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Post by tristn on Nov 26, 2004 14:09:20 GMT
Mark, I have to agree with Joel on this one, The future of Gravity Sports in the Uk is looking better & better, There is a lot of good people putting on a lot of good events all over the uk. UKGSA, Bude classic, Ding, Cliff Coleman Clinic and Brands Hatch, Whilst it would be awesome to have a Chamrousse style event here in the uk the logistics of it would render such a thing impossible, Go and ask your local council if you can close a 6 mile stretch of road and see what kind of reply you get ! I just want to get out and ride; it’s not all about competitions and glory (unless your name is Ben bewley of course :-) I don’t consider that I have been doing this long enough to start criticizing events and as Joel said you haven’t been to many races in the UK You seem to have made a few comments here in the past about promoting Gravity sports in the UK Well without wanting to sound too rude I think its time for you to either Sh1t or get off the shovel
tristan
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Post by BOS on Nov 26, 2004 14:39:40 GMT
I resent that Tristan! I aint in it for the glory, the glory just gets thrust upon me cos im so f******g good! Arf arf!
BOS
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Post by Mark Simpson on Nov 27, 2004 14:50:29 GMT
Well, thanks for the frank exchange of views! The same question was put on the "Streetluge.net" site and I got a very different feeling from the replies there. Here's an opportunity for all of you! I have managed to obtain a small amount of space at the "London Motorcycle Show" at Ally Pally in late January and have room for a couple of Luges, a G-Bike and Buttboard if their Owners would like to come and show the crowds there what G-Sports are all about! It's not to advertise wares, but to make people aware of what we do and that they too can get involved easily. The fact that Ally Pally is at the top of a BIG hill may give us the opportunity to "show off" too? My experience is in Promotion, organising events being my wife's speciality, and here is your chance to reach a wider audience. I can supply the TV/DVD-Combi if any of you have footage we can show off too! Don't get me wrong! What has been done to promote the UKGSA has been a good effort by all, considering, but the UKGSA IS NOT THE SPORT, only a part of it, BUT, I've only ever said that MORE needs to be done, and this is the sort of thing that will get our beloved G-Sports in front of as many people as possible! TAKE A CHANCE!... Help me, don't just sit there ridiculing what is a legitimate concern.
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Post by Mark Simpson on Nov 27, 2004 21:50:43 GMT
Contact me on Black8art@aol.com direct or on 07980076444 if you can or want to help out!
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Post by BOS on Nov 28, 2004 13:52:44 GMT
That sounds like an excellent oppourtunity to 'pimp' the sport. Id be quite happy to lend a buttboard. There are plenty of videos that can be shown off, thats a cool idea. Any that Mikey and Graham have thrown together or maybe the white air one to if you can get permission to show it, by its creatour, or why not seek the use of the Hot heels one! Nice one Mark
BOS
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Post by Tom W on Nov 29, 2004 13:28:28 GMT
Mark, I have two points to comment on regarding your "Chicken or Egg" question. I am finding it quite difficult separating my feelings over the two, as one is very positive - whilst the other is entriely cautionary. Read the following and make up your own mind how I feel. First point - Well done on the Ally Pally spot, I know it's not easy to get a stand at such events - You are welcome to use my luge to put on the stand, plus I can get hold of plenty of DVD / VHS footage of gravitysports from around the world to show on the TV. Second Point - What the HELL are you doing announcing on an international message board that the UK scene is about to die??? You have not entered, attended, or supported ANY of our events![/u] After what was an extremely succesful first year for our fledgling orgnisation - I was both shocked and disappointed to read your self-opinionated post on the Streetluge.net international forum. I have been plugging our successes very hard since Whiteair - trying to stir some international interest in our cause. The last thing that any of us need is you telling the world that the UK racing scene is dead. Streetluge.net is the world forum for downhill racing, it is also frequented by ALL of the IGSA board members, word champions, race organisers, as well as the few sponsors out there who support our sport. These are the people who we need to impress with our achievements - not just some idle audience for you to entertain with your own personal brand of "tabloid intellect". In the past, I amongst others here - have tiptoed diplomatically round some of your more public outbursts, quietly ignoring your more controversial comments - whilst trying to harness some of your enthusiasm. In the past I have also personally stepped forward and defended you from some of the "more personal" replies to your opinions on this message board... But right now I am falling very short of reasons why I should merit you with a response at all. You can read my reply on Streetluge.net here: www.streetluge.net/webbbs/index.cgi?read=16414In the future, if you want to gauge public opinion on anything else regarding our work promoting gravitysports in the UK - please check it with us first before broadcasting it to the world. In the meantime - If you are still convinced that the UK scene is about to die, try actually attending some of our events in the future... perhaps it might give you a new angle on things. Tristan is right - You have to "Walk the walk" before you can "Talk the talk". Ride hard, stay safe. Tom W. Secretary - UKGSA "UKGSA Downhill Racing - Earn your bragging rights!"
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Post by Mark Simpson on Nov 29, 2004 14:48:34 GMT
In reply to Tom W:
I say as I see, and as I am looking at Gravity Sports from the point of view of a "newbie" to the sport, I feel entitled to express what I see! (or don't see!)
I appreciate the work already done, and the work that is ongoing, but until "the world" hears about it, all that is seen is all they get to go on.(if that reads logically?)
I have spread the word to anyone who will listen, pointing them in the direction of Ding Boston and SSSprint, AND the UKGSA site. I have even suggested the IGSA site, but with little or no fast moving News and Features there is very little up-to-date info for them to feed on. Even the STREETLUGE.NET site has had no News since Aug 2001 and UKGSA "next race" & "news" buttons are inactive. As the primary sources of info in the UK this leaves "Mr Newbie" thinking not only is the site dormant but so too is the sport! This is no doubt an issue that is in the process of being rectified, but I am sure you'll agree, It does nothing to inspire confidencein the sport or the people "in charge".
In summary, I feel justified, as a member of the public, to cast a critical eye over the areas discussed, and the observations made are meant as CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. Don't take it personally, as it seems is the wont of many people nowadays! ....I'll help if I can!
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Post by Mikey on Nov 29, 2004 16:18:18 GMT
Ok Mark, The buttons on the Web site are in a fashion inactive. I'll say it agian, just incase you have missed it... The UKgsa team is currently hard at work finding some new locations to ride/race at. We are currently in contact with the venues that we used this year, arranging dates for the 05 season. We hope to have a 05 Race calendar out around Januray time. If you or anyone eles would like to join the event mailing list please send an email with "Event news" as the subject to inf@ukgsa.com We will then keep you up to date with all the events as and when we have them comfirmed. It gose with out saying that all the details of our 05 events will be be online as soon as they are confirmed. (The next event button will link to the next event once the dates are confirmed etc.......)
Regards Mikey
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Post by UK Gravity Sports Asscociation on Nov 29, 2004 16:53:42 GMT
Mark, I’m quite interested to know where you (and every one) sees gravity sports will be in three years time? What is your vision? More work is going on than you could possibly know about to try to promote our sports. Not all of what we are doing is spoken about here. Tom, Derek, Ian, Mikey, Myself and others put a lot of time into this. (Mikey hardly slept for two days before White Air sorting out the last minute stuff) We all appreciate your help and input. It has to be said however that if you are serious about the sport and it's growth the best thing you can do is stop moaning about it here it looks plain bad to sponsors and interested "newbies". Believe me many of us have been through this before. Send a proposal to INFO@UKGSA.COM about the Ally pally Stand. We need to know costs and who will be there to run the event. Who’s supplying what and when. It could be very good but what have you actually done to make it HAPPEN? Get in touch and let’s make this work. AND TURN UP TO SOME EVENTS NEXT YEAR WITH YOUR CASH. THAT IS WHAT MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND AFTER ALL Cheers, Graham
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