So the other day I went for a solo ride out at Chino Hills Park. I was in need of some good climbing and Northridge never disappoints. I was sitting at a bench before my 2nd lap, chomping on my banana, when a group of riders stopped nearby and I couldn’t help but listen in on their conversation.
There were about six riders finishing up their ride and they were talking about their big plans. They were discussing how cool it would be to get some jerseys made. They mentioned something about their website and how they want to start collecting membership dues from people who sign up with them. They all agreed it would be a great idea to make everyone pay x amount of dollars yearly to help fund some of their activities.
When I heard this my jaw dropped! Charge people to come mountain bike with me??? Really??? Do people really pay others for some friendship on the trails?! In all my years I’ve never thought to charge anyone to go mountain biking. I’ve been mountain biking consistently for almost four years now and we’ve met so many people out on the trails. Man, if I had collected a buck from every guy we’ve ridden with I probably wouldn’t have to work anymore! 😀
Actually, this wasn’t the first time I have heard of something like this though. A year ago a friend of mine invited me along for an epic ride with some other people. She gave me a link to the site with all the information but if I wanted to join in on more rides then I’d have to pay the membership dues to join. It was about 40 bucks a year to connect with other mountain bikers and meet up with them for the rides. Needless to say I never joined them for another ride.
I suppose it’s hard for some people to find others to ride with, but I don’t think it’s something so far out of reach that it needs to be paid for. Nowadays we have so many forums available to us or even sites like our own to connect with others. Shoot, just show up at a trail and your bound to run into someone, right?
So this brings me back to appreciate what we’ve created here at MtnBikeRiders.com. We’re just a bunch of peeps that enjoy riding and enjoy sharing that with others. The invitation is always extended for others to come enjoy a trail with us and we won’t charge you. Actually I think that’s how many of us came to meet each other.
RL and Moe met through a forum….a bike forum of course! And as far as I know, there was NO money exchanged for the rides! Bike rides I mean. Okay. We can go in so many directions with this, but I’ll stop there! Joking!!! 😀
Now don’t get me wrong. I know there are events to be funded, etc. In that case find something to sell. Sell some t-shirts or socks or something! Have a raffle. There’s lots of ways to raise money, but don’t charge a buddy to go ride, it just ain’t right!!!
I would give my left arm to go riding with you. Luckily I don’t have to, but still.
That is just awesome that there are so many forums to find riders. You are right in the fact that to charge to ride is just NOT RIGHT! We have had more fun meeting everyone on this website and being part of a team that is a bunch of friends that love to ride! Thanks Lady P for this article!
Um…many bike clubs charge annual membership dues. Not a big deal — and often beneficial because you might get shop discounts, group insurance and other amenities. Sure, there are plenty of “free” riders out there who would be happy to join you, but there’s nothing wrong with club memberships either.
Personally I love biking on my own, but I don’t mind if I have a friend come a long, I certainly would not pay for someone to come with me, that just seems ridiculous!