nathanm
Eats Squid
Caught up with a couple of mates for a ride yesterday who told me it would be $50 for spectator access to watch the EWS which I admit was a huge surprise as I thought it would've been free, but I am naive to such things.
So having a look this morning and indeed I read on the Maydena Website it will cost $50 to "walk up" to spectate, but as part of this fee you do get the access to shuttles, if you choose, as well and I'm assuming its free to access the event village.
Now I've been critical of the parks senior management before so I'll try not to let that prejudice my thoughts but charging $50 for spectators walking the lower sections is just taking the piss. It should be free for foot traffic IMO.
However it looks like you can still take your bike up the lower mountain buggy for $12 or the bus for $25 to midline. However given the amount of people attending the event and the lack of vehicles these options, I imagine are going to be very, very limited and I can see people queuing for hours. Had another mate stop me this morning who went to Maydena yesterday and was only able to do 4 runs due to limited, slow and infrequent shuttles across the entire day. I did hear that a new fleet of buses were being purchased which I assume will be implemented prior to the event. Apparently much of the current fleet of shuttle buses are pretty rooted which is no surprise considering the shared shuttle road is in incredibly poor condition.
I thought it would have made more sense to have less bikes on the hill and foot spectators encouraged not discouraged by pricing and logistics? I can't imagine Derby or the local shuttle operators (particularly given their current struggles) there charging like wounded bulls? But given I've never been to or part of an event of this size this all could be pretty standard fare?
It's Jayne's birthday that weekend and all she wants to do is go and meet Jose Borges in person as he's her hall pass. I'm genuinely concerned for his physical welfare. But she's concerned now about the cost given it could turn into an expensive weekend just to see people ride bikes. Regardless I'm taking her but still it's disappointing.
So having a look this morning and indeed I read on the Maydena Website it will cost $50 to "walk up" to spectate, but as part of this fee you do get the access to shuttles, if you choose, as well and I'm assuming its free to access the event village.
Now I've been critical of the parks senior management before so I'll try not to let that prejudice my thoughts but charging $50 for spectators walking the lower sections is just taking the piss. It should be free for foot traffic IMO.
However it looks like you can still take your bike up the lower mountain buggy for $12 or the bus for $25 to midline. However given the amount of people attending the event and the lack of vehicles these options, I imagine are going to be very, very limited and I can see people queuing for hours. Had another mate stop me this morning who went to Maydena yesterday and was only able to do 4 runs due to limited, slow and infrequent shuttles across the entire day. I did hear that a new fleet of buses were being purchased which I assume will be implemented prior to the event. Apparently much of the current fleet of shuttle buses are pretty rooted which is no surprise considering the shared shuttle road is in incredibly poor condition.
I thought it would have made more sense to have less bikes on the hill and foot spectators encouraged not discouraged by pricing and logistics? I can't imagine Derby or the local shuttle operators (particularly given their current struggles) there charging like wounded bulls? But given I've never been to or part of an event of this size this all could be pretty standard fare?
It's Jayne's birthday that weekend and all she wants to do is go and meet Jose Borges in person as he's her hall pass. I'm genuinely concerned for his physical welfare. But she's concerned now about the cost given it could turn into an expensive weekend just to see people ride bikes. Regardless I'm taking her but still it's disappointing.
