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Mountain Bike Events Generate Local Income


Nerf Herder's picture

By Nerf Herder - Posted on 11 August 2011

A small example of how an event can generate diffused income into a local economy or community. This was a relatively small event (309 riders & their guests ... say 70:30 riders to guests)

http://www.mbaction.com/Main/News/Mountain_Bike_...

by Staff Reports

This week, Pirate Race Productions released the economic impact analysis of the inaugural Magic Cycles American Mountain Bike Challenge (AMBC) Race Weekend. The event was held on the public trails of the Beech Mountain Adventure Park in the town of Beech Mountain and consisted of three races - Short Track, Super-D and Cross Country - on June 18 and 19.

Thanks to the generous support of Magic Cycles, Archer's Mountain Inn, Black Cat Burrito, Emerald Mountain Realty and Rentals, MaguraDirect.com and Cane Creek Cycling Components the race attracted 309 racers and their guests from eight states. Participants traveled from as far as Georgia, Ohio and Massachusetts, despite severely inclement weather and the Father's Day holiday.

An economic impact analysis based on a participant survey executed June 20 to 25 demonstrates that racers spent approximately $24,880 while in the High Country, contributing $1,218 to local tax revenue.

According to the survey, the event generated 184 room/nights at area hotels and rental properties, and the average participant spent more than $60 in restaurants and $45 in other shopping.

Significantly, 64 percent of respondents indicated that, as a result of their experience at the event, they are "likely" or "highly likely" to return to Beech Mountain for non-cycling related travel or activities.

Furthermore, of the 28 percent of respondents who indicated that this was their first time visiting Beech Mountain, 71 percent indicated that they are "likely" or "highly likely" to return for non-cycling related travel or activities.

"These data demonstrate that not only did the event make a positive impact on the local economy on an otherwise slow weekend, but Pirate Race Productions again created new tourists who will return to the area and support local businesses for years to come," a Pirate Race spokesperson said.

Survey results, including a list of local businesses where racers spent money, are available at www.pirateraceproductions.com/local/2011magicambc.

Pirate Race Productions is hosting three more major races in 2011: The Mile High 6 & 9 Hour Mountain Bike Challenge July 30, Three Peaks USA UltraCross Sept. 25, and the Speedway National Cyclocross Series Race Dec. 10. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Pirate Race Productions stages more than 40 cycling events every year and operates Team PRP/Alpha Facilities Solutions, a national amateur cycling team. In 2010, 2,300 racers from 22 states and Canada attended Pirate Race events, raising more than $4,000 for its charitable partners.

Flynny's picture

Lithgow tourism did a report on one of the National DHs we did up here a few years back.

They looked at bed/nights and meals for the riders and support staff only and estimated the even brought in $600 000

I should upload that on our site...

Here you go Al http://ctmbc.net/node/30382

moggio's picture

I keep thinking this is what the Blue Mountains needs to bring in some more dollars seeing the overnight tourist is more of a minorty these days.

The idea of a MTB track which is really comparitively cheap and simple to build and maintain is really very effective bait to get outside money in. Run an event and then rely on increased visitation..

I suspect coming up with this sort of overiding strategy as an incentive using the influence of local businesses such as accomodation and food, would be the way to have more clout rather than it being just a bunch of silly cyclists who want somewhere to ride.

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