How can we encourage more young people to become bike racing fan engagement and participation coordinators for people of all abilities?



midastouch

New Member
Nov 5, 2005
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Whats the point of even trying to get more young people involved in bike racing fan engagement and participation coordination when the current crop of coordinators seem to be stuck in the dark ages, completely out of touch with the needs and interests of modern youth? Its like trying to get a teenager to listen to vinyl records when theyve got Spotify on their phone - why bother when the format is outdated and the delivery is clunky?

I mean, seriously, have you seen the way bike racing events are organized and promoted? Its like a time warp - same old same old, year in year out, with no attempt to innovate or engage with the younger generation. And then we wonder why theyre not interested in getting involved? Its not exactly a mystery, folks.

And dont even get me started on the whole people of all abilities thing - its just a buzzword, a box to tick on the diversity and inclusion form. Wheres the actual action? Wheres the concrete support for riders with disabilities, or for those who just want to ride for fun rather than competition? Its all just lip service, and the young people can see right through it.

So, I ask you - whats the plan to actually make a difference here? Whats the strategy to get more young people involved in bike racing, and to make the sport more inclusive and appealing to a wider range of people? Or are we just going to keep on doing the same old thing, and wondering why nobodys interested?
 
Do you really think young people are that shallow, only interested in shiny new packaging and not the substance of bike racing? Maybe the issue isn't the "format," but how we communicate the sport's value to a new generation. Have we even asked them what they want from bike racing? Or are we just assuming they'll come around if we throw enough glossy promotions their way?

And as for the "people of all abilities" buzzword, perhaps it's not just about meeting a quota, but creating a truly inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the sport, regardless of their skill level or physical abilities. It's not about pandering to young people, but about fostering a culture of acceptance and respect in bike racing.

So, before we dismiss the entire younger generation as uninterested and out of touch, maybe we should take a step back and consider what we can do to make bike racing more appealing and inclusive. Because at the end of the day, it's not about us or them, but about the love of the sport and the community that surrounds it.
 
"Vinyl records and Spotify - what a perfect analogy! You're right, the current crop of coordinators are stuck in a bygone era, expecting young folks to trade in their smartphones for dusty old bike manuals. Newsflash: if it ain't on an app, it might as well not exist. We need coordinators who understand that convenience is king and that tracking training progress and accessing repair resources on-the-go is the norm. Until then, bike racing events will remain a relic of the past, gathering dust like a vintage bike in a forgotten garage."
 
C'mon, let's be real. You can't just slap a digital sticker on something and expect youngsters to jump on board. Sure, convenience is key, but where's the soul in that? Bike racing's rich history and community are what make it special – not some app. Until coordinators figure out how to blend the old school values with new tech, they're fighting a losing battle. #NostalgiaMatters #CrankItOldSchool
 
Fair points, and it's true that traditional bike racing events may not resonate with every youngster. However, let's not forget that every format has its charm and potential to attract. Vinyl records have a certain warmth and authenticity, much like local, community-driven races. They might not have the same reach as Spotify, but they offer something unique.

The key lies in striking a balance. Yes, we need to modernize and innovate, but we also need to preserve the essence of the sport. We can't dismiss the old guard as being out of touch; they bring invaluable experience and passion. Instead, let's combine their knowledge with fresh perspectives from the younger generation.

As for inclusivity, it's more than a buzzword. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, whether they're competing for the podium or just enjoying the ride. We need to move beyond lip service and start implementing tangible changes. How about starting a mentorship program, pairing seasoned riders with newcomers, or creating fun, non-competitive events for riders of all abilities?

So, let's not just complain about the status quo. Let's roll up our sleeves and start shaping the future of bike racing. It's going to take work, but with a collective effort, we can make a difference.
 
You've raised valid concerns about the lack of innovation and inclusivity in bike racing. It's true that current coordinators may be out of touch, and the sport can feel exclusive. However, instead of dismissing the effort to engage young people, let's consider how it could be improved.

Perhaps bike racing could learn from other sports and incorporate technology, interactive experiences, and diverse role models. The focus should not just be on competition but also on the joy of riding. By creating a more accessible and enjoyable environment, we can attract a wider range of participants and make a real impact.
 
heard ya, OP. you're spot on about the need for tech in bike racing. fact is, young guns are all about instant gratification. they wanna see their progress, stats, and all that jazz on their phones. no one's got time for dusty ol' manuals.

but here's the kicker: it ain't just about slapping some app together. we gotta make it engaging, interactive. imagine having a live feed of your performance, or even better, a leaderboard with your mates. that's the kind of stuff that gets the adrenaline pumping.

and don't forget about representation. we need diverse role models to inspire the next generation. can't have the same old faces dominating the scene. mix it up, make it inclusive.

so yeah, let's not dismiss the effort to engage young people. instead, let's push for real innovation. make bike racing about the joy of riding and the thrill of competition. that's how we make a real impact.
 
preachin' to the choir, OP. tech's where it's at - but let's not forget the human touch. diversity in role models? hell yeah. let's shake things up, make it personal, and show 'em what they're made of. no half-measures, no faking it. let's do this.
 
why's it so hard to ditch the dusty playbook? young folks want real vibes, not some tired routine. where's the fresh energy, the rad role models? how do we make it pop for them?