Where have you gone?

 

 

Now, I'm sure you will be surprised to find out that I don't know the answer – although I have a few theories, none of which amount to rocket science.

 

Leaving aside the obvious reason for any lack of attendance, the cost of entry, which is touched-on by our reader, I personally feel that there are simply too many national MX series at the moment.

 

There's ACU Maxxis, MCF Red Bull Pro Nats and both AMCA Championship and Masters just for starters. There are also several other very strong regional series, which help competitors keep their travel costs down.

 

All these series bring problems not just for riders, deciding which series to choose but also for spectators looking for events to attend.

 

I hate banging on about the same subject but we are all facing cutbacks – I rarely go out on my road bike for a stress-releasing blast, simply because it costs £25 just to fill the tank – which empties at an alarming rate! – and while most of us will happily go without food and water, if we can just keep our bikes, it is pretty obvious that most of us are having to make some serious choices.

 

This may or may not have had anything to do with a below par Hawkstone attendance but I'd be very surprised if it didn't have a bearing.

 

On the same weekend as Hawkstone was the British round of the World Trials Championship near Carlisle in Cumbria. 

 

Now, we only get one world class trial per year in this country and as the venue is well accessible (if a bit far north for some of you!) just ten minutes off the M6, it is worth mentioning that the spectator figures exceeded expectation. At least it exceeded mine. Some 3,000 to 4,000 on the two days was my guess, and it was good to see.

 

Now, the attendance at the Hawkstone International earlier this year was up to scratch so had the average MX spectator (if there is such a thing) decided they had been there and done that and gave the Maxxis a miss so as to be able to try something different?

 

As our letter writer rightly says, Hawkstone remains one of our best loved – although worst sign-posted – tracks so the blame can't be laid at the venue.

 

You might even argue that the Olympics played a part in the poor attendance. I was glued to my telly last Saturday – but joined the gang on Sunday for the British Trials Champs at Silsden.

 

There was even quite a healthy turnout of spectators. Although at £5 a car, there should have been. And yes, I did hand over my fiver...