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A Quick Update on 2012
Howdy 24 Hours of Moab race fans. The financial dust has settled and, sure enough, I am in the proverbial hole on this year's race. The good news is that, due to the perfect weather that saved roughly $10,000 worth of dust suppression expenses, I'm not in as deep a hole as I had feared. Still, I owe vendors upwards of $20,000.
I've done extensive budget forecasting but it really comes down to some pretty simple math. Given that each team represents, on average, about $500 of revenue, first we need to break-even (add 40 teams) then we need to "rob" from 2012 Peter to pay 2011 Paul (add another 40 teams). Then, because we can't rely on such perfect, dust-free conditions, we need to have a cushion for dust suppression (add 20 teams). Lastly, I need to pay myself a modicum of a wage next year (20 teams), (note: I've taken no salary for the last year and a half). Also, it would be prudent to have a little cushion of profit going into 2013 (20 teams). Add it up and we need to bump-up next year's field by 140 teams, a total 2012 field of 380 teams. Now it's not quite that simple. There are incremental costs associated with hosting more teams but based on the budgets I've run, 375-400+ teams is the threshold for sustainability for 24 Hours of Moab.
Is it do-able? I think so but it will be no small achievement. And, I can't do it all myself. It's going to take a real commitment by everyone who has a stake in the ongoing success of this great event. Teams who raced this year need to come back and bring another team with them. We need the folks who missed last year and even those who haven't been back in many years to come back out of the woodwork. And, of course, we'll need the support of enthusiastic sponsors and the continued hard work of my dedicated staff (they've all declared their intention to return).
I said at this year's opening ceremony that I would be making a determination about 2012 by Thanksgiving. There's too much possibility at this point to make a certain decision so I'm postponing the decision until the first of the year. I've applied for an advertising matching grant from the Moab Travel Council and won't hear back on this until mid-December. Also, in this time, I'll be seeking the support of sponsors who want to take an active role in bringing the race back, bigger and better.
Moving ahead is still very risky. To be more confident and to have more than my seat-of-the-pants, ever-optimistic, blind, faith to go on, I will be publishing an on-line survey to accurately assess the degree of commitment that is out there. Look for this survey in next couple of weeks.
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2012 Tentative Dates October 6th & 7th:
Based on one of the suggestions that I received from racers, I've set a tentative date one week earlier than usual in hopes of securing a slightly warmer weather-window and I've gotten approval of these dates from the BLM and Utah State Trustlands This year, the OuterBike Demo was scheduled on top of 24 Hours of Moab and it looks like, in 2012, the 6th and 7th will overlap OuterBike again. The overlap was not a huge issue this year, though it's not ideal for local businesses (they'd benefit more by spreading the two events over two separate weekends). With this in mind and other considerations that might benefit the race, I may look at keeping the historical (second Saturday in October) dates of the 13th & 14th. You will get to weigh in on this decision in the up-coming survey.
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 Your Commemorative Photo or...
A Great Holiday Gift!
This year was one of the best ever. Certainly no one could complain about the fast course and cool racing temps. But there was a special vibe, too.
Whether it's for your wall or your friend's or family member's holiday gift, it's one of the best ways to commemorate your experiences. Check out the Action Shots photos. It's easy to find your photo (or your teammate's) by your team number.
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 Keep this reminder of the awesome race in your future
on your desktop.
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 Thank You for 17 Years!
I hope that you saw our "Thank You!" banner as you pulled out of the venue. (You might not have as it was stolen at some point. Geeeeezzzz!)
It has been an honor and a privilege to be of service to so many fine folk over the years. So much fun, and so much adventure has been created. So many friendships have been created (and, no doubt, a few destroyed) and so many stories!
The story of the 24 Hours of Moab is the story of mountain bike hard-cores from throughout the Rocky Mountain region bringing it, year after year. It's the story of a community of mountain bikers who found a larger tribe and created a spectacular end-of-year celebration for all ages and abilities to enjoy. 24 Hours of Moab has been a proving ground for so many up and coming young racers and an event that restored confidence in ourselves, even as we doubted our aging bones. The challenge and prestige of earning a podium spot at Moab is sacrosanct in the mountain bike world. The bragging rights of even completing one lap are valid for any mere mortal or would-be couch potato.
My greatest hope is that the story of the 24 Hours of Moab, far from ending, is at a new beginning that will preserve it for generations.
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Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays !
Warmest Regards to you and your family and best wishes for a peaceful, enjoyable time together during these holidays!
As the Thank You banner reads:
Happy Trails to You,
until we meet again.
-Laird Knight, Race Director
& all the fine folks at:
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Granny Gear Productions, Inc.
127 Springfield Ave.
Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (304)259-5533
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