Hosting a Race in my town, how?

[cosmiccase]

Ok so theres this winding mountain road in my town that some people take once and awhile but is not the local spot for speedboarding because people are a little intimidated. But I was thinking, there is enought good speedboarders in my town that we could host a little race down it. Like have everyone who wants to race put 20 bucks in a hat and the winner gets takes all. Have timed heats with 4 skaters at a time. The local skate shop could host it for some exposure and better business. But my plan is to go to one of the town hall meetings and purpose the idea, and ask for a permit to close the road for 1 day. Im sure the local shop could get there hands on a few hay bales for the 4 hairpins and a cops radar gun to clock the racers. I'm sure that if we have the appropriate waivers for death and such, and have everyone wear a helmet, and knee pads and gloves this would work. So is there anything im missings that it would take to start a 1 day race? Like a few hours of practice runs then a few of actual races? Anything im missing? Thanks.

[Dash]

Outlaw is the way to go.

[cosmiccase]

Outlaw is the way to go.

Like just everyone together and just race eachother with cars and everything?

[K-Rimes]

Outlaw is the way to go.

Outlaw is NOT the way to go. It's incredibly dangerous. Please watch my crash footage before you suggest it.

[K-Rimes]

To add:

Putting on a race is an INCREDIBLE amount of work.

You'll need to secure the permits for the road, insurance for the racers, course workers to lay down bales, course workers to direct traffic during some times of the day, water for the racers, an EMT on the course, sponsors to help pay the costs of the insurance, road rental, permits, EMT, EVERYTHING...

It's an extremely costly venture unless your city is 100% behind you.

I would be super stoked to see another race go on, even if it were to be a small one.

[Dash]

Outlaw is NOT the way to go. It's incredibly dangerous. Please watch my crash footage before you suggest it.

Yah i've seen that. Looked (and sounded) very painful.

I only suggested outlaw because like you said, putting on a proper race is a lot of work. Obviously safety is an issue...but is it not possible to have an outlaw that is reasonably safe? I guess it depends on the road, traffic etc...

[cosmiccase]

To add:

Putting on a race is an INCREDIBLE amount of work.

You'll need to secure the permits for the road, insurance for the racers, course workers to lay down bales, course workers to direct traffic during some times of the day, water for the racers, an EMT on the course, sponsors to help pay the costs of the insurance, road rental, permits, EMT, EVERYTHING...

It's an extremely costly venture unless your city is 100% behind you.

I would be super stoked to see another race go on, even if it were to be a small one.

This would be a total locals and surronding towns. My dads friend is a Nurse and EMT, i dont know which one but he could come and be ready. I could pay him. Could I just get a permit for the rode and shut it down for 1 day? The road is NOT used that often. I could get a local barn to get it and donate bales. But can i print out a waiver and have the racers sign them and such, like with their insurance companys and all that. But can you explain what else goes along with the insurance things? Thanks.

[soccersonoma10]

i assume your talking about 1st street.. it would be pretty much impossible becuase there is no alternate road, plus pretty much every longboarder in sonoma wears no safety gear at all. sonoma is a conservative town and would not go for this unless you had influential people backing it. having it right next to the police station is bad becuase if they have a call and have to speed away they might hit someone, and there is nothing you can do to move the police station for a day. the amount of money to shut down a road would be unreal. the road might be too thin to fit a lot of extra things/people/ambulances. i have almost got hit bombing it i was on the right/ a little in the middle and around a blind turn, and i almost got crushed i had to swerve into the hill. best of luck to you though

[cosmiccase]

Troy I think all you need is a permit to close the rode from the County, and the finish line would right at the bottom of the last turn and you could footbrake before you even get to the police station. Sonoma Old School could host it, and have prizes such as wheels and trucks. I think people would put on a helmet for 200 bucks and some free ####.

[K-Rimes]

Hold it on Cavedale Rd and I'll even come down... THAT'S a road.

[cosmiccase]

K Rimes you know Sonoma? Damn It would be a pleasure to race with you, but I dont think my town is in need of THAT bad of a ass whipping. lol : ) If you ever are in the area and wanna skate Cavedale or any road PM me, It would be sick to ride with you.

[wilder]

start bugging the city now, and dont stop. letter a week or month, and go to all the meetings. ive never organized a race (yet) but thats how my hometowns skatepark got built.

[IGSA-1]

How to organise an event.

The first thing you will need to do is find out who has jurisdiction over the road you want to use. Next visit this agency or agency's and tell them what your plans are. They should be able to give you a list of things you will need to obtain a road closure permit. Now go down the list and satisfy all of their requirements. You will also need to determine who the road closure is going to affect and come up with a plan how to accomodate the affected people. Do this before you submit your paperwork because it is an issue that WILL come up. Once you have managed to secure a permit, you have completed the hardest part. Most potential events die in this phase. From that point forward it's just a matter of hard work, figuring out how to meet your budget and more hard work...


1. Road Closure- Obtain permission and permits to close the road. Typically you will need the road for 8-9 hours per day. Also get any other permission or permits you might need.

2. Insurance- Secure all of the liability insurance required by the affected property owners. In the USA, the IGSA can help you to secure liability insurance for approximately $200 per day.

3. Course Safety- Survey the road for potential hazards (guard rails, trees, ditches, rocks, cliffs, etc) and determine ways of minimising those hazards. Straw bales, pads, snow fencing, plywood and other innovative ideas can be used. Find a farmer that can deliver and pickup a minimum of 250 hay bales per 1.5 km or the equivalent of that in safety mattresses (for the corners) and plywood (for the guardrails on the straits).

4. Medical Staff- Contact a medical team (your going to need a minimum off two persons) that must be there for the entire time you have riders on the hill. In addition contact the local police, hospitals, fire department and inform them that you’re putting on a race.

5. Course Marshals- Find people to work as course marshals and educate them. You need course marshals on each corner plus a starter and a finish line marshal. You’re also going to need designated people for traffic control at the top and bottom. Each course marshal must be equipped with a two-way radio, flags (yellow/red) and a broom. The marshals will also need brightly coloured safety vests to increase their visibility. Be sure to provide them with lunch and plenty of drinks throughout the day.

6. Radios- Buy or rent two-way radios. The models that local hunters use are easy to buy second hand and a good way to go. The toys that are available at “Radio Shack” are not a good idea.

7. Timing System- A timing system is required if you are going to do time trials For smaller events the cheapest way to do this is to use two timing watches and two two-way radios.

8. Uphill Transportation- Borrow, Rent or hire a large vehicle(s) that can transport 30+ riders up the hill. Busses, moving vans and even large trucks used to transport cattle have been used in the past.

9. Develop a Budget- Once you have figured out everything that is required to hold your event you need to sit down and develop a budget. Try to think of every possible expense and then add 10% to your total just to be safe (You will forget stuff and have surprise expenses). Once you know how much money you are going to need, you need to figure out where the money is going to come from. Typically it will come from three places, sponsors, riders, and/or your pocket...

This is by no means a complete list, but it should give you a basic understanding of what you will need. Feel free to contact me if you have further questions and good luck. Marcus

[cosmiccase]

Ok, so I think I can get the City of Sonoma to let me close the road without traffic movemnet because the road is so rarly used. And my dad has a truck that can hold 20 people in the back. There will only be 15-20 racers. I think the scoring will be like a bracet type thing. 3 racers race, then the winner goes on. Or timed, doesn't matter. Im sure a local barn will donate some haybales. And where can I find a Course Marshall? Are they needed?

[bpz]

I think you're not ready to hold a race at all.

[Longbord1]

yeah no offence bro, but you definitely aren't ready to start your own race. You haven't been speedboarding very long(even though this dosen't matter that much), you are only probably 15 or something, you need to research a lot more, you need to find sponsorship, and it just takes a crapload of work and i don't know how responsible and efficient a 15-16 year old will be.


no offence but its going to be a huge pain in the ass!

[Sal Pic]

Yeah it's a shame, but the city probably won't take a 15/16 year old seriously, even though you will surely go there really knowing what you're talking about. But hey what's the harm in trying ya know? Good luck man!

[DRAS]

Go for it.....

Don't let the nay sayers try to get you down.

Every time someone says 'no-offence', they are about to put you down, ignore them and move on. Just learn what you need to do.

Start small and don't be afraid to ask for help.

[Sal Pic]

Exactly! It will probably be an uphill battle (zing!) but getting done will be a great experience and I'm sure it will pay off.

[Longbord1]

go for it! but its going to be tough! don't let my negativity get you down! If you are set on doing it go for it!