I was curious about the corporate sponsors and noticed (a) Swiss Chalet has gone from previous years and that there was a company I had never heard of BionX so I went to their web site. It turns out that they are makers of electric assisted bicyles as well as kits to retrofit regular pedal bikes.
This ride is about getting people to sponsor riders for doing a difficult feat. It is ironic at least that one of the companies that the Ride itself got as a sponsor makes equipment so that one does not have to do all of the work when riding. I for one would think it strange if anyone used this product to do the ride.
I'm not sure, but this may be the same company that had demo bikes at camp in 2009. I agree with your view that the use of an electric bike goes against the spirit of the challenge.
However, when I checked the range on the various models, the max was about 100km, and most were much shorter. These are very heavy bikes, the battery can weigh as much as a road bike. I kind of relish the thought of the battery dying at the bottom of the escarpment, leaving the poor rider having to push the damn thing up that long climb.
I'm in the "anyone who donates money is ok with me" camp. I'm not particularly interested in the product, but if they're willing to donate money in support of the event, I'm not complaining.
E bikes in my opinion are a complete joke. Furthermore, they should require a license and be for road use only like a moped/scooter. Nothing pisses me off more than seeing one of these e bikes idiots on the MGT amongst people healthy people jogging, blading, running & cycling. Poor form on ride organizers, but i guess the almighty dollar wins in the end sponsorship wise.
I agree that anyone looking to help out on the cost of the event and get more money to the Hospital is good with me but it looks like the bikes are being donated to the Medical and Safety Crews who will be riding along the route with us. This way they can save their energy to help out the people that need it.
I don't understand why everything this event team does is viewed as negative, this team has been running these types of events for years and if they didn't raise alot of money for the hospital then PMH would drop them and if that means sponsership everywhere then I'm fine with that. I'm doing the Ride for Heart again this weekend and I can promise you that it will not be as organized or raise half of what the RTCC will raise.
Can't we just give them a break for a bit and while your out there on the 11th and 12th remember to thank every crew member you pass and every staff member you see cause if it weren't for them we wouldn't be able to participate in the amazing event.
