will it be a yr end or end of WOTA meeting

  So far in 2013 WOTA has held 5 rounds  3 of them had a number of entries that wouldn't fill a short bus, pretty sure  something in the teens, .  Then the premier location that would easily bring 50 plus riders in the Jim Altemus days failed to break 30 ,I believe ;this on a weekend with no conflicting trials for 500 miles and not a dual sport ride or too much else going on . Baraboo terrain can only be beaten by traveling to Duluth or TTC or Colorado, and we have turnouts that probably don't cover sanctioning fees. It wont be long before entry fees have to rise or the awards are rocks and hand whittled handlebars. Is it simply a poor economy or what?  You would think the state where a 5 x Pro champ lives and a pair of world famous stunt brothers ride , there might be some sort of excitement developing for the sport, but it seems to be the opposite. If I were in charge I'd reluctantly throw in the towel. 

Don't know Noel....
Is it the economy...price of bikes, gas, entry fees, disposable income?
Generational...too many choices?   Too many things to do that requrie less passion?   Are we becoming a society that wants the trophies but doesn't want to run the race?

We are not the only ones.  Attendance seemingly down in all disciplines.  MX seems to be half or less than just a few years ago.

The Duluth NATC National 8/24 & 8/25 will serve as a good indicator.  We have a commnedable sized group starting work this weekend on the Dultuh National.  Please believe there will be no lack of passion in this group. Get caught up in it...all are welcometo join us     

stevek

On a positive note - WOTA seems to be getting better participation in the Trials set up effort when compared to the '06, '07, '08 time frame. (The work is being spread out over more members, where in the past it was just few dedicated people doing the work).   

I would guess that high fuel prices, long travel distances, and little time available for recreation are all factors.  Observed Trials really is a niche sport that only appeals to a certain type of individual.  A friend of my daughter, in his early 30's, used to ride "dirt bikes" years ago.  He told me he was interested in learning more about Trials.  I talked to him, explained what Trials is, and how an event works, and showed him some good You Tube trials videos.  His response? "It just looks like a bunch of guys hopping around on rocks, how is that a competition event?"  And he just shook his head...    He didn't get it.

We are not throwing in the towel!  Like others have said there can be many reasons for low numbers, and UMTA and NITRO have been facing the same decline.  NITRO has seen a little improvement in the last year by focusing on making the events enjoyable for all classes, from novice to champ.  We at WOTA are trying to do the same thing.  Hopefully the increased numbers at Baraboo over what was at the first two events will continue.  Also, when talking to some NITRO members when I helped set up at Polo they thought we may need more joint events.  The members of UMTA have also approached us to add a joint event to our schedule with them.  In talking to people from other clubs while at the Trials Training Center I see that many clubs cover multiple states and riders travel longer distance than most of us do for events.  As far as finances we are holding our own.  With continued effort, like Jim V finding cheaper liability insurance, to having arrows made of plastic that hold up to the rain and can be reused many times, we are still doing good with our budget.  We should not have to give rocks for trophys and have had some positive feedback on the switch to more useful items instead of trophys.  (Saw many riders Sunday using their new Trials blanket after they got wet and cold from the rain).  We will keep doing what we can so that WOTA lives on.

stevek and dschigoda both bring up good points,
   I would like to add this , As this years schedule began to take shape it was apparent to me that it would be a tough year to make all the events that I wanted to.....With the World Round reappearing in the US.....and Duluth hosting a NATC national , choices were going to be painful.
    I know that I missed Wauzeka because I couldn't swing it and the World Round on consecutive weekends ,  How many others were in that same situation ?
     Maustin was blessed with some late sleet and COLD weather, But also 3 people missed it because of set up for Pearl City  
  How many missed Baraboo because they were headed to the western swing of the NATC  ? I know of at least 3 from IL.  MINN. ?
   I know of 8 riders that missed NITRO's Polo event because of the eastern swing of the NATC events....
  
2013 is a great year for trials in the Mid-west , It may be tough on turn out at a few local events , but it is a great year.

Steve K. points out getting involved with passion and Dave S. points out the increase in involvement in setup  and Kevin is clear on where he stands....theres no throwing in the towel there!
        Ralph

I don't like rocks, so out go the WOTA events.  And I like elevated logs even worse, so there goes NITRO.

I'd like to compete more and evey year I say I will but the fact is, I like too many things.  Trials, enduros, hare scrambles, the occasional enduroX, vintage MX racing, organized DS rides  and riding my bicycle as much as possible.  But now I've sold my vintage MX bikes, I haven't raced a HS this year, the enduros are disappearing, the local enduroX is done so maybe I'll have more focus.  Plus tomorrow I leave for CO for a week of high country trail riding.  I've done this the last nine years and it always screws me for three weekends in a row and I never get to ride the trials that is closest too me.  But I love CO, so I'm not giving that up. 

I would have been to at least one day of Baraboo, but I sold my truck and didn't have a way there.  Hopefully I will have a replacement soon.  And then there's the fact that I can ride the best terrain out my front door anytime I want, so it makes me lazy about loading up and going riding.  Plus the fact I drive a 1000 miles a week and don't get excited about traveling on the weekends.  And the fact we live on a large acreage and there is huge amount of work to be done and that doesn't include the work of keeping my own sections and eight miles of single track open.

There...is that enough excuses?

I guess I thought I would throw in my 2 cents. I  have to agree with Ralph……. I too had to make some sacrifices and prioritize the things that were going on.  With my work requiring me to work every other weekend , I couldn’t and can not make every event (unless the trials gods align the stars and schedule  just right).  With that  I have limited amount of vacation I can take. I WAS NOT going to miss the chance to see the best in the world ride at the World round!!
Then there is the fact that I need to take time off for Barb and my wedding that was on a weekend I was scheduled to work. That eliminated one weekend that I could have made an event that was scheduled on a weekend I work.
I am also making the decision to go to the Duluth Nationals in August that is on my weekend to work. So that also uses up more time off that I could have used for a WOTA event.
That is just the way the year has worked out for me. I am not giving up on WOTA either and hope that next years schedule works out so that more events are on my weekends off. I realize that I’m only one rider but I hope things keep going but I am going to continue riding either way. 

The 2013 Mountain Road event had 31 riders on Saturday and 26 riders on Sunday.  So, in fact, the number of riders did break 30.   

I will have the scores posted soon...

I am not really suggesting WOTA folds but really expressing concern on the economic viability. Luckily it sounds like there are  some reserve funds to carry the club a while. I do think between the three clubs in this area overall there  are a few too many scheduled events so it makes it tough to expect much over border participation. I think someone should promote the Regional Series Idea a bit more . Maybe 2 ; 2 day rides in dist 16,17  and MN 23? each would work.