Coasting for Kids 2011

DaveStroem said:
Done Mike. Just what you asked for. :P

Gracias, Amigo.

It kind of sucks that someone who raises hundreds of dollars for a charitable cause has pay a registration fee out of their own pocket if they wish to participate in the event.

Yea... I said it.

I know, I know... It's all about the kids...

Per the event website -

Am I still able to raise the $40 registration fee?

While the registration fee is required upfront, you may still raise the $40 prior to signing up—try getting a friend or family member to sponsor your initial registration.

Humph. I didn't see that. Maybe next year then...

I kinda figured if they didn't make us pay the $40 up front, many may just show up to ride... I mean, we are all showing up to ride (a benefit) but they probably wanna make sure people are serious. There are so many people on the home page that still have $0 :( I figure some people who have made the minimum, may still not show up.

Dave, thanks for the contribution towards my goal, I appreciate it. Have fun at KI on Racer!

I understand the registration fee, and don't really have too much of an issue with it because it all went directly to GKTW.

I'm just grouchy tonight. lol

I kind of saw the free registration last year as a reward for my hard work. I didn't have a boatload of money last year either, but this year is worse in that I have been unemployed for 9 months. I saw raising money as a way that I could help, since I wasn't in a good position to donate. Next year when my money situation is back to normal (hopefully), I'll be there. :)

About the freekin' t-shirts though, telling someone you will do something and then not doing it is the definition for poor integrity. (I'm pointing at you, King Island.)

There. I feel better.

Dude, the "registration" is money you can raise. What difference does it make? If you're really more worried about what's in it for you, you're doing it wrong.

It wasn't clear to me how you could sign up as a rider without having to pony up the registration fee.

I know of at least 10 people that would have participated but are not because they could never scrape together $40 at the same time (college students).

I think the idea of a registration fee is fine, but for many $40 was too much and then raising another $35 on top of it made it seem unattainable to them. IMO a $20 registration and $30 in additional donations would have played out better.

I have also heard a number of people asking if they still had to register if they had a season pass. I think this is because they are seeing the registration fee like it is an admission fee.

These are just observations that I have encountered.

Yea, I am still bummed about last years t-shirt too.

I think what the FAQ was suggesting was to pretend the registration fee is part of your fundraising efforts -- except you'd be doing it offline, personally, before signing up. That is, someone would give you the $40 "as a donation," then you'd use that money to register. Since it's all going to GKTW anyway, the end result is the same; but the donation would be in your name (as the registrant) rather than your sponsor's.

Weather Update:

The predicted thunderstorms have disappeared from the Allentown forecast for Sunday. Also, looks like high 80's. I guess that's better than the 90+ over the previous days...but someone mentioned they had ice water for riders at one of the parks last year. I hope that's the case at Dorney. I'll have Powerade and Propel in my car, but....

CP is showing a 40% chance of thunderstorms and a high of 92.

I can't recall if they gave us bottled water with breakfast last year or if I brought my own, but I seem to remember keeping a bottle in one of the storage bins. It wasn't that hot last year, so I didn't really need it, but with temps in the 90s I might.

Not that any of that info helps you for Dorney. :)

I will have sunscreen and water in the bin at all times. :)

I am stoked for the Magnum rides. On my one visit to the park last year, I didn't get a chance to ride very much, kinda by choice (had my little guy with me). This year, we'll have enough coverage to keep Simon occupied I think.

Sorry for being a poo poo head last night. I signed up knowing that I probably wouldn't be able to go. I hope my one negative comment will not totally disintegrate all of the positive comments that I have made over the last year, and all of the support that I have given to all of the other people doing this.

It is not about me at all. I'm just glad that I could raise some more money for a great cause again this year.

I blame being unemployed for so long. I started two jobs recently, but no paycheck yet. I just need to get to a park soon.

Kara is a super-awesome person. She just sent me an e-mail with some kind words.

Sorry again. Lets not talk about it anymore.

A friend of mine joined my team and gave a boost to the donations. Looking forward to this weekend! Just hope the weather holds out. I know we need the rain. But we want to have fun! :^)

You all rock!

See you Cedar Point C4K folk in a couple of days! :D

LostKause said:

Sorry again. Lets not talk about it anymore.

It's ok Travis, I understand *hugs*

Actually, I think I will take the next $40 cash I get and put it toward the registration fee. Already have to pay for gas, hotel, etc., I don't have alotta money either. Nothing wrong with transferring funds into that 40 bucks, its all going in the donation pile.

Looks like I will be at KI on Sunday (thought I was just going for Saturday but now will be staying overnight). Haven't been to KI in about 20 years. Will look for the Coasting 4 Kids folks. I assume you can give cash donations at the park?