2010-07-24 - Dunwich Dynamo DD18

I have been of the view that Barry and Patrick , as the event has grown, have been a bit negligent as to the consequences of that growth , and I am person all for autonomous self organisation. I just think they are missing a trick by not attempting to involve local communities and clubs in its running. Extra organisation would not alter its character and we might get some people into the clubs which organise the majority of the events you might also want to ride. though that's not to say those clubs are not guilty of being more concerned with running" their events" than attracting new members.

They haven't really been negligent.

Back in 2004 there were about 350-400 riders and that was completely managable. 2005 was, I think, still less than 500. This level of ridership didn't really require any more organisation than is currently offered by the return coaches, the feed station and the Flora cafe. At this time, the police, specifically the Met were taking an interest in this kind of ride and wondering if they should be prevented (this was also the time of the big Critical Mass fiasco). Actual organisation would have attracted a lot in the way of liabilities, responsibilities and meant that the organised part of it may have to be cancelled unless you charged for entry. (Take a look at the concerns and possible consequences of unregistered riders on the Tweed Run).
In 2007 the starting ridership was possible 600 and finishing probably 450ish. It's only in the last 3 years that the growth has been particularly large and the only indication of expected numbers has come close to the start of the ride with a flurry in SC coach bookings. When I spoke to Barry at the end of last year's ride, the expectation was that the 1000ish riders was a bit of a one off. Add into that the point of the ride that it is free, unorganised and unsupported and something that needs to be preserved.