I've been hearing similar grumblings from several of my friends. I think the ultraendurance mtb scene is going to follow a course similar to that which brought about gravel road racing in the midwest. We want to race, compete, and push each other to be better, but we can't always afford it. When events get too expensive, too popular, or both, it creates a new market. Somebody is going to capitalize on that. I see a grassroots, ultraendurance mtb series that welcomes all riders for little or no money. And it will be good.

First, absosmurfly love the site. Sometimes, it felt like I was the only one thinking critically about issues like this, and now I find an ally with whom I can commiserate and from whom I can learn. Just spent the last two hours reading everything you've posted. So, here's my .02...don't be so hard on yourself. If I've learned anything in 14 years of wrenching, it's that the person on the other side of the computer is always smarter. Tell it like it is, and keep it up!