Observations from Wisconsin..............We had a great time and wonderful success after overcoming a few tech problems and tuning a new motor. Yes, the lines were long for the Mountain Course and the loss of the radio communication on Tuesday should not happen, but we got 7 runs in during 2.5 days including tearing down the motor for final tech on our record in 250cc MPS-PG. We met a lot of new friends and began to drive to the boat-landing when the rains came.
I was at BUB in 2009 and 2011. This year I observed more spectators. Everyone wants to see the streamliners run, but they take up some run time from others. The RWB riders tend to waste time by running the entire 2-5 miles. I suggest a flagged and groomed turn-out at the 3.75 area which nearly all riders at 125 mph or less could use.
The test area was easily found and I made good use of it..........5 plug-chop runs.......but it could be marked........and was later confusing because of the blind riders. Most of the volunteers were GREAT but one or two were a little confused on Sunday and Monday AM. The replacement radio announcing was poor in the beginning but steadily improved.
I don't know what the actual attendance was, but it looked good. Yes, the wind caused a few problems, and the rain cancelled the late runs, but we made the best of it and have no complaints. My strongest suggestion is to start a support group to encourage more volunteers.........even if its for part-time to give the others a break. I also suggest a pit-steward (well marked hat or cart) to keep guest parking in order. At one point we could not leave the pits at the usual place because of parked vehicles. I also observed non-participants driving a vehicle between the pits and tech area.
We will be back next year and two of my pit crew will also be participating with bikes of their own. If we all encourage others to participate, I'm sure Denis and his crew will continue to develop the staff and properly promote the event. The courses were well groomed and by Wednesday AM the salt was the best I've seen since 2009. I truly hope to see all of you in 2014 and BRING A FRIEND
