G.G.'s...a legacy of controversy

TravisBickleRex · Since 30 Jun 2005 340 Posts Taxi Driver

Given formidable precedent set by Gordon Gecko and G.G. Allin in the late 80's, I've come to expect any G.G. of any notable stature to embrace controversy.

For a historical perspective, let's turn in our hymnal to the ballad of G.G. Allin...a man, as we all know, who told his loving fans that he would eventually kill himself onstage during a Halloween performance. Unfortunately, said G.G.'s untimely departure was nothing short of a dud. The death occurred out of the limelight; in an alley due to circumstances clearly within his (needle & the damage done ) control.

Now, for a moment, let's turn our attention away from a suicidal, presumably mentally ill, heroine addict, with a proclivity for hurling his own fecal matter at his adoring fans. In comparison, the current G.G. (set to begin 7/17) has perhaps outdone Mr. Allin in terms of shear outrageousness;
-$50 to $75/night to camp on a rocky/windy parking lot
-$35 spectator fee
-one co-owner of G.G. drives a Hummer (while flying the banner of green/sustainable)
*Ask organizer of the Freestyle Frenzy of his unsavory experience with G.G.'s owner

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 844 Posts Opinionated

I didn't understand a word of what you just wrote.

My assumption is that was your goal. Success!

stringer · Since 31 Jul 2007 694 Posts Chucktown Flying Tomato

wow, $100+ a day to watch the gorge games.
I think i'd rather stay at home and play a Sega Game Gear
Or watch Gilmore Girls

nah
I think i'll just ride at stevie instead.
Can't wait for BOTG!

Bettyboarder · Tue Jul 15, 08 10:15 am

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jul 15, 08 10:24 am

Is it really $35 to watch?? WTF is that shit all about? I was going to go watch the mt. bike race. Are they going to make me pay when I drive up to post canyon?

Maybe they should call it the Gouge Games?

Sella · Tue Jul 15, 08 10:25 am

Gordon Gecko's "greed is good" motto seems to be in full bloom but just like in life there is always a work around solution; VOLUNTEERING seems to be the "priceless" option this year.

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

<barfly banters with a lawyer>

TBR, while your skill at identifying analogy is questionable (perhaps G Gecko's "greed" speech applies), drawing attention to one of the greatest visionaries of, well, all time in GG Allin is quite commendable.

For those that feel GG's grotesque and macabre vaudeville is disturbing (and you are right), the few pictures posted here show clues to how we as humans can move towards peace and brotherly love... I don't mean that sarcastically.

OP ED for a nation at war: Humans are violent and have a DNA-embedded need to wage violence. We need to wage this kind of violence instead of war. Vaudevillian horror exhibited through music and show is that release. GG's "reverse-Hitler" mustache, the gore, and the suicide all have meaning. Engorge yourself in violence by participating or spectating in ways that do not hurt others outside of the moshpit (come on, what's a little shit flinging among friends?).
Maybe camping on jagged 3" crushed rock and paying too much is the violence we're thirsting for but I don't think that is hard core enough.

RIP GG

railgrab · Since 29 Mar 2005 177 Posts Seattle, WA Stoked

If you want to get into all the GG events cheaper, you can start your own photo contest team for $20 per person or join one. There's another thread with more details. Here's a link to the registration page...
http://www.athleteslounge.com/events/event.php?eventid=2492

Ethan

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

I anticipate that kiting will be one of the major draws at this years games, as long as the wind coorperates. It will be a great opportunity for the kiting community to show the value of the sport to the powers that be in hood river. Granted some of the prices seem to be a bit high, however there are ways around most of the costs that have already been posted here.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Not to stir the pot... but does anyone know what the gorge games is in terms of an organization, LLC, profitability status?

I could understand if all the charges were to be re-invested into the games to make bigger purses for events and alike... but I know specifically a lot of money changed hands to even buy the name rights to the games, and that makes me wonder if there isn't a profit motive behind it.

I know other events like BOTG, Blowout, KB4C, are all totally non-profit and run by dedicated kiters who just want to have cool events.

bustingbladder · Since 12 Jul 2006 387 Posts Seattle Obsessed

Oh this is definitely a money maker for the folks who own the rights to the Games. I dont see it said anywhere on the site that the cash is going anywhere else but someones wallet. No donations for a good cause, nothing! The prizes for the atheletes is even a joke. Outlaw classes get shwag maybe and the Pro classes get a little bit of cash. Compared to the money that this thing has already brought in, it seems a bit stingey to me....
And now that FOX is all involved, the photogs got the shaft on that end as well with stipulations that they have to turn over all their images to the GG. What a bunch of crap!

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jul 15, 08 12:03 pm

I checked the webiste, I didn't see any prices listed for just watching..

Does it cost money just to be a spectator?

bfar · Since 03 Oct 2006 25 Posts HR

Check out the GG flyer/booklet that is around town. It has the activities/events schedules and cost of spectating. I think the all pass bracelet is $35. Gets you prime seating for each event and access to the athlete area/lounge.
Whoopie!
This is televised so no doubt intended to be a money maker which is fine with me......but charging to watch obscure sports like kayaking, adventure racing, river-boarding?! They(organizers) are'nt going to make money off ticket sales for anything. Nutty. But the $ will come off of TV, so maybe they'll break even.
Too bad they can't promote the sports in a way to attract viewers rather than discouraging them/us by charging for tickets. I'm sure WS/KB events will get big crowds but those watching will more than likely be folks that are here anyway for their own KB or WS. Not like there will be hordes of people from Portland coming to see what the GG are all about and buying up tickets to get in then going into town to shop and eat.
The skateboard events downtown might be worth getting into though, kinda like the Mt Hood Classic crit.
Hope the wind cooperates!

railgrab · Since 29 Mar 2005 177 Posts Seattle, WA Stoked

I suspect that these games are going to feel strangely familiar to attending a college football game in which the athletes and band members don't get paid, but someone is making $$$. Though it doesn't sit well, it is business as usual in the USA. On the other hand, unless attendance is outrageously high, I doubt that anyone will be profiting much. I'm still hoping for good wind and an exciting kite competition!

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

i went to one of the first planning meetings held in the HR hotel. the GG is definately a for profit entity, but it was my understanding from the meeting, the header organizer: joshua ryan, wanted to host a winter time Gorge Games for various reasons, but hte primary one being, i think, to help boost our economy in the off season. he seemed to drum rather hard on the point that The Gorge didn't need the economy boost the games would bring, during the summer time, when it is already crowded with many tourists and sailors/kiters in and around town.

SO, i would imagine he is trying to make enough money to cover his expense for the winter GG. i wonder if anyone has heard any news on this and if he still plans on proceeding with hosting the winter games Question

TravisBickleRex · Since 30 Jun 2005 340 Posts Taxi Driver

G.G. is apparently showcasing our regional pride by integrating the Norcor (regional jail in The Dalles) prison orange color into its fencing motif. Perhaps competitors should be required to wear Norcor orange jump suits as modeled by this distinguished gentlemen:
http://www.norcor.co.wasco.or.us/eagle/ICUD0096.HTM

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jul 15, 08 4:08 pm

I really can't believe that shit. $20 just to hang out and watch my friends compete? I dunno, maybe that is how these things work but it seems pretty damn lame to me.

From looking at the maps it also appears that the DH bike "spectator corral" is at the finish line..? Like that is the most exciting part of the course
Rolling Eyes

Looks like kiting at Lyle this weekend.