‘Redbud’ Impact: London Downtown ride boosted hotel, restaurant revenue

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May 15, 2012

‘Redbud’ Impact: London Downtown ride boosted hotel, restaurant revenue

By Magen McCrarey Staff Writer The Sentinel-Echo Tue May 15, 2012, 06:10 PM EDT

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — It’s estimated that each participant in April’s Redbud Ride spent a sum of at least $500 during their stay in London this year, and, as a result, granted an economic boost to Laurel County, said Rodney Hendrickson, co-executive director of the London-Laurel County Tourist Commission.

“The demographics of cyclists as a whole tend to be in a higher income bracket, and spend more money,” he said.

According to a survey by the U.S. National Sporting Goods Association, cyclists have a median household income of $59,000, a range that is significantly higher than the national average of $48,946. Overall, 785 cyclists registered for the event while only 640 actually attended.

“It’s a significant impact for Laurel County,” Hendrickson said. “It puts at least half a million (dollars) into the local economy — and that’s a very conservative estimate.”

Cyclists on average spent two nights in a hotel, paid early Redbud Ride registration fees of $25 or late registration fees of $40, and purchased meals as well as incidentals such as a blown tire.

Hendrickson felt the inclement weekend weather was the cause of the drop from cyclists who registered to those who actually attended. For two years in a row, the weather has called for rain and Mother Nature carried out its soggy plan. But many avid cyclists were determined to take on the challenge.

“Enough rolling fats to make the hills tolerable. Very green, beautiful Kentucky countryside, complete with horses and cows,” John Eastlake of Cincinnati, Ohio, commented on the Redbud Ride’s Facebook page. “For those who stayed at home, the rain wasn’t a problem; it rains, you get wet. No problem…right?

Hendrickson estimated 96 percent who registered were visiting from out of town, while only four percent were local. A portion of the attendees claimed reservations at one of three of the Handy Family of Hotels. Baymont and Hampton Inn and Suites housed more than last year with about 40 each, while the Microtel Inn and Suites housed about 20 guests, said Gabrielle Rivera, director of sales for the Handy Family of Hotels.

As for the local restaurants located in the hub of downtown, such as Weaver’s Hot Dogs and Joseph’s, they had a positive response in business. Although, common comments made by cyclists was regarding the “moist” dining experience and lack of alcohol sales downtown. The Friday night block party was a success, said Judd Weaver of Weaver’s Hot Dogs, and Joseph Smith of Joseph’s restaurant said the same about the grill out on Saturday.

“We were at the Farmers Market all day Saturday, cooking stir fry and on the grill for cyclists as they came back into town,” Smith said.

The downside was the lack of food prepared by downtown restaurants due to the influx of visitors. On Friday, Smith served about 100 alone, and Saturday that number doubled.

Cyclists came from 19 states, saw the diverse landscape and conquered steeply inclined hills. Those visiting traveled across the U.S., stretching from Colorado to Massachusetts. Many cyclists made comments that they would return next year to ride in the “best century ride of the year,” rain or shine.

In addition to the local economy, the event is a good profit maker for the London Downtown Main Street Program. The program is currently still tallying up the profits.

For more information about the Redbud Ride, visit www.redbudride.com. For more about Laurel County tourism, visit laurelkytourism.com or call 606-878-6900.

mmccrarey@sentinel-echo.com

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