I talked to David at the get together in September (actually several riders were talking to him) about the number of sponsored stops, because he had mentioned that there may be 2-3 more added next year.
They too mentioned the sponsored stops were not as interesting to go to, they would rather visit some obscure museum that they had never heard of than a motorcycle dealership.
I don't really know a solution to it because the sponsors do help with the event. I guess paying more would be an option, but how much more?
The current $30 fee was fine IMO, but what am I really getting for that $30? A patch that I will stick on my wall? a 1 in 1,200 chance at winning a gift card?
I could do the exact same stops on my own if I wanted to without paying anything, so why would I pay more than $30?
No way am I knocking the Tour, it definitely got me out riding more to places I had never been, and would like to get more than 27 next year, but there comes a point when the registration fee is not worth what you get, but on the other hand, if there are no real interesting spots to visit other than sponsors, not as fun.
I know several also complained about the number of repeat stops this year vs last year (aside from the sponsor stops).
David had said he had about 10 "new" stops he was riding to before next years list comes out, and
has a link on the tour site to suggest new stops.