Remember, you're getting 110km and 55 km for those prices
I thought it was a tad steep as well, but they are the regional brand leader in this sort of event. Be interesting to see if / how quickly they sell out at those prices, especially as with the extra events around now, other events haven't had the server meltdowns / rapid sell outs that were the case in previous years when sales ( I mean entries....) opened.
There were still some entries left for the Husky last time I looked.
However I think for the most part much of the course is pretty challenging, there is plenty of climbing involved (2300m for the 110km I recall last year) Wingello is pretty awesome for racing imo as well, with some great trails and sweet singletrack. Granted some of the route is fireroad but it makes for fast times and some of the climbing is pretty brutal, in particular the middle stint, I particularly recall getting to around the 65km mark last year and being well and truely in the box from the climbing.
I also like the whole area of Bundanoon gets involved as well, the locals embrace it and really get into as well.
Submitted by LadyToast on Thu, 07/07/2011 - 17:51.
Don't get me wrong, I like the race a lot. I don't see why the half fling should be almost as much as the full race. That said I've never done a half before so I don't know how much they usually are but I would think closer to half price would be fair.
I know some of that goes on the insurance (even though I have my own racing license which I think covers me for that) and for the set up in the town.. pah, perhaps I'm just having a bad day and am grumpy I wont be doing the full thing this year....
Compared to the general cost of mountainbiking.. and dont forget that the entry fee is probably the cheapest part of the weekend, Simply don't enter if you don't think it's worth the money?
I've been in every Fling and wouldn't miss it. Great people, great atmosphere, beautiful town and surrounding bushland. I take the family with me every year and make a 3 day weekend out of it, and we all really look forward to it. Then there's the challenge of trying to improve my time every year, which I have done. Although at 44 years old I guess I'll start slowing down soon...
It's also very well run - Hugh and his team really know how to put on an event. The whole town gets into it, and it feels more like a celebration of the sport we all love so much than just a race. The locals welcome us and make us feel like VIPs, even if most of us are just weekend warriors.
$100 is a lot of money for a 55km race, but this event really is worth it. I can't wait!
I love the Fling course and after the re-route last year the last loop is no longer boring. I probably rate it my favourite enduro. Reasons:
* very slick organization from entry to facilities
* the town just has a great vibe about it. Like someone else said, we turn it into a weekend away. Our dinner the night before the race every year is at Eschalot at Berrima. Highly recommend it.
* the 3 loop set up makes it easy for your service crew (ie. Wife & kids) - easy to get to, good facilities & lots of space
* the course has good mix of single track, grinding climbs and fast bits to make up time. I find there are a few places you really smash yourself up especially near 'outer limits' about 60-70km in but each time you feel like you're about to give up and lie in the fetal position a long easy section of fire road pops up that allows recovery so you get a second wind
* starting the elite riders last - I love trying to see how far I can get before they blow past and then sit on their wheels for as long as I can (about 100m). It's fun listening to them chat etc while you're blowing up to keep with them
I think the Fling and DW have been going for the same number of years. I've done the Fling (3 x half and 2 x full) every year except last year (touring NZ). The involvement of what seems like the whole town, camping at the pony club, the 5.00 am bagpipes, the soccer club barbie, having the elites fly past if you're doing the full, the "joys" of early bath, the Southern Highland terrain generally, the variations in the course from logging - extra (or less) sniggle - all make for a great event. In the half, there's not a whole bunch of purpose built sniggle (lots of sweet Wingello stuff in the full) - but its still a great day on the bike, and although there's no super hills in the half (again, unlike the full, which has some beauties), my best time is still well behind my best for DW, Nasty Nurse etc. And its not just the extra 5 km - its a physical challenge as well.
This year for the first time I'm making a full weekend of it with the wife and another couple, hotel accommodation, dinner etc, so I'm not sure my times will get any better, but looking forward to a great weekend. Might even have a go at the Dash, but that hill at the finish looks like a killer!
I've done the full fling a ccuple of times and enjoyed it and will do it again this year. It's not cheap but it's always well organised and great fun. I don't see the half fling as a huge challenge, 30km to 40km is a normal weekend ride so it's not that much extra. Regarding the entry fees I can't think of many additional costs involved in having a 110km course rather than a 55km course so the fact that the half fling is any cheaper is a bonus for those doing it.
I agree, 55km is not a huge challenge in terms of distance, but there is a difference between racing and riding. For me personally, I feel like I can maintain a reasonable race pace for 55km, but over 110 km I would be just surviving. I take my hat off to anyone who can do the full fling in under 7 hours.
Submitted by Antsonline on Fri, 08/07/2011 - 13:31.
Just out of interest - why would you assume more trail should equal higher cost?
The 'volunteers' doing the direction and the bottle stops are just that, and I know Hugh does have a few of his own staff, but the difference (in terms of staffing) between the two races is only the end / start of the untimed section as you enter / leave the Wingello section, and the water stop in Wingello itself.
I think some races do take the piss. They have seen an entry like this, and so they copy it. I would say that Hugh and all at Wild Horizons seem to consistently deliver excellent events. This also may seem irrelevant to most, but the prizes for Wild Horizon events are also FAR and AWAY better than any other in Australia.
I reckon put this one to you having a bad day and being a bit 'humbug'
For what its worth, I'm hitting the Half this year, as are a few others. I literally cant wait, as its the perfect distance to race (as opposed to merely survive).
I agree with Antsonline... I've only ridden one 100k+ event (full Fling '07) and for me it was definitely more of an exercise in survival than racing. Now when I want to ride 100k, I get a group of mates together, make a day of it, and put the $130 or so saved towards beers and accommodation. Over 50k i know I can push hard the whole way (or most of it!) so treat it as a race and am happy to pay the entry fee. I reckon the Fling is one of the best-run events going around... Entry fee is in the same ball park as other events, and you even get a decent feed thrown in at the finish. Their rego process could do with an overhaul though, or at least an 'enter here' button on their homepage!
Submitted by Antsonline on Fri, 15/07/2011 - 20:25.
i know a bloke, who has raced this elite, and he (and his missus) reckons its actually the best race to race Elite. Unlike other races where you feel like you are all alone and not as fast as anyone else, this race as elite allows for constant company, support of other riders, and also something interesting to look at.
The front of other 100km races is a pretty lonely affair.
Good on you Logan for racing Elite. I'll be there with you on the startline, but I'll be turning home once you grab your first set of fresh bottles (50 for me).
Keep your powder dry till 70km (ish) in, and then turn on the hurt. You'll go good.
Submitted by 209nchbandit on Sun, 13/11/2011 - 19:49.
I have to say, it is really disappointing to leave Sydney with your family to join a family orientated race event and not be permitted to ride. My wife, child and I arrived at registration at 7.20 am and together with some other guys, were turned away and refused the right to register.
Yes, we were 20 minutes late for registration.....we have families. Kids that get excited to see their dad do a race....kids that want to join in the fun...... Is this what is called customer service? Is there no tolerance for family? We just left disappointed and angry.....all of us.
I have to say Huw, if you read this, the Green agenda of your race is just greenwash. At least three cars diving 360km with no result is just rubbish.
Huw, you may be a busy man, but it seems as though you want to play the rules of the race that suit your own convenience. If you are going to play the rules Huw, play them all. There were no checks to see if racers were riding with the correct safety gear......of course, there is a weight advantage to leaving your first aid kit band whistle behind.....I made a protest in this regard that was ignored by Wild Horizons.....because it did not "suit" them to check riders coming in.....or maybe because I was no longer a participant in the race my protest did not count. Never mind, nothing a call to the race insurers wont sort out.....
All in all.......just another $100 in Wild Horizons pocket.....pissed off?............absolutely.......bitter?.....completely.
With respect, you were advised that registrations would close at 7:00am, and Huw kept his promise. You, on the other hand, chose to fail to be organised and, knowing the requirement ahead of time, failed to keep up your end of the bargain and arrive in time to meet the deadline.
Yes, I am a parent and know what it is like. If you didn't want your kids to be disappointed, you should have got them and yourselves up 45 minutes earlier. Today, your kids learned a valuable lesson: be on time. Maybe the lesson for you is to allow slack in your schedule for things to go wrong occasionally.
If Huw keeps things open for latecomers, it just gets abused and then everybody else gets held up. Why should the competitors and staff have their schedules disrupted to cater for others' lack of organisation? Sometimes I am late for things, and if I miss cutoffs it is entirely my own fault. I am not about to blame others if they start off or close the doors at the advised time without me, that's my bad.
that is harsh man , i don't know why Huw can't have other pick up points either especially b4 u get too Bundanoon , it is a friggin nightmare too get a park in town too unless u camp there o/nite but we all have busy lifestyles too .
Submitted by trancexone on Sun, 13/11/2011 - 20:39.
Mate, you are kidding yourself. 90% of the people in this race have families and 100% of them would not be so ridiculously self centered to believe that they are entitled to hold up 100% of the field because you failed to get your shit into gear and be there on time. Maybe if we had less morons like you we would not have the massive issue of the next generation feeling like the world owed them a living. Get your own gear in order before you blame everyone else.......and no I don't know hue or the wild horizon people. Almost makes me laugh mate. You're a joke!
he just gets his number plate & transponder on & starts after everybody else has taken off I seen that many time in races a rider comes thru 5-10 mins after a race has started for some unforseen reason ,been on the loo , tyre got puncture b4 start , chain snaps or no race number , no helmet ? The race still gets run but the late starters have to work harder too catch up ..
Submitted by 209nchbandit on Sun, 13/11/2011 - 20:46.
Hawkeye I don't understand that you can suggest that I "chose to fail to be organised". Makes no sense at all......
My child learnt the lesson today that there are some seriously intolerant dipsticks out there.........thats all.
20 minutes late for registration is not 20 minutes late for the race...... Hmmmm....(me thinks)........maybe I should have driven my car with wife and kid at 160km/h in order not to miss the registration for Huw.....because we were running a little late..?
Shit happens...... there was still 1 hour before the race was due to start..........I do however agree with you.....the "volunteers" appear to be a little over worked in my opinion and any level of tolerance has been "capitalized" out of them.
If I were to risk riding with no time, I would have accepted those conditions, but just to take my money and run is shamelessly tight........
Lesson no 2 learnt for me.........simple.......save the $100 and the agro and go for a ride with your mates and their families.
But I'm not going to publicly complain about someone choosing to enforce a rule they've told me about ahead of time. It's up to me to organise my affairs to meet it. If I fail to do so, I'll plead a case but in the end it's my problem, not theirs and getting bitter hurts me much more than them.
Interesting to note that Brian commends the event for being very well organised. Part of being organised means sticking to a schedule, and this becomes especially important when there are lots of people with multiple, sequential responsibilities involved in delivering an outcome.
At the end of the day it is the organisers prerogative as to whether they want to bend the rules in order to help people out. The fact that in this case they have chosen not to bend the rules doesn't make them unfair or give anyone the right to take them to task. If they had shut registration 20 minutes early then it would have been an entirely different story.
I had my daughters birthday yesterday so couldn't get down there to camp. I chose not to race this year, as much as I would have loved to, because of the rush/risk of getting down there in the morning for registration. To ensure I would have got there an hour before registration shut (to allow for parking, queues etc. Yes that's the kind of guy I am) would have meant leaving at a silly time and being the wrong physical and mental state to race well. I wouldn't leave it to chance, a good run on traffic and the good grace of the organisers for something that important
I'd recommend just letting it go. Next year go down the night before, enjoy a couple of quiet beers and get into the groove. You'll love the race and have a ball
PS You might also be getting more sympathy if you hadn't joined this forum an hour ago with the sole intent of having a whine and a bitch
... you didn't allow for things going off the rails with your morning's preparations, including getting the kids ready. All parents know that kids, especially littlies, can be like a military operation to organise for an outing. Not easy, I do know and sympathise with you on what that's often like.
Not allowing for it in your plan for the morning is a decision you made, either with or without thinking about it.
That's why I think you're a bit out of order venting on here about Huw doing what he needs to do to keep his commitments to all the other racers who did the right thing and turned up on time. People running rego usually have other jobs to do. Your being late stops them from getting onto those, which often has a domino effect.
Dude, I have no skin in this game, doesn't bother me whether you take this on board or not. I just holdin' up the mirror, it's up to you to decide what to do about what you see. If you think the volunteers looked a bit stressed, maybe you could consider helping out next time. They don't get paid to take crap from people.
Yes Huw enforced his very well published rules but he does run a business and businesses need customers to survive so best not behave like Barbara from Bankworld and treat a customer with a little more respect. He did have the guys money remember?
It's also a bit unsporting having a personal attack at the guy for having a whinge. Most of us have got on here at some stage and vented about something. It's fine to debate the topic but having a personal crack at someone will discourage others from raising issues from fear of being made fun of.
Fair call there Fatboy, I'll get off my high-horse. I do think there's a difference between having a vent, as you say we've all done that, and joining up specifically to have a vent though
If I were you, I would be really annoyed as well but I have to say, the Fling continues to be one really well run event. If they feel that to run such a great event means strictly enforcing times then I can see why they do that. Kudos to Huw, Bundanoon and Wild Horizons for another great year. Last year I just made the start from were we were staying so this year my mate and I left our families there and camped instead. Another mate drove down at 4:00 AM to make rego and start. It would be a shame of you to never enter again because, really, the only one missing out here is you.
Submitted by 209nchbandit on Mon, 14/11/2011 - 07:30.
....just have not had much to say......and could not remember login for comment.....username: 20inchbandit.......only ever answered a question about my 20 inch wheel mountain bike.
Having had a good sleep over it, Hawkeyes words are wise and generally appreciated.
But lets be clear, I did not join up just to have a vent. Just found a reason to speak up.....
that it's not just a club event with a few dozen riders. There were over 2000 riders, plus the casual Fling, and the organisers have to have a cut off for rego that allows for a whole bunch of those potentially ending up there at cut off time and having to be processed prior to race start, with the race start some 3km from the rego point. Presumably some or all of the rego vollies also move into race roles once the rego cut off occurs.
I think the whole Fling vibe is the best of any of the large enduros, with the whole town seemingly into it. Its a big event and it needs to be managed as such. Huw has been open to constructive criticism about aspects of previous races, so if you sent him a polite e mail suggesting that a bit of flexibility in the rego cut off mightn't be a bad thing, it might get taken on board.
The Fling is an 'event' rather than just another race.
I think they do a great job of getting the community involved and I love the fact that the local schools are given the opportunity to benefit from the food stalls.
Compare with one other well known event where there was bugger all provided and the lone alcohol and food establishment seemed to think everyone was just there to get in their way...
Not too many other races where Marilyn Monroe is serving drinks at the 50k mark.
I'm in - has anyone heard how quickly it's filling up?
I cant get my entry till next week, however there will be plenty available nearer the race concerned.
If they are still available next week, then happy days.
I know I'm a pom but I don't usually moan. However WTF is this about?
Full Fling: $130
Half a Fling: $100
Hello???
Remember, you're getting 110km and 55 km for those prices
I thought it was a tad steep as well, but they are the regional brand leader in this sort of event. Be interesting to see if / how quickly they sell out at those prices, especially as with the extra events around now, other events haven't had the server meltdowns / rapid sell outs that were the case in previous years when sales ( I mean entries....) opened.
There were still some entries left for the Husky last time I looked.
why is this race one of the better endurance ones? taking this on the back of it selling out in previous years...
Never done one although am due to start a few (50km) this next month....
Thanks
However I think for the most part much of the course is pretty challenging, there is plenty of climbing involved (2300m for the 110km I recall last year) Wingello is pretty awesome for racing imo as well, with some great trails and sweet singletrack. Granted some of the route is fireroad but it makes for fast times and some of the climbing is pretty brutal, in particular the middle stint, I particularly recall getting to around the 65km mark last year and being well and truely in the box from the climbing.
I also like the whole area of Bundanoon gets involved as well, the locals embrace it and really get into as well.
Don't get me wrong, I like the race a lot. I don't see why the half fling should be almost as much as the full race. That said I've never done a half before so I don't know how much they usually are but I would think closer to half price would be fair.
I know some of that goes on the insurance (even though I have my own racing license which I think covers me for that) and for the set up in the town.. pah, perhaps I'm just having a bad day and am grumpy I wont be doing the full thing this year....
humbug!
Compared to the general cost of mountainbiking.. and dont forget that the entry fee is probably the cheapest part of the weekend, Simply don't enter if you don't think it's worth the money?
Don't know why but for some reason the Fling doesn't seem to interest me
I've been in every Fling and wouldn't miss it. Great people, great atmosphere, beautiful town and surrounding bushland. I take the family with me every year and make a 3 day weekend out of it, and we all really look forward to it. Then there's the challenge of trying to improve my time every year, which I have done. Although at 44 years old I guess I'll start slowing down soon...
It's also very well run - Hugh and his team really know how to put on an event. The whole town gets into it, and it feels more like a celebration of the sport we all love so much than just a race. The locals welcome us and make us feel like VIPs, even if most of us are just weekend warriors.
$100 is a lot of money for a 55km race, but this event really is worth it. I can't wait!
(By the way, I don't work for Wild Horizons!)
I don't think I have ever wanted to do it . I enjoyed the Three Ring Circus and loved it last year but won't be doing that either this year
I love the Fling course and after the re-route last year the last loop is no longer boring. I probably rate it my favourite enduro. Reasons:
* very slick organization from entry to facilities
* the town just has a great vibe about it. Like someone else said, we turn it into a weekend away. Our dinner the night before the race every year is at Eschalot at Berrima. Highly recommend it.
* the 3 loop set up makes it easy for your service crew (ie. Wife & kids) - easy to get to, good facilities & lots of space
* the course has good mix of single track, grinding climbs and fast bits to make up time. I find there are a few places you really smash yourself up especially near 'outer limits' about 60-70km in but each time you feel like you're about to give up and lie in the fetal position a long easy section of fire road pops up that allows recovery so you get a second wind
* starting the elite riders last - I love trying to see how far I can get before they blow past and then sit on their wheels for as long as I can (about 100m). It's fun listening to them chat etc while you're blowing up to keep with them
I think the Fling and DW have been going for the same number of years. I've done the Fling (3 x half and 2 x full) every year except last year (touring NZ). The involvement of what seems like the whole town, camping at the pony club, the 5.00 am bagpipes, the soccer club barbie, having the elites fly past if you're doing the full, the "joys" of early bath, the Southern Highland terrain generally, the variations in the course from logging - extra (or less) sniggle - all make for a great event. In the half, there's not a whole bunch of purpose built sniggle (lots of sweet Wingello stuff in the full) - but its still a great day on the bike, and although there's no super hills in the half (again, unlike the full, which has some beauties), my best time is still well behind my best for DW, Nasty Nurse etc. And its not just the extra 5 km - its a physical challenge as well.
This year for the first time I'm making a full weekend of it with the wife and another couple, hotel accommodation, dinner etc, so I'm not sure my times will get any better, but looking forward to a great weekend. Might even have a go at the Dash, but that hill at the finish looks like a killer!
Entries are 75% full after just 24 hours...
I've done the full fling a ccuple of times and enjoyed it and will do it again this year. It's not cheap but it's always well organised and great fun. I don't see the half fling as a huge challenge, 30km to 40km is a normal weekend ride so it's not that much extra. Regarding the entry fees I can't think of many additional costs involved in having a 110km course rather than a 55km course so the fact that the half fling is any cheaper is a bonus for those doing it.
I agree, 55km is not a huge challenge in terms of distance, but there is a difference between racing and riding. For me personally, I feel like I can maintain a reasonable race pace for 55km, but over 110 km I would be just surviving. I take my hat off to anyone who can do the full fling in under 7 hours.
for sub 5 ideally if training goes to plan.
That's excellent Logan, all the best with your training. My PB for the 55km is 3:09, so aiming for sub 3 hours this year.
Just out of interest - why would you assume more trail should equal higher cost?
The 'volunteers' doing the direction and the bottle stops are just that, and I know Hugh does have a few of his own staff, but the difference (in terms of staffing) between the two races is only the end / start of the untimed section as you enter / leave the Wingello section, and the water stop in Wingello itself.
I think some races do take the piss. They have seen an entry like this, and so they copy it. I would say that Hugh and all at Wild Horizons seem to consistently deliver excellent events. This also may seem irrelevant to most, but the prizes for Wild Horizon events are also FAR and AWAY better than any other in Australia.
I reckon put this one to you having a bad day and being a bit 'humbug'
For what its worth, I'm hitting the Half this year, as are a few others. I literally cant wait, as its the perfect distance to race (as opposed to merely survive).
I agree with Antsonline... I've only ridden one 100k+ event (full Fling '07) and for me it was definitely more of an exercise in survival than racing. Now when I want to ride 100k, I get a group of mates together, make a day of it, and put the $130 or so saved towards beers and accommodation. Over 50k i know I can push hard the whole way (or most of it!) so treat it as a race and am happy to pay the entry fee. I reckon the Fling is one of the best-run events going around... Entry fee is in the same ball park as other events, and you even get a decent feed thrown in at the finish. Their rego process could do with an overhaul though, or at least an 'enter here' button on their homepage!
I'm in for the full fling again...it's provided the ultimate challenge for me and I aim to improve on last years 'nearly died'.Looking forward to it!
and will be making my debut in Elite for the 110km as well.
Elite! Do us proud mate
make sure you wave when you pass us!
I'll do my best to get out of the way.
Good Luck!
You do realise that is the worst race to start in elite.
i know a bloke, who has raced this elite, and he (and his missus) reckons its actually the best race to race Elite. Unlike other races where you feel like you are all alone and not as fast as anyone else, this race as elite allows for constant company, support of other riders, and also something interesting to look at.
The front of other 100km races is a pretty lonely affair.
Good on you Logan for racing Elite. I'll be there with you on the startline, but I'll be turning home once you grab your first set of fresh bottles (50 for me).
Keep your powder dry till 70km (ish) in, and then turn on the hurt. You'll go good.
Yeah I know re starting behind however its a good challenge which I am looking forward to.
@ Ants, yeah I have my g/f locked in for bottles so that's gonna be a big help. Got a few months to really prepare for it.
I have to say, it is really disappointing to leave Sydney with your family to join a family orientated race event and not be permitted to ride. My wife, child and I arrived at registration at 7.20 am and together with some other guys, were turned away and refused the right to register.
Yes, we were 20 minutes late for registration.....we have families. Kids that get excited to see their dad do a race....kids that want to join in the fun...... Is this what is called customer service? Is there no tolerance for family? We just left disappointed and angry.....all of us.
I have to say Huw, if you read this, the Green agenda of your race is just greenwash. At least three cars diving 360km with no result is just rubbish.
Huw, you may be a busy man, but it seems as though you want to play the rules of the race that suit your own convenience. If you are going to play the rules Huw, play them all. There were no checks to see if racers were riding with the correct safety gear......of course, there is a weight advantage to leaving your first aid kit band whistle behind.....I made a protest in this regard that was ignored by Wild Horizons.....because it did not "suit" them to check riders coming in.....or maybe because I was no longer a participant in the race my protest did not count. Never mind, nothing a call to the race insurers wont sort out.....
All in all.......just another $100 in Wild Horizons pocket.....pissed off?............absolutely.......bitter?.....completely.
Likely to enter again?......not on your nelly!
With respect, you were advised that registrations would close at 7:00am, and Huw kept his promise. You, on the other hand, chose to fail to be organised and, knowing the requirement ahead of time, failed to keep up your end of the bargain and arrive in time to meet the deadline.
Yes, I am a parent and know what it is like. If you didn't want your kids to be disappointed, you should have got them and yourselves up 45 minutes earlier. Today, your kids learned a valuable lesson: be on time. Maybe the lesson for you is to allow slack in your schedule for things to go wrong occasionally.
If Huw keeps things open for latecomers, it just gets abused and then everybody else gets held up. Why should the competitors and staff have their schedules disrupted to cater for others' lack of organisation? Sometimes I am late for things, and if I miss cutoffs it is entirely my own fault. I am not about to blame others if they start off or close the doors at the advised time without me, that's my bad.
that is harsh man , i don't know why Huw can't have other pick up points either especially b4 u get too Bundanoon , it is a friggin nightmare too get a park in town too unless u camp there o/nite but we all have busy lifestyles too .
Mate, you are kidding yourself. 90% of the people in this race have families and 100% of them would not be so ridiculously self centered to believe that they are entitled to hold up 100% of the field because you failed to get your shit into gear and be there on time. Maybe if we had less morons like you we would not have the massive issue of the next generation feeling like the world owed them a living. Get your own gear in order before you blame everyone else.......and no I don't know hue or the wild horizon people. Almost makes me laugh mate. You're a joke!
he just gets his number plate & transponder on & starts after everybody else has taken off I seen that many time in races a rider comes thru 5-10 mins after a race has started for some unforseen reason ,been on the loo , tyre got puncture b4 start , chain snaps or no race number , no helmet ? The race still gets run but the late starters have to work harder too catch up ..
Hawkeye I don't understand that you can suggest that I "chose to fail to be organised". Makes no sense at all......
My child learnt the lesson today that there are some seriously intolerant dipsticks out there.........thats all.
20 minutes late for registration is not 20 minutes late for the race...... Hmmmm....(me thinks)........maybe I should have driven my car with wife and kid at 160km/h in order not to miss the registration for Huw.....because we were running a little late..?
Shit happens...... there was still 1 hour before the race was due to start..........I do however agree with you.....the "volunteers" appear to be a little over worked in my opinion and any level of tolerance has been "capitalized" out of them.
If I were to risk riding with no time, I would have accepted those conditions, but just to take my money and run is shamelessly tight........
Lesson no 2 learnt for me.........simple.......save the $100 and the agro and go for a ride with your mates and their families.
Ha ha!
But I'm not going to publicly complain about someone choosing to enforce a rule they've told me about ahead of time. It's up to me to organise my affairs to meet it. If I fail to do so, I'll plead a case but in the end it's my problem, not theirs and getting bitter hurts me much more than them.
Interesting to note that Brian commends the event for being very well organised. Part of being organised means sticking to a schedule, and this becomes especially important when there are lots of people with multiple, sequential responsibilities involved in delivering an outcome.
At the end of the day it is the organisers prerogative as to whether they want to bend the rules in order to help people out. The fact that in this case they have chosen not to bend the rules doesn't make them unfair or give anyone the right to take them to task. If they had shut registration 20 minutes early then it would have been an entirely different story.
I had my daughters birthday yesterday so couldn't get down there to camp. I chose not to race this year, as much as I would have loved to, because of the rush/risk of getting down there in the morning for registration. To ensure I would have got there an hour before registration shut (to allow for parking, queues etc. Yes that's the kind of guy I am) would have meant leaving at a silly time and being the wrong physical and mental state to race well. I wouldn't leave it to chance, a good run on traffic and the good grace of the organisers for something that important
I'd recommend just letting it go. Next year go down the night before, enjoy a couple of quiet beers and get into the groove. You'll love the race and have a ball
PS You might also be getting more sympathy if you hadn't joined this forum an hour ago with the sole intent of having a whine and a bitch
... you didn't allow for things going off the rails with your morning's preparations, including getting the kids ready. All parents know that kids, especially littlies, can be like a military operation to organise for an outing. Not easy, I do know and sympathise with you on what that's often like.
Not allowing for it in your plan for the morning is a decision you made, either with or without thinking about it.
That's why I think you're a bit out of order venting on here about Huw doing what he needs to do to keep his commitments to all the other racers who did the right thing and turned up on time. People running rego usually have other jobs to do. Your being late stops them from getting onto those, which often has a domino effect.
Dude, I have no skin in this game, doesn't bother me whether you take this on board or not. I just holdin' up the mirror, it's up to you to decide what to do about what you see.
If you think the volunteers looked a bit stressed, maybe you could consider helping out next time. They don't get paid to take crap from people.
Yes Huw enforced his very well published rules but he does run a business and businesses need customers to survive so best not behave like Barbara from Bankworld and treat a customer with a little more respect. He did have the guys money remember?
It's also a bit unsporting having a personal attack at the guy for having a whinge. Most of us have got on here at some stage and vented about something. It's fine to debate the topic but having a personal crack at someone will discourage others from raising issues from fear of being made fun of.
Fair call there Fatboy, I'll get off my high-horse. I do think there's a difference between having a vent, as you say we've all done that, and joining up specifically to have a vent though
If I were you, I would be really annoyed as well but I have to say, the Fling continues to be one really well run event. If they feel that to run such a great event means strictly enforcing times then I can see why they do that. Kudos to Huw, Bundanoon and Wild Horizons for another great year. Last year I just made the start from were we were staying so this year my mate and I left our families there and camped instead. Another mate drove down at 4:00 AM to make rego and start. It would be a shame of you to never enter again because, really, the only one missing out here is you.
....just have not had much to say......and could not remember login for comment.....username: 20inchbandit.......only ever answered a question about my 20 inch wheel mountain bike.
Having had a good sleep over it, Hawkeyes words are wise and generally appreciated.
But lets be clear, I did not join up just to have a vent. Just found a reason to speak up.....
that it's not just a club event with a few dozen riders. There were over 2000 riders, plus the casual Fling, and the organisers have to have a cut off for rego that allows for a whole bunch of those potentially ending up there at cut off time and having to be processed prior to race start, with the race start some 3km from the rego point. Presumably some or all of the rego vollies also move into race roles once the rego cut off occurs.
I think the whole Fling vibe is the best of any of the large enduros, with the whole town seemingly into it. Its a big event and it needs to be managed as such. Huw has been open to constructive criticism about aspects of previous races, so if you sent him a polite e mail suggesting that a bit of flexibility in the rego cut off mightn't be a bad thing, it might get taken on board.
The Fling is an 'event' rather than just another race.
I think they do a great job of getting the community involved and I love the fact that the local schools are given the opportunity to benefit from the food stalls.
Compare with one other well known event where there was bugger all provided and the lone alcohol and food establishment seemed to think everyone was just there to get in their way...
Not too many other races where Marilyn Monroe is serving drinks at the 50k mark.