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Hi..
The cap was decided upon by the committee. (I was not there to vote so don't shoot the messenger here.. ha)
The sherrif was asking for a cap of 1000 for his logistical purposes. We had a bike rack space issue at the time also and we were not confident that we could manage over 1000. We have never reached 1000 so the committee felt that putting the cap at 1000 was a pretty safe bet and that everyone who typically comes would be able to participate again.
We also have some logistical considerations when it comes to our motel, hotel, and campground capacity.
The committee has been proactive however, in addressing many of these issues. We convinced the sherrif that many of his logistical problems could be solved by having the bikes dropped off the night before, rather than the morning of.
We have found some more camp ground spots too.
The committee basically did not want to bite off more than they could chew and ruin the experience for the participants.
With the changes they were willing to consider a 300 person increase so the actual cap on this years' race is 1300. If all goes well, and some other changes are implemented then the cap will likely be increased beyond 1300 next year.
We have done some new things to make more room. We are changing the finish line location, providing more room for bike racks and shoes etc.. We have purchased more bike racks so that we don't have to transport the same bike racks from t-1 to t-2 in the middle of the race. I already mentioned the change in when the bikes are dropped off. Last year we expanded the registration period and will do that again this year.
So.. I think the committee is trying to get more people in. It kills all of us to have to say "no" to people, especially those that are long time supporters and participants.
There is still hope for even this year that everyone who wants to get in will have a decent chance, depending on how things go over the next few weeks. All of those 300 that were allowed an opportunity to get in, will not follow through. There will also be an email sent out to everyone that is registered, explaining that there is a big waiting list and inviting people to withdraw if they think they won't make it or whatever.
It is hard to know where to draw the line. Once the race easily handles the 1300 of this year, they will increase the cap for next year without hesitation.
There are a few other changes in the works too, which I am not at liberty to announce or discuss that should allow for greater capacity.
Your story, by the way, is not unique. We have several people on the waiting list who are long time participants who didn't get registered early and are currently locked out.
Here is a survey question for you. Did your register online or by paper form LAST YEAR?
Later..
Cliff
"cpayne@..." <cpayne@...> wrote:
Cliff,
First, I am curious as to why there was a cap put on this year's event. I have been doing the event since 2000 and have never had to worry about such a thing. I guess that is why I was caught off guard (or my wife didn't get me a letter that came in the mail or I missed an email or something). I am devistated that registration is closed. I look forward to this event every year and make it my annual tradition. I train for months for this single event. Just a comment: Lions Club should make a 5 year club (or something like that) kind of like the St. George Marathon does that allows loyal participants that have registered for the event for 5 years eligible for guaranteed entry. St. George Marathon also guarantees entry to local residents of the county. Burely Lions Club should do the same. After all, it is the least you could do for the loyal people who have supported this event ever since it had just a few hundred participants. I guess I am feeling a little bit betrayed :-). Anyway, just a suggestion. Would love to hear your comments on the idea.
Kind Regards,
Cris Payne
South Jordan, Utah (former Burley resident :-) )
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