"VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon?

Mar 20, 07 14:42

Post #1 of 49 (5694 views)

I live in Cleveland. One of the best races in my area last year was Cleveland triathlon. A new type of entry is available this year, the "VIP" entry. For $30, you can get same-day check-in and priority placement on the bike racks:

**VIP Option (new for 2007) add $30 to any registration. For $30, your race numbers, timing chip, swim cap, goody bag and t-shirt will be ready for your pick-up on race morning. Pre-race check in on Saturday is not mandatory. Check-in on race morning at a special VIP area where you will sign a waiver and pick up your race materials. VIP participants will also have reserved bike racks in the transition area and will receive a $10 merchandise gift certificate. You can choose the VIP option during the online registration process.

(from: http://www.pacificsportsllc.com/cleveland/athlete.html)

So my question is: Is this fair? Also, since this race is not USAT-sanctioned, does the race organizer have no one to answer to?

-------------------------------------------------------
Alright, when I say your name, you say 'here.' And we will assume 'here' is short for 'here I am...rock you like a hurricane.
~Ignignokt

Last edited by: Tough TTs: Mar 20, 07 14:53

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Tough TTs] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 14:46

Post #2 of 49 (5684 views)

How is it unfair? Who would he answer to?

Just Triing
Triathlete since 9:56:39 AM EST Aug 20, 2006.
Be kind English is my 2nd language. My primary language is Dave it's a unique evolution of English.

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Tough TTs] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 14:52

Post #3 of 49 (5675 views)

If the VIP racks put them at an advantage (i.e. not a fair transition for others), I'd be pissed. Other than that, assuming that they didn't allow race morning packet pick-up in the past for everyone, I don't have a problem with it.

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Uncle Phil] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 14:56

Post #4 of 49 (5665 views)

Last year, race day packet pickup was allowed.

-------------------------------------------------------
Alright, when I say your name, you say 'here.' And we will assume 'here' is short for 'here I am...rock you like a hurricane.
~Ignignokt

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Tough TTs] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 15:00

Post #5 of 49 (5657 views)

Are they not allowing race day pickup for anyone else then? That's pretty crappy if that's the change.

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Uncle Phil] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 15:06

Post #6 of 49 (5647 views)

No race-day packet pickup for people that didn't pay the extra $30:

Online registration is now open. You can also download an entry form from this site, which will be posted shortly. The last day to register for the race will be on Saturday (the day before the race) at the expo/packet pick-up at the Hilton Garden Inn. There wiil be no race day registration or packet pick-up so you must come by the expo on Saturday to register or pick up your packet. At the expo, there will be triathlon merchandise retailers, food sampling, nutrition related vendors and much more.

(from: http://www.pacificsportsllc.com/cleveland/athlete.html)

-------------------------------------------------------
Alright, when I say your name, you say 'here.' And we will assume 'here' is short for 'here I am...rock you like a hurricane.
~Ignignokt

Last edited by: Tough TTs: Mar 20, 07 15:08

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Uncle Phil] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 15:14

Post #7 of 49 (5634 views)

In Reply To:

Are they not allowing race day pickup for anyone else then? That's pretty crappy if that's the change.

It's put on by Pacificsports. My experience is that that organization is not very good and charges very high fees. this is not a surprise for them.

*********************
"When I first had the opportunity to compete in triathlon, it was the chicks and their skimpy race clothing that drew me in. Everyone was so welcoming and the lifestyle so obviously narcissistic. I fed off of that vain energy. To me it is what the sport is all about."

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Tough TTs] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 15:33

Post #8 of 49 (5618 views)

troll

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Tough TTs] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 15:36

Post #9 of 49 (5611 views)

There are a few races where race day packet pickup costs $$. I was told this is because they are actually trying to avoid having a lot of people wait until race day to get thier packets, then the volunteers can be used for something else. It's a convenience charge that's all. Just slightly differeint label. Depending on how far people are when they are traveling to the race, it might be worth it for them

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [DavHamm] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 15:48

Post #10 of 49 (5601 views)

It seems unfair to me because you pay for an advantage (priority rack position). What is the point of competition if you can pay for an advantage?

Maybe next year, for 200 dollars you'll be allowed to draft. Maybe you'll have to pay an extra $50 for water on the run course. So if you can't pay, you can't have water. Why not?

-------------------------------------------------------
Alright, when I say your name, you say 'here.' And we will assume 'here' is short for 'here I am...rock you like a hurricane.
~Ignignokt

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [IM2B] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 15:54

Post #11 of 49 (5587 views)

I see your point, but the bigger issue in my mind is paying for priority rack position.

-------------------------------------------------------
Alright, when I say your name, you say 'here.' And we will assume 'here' is short for 'here I am...rock you like a hurricane.
~Ignignokt

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Paulo] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 15:56

Post #12 of 49 (5584 views)

You should remember that I have information about a particular cleat screw incident that could be VERY embarassing for you. ;)

-------------------------------------------------------
Alright, when I say your name, you say 'here.' And we will assume 'here' is short for 'here I am...rock you like a hurricane.
~Ignignokt

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Tough TTs] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 16:16

Post #13 of 49 (5549 views)

In Reply To:

Maybe next year, for 200 dollars you'll be allowed to draft.

I think it costs $205 (70.3 Championship race fee) if you want to draft.

Last edited by: Tri_yoda: Mar 20, 07 16:16

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Tough TTs] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 16:16

Post #14 of 49 (5546 views)

Maybe they are trying to raise enough funds to afford at least one aid station on the bike ; )

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [csviking] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 16:22

Post #15 of 49 (5538 views)

Yeah, or enough money so that the Oly bike course isn't a 3 loop out and back on the shoreway. Seriously, this has to be the most overpriced tri in the country already. I highly doubt the "VIP" rack is going to be very well attended...

Jodi

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Jodi] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 16:32

Post #16 of 49 (5526 views)

The current status of this race is a shame compared to what was once a huge venue for the sport. Sorry for ranting, not usually my style but this was such a disappointment last year.

Jodi, btw, nice job at camp. You posted some big numbers. Looking forward to seeing you fly at CdA.

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [csviking] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 17:12

Post #17 of 49 (5501 views)

Yep, I'm done with this race too. It's unfortunate that this is the only triathlon held in the city of Cleveland. At least I'm not aware of another.

-------------------------------------------------------
Alright, when I say your name, you say 'here.' And we will assume 'here' is short for 'here I am...rock you like a hurricane.
~Ignignokt

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Tough TTs] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 17:18

Post #18 of 49 (5494 views)

In Reply To:

I see your point, but the bigger issue in my mind is paying for priority rack position

A properly thought out transition offers no real advantages to any compeititor. that said, in the 6 years of tris I have been participating in, only one race offered a transition of that nature, all th others definitely had a 'pin' end so to speak.

I reject your reality and substitute my own!
Adam Savage

Last edited by: slidecontrol: Mar 20, 07 23:50

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Tough TTs] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 17:45

Post #19 of 49 (5465 views)

VIP = very inflated price

I suppose if people want to pay to pick up their stuff at the last minute, that's their perogative. I certainly understand why most races make you pick stuff up in advance -- race day is hectic enough as is. Paying for the privilege seems like a fair compromise between RD and athlete.

But charging a premium for choice transition spots is just lame. Either a) assign spots or b) make it first-come, first serve.

I think that people will vote with their wallets. $30 will get me into a nice road race. Not many people will pay for this.

mm

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Tough TTs] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 17:48

Post #20 of 49 (5464 views)

In Reply To:

It seems unfair to me because you pay for an advantage (priority rack position). What is the point of competition if you can pay for an advantage?

Quote:

VIP participants will also have reserved bike racks in the transition area and will receive a $10 merchandise gift certificate.

Uh, Your original post in bold, does not mention a priority rack position simply a reserved rack spot. The one Tri I did if you dropped off your bike the night before it was pre-racked for you not sure if it was an advantage, a priority or reserved.

Oh and is some one in this sport complaining cause you can buy a speed advantage? Hello this is ST. the home of spend your money for a speed advantage.

Really Transition should be set up so that no rack position is an advantage.

Just Triing
Triathlete since 9:56:39 AM EST Aug 20, 2006.
Be kind English is my 2nd language. My primary language is Dave it's a unique evolution of English.

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Tough TTs] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 18:13

Post #21 of 49 (5453 views)

The Greater Cleveland Triathlon is very close (20 min. east of town) and a great race in August.

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [tomziebart] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 18:25

Post #22 of 49 (5441 views)

Tom,

You beat me to it. Mickey would be glad to see you speaking highly of his race. The Greater Cleveland Tri is an awesome event. It is well put on and the course is fantastic. It is quickly growing into an event that is not to be missed by anyone. Mickey not only puts on a great event but leads many on site training sessions including a beginners clinic, womens clinic and youth clinic throughout the summer as a ramp up to his event.

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [csviking] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 18:36

Post #23 of 49 (5430 views)

The Greater Cleveland Triathlon is a much better event than the race in downtown Cleveland, better course, better production and it costs less. Mickey does do a great job and this race will keep growing each year! Z

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Tough TTs] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 19:13

Post #24 of 49 (5399 views)

Matt

Not sure how much digging you have done but to say the Cleveland Tri is the only event in Cleveland is not correct

There are quite a few tris in Cleveland - PM me and I will get you a full list - better yet - hit the Cleveland Tri Club website - www.clevetriclub.com

One race in particular - the Greater Cleveland Tri - has sprint, oly and HIM distances this year and is an event you shouldn't miss as a local

we have a calendar on the club website with all the local races uploaded

here is the link

http://www.clevetriclub.com/race-calendar.html

No shortage of races here - and plenty of local triathletes in case you haven't yet discovered our club

Happy to help you out

Andrew Joyce
Cleveland Tri Club President

(Edit - I did not see the responses from CSVIKING and Tom Z before posting this)

Last edited by: AndrewJ: Mar 20, 07 19:16

Re: "VIP" entry fee for Cleveland triathlon? [Tough TTs] [ In reply to ]

Mar 20, 07 19:17

Post #25 of 49 (5392 views)

Nothing says 'priority' bike rack. However, you MUST have a reserved bike rack to do this because if you didn't, and everyone else had dropped their bike off the night/day before, you might not have sufficient space to transition.

Extra fee for same day packet pickup/registration? Why not? It's a pain in the butt to do this on race day so requires more staff. If they can hire more staff by having a higher fee for those using that service...

Another way to look at it is do you want to all pay the same fee and subsidize the entry costs for the people who don't want to show until the morning of the race.

Seems like people here get plenty of exercise... just jumping to conclusions.

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