1st race cancelled!

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2009-06-28 7:25 AM

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Extreme Veteran
451
1001001001002525
Stoughton, WI
Subject: 1st race cancelled!
Just got an email this morning that my first race on July 4th, the God Bless America tri, has been cancelled due to "unforeseen circumstances". This was to be a mini-sprint, and would have fit perfectly. Supposedly I'll get my USAT fees back, but my registration fees would be applied to next year. I wrote back asking for my registration fee also, cause who knows what'll happen next year?

I'm a little cheesed off, and trying to figure out what to do for a first tri. I was planning on the Silver Lake in August for my 2nd tri. I can't do any of the sprints in late July because of my vacation (in Oshkosh for the fly-in). I thought about the Oshkosh sprint on August 9th, but I might not be ready for it since the fly-in ends the weekend before.

I guess about all I can do is keep training for now.

2009-06-28 8:44 AM
in reply to: #2248065

Iron Donkey
38643
50005000500050005000500050002000100050010025
, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: 1st race cancelled!

Will you get refunded?

Yep, keep training and re-evaluate.

2009-06-28 8:58 AM
in reply to: #2248065

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Expert
1002
1000
Wind Lake WI
Subject: RE: 1st race cancelled!

Having them apply your  entry fee to next years race is BS.  I'd file a charge back  with my credit card company TODAY. Assuming you paid with a CC- you usually have 60 days to file the charge back.

There are many other Tris in Wisconsin this summer. I'm sure you will find another one.

2009-06-28 8:59 AM
in reply to: #2248065

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Champion
6056
500010002525
Menomonee Falls, WI
Subject: RE: 1st race cancelled!
Where are you located? You should still have plenty of good Sprint races to choose from:

Pardeeville (next week, I think)
Camp Whitcomb Mason (early August)
Pleasant Prairie (late August)

...they may not be mini-sprints, but you should be able to handle them!
2009-06-28 9:20 AM
in reply to: #2248065

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Extreme Veteran
451
1001001001002525
Stoughton, WI
Subject: RE: 1st race cancelled!
Yes, I paid with a CC...but I'm not sure how long ago. I better check that TODAY! (ETA: May 18th)

I've been thinking this over, and I don't think I'm ready for a full sprint yet, which is why this mini sprint would have been perfect. I'm leaning towards sticking with the Silver Lake event in late August, I should be better prepared then.

BTW, anyone know why the devils lake tri sin't on BT's race list?


Edited by rcav8r 2009-06-28 9:23 AM
2009-06-28 4:47 PM
in reply to: #2248065

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Expert
1238
100010010025
Denver, Colorado
Subject: RE: 1st race cancelled!
Real bummer about your race. I hope you find a good replacement.

From what I have seen, most race directors who cancel a race will not refund the money. Their justification is that a lot of the items/services for the race are already paid for when they canceled--so they don't have the money to give back. This is true, but I think the RD should have to eat the costs of unforeseen circumstances--not the athlete. Similar things happen when the races just go overbudget and the directors say, "ah nevermind on those t-shirts. They cost more than I thought so you can't have one. I'm keeping the same amount of money though."

Definitely pursue the refund aggressively. You can make the argument to your credit card company that you had a contract with the race director and his/her end of the bargain wasn't fulfilled. That should work. If you used Active.com it will be a little more sticky because the site itself has a no refund policy, but there are ways around that as well.

2009-06-28 4:48 PM
in reply to: #2248138

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Expert
1238
100010010025
Denver, Colorado
Subject: RE: 1st race cancelled!
rcav8r - 2009-06-28 7:20 AM

BTW, anyone know why the devils lake tri sin't on BT's race list?


I think the race list is user generated. So somebody has to add the race to the database. Then it will be there. The one requirement is that you have to put down a URL.
2009-06-28 9:03 PM
in reply to: #2248065

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Veteran
487
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McFarland, WI
Subject: RE: 1st race cancelled!
Pardeeville is on July 11th.  Very nice event and the course isn't very difficult at all.

2009-06-29 1:08 AM
in reply to: #2248065

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Veteran
207
100100
Sun Prairie, WI
Subject: RE: 1st race cancelled!

You could check www.trifind.com for more events in your area if you aren't finding anything elsewhere.

I noticed that you wrote that you don't feel like your ready for a full sprint...and you may not be giving yourself enough credit.  Being that this is your first triathlon I think you could complete a sprint if you have been training.  You may not place or set any course records, but that shouldn't be your goal for the first race you are in. 

Thats just my opinion, but at least shop around for some sprints in the next few weeks and read some race reports - I'm sure you'll find a shorter sprint to compete in!

2009-06-29 8:00 AM
in reply to: #2248065

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Elite
2673
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Muskego, WI
Subject: RE: 1st race cancelled!

https://secure.finishlinestudios.com/v3/clients/visitadamscountywi_com/files/common/Triathlon_Brochure_2009.pdf

I haven't done this, but I've heard good things about it.  Central WI area, which it seems you're focusing on.  Good luck, and I agree with firstnet...get ye money back.

2009-06-29 10:59 AM
in reply to: #2248065

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Extreme Veteran
451
1001001001002525
Stoughton, WI
Subject: RE: 1st race cancelled!
Thanks for all the suggestions folks, but my schedule simply won't fit any races in for the rest of July.
I will do the Silver Lake as my 1st tri, cause it also comes near the end of the training schedule that I'm using from here on BT.

I am toying with the idea of doing the Moo loop this weekend, but probably more as a cruise than a real training ride.

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