Kansas 70.3 group workout thread (Page 4)

You don't need my number . . . just look for the neon yellow!!!

And I'll be riding this with a custom painted neon yellow detailed aero helmet:

Good luck on refunds or transferring entries.

I had to contact the RD 3 times before he got back to me on my request to transfer entry from Branson 2010 to Branson 2011 when my son was born 5 days before the race and in the NICU for a week and a half with a tear in his lung and pulmonary hypertension.

After sending an in depth email about my situation, I got:

"Ryan -  sorry, but we do not give refunds or transfers of entry fees for any reason.    Z

 It's not show friends, it's show business... nothing more dehumanizing than a response like that.

Good luck.

Here is the part where people can get mad at me if they like, but when I sign up for a race and it says "no refunds" then I believe it.  I wouldn't expect that there are any personal circumstances that I can tell the RD and expect a refund (or a credit for next year).  In his (whoever this Ziebart is, I don't know him) defense, he has to pay for the race whether you show up or not.  I'd guess that he might say "hey, you shouldn't have bought the ticket if your wife was that pregnant".

BTW:  my wife is due soon and I'm signed up for two local triathlons in the next couple of months and I will not be asking for any refund or transfer if I can't make the race(s).

Sorry to be so direct, but I believe it is necessary.

I in the "it doesn't hurt to ask camp" also but if they don't allow a transfer (I didn't ask for the refund, just a transfer of any kind actually) I'm O.K. with it.  I did sign up knowing that if I couldn't race, it's $225 down the drain.

I try to put myself int he RD's shoes.  If he/she offers a refund to one person and word gets out, then what?  You try to avoid playing favorites, this can have a negative impact on business, reputation etc.  And in a race this size, it's a logistical nightmare working out refunds etc. so I totally respect the policy.

However, it's also good business practice to respond to people and in a timely manner.  But hey, he might have 200 emails in his inbox .......

Like I said, it's probably time go go Chrissie Wellington on everyone.  Oh wait, I'm not going to win anything so the risk is not worth the reward .........dangit!!!!

I guess my heartburn is that my son was born the day after the cutoff to be considered premature, so he was way early.  Didn't expect that.  Also didn't expect him to be on life support for a week.  I also didn't expect $3500 in medical bills AFTER insurance.

Priceline had no probem refunding my hotel and all they wanted was the permission to confirm he was a patient.

All I wanted was a deferment to 2011 after everything settled down.

Reece, you're right.  It is a business and they are pretty poor at customer service at times.

I'd be surprised if they do anything for you.

Still fired up about it, 2 years later.  They by far got more negative press online from me and I'll never consider Branson again.

Ryan,

I posted on the other thread but I was able to switch from individual to relay entry.  I'm heading down tomorrow with my two teamates.  There's a $25 change fee and you pay the difference between individual and team race fee.  But at least now I can participate.  I'm healed up enough to ride the bike, it just won't be the hammerfest I was hoping for.  I found out the best way to attempt changes etc. is to call the WTC athlete services number.  They were very helpful.  Actually the gal on the phone is assigned to this event so she'll be at packet pickup also.

I guess the RD's are too busy?

I saw on the FB thread how you got a hold of them.  What was the email?

I wonder if they will go retro to 2010 and let me race IM Branson 2012.  Not like it sells out or anything...

It's kind of like how Sprint has a secret retention number that if you call it, they can make decisions about your phone plan that the stores won't.

Good work!  See you race day.

Uh... care to share?!?!?! WTF!!!

688

Neon yellow visor and shoes pre-race and on the run.