The future of Outback Events?

Yeah, he had a gold mine of a business here and basically threw it away. It's like a trucking company not paying it's gas bill.

Even if he does pay the town in full, he has burned most of his volunteer bridges because he hasn't provided the promised donations to the charity groups.

Anyone else find it interesting that the early bird price ends September 30?  I think he's probably hoping to get enough money from 2014 early birds to pay off the 2013 bills. 

I'm going to cut and paste Joe's response from the "other" site.  I raced at 3 outback events this year, and to be honest did have a wee issue, but it was sorted, and will be doing Outback events again next year.

It looks like he's got things sorted out!

Quote from Joe "

Well, has this just been an interesting couple of days. Maybe a few of you would like to take me out back and just beat the out of me? I doubt anyone would take me up on that offer though as it is so much easier to do so online… 

For those of you unfamiliar with Oliver the Oliver Daily news is not really produced with someone with journalistic integrity or journalism experience. It is the local gossip and PR blog with photos, with the word news in the URL, disguised as an actual news website produced by a local that is not a fan of me personally. 

I found out a day ago that I had monies owed to Oliver Parks & Recreation. Since I found out, via mail, I called them and a cheque has been sent. It seems that during the busiest three weeks of my season a cheque didn’t go through. As I didn’t receive anything from my Credit Union, and neither was anything returned to Oliver P&R I didn’t catch it. When I spoke to Jenny at Oliver Parks & Recreation early July, just before the Desert Half Iron, and asked if everything was good I was told yes and worked off that until I found out otherwise earlier this week. 2014 venues have been booked with Oliver Parks & Recreation. Problem dealt with and solved. 

I’ve been on the road producing events since June and working flat out. Have I missed some emails, been slower than I would’ve liked to get WCOC stuff wrapped up, been less than perfect – absolutely. I put out our monthly newsletter last week without mentioning anything about the 2013 WCOC and before I’d had a chance to email those athletes that had yet to get their refund. I did not think that by doing one before the other that I would raise such ire and have others doubt me and feel the need to “send out a warning”. You see, since Cultus I’ve been dealing with two of any seasons most draining tasks of completing TRIBC reports, always want to stay in good standing, and year-end inventory and I even took some time off this past week and a bit for myself before returning to work yesterday. I’ve emailed those athletes that need their refund processed still and this will happen between now and the 15th. Dealt with. 
Upon my return, I read what has been written and I’m disappointed but understand after 12 years of dealing with triathletes that not everyone is nice and that people often look for the worst, want to be the person “in the know” and be heard. 

After 10 years in Oliver I’ve had the privilege in seeing many of you do your first triathlon, race to meet a personal goal, use the race as a milestone or as training for IMC. Being part of events that have meant so much to so many has been amazing. On top of what the race shave done for you as athletes over $50,000 in honorariums in Oliver alone have presented to various community groups. 

2012 and this year were difficult personally and things have been getting better. 2014 is going to be a good season and I’m excited about it. The WCOC triathlon will be taking place the Saturday the day before the Oliver Half Iron so that if we end up with a small field the race will go on no matter what. It will be a busy but fun weekend and a proper announcement will go out soon. The 10th annual Desert Half Iron will be held once again and it’s going to be great to see people take on the challenge of the toughest Half in the Northwest. Later in July Sylvan Lake will take place again for the 9th year and then in September Cultus Lake to end the season. With the change in dates for IMC it is going to make for a bit easier schedule for being in the office. 

Outback Events, me and those that work with me race weekends, are excited about 2014. Lots of work to get done to get back to how I want our races to be and I’m working hard and it will happen. If you have constructive suggestions, concerns or want to simply want to vent to me directly drop me an email and leave your number and I will call you back to discuss. I’m much more a phone person than emails. Right now I’ve got no time for drama as I’ve got hats and awards to be mailed out, remaining 2013 items to be cleared up and serious work to be done. 

Wherever you decide to race next year my fellow triathletes, I wish you all the best. For those that decide to race with us in 2014 I look forward to seeing you at the finishline, give you your medal, shake your hand, congratulate you on your day and thank you for racing with us. 

It’s been a long day, I think I’m off for a run. 

Sincerely, 

JSD 

Joe Dixon 
Race Director 
Oliver Half, Desert Half, Cultus Lake Tri, Sylvan Lake Half 
"Wine Capital of Canada" Tri http://www.outbackevents.ca

It looks like over 250 people have signed up for the Oliver half so far this year, so it's definitely not dead.  However, its not listed on the Tri-BC calendar yet, which probably means they still haven't sanctioned the race. 

Shawnigan Lake won't have a half Iron distance in 2014, so there should be some spill-over to Oliver.  Personally I've decided to do the Troika Half Iron in Spokane this year, which is the same weekend as Oliver. 

The website says there is a "Trestle Challenge".  

• 1.5 km Swim
• 45 km Bike
• 21.1 km Run

It doesn't mention a race with a 90 km bike leg.

I believe they give free head shaves for those who want.

Probably hasn't paid his web domain bill.

The site is back online now. 

http://outbackevents.ca/

....and it still says "Registration will be open for the 2014 Cultus Lake Triathlon on February 1st, 2014.", but there is still no registration link....