Originally Posted by
zacster
They've been mailing the packets out for years. Many years ago they did a packet pickup at a bike expo and it was a disaster, nobody knew what was going on. And the bike expo itself was just a bunch of second rate vendors. I'm expecting the same this year. And if I didn't live in the city I'd just skip the event altogether. I wouldn't want to travel in just to pick up my packet, that's a real inconvenience especially to someone that lives close enough to come from home the day of the ride. Now they have to do the trip twice. That's enough to talk me out of it.
Is it a scam? Not really, but it is thinly disguised merchandising.
And I just looked closely at where the packet pick up is, it isn't near ANYTHING. It is downtown Manhattan where no cyclist ever goes, not near a subway. What idiots planned this thing? And I think they are already hearing a lot of negative feedback about this and the fact that it is terribly inconvenient for a lot of people. I at least live in Brooklyn, so it isn't a big deal for me, but even then I have to go out of my way to get it.
Yeah I hear you when it comes to the location. Never been to a real bike expo but when I used to run marathons and half marathons, I always get excited going to the expo since there's so many vendors and other activities going on.
I understand that the South Street Seaport is a tricky location. I would have preferred in midtown since I'm coming from Long Island and it will take me forever to get there. As of now, I'm actually trying to figure out the train times and transfers. What I plan to do is to a stay a little longer to make the most of my trip.
And yes it's all about the business! As I said before, as long as the money really goes to that foundation and to good cause, I'm OK. I started doubting these charity events since there are cases where a measly amount actually goes through the cause. I hope I'm wrong.