I wouldn't call it a scam, but I would call it incredibly inconvenient. I moved out of the city years ago and lost touch with the friends who still live there. I'm not going to arrive a day early just for the event and I don't know anybody who can pick up the packet for me. Why couldn't they set up a table near the start line overnight where people who have no other alternative can pick up the packets? All it would take is one or two volunteers. I'm sure most riders wouldn't want to wait until the last minute then wake up that early to pick up their packets, so it wouldn't be a long line.

The other thing that has dampened my enthusiasm for riding it is the ridiculous, reactionary security theater they and the fearmongering NYPD have instituted. No decent-sized bags, no baskets, no panniers, no hydration packs, etc. Look, if somebody was set on killing a lot of riders, they could do it by ramming a large truck at high speed through the barricades and the people gathered at the start line. They're packed like sardines in there so nobody has room to get out of the way, so they would be sitting ducks. Once they're under way, they're too spread out for any kind of backpack bomb to take out many riders. Why do they always put paranoid idiots in charge of security?