Who cares? Let the people raise money and bike if they want. The "bike trips aren't that special" argument doesn't apply as long as the ride boosts someone's effort. It's not about the intrinsic specialness about the ride, it's about doing something that works for promotion. If the people were doing these trips and nobody gave money, but they were getting free hotels, then it would be a scam. as it is now, those people are raising money and have a good time. why not? I passed probably 50 or 100 riders on their way to Montreal a couple weeks ago. They whole thing seems worthwhile.

Personally I prefer not to be involved in anything like this. But, I think while it's legitimate to talk about where the money is going and how it's being used, there is NO reason to be against someone using cycling to raise money. That person on the blog video should just relax. Many things in our culture are overdone and not authentic or creative, we can gripe about it all day or we can get on with what's authentic in our own lives.