Re: Wildflower Dreams

"Swanger" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> "Jay Japka" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
> news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > Unfortunately those days seem to be over.
> 
>     Unfortunately is indeed the operative word.  While this race generates
> more popularity than ever, the gouging that takes place is down right
> shameful.  

What kind of gouging are you referring to?  

Looking at 3 largest 1/2 Ironman races in California, WF is
the cheapest:

Wildflower - $150
Vineman - ($175 - $225) vares from early to late signup.
Ralphs IMCA - ($160 - $200) vares from early to late signup.


> The old timers still go because of the need of tradition,,,,the
> newcomers, like me last year, come to see what it's all about.  Everyone
> else, like me now, is not going to bother.  

I don't think that you are right there, the "everyone else" is a pretty small
group.  In a day and a half they are 80% sold out.

> WF has become a "check this off
> your list race" 

There will be far more people sniveling because they couldn't get in
than bashers who are happy to miss it.

It's a high quality, well organized event.  It is below IM North America
but they are not charging near the same amount.  

What's your real gripe?

Steve W.