In a message dated 7/2/2009 5:33:19 AM Pacific Standard Time, Chrystal@xxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
Kim, did you not just prove Kat's point???? That risk takers who would be interested in this type of adventure are careful and prepared, so your "risk taker' that you met, realized she could not get ready for the race and DROPPED out, to me that proves Kat's point, the people who ultimately do this are going to be prepared, it is their life on the line. Also as far as the lady you met and all her "talk" well, in my experience people get very excited and their talk is very "excited" when reality hits them, which would probably happen in training (as it did with your lady) they will probably all calm down.:-)
Chrystal
My complaint is not with the participants but with the organizers. They allowed a very inexperienced competitor to sign on and pay an entry fee.
I really feel that organizers of an event like this with very few controls do have a responsibility to make sure those that are allowed to enter have experience? This is not just about endurance type rides. I feel the same way about professional guides that allow under qualified climbers to try to summit 8,000M and charge thousands of $$.
I disagree that all of her talk was because of her enthusiasm. I really feel it was out of ignorance and was propagated by the PR promoting this event. Both parties have a responsibility here. I feel the woman did the responsible thing by dropping out. But. I just feel that the organizers could have been more responsible in qualifications and screening participants before taking their money.
I am only sharing my perspective and my experience regarding this event.
