Too bad that thread deteriorated into so much non-tri babbling, at
first there were even one or two valid points relating to our sport.
But that's usually the fate of any interesting thread that lasts more
than a generation or two here...
Even if you've never attended one of Brad's events, all you have to do
is look at the race info from triath.com to know what kind of race to
expect. Sanctioned by Triathlantic, not USAT. Prizes are plaques.
Lunch, including the ***ly rich Berger's Cookies, is always
provided. Colorful T-shirts. Uh, nowhere does it say "a great race
for those really serious triathletes who are ultra-competetive and
expect the race to be run to their specifications."
If you live in the Mid-Atlantic, by know you know that there are USAT
races where you can qualify for the Olympics or whatever your goal is.
No one around here expects Brad's races to be like that. We've come
to expect them to be fun, fair and friendly. I've known Brad for many
years and I've yet to see him tolerate cheating of any kind or bend
the rules for anyone. He makes a huge effort to make the race the
best it can be for those who come out to enjoy it. He'll even
tolerate a small amount of ***ing from those too-serious types who
apparently came to the wrong race. Point is, there are alternatives if
the level of rules & competition is not to your liking.
I'd also agree with the point of view that until you've put together a
race yourself, your credibility when critisizing a race director is
pretty limited. But of course if you're busy trying to win every
race, when would you have time to give anything back to the sport?
Cheers
S. Austin