24-9 Prospects and Thoughts

With 24-9 being taken over more or less by Granny Gear Production has its good and bad. There isn't a non-pro/base/sport/comp/non-cash payout solo division, there is however a $60 Single Speed Solo Division which boggles the mind. If this is Still the Case come race time, I might be pulling the Monocog Redline 29er out of the cob-webs to avoid the $280 entry fee. and spend the difference on a suspension fork for it.

I've emailed them to this effect and pointed out how "Dumb" this is for lack of a better term. I would rather boycott my home state's 24 Hour Race and race @ Salsa 2-4 aka 24 Hours of Afton or 24 hours of Boyne or 24 hours of Seven Oaks. Races that are put on well, and aren't commercialized for profit per se, productions run by people who have unconditional love for the Sport. I understand a change in management means that changes will happen but this is just "Dumb". I would appreciate it if you would write Granny Gear Productions @ heygranny@grannygear.com and tell them you are displeased with their Choices they are making and that we want a race that is fun as well as fair for all involved; young and old, base/citizen to expert/pro. A promoter that puts on "Cookie Cutter Races" is not promoter I want to endorse. Just because a race format works in Utah or West Virginia doesn't mean it will work in Wisconsin. Come on, we have the largest Single state Endurance Series and Cross Country Series in the Country. We love our mountain biking and we know what a well run race looks like.

Last Labor Day I had Signed up the 24 Hours of Seven Oaks but the week before I decided I needed a Tune-up so I did the 6 hours @ Metro Challenge. I hyper-extended my Hamstring and was sore all week, I knew that Seven Oaks was a climbing intensive course and combined with the considerable drive I determined it wasn't worth my drive. I asked the promoter if he would be willing to refund me my Money, even though he wasn't required according to his disclaimers he did anyways.

I will do all I can to attend the 2009 24-hours of Seven Oaks because I want to Support promoters like that, that passionate about thesport and feel compassion and know where there participants are coming from because they (the promoter) have been in your position. I just don't believe that exists with Granny Gear Productions. I won't come to a race just because Chris Eatough or Nat Ross is there, OMG I have a huge amount of general distain for Nat Ross more than any other Biker Amateur or Pro in Road or Mountain, than in the entire United States. Smooth Registration and Smooth and updated Scoring get the biggest brownie points in my book. Followed by course marking and neutral support.