Who's in 2011 VQ/CC

Seems like it could and should be bigger than 175. I've never done the event, so I can't say for sure--I'll have to trust the judgment of people who have. But, if you went from 175 x 2 = 350 riders the last several years to say 200 x 2 = 400 or 250 x 2 = 500 riders this year, and not straight to 800, then it should be manageable. I'd sign up as a volunteer this year if they increase it above 175. I'll hand out water bottles, pickup trash or whatever. I plan on signing up next year and don't want to have the same experience as when I tried reserving a cottage at Crystal Cove--ever try that? Sounds like even harder than signing up for VQ/CC... Mountain Biking is growing in OC and elsewhere, including high school leagues, etc. So too should the allowed participation in this event. Just my humble opinion and hope.

 

Fair points jae. The course could easily accommodate many, many more. The challenges that I can see as a participant would be (besides the Forest Service permitting restrictions):

• Parking nightmares at the start area. It's pretty packed as it is right now.
• A congested and potentially dangerous start.
• The need for more volunteers, which is a variable that the Warriors only have partial control over (especially if the weather is bad)
• Greater mayhem at the first aid station
• Even longer waits for post-race shuttles back to the parking area
• Way more work preparing, at the packet pick-up event, at check in, etc., for the Warriors, which is ultimately a pretty small group.

I feel for those who missed out, but I am amazed at the job the Warriors do in putting on this event, and personally I wouldn't dare to ask more of them. Get on the wait list and be patient - you'll have a good chance. Plus there are always other events, including the Rwanda 50 mile ride and the Traverse, both within the next couple months.

 

Signed up for waiting list for VQ. Seem like signing up for a waiting list is the only way to go for events that sell out in just a few minutes. Saves the stress of staying up until midnight only to find out that the event is sold out by the time you hit the register button. VQ is a fun event but if I don't get a registration it is not the end of the world, but chances are a registration will become available. And if not there is always the option to ride self supported l like Sanjay did a few years ago. The trails are open to the public the day of the event if you can find support or carry your own support. Hope to see you all out there in April.

 

Just to be clear. We go through this every year. Trust me, we've tried just last year to go from 175 each event to 200 and make it 400 total. We were denied. It's not the amount of volunteers we need as we have enough at each check point. We do appreciate the feedback and we try each year to improve this event, but it seems we will always be short of someone's expectation of how this event should be run.

I've never tried to reserve a cottage at Crystal Cove, but I do volunteer for that park and know you have to do it far ahead in advance.

You ever tie nearly 400 feathers? I have..., 3 years in a row.
2008


2009


2010

 

I've tied my share of feathers Gene. It's been some time though. We all appreciate what you do.

 

How did you sign up for the waiting list? I don't see anything on the site or on active.com. I was ready to sign up at midnight, but network issues slowed me down for 15 minutes. I guess that made all the difference.

 

I'm in for a fun CC this year, last did VQ 2 years ago. Can't believe how fast it filled up. Looking forward to seeing people on training rides!

 

I'm sure you and others have Pat, but over a 1000 of them in the last 3 years? I just get tired of the same old complaints about how the event should be handled. I'm know there are always things to improve and we do try to, but we have no control on the amount the FS allows us to enter.

 

It's a wonder your fingers aren't little bloody nubs after all those

 

I'm in, my first!! Watch out Prickly Pear...

 

oh no

I lost out on the registration start too! Now what am I supposed to do? STR waitng list who?
New to me too!

 

There has been a waiting list for this the 3rd year now. I did one in for the 09 event and jeff^d did one last year and will again this year. You'll have to wait till he has it up and you will be instructed what to do then.

 

Read this thread and yea shall find the answers to which you seek. Look to the Jeff^d

 

People are going to complain that's just the way it is. You can't take it personally, nor do you have to take the time to explain. It is what it is. Plenty of people get it and appreciate what you and the Society do. Just take solace in that.

 

All you have to do is read or search through the information on this thread. All the information you seek is already out there.

 

Here is info on the wait list. It is a sticky in the racing and training forum.

2011 VQ/CC Waiting List

 

Thanks Waldo, I have never done the event or even been there as a spectator or volunteer, so I only meant to really learn why there aren't more allowed. And the first replies I read seemed to indicate that there was a possibility for more, which seemed logical to me so I was only trying to make suggestions. Seems like it's a bit more complicated than one might assume, which is probably why there aren't more allowed... Thanks for the info. I plan on giving it a shot next year and I'll try to volunteer or go and watch this year and become educated before passing any judgment.

 

Thanks Gene for the information. I'm a newbie and only meant to understand why the event is only limited to so many participants, I didn't mean my questions or suggestions as negative feedback about your or The Warrior's Society's efforts. It's obvious that the event is outstanding and I know a number of people who have done the event several times and hope I can muster the strength and skill to make a valid attempt next year. Please take no offense at my posts. I'm grateful for the fact that we have such an event in OC and therefore for your efforts and hard work and those of all the volunteers. I'll try to volunteer or at least attend next year as a spectator and gain a better understanding. Thanks again.

 

My post was not directed at you personally so no offense taken. Unlike you, there are those on here who know how this works every year. Thanks for your encouragement and interest. Get yourself on the waiting list and I hope to see you out there either in it or cheering others on. Good luck to you.

BTW, the link to the waiting list is up. http://www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/racing-training/53864-2011-vq-cc-waiting-list.html

 

I hear ya Gene. I did it for a couple of years and it got old. Are you riding this year?