It seems pretty likely that this is all incredible marketing for the event, and even if a bunch of people from this year don’t return there are plenty more people out there looking for an “epic” bucket list type ride to keep it full for years to come.
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As someone who didn’t race the event, I am a bit shocked at the response. Is it because so many people have this as their A-race or have it as a bucket list event? Is it because they mentioned a potential re-route?
Maybe if I would have experienced it I would feel differently, but I guess if I signed up for a 200 mile gravel race, one known for being among the harder events you can do, where hike a bike sections are common, I would have mentally prepared myself for this.
To be clear, I think the complaining is fine, I am just shocked it is not entirely directed at them running out of water. To me, that is the biggest mistake an event can make.
I am also far more surprised at their response being so childish.
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Exactly, all they had to say was nothing.
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On a more positive note there is a great youtube channel by a couple that do a lot of gravel events on a tandem bike and somehow managed to get through unbound again this year with a positive attitude. They did rule of three as well :).
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If this doesn’t work…then how are bicycles going to make it? 
Ps…I ran 48s and my ‘Monster Gravel’ bike can handle up to 2.4s. Doesn’t have to motor as moto though!
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Can’t believe they’re trolling their own event on IG.
Predictions:
- Off the Lifetime calendar next year
- Garmin pulls out as the title sponsor
- Name changes back to Dirty Kanza
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Lifetime should be rebranded as ‘MoneyTime’!
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They seem to be following the path set by Ironman with their pricing and common practice of ignoring their customers over time…
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0/3
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Why don’t these events do timing based on the gun? It’s really stupid that if you leave first and finish first, you might not have won. I know it doesn’t apply here for the pros, but most sportives and gravel rides do chip timing that starts when you go over the mat. Why not have a mat time and a gun time?
That should definitely be shared with Payson. The lack of comprehension is astounding.
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Gun timing is potentially unfair when it’s “first come, first serve” placement for massive start lines like this. It creates incentive for people to jam up or wiggle their way to the front like some open floor seating at a concert. It’s a different story if there is some sort of seeding based on points or qualifying time/procedure, like is done with some pro sports.
Otherwise, the people that roll in later or try to avoid potential chaos at the front will be “penalized” with a very late start. Maybe that’s fair, but it introduces another factor beyond how a person rides and performs “between the lines” at the start & finish.
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The amateur fields are definitely based on chip timing. It can take minutes to get to the start line in large events, so it’s the fairest approach. Some races have wave starts, so it’s even more critical. Gun time is often still used for cutoffs because it’s impossible to establish individual times as groups roll through.
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I get what you’re saying completely.
I have two thoughts/guesses based on my own recent experience with a race.
I did a race that had a bunch of creek/river crossings, my own foolishness I misread the map and way underestimated the number and depth/breadth of the water crossings. I hated it, but the course in general was awesome. Initially I thought, there’s no effing way I’m coming back, but on reflection I would and will, I will just be mentally prepared to carry my bike.
I figure if the race organiser for example had said, there’s a bunch of extra water on the course and we’re going to avoid the worst of it if it doesn’t go down, and then I got surprised on race day I’d be pissed.
For unbound, I am picking there’s a lot of riders that will be pissed because they were told they’d not have to ride the worst of it, then they did have to. There’s also possibly a lot of riders that likely just underestimated the mud and will be a bit pissed, but as much with themselves for not knowing.
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Mocking your customers is usually not the best strategy….but the desire to do this race will likely overcome their dickishness.
Just a bad look for them….but they clearly don’t care.
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You won’t regret it….such a great overall experience. And every bit as “epic” as Unbound, but without the attitude.
Hoping for a similar experience this weekend at FNLD GRVL.
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For sure. Every big event I’ve been to people have had complaints about something. I think it’s a part of having a big event. It’s how they’re calling out Sophia and now posting “ we warned you” it doesn’t sit well. If it was me and my event I would either not say anything or explain to everyone via social media what our intentions were.
They still haven’t explained how they ran out of water for the paying customers.
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Agree, but cutoff times I belief can easily be adjusted based on conditions last rider to cross the start or clear the neutral zone by the RD…Now that said some services might come with a price tag I.E. police and medical but that should all be built into the plan based on conditions…
Running out of water is a no go…what was the restock plan…