Dear Hubbers,
Hope you're well
I want to share my recent experience with you regarding an MTB event (Cow and Bull MTB & Gravel endurance ride on 03 Feb 2024) that I was eager to participate in. However, after diving into the details, I've decided not to proceed, and here's why:
Firstly, the event was advertised at Grootfontein MTB Park, leading me to assume the majority of the route would occur at this venue. However, to my disappointment, this wasn't the case, as the route barely touched the MTB park itself and ventured into the Bronkhorstspruit region.
Secondly, there are safety concerns surrounding the route, with a lot of recent muggings and bike thefts in the area. While security measures were promised as part of the entry, they can't guarantee the safety of riders.
Thirdly, the lack of a refund policy is concerning. It seems unjust to take my money without any recourse, especially when the event details were not as I expected.
Additionally, the organizers were unwilling to share detailed information to anyone prior to registration, citing safety reasons. This forced me to commit before knowing all the facts, only to find out later that the event wasn't what I anticipated.
In my correspondence with the organizers expressing my disappointment, their response was unsatisfactory, essentially admitting they have no refund policy. There's also nothing on the same topic on the website entry page.
This experience has left me feeling misled and frustrated. The event's registration / marketing platform's name, "Racepass," is also misleading, and the clarity of the event's nature only became apparent after registration. It would've been perfectly acceptable to add into the event details that this is not a race, but a social / non competitive ride.
Moving forward, I won't be participating in any future events organised by this group. I feel it's important to share my experience on social media to ensure others are informed before they commit.
Thoughts?
Ride safe,
Danie
