Expo Disapointment

[Wannabe]

What a shambles!!!

Got their at 15h00 on Saturday (went through with friends that still worked on Sat morn (businessmen)) Was still standing at registration table which was slow and inefficient (ladies obviously tired or bored) when announcement came that people must leave, as expo was closing. Had a look at my watch, was 15h23 exactly. Grabbed the racepacks I collected to at least try and see some of the exhibits. Too late, as most was already mostly packed up by 15h30 and busy packing up at a great speed. Only stall NOT closing down was Solomons cycles. As they were the last stand as you go out, they were doing brisk business past 16h00. There were still a good deal of people around, all with same complaint.

 

Why not keep the expo open a bit later for people not able to visit during week or early on Sat, as MOST OUT OF TOWNERS WITH OWN BUSINESSES are not able to be there earlier.

[_BBi]

Not good enough for a big race like this.

[Jokerman]

Hmmmm, I'm sure we could mention this to the orginizers....as it bothered me as well..... Just like the new finish where one had to stand 35minutes before being able to sit down......I felt like cattle being hurded to by slaughtered...

[wannabepro]

i understand your point on the expo, but i worked there the whole week and let me tell when 3 o clock came we were all so happy!! we packed up until 17h00 (and we were one off the stalls with few things to pack) and still had to go back to PTA get everything ready for my race(coz we had to leave at 3:30 am to be in time for my start) I think the guys need to understand that there is a reason why the expo closed 3:30. Sorry if you missed out on some things but to be honest there wasnt really anything that you havent seen before.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[widget]

Yes, I got there at about 5pm on Friday evening, as I was in a hurry I rushed in, missed the sharp left turn, cunningly disguised by a clothing station into the registration room, and marched all through the expo, fending off pamphlets and out the other side without registering, only on my second trip through did I find it.

 

Agree on the finish, it took forever to get out through that stoopid little gate with thousands of cyclists blocking the way, although I must say I have a pet hate about cycle race abultions, these were state of the art and nice and clean, which was a pleasant surprise.

 

widget2007-11-19 03:55:22

[Wannabe]

wannabepro, do you think it is necessary for the Registration/Expo to run from the Thursday? Why not skip Thursday, and stay open for longer on the Saturday. Us out of towners will be happy and able to spend more time and MONEY at the expo. Surely a lot of other people will also benefit from it.

And the closing time was ADVERTISED as 16h00, everywhere and all over. We were quite happy to get there 15h00, under the impression we had a bit of time to look at and maybe buy a couple of those "nice to have's"

We were 5 people who were a bit peeved.

Wannabe2007-11-19 07:20:17

[Tjommies]

I flew in from Cape Town (my flight was delayed) and only go there at 2pm.  Was not very impressed with expo.  Maybe it should be scrapped completely and they could post our numbers to us.  I think the out of towners don't need all the additional hassles.

[pixi]

did cherry festival mtb....got in car and drove to jozi to be in time for expo...got there at 1500...and everybody was packing up....A BIG LET DOWN !!!!!!

[MAESTRO's]

Personally I think the main reason for packing up early on the Sat is to give the people that were manning the booths and racing the next day a "early night". Its hard work standing on your feet forever then doing a 95km dash the next day. 

My 2c worth.