Alright, I have to share my experience with sign up. First of all, I did preregister and did struggle with that because I kept putting in the dash and that was not working. So, after I left the dash out it went through. They told me not to put the dash in but I thought it had to be in, but I was wrong. So, that situation was all on me even though a better set up would be that it works with the dash since that is how it reads on the card. Either way no big deal, it finally worked.
So, on to preregistration, Saturday morning. I told Jonathan that we aren't going out for the first practice because I figured it would be muddy and he would have enough practices throughout the day. I read everything as far as how to do get set up for the practices, races, and transponders. It was clear to me what to do but for some reason, I went straight to the pre-registration line instead of the transponder line. So, the girl was very nice and told me that I have to go get our transponders first (which of course a light bulb went on and I then remembered) and that she would start to get my paperwork ready, which she did. I went over to the transponder line like 1 or 2 people ahead of me, got my transponder within 10 minutes, I used a credit card, and headed back over to the pre-registration line. I think there was one person ahead of me. She had my paperwork filled out and I only had to sign my documents, etc.. Again, she was very friendly and helpful and I went on my way. Yep, not long at all. Yes, I know I didn't go down during the busy times but I have experienced the long lines at other Chillitown races. That's not a put-down but a reality in my experience at any large race. My point is I think Chillitown has always done a good if not a great job in most if not all the things they do to put on this event. I can't imagine the amount of work that goes into an event like this and truly believe they bust their ass to pull it off. So, thank you Chillitown for putting this event on and I will stand in line at your track or any track if we could have full gates like this all the time.
Is there room for improvement, probably and I think you will address these issues as you always seem to make the necessary corrections, why because you guys do listen to your customers. The one thing I have seen work at other tracks is to have a person or two, who is out in the areas where everyone is standing in line making sure each person is in the "correct line" with the items they need (like their kid, wristband, membership cards, money, transponder, etc.). Also, I do think that maybe a little more information on each sign, like line #1, #2... or if you have preregistered line #1, #2...kind of a walk you through by numbers, but a person directing traffic would be the biggest help. The PA is nice but it just becomes background noise plus its hard to ask a PA a question.
I do like the idea of cutting out a full day of practice on Saturday. Just do like every other track does and do a race practice and then get on with the racing. Also, I think it would be cool to have 3 races instead of 2 but maybe that would only cause more headaches.
As far as pit riding the only way to fix it is to not allow it. Yes, that could hurt not having the pit bike revenue but it really isn't necessary. Chillitown is a great place to ride bicycles or walk.
I don't know what was going on with the practice sessions but it did seem like a free for all. I saw numerous people riding in other classes. I even heard from a dad that my son was part of the mayhem and I had no idea. So that probably needs to be tightened up.
But again, Thanks Chillitown for a great event that we always look forward to and are willing to drive 3 hours for!!!!