$500 late entry fee for Paeroa!

[slowpoke]

Of late my priority was just getting through the South Island rounds of NZSBK. Raced back to work and figured out I'll get home again just in time to make Paeroa so downloaded an entry form. Closing date was 21st of Jan, no probs I'll see if I can throw in a late entry....normally $50 or so right? Check the entry form and it says $500!

Must be a misprint....surely....one phone call later and I'm speechless after listening to the voice on the other end of the phone: $500 it is! My apologies to the nice lady I hung up on.

Needless to say the bike will be staying in the shed.

[White trash]

Bwahahahahaha.......................

Sorry........





Bwahahahahahahahahahahaha.

Obviously the entry list is soooooo full this year they trying to dissuade any more from entering.

[CHOPPA]

Doesnt look like ill be riding then!

[Madness]

You'd want your name mentioned on the P.A as a major sponsor for that sort of coin :laugh: How much to enter multiple classes?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Fuck that.

[Deano]

Doesnt look like ill be riding then!

That makes 3 of us. I'm not fussed to be honest.

[slowpoke]

Bwahahahahaha.......................

Sorry........





Bwahahahahahahahahahahaha.

Obviously the entry list is soooooo full this year they trying to dissuade any more from entering.

Haha, it is fuckin' funny mate, open up the rider's info link and at top of page in bold type it says:

"Riders... Where would we be without you?"

[White trash]

Doesnt look like ill be riding then!

You'll be right son, you're on the poster. Just tell them to keep your "Poster appearance fee" for the late entry. Sound as a pound.

[scracha]

Haha, it is fuckin' funny mate, open up the rider's info link and at top of page in bold type it says:

"Riders... Where would we be without you?"

From the disappointing amount of entries last year, combined with the drop in spectator numbers....you'd think they'd get their shit sorted.

[RobGassit]

Don't you just love it? NZCMRR are milking their entrants dry as well, even charging camping fees. The racers provide the entertainment, they should play for free. Seems all these clubs have some sort of self destructive virus.If you listen real closely, sometimes you can hear the banjo music playin in the background.

[scott411]

having been in both situations, i can understand the late entry fee, but that is a bit over the top, but motorcycle racers are not the most organised of people at times,

[jellywrestler]

If you listen real closely, sometimes you can hear the banjo music playin in the background.
Mate I'm taking my Piano accordian to PUKE so any three fingered Banjo music will be drowned out well and truly

[rastus]

:no:
Don't you just love it? NZCMRR are milking their entrants dry as well, even charging camping fees. The racers provide the entertainment, they should play for free. Seems all these clubs have some sort of self destructive virus.If you listen real closely, sometimes you can hear the banjo music playin in the background.

Not even a clown pays to preform in a circus show but we are expected to.

[Bykmad]

Anyone bothered to contact Paeroa and find out, MMMM. Thought not. Easier to bitch and moan on Kiwibiker than to actually get the facts.

[Duke girl]

What a fucking rip off and a huge kick in the arse to those who never got their entries in time due to Racing down Sth. Isn't it better to have bums on seats and have good healthy fields without turning riders away with this ridiculous Late Entry Fee.
So much for keeping this sport alive. SHAMEFUL.

[slowpoke]

having been in both situations, i can understand the late entry fee, but that is a bit over the top, but motorcycle racers are not the most organised of people at times,

Yep totally agree, and guilty as charged, including the part you politely didn't mention where it's all about ME, lol. I've got no problem with a late fee but for an event that charges a $90 entry (+$30 transponder and $10 medical) $500 is obviously designed to completely eliminate late entries. I'm not whinging, it's their event they get to set the rules, I'm just a bit stunned is all.

It's shame though, if I was a spectator Choppa and Deano would definitely make things interesting at the pointy end.

[Duke girl]

Anyone bothered to contact Paeroa and find out, MMMM. Thought not. Easier to bitch and moan on Kiwibiker than to actually get the facts.

Go back and read the 1st thread then apologies for making such a statement.

[jellywrestler]

What a fucking rip off and a huge kick in the arse to those who never got their entries in time due to Racing down Sth.
How is it that they couldn't get their entries in cause they were racing down south? I'm confused, When I was down there I saw printers and post office boxes and banks and even pens that one would need to fill out the entry forms. Can you tell me what I'm missing here?

[Deano]

It's shame though, if I was a spectator Choppa and Deano would definitely make things interesting at the pointy end.

To be honest, I was not a likely starter anyway, regardless of the late fee.

Just too much extra expense and time off work given I'm doing the Nat's. Even the potential prizemoney wasn't enough of a drawcard.

Might not even make it to the cliff hanger hillclimb yet !

[Crasherfromwayback]

Anyone bothered to contact Paeroa and find out, MMMM. Thought not. Easier to bitch and moan on Kiwibiker than to actually get the facts.

Duh. The op has certainly contacted them. Dork.

[Ronin]

Of late my priority was just getting through the South Island rounds of NZSBK. Raced back to work and figured out I'll get home again just in time to make Paeroa so downloaded an entry form. Closing date was 21st of Jan, no probs I'll see if I can throw in a late entry....normally $50 or so right? Check the entry form and it says $500!

Must be a misprint....surely....one phone call later and I'm speechless after listening to the voice on the other end of the phone: $500 it is! My apologies to the nice lady I hung up on.

Needless to say the bike will be staying in the shed.


Anyone bothered to contact Paeroa and find out, MMMM. Thought not. Easier to bitch and moan on Kiwibiker than to actually get the facts.

Did you bother to fully read the OP? MMMMMMM thought not.

[Madness]

Bykmad's always been a bit imbalanced (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/109508-A-message-to-bykemad?highlight=bykmad).

[Taz]

FFS it's only road racing, not like anyone really cares!! :lol:

[slowpoke]

FFS it's only road racing, not like anyone really cares!! :lol:

Haven't you seen the bumper stickers: Jesus cares!

[Taz]

Haven't you seen the bumper stickers: Jesus cares!

Too true! Forgot about him. Got to remember WWJD.

[CHOPPA]

I sent my entry in but I still havnt received my payment :innocent:

[onearmedbandit]

Toyota cares.

[Pussy]

Air New Zealand used to give a fuck.....

[davebullet]

I just sent this via the www.battleofthestreets.co.nz web enquiry form:

"I hope my facts are wrong... but I believe you are charging $500 late entrant fee for rider registration. I'm not a racer, but know of a couple of well known racers in the scene who won't attend at that price. It's a pity as I was looking forward to seeing them. You should reconsider. Being able to promote / list a number of top racers surely has to be important for the growing popularity you want for the event."

PS: I'm still going to spectate (already booked accommodation and prepaid ticket) - but I'm a bit pissed off.

[James Deuce]

Anyone bothered to contact Paeroa and find out, MMMM. Thought not. Easier to bitch and moan on Kiwibiker than to actually get the facts.
Err, yeah the OP did. Seems pretty cut and dried really.

[Mental Trousers]

It's pretty clear you guys have never tried to organise bike racers (they're even worse than bikers).

It is a shame that Chop and Deano etc won't be there, but I absolutely understand why they've done it.

[onearmedbandit]

My opinion don't mean mean jackshit but they would've been better off stating that late entries would not be accepted. JMO.

[tigertim20]

Anyone bothered to contact Paeroa and find out, MMMM. Thought not. Easier to bitch and moan on Kiwibiker than to actually get the facts.
did you bother to read the first post, or has that bourbon blurred your vision?

How is it that they couldn't get their entries in cause they were racing down south? I'm confused, When I was down there I saw printers and post office boxes and banks and even pens that one would need to fill out the entry forms. Can you tell me what I'm missing here?
lot of things affect whether you are able/willing to race, costs incurred at previous rounds, travel arrangements between getting altered, any number of things can affect how soon you can be sure about whether or not you can attend

My opinion don't mean mean jackshit but they would've been better off stating that late entries would not be accepted. JMO.

+1. fuckin idiots.
would like to hear the organizers justification...

[Rcktfsh]

Don't you just love it? NZCMRR are milking their entrants dry as well, even charging camping fees. The racers provide the entertainment, they should play for free. Seems all these clubs have some sort of self destructive virus.If you listen real closely, sometimes you can hear the banjo music playin in the background.

I can't agree with your criticism of NZCMRR have found their events good value for money, take Hampton Downs on the 11/12 feb $150.00 fot two days of racing with 3 or 4 races a day.

[scott411]

It's pretty clear you guys have never tried to organise bike racers (they're even worse than bikers).

It is a shame that Chop and Deano etc won't be there, but I absolutely understand why they've done it.

done it plenty of times, from club days, to national events, as a promotor, club president, steward, team owner, sponsor ,

still think a $500 late entry fee is not justifiable, if you do not want them say that, i have tried, but when you are short of riders to put on a show you quite often have to suck it up,

[sugilite]

Haha, it is fuckin' funny mate, open up the rider's info link and at top of page in bold type it says:

"Riders... Where would we be without you?"

$500 worse of apparently. I agree with the poster that said it would have been better just to say, no late entries accepted. Bit of a PR own goal right there. My 1st job was in the post office, i still got a friend or two there, I may have asked them once or twice to wind the date of the stamp back, job done :devil2:

[Crasherfromwayback]

, I may have asked them once or twice to wind the date of the stamp back, job done :devil2:

Hah. We have our own franking machine!!

[RobGassit]

I can't agree with your criticism of NZCMRR have found their events good value for money, take Hampton Downs on the 11/12 feb $150.00 fot two days of racing with 3 or 4 races a day.

That's true. I should have specified my post referred to the Festival. A fabulous event heading in the wrong direction in my opinion. And yes I am a member.

[jellywrestler]

still think a $500 late entry fee is not justifiable maybe it's so high to offset the free forklift parking?

[slowpoke]

maybe it's so high to offset the free forklift parking?

Off to the naughty step for you young man!

[SPman]

Choppa and Deano not there!

That's it then - I'm not going!

[James Deuce]

Get back to covering the world in permafrost SPman. I'm not paying you until you've fixed global warming.

[wharfy]

Might not even make it to the cliff hanger hillclimb yet !

What ?????

[Deano]

What ?????

It's the week before HD so pretty full on. Extra strain on engine.....possibility of crashing.....hard.

And the committee are changing the classes so my SV may not actually 'fit' within a competitive class so I'm asking myself why bother.

Yes it is a shit load of fun, but for me, competing was also part of the pleasure. Anyone want to lend me a 600 or 1000 race bike so I can go for the prizemoney ? Could split it ? LOL

If I can only compete against the clock and myself, well I can play with myself at home !

[HenryDorsetCase]

Mate I'm taking my Piano accordian to PUKE so any three fingered Banjo music will be drowned out well and truly

what the hell's wrong with banjo music?

[slowpoke]

Update:

Thanks to the generous lateral thinking of Danger Dave I had one last shot at an entry for Paeroa: he couldn't make it and kindly offered me his spot if I wanted to try and arrange a swap. It was a looooong shot but if ya don't ask ya don't know, right?

Well, I farkin' know now! Apparently we are "all getting a bit too cocky" and after being grilled about EXACTLY why I didn't get my entry in on time (explained about NZSBK, wasn't sure if bike or I or finances would be in a fit condition afterwards) didn't get a chance to mention that I am away at work for 3 weeks between NZSBK and Paeroa so there are literally only 2 full days at home between the 2. But instead received another lecture about there being "communications down there too" and that they never used to accept late entries but now do, and couldn't understand the flak they were copping online. I would be "blacklisted" for future reference etc etc etc etc................

.................but she'd let it happen "this time".

Our chat was pretty much like the sort of one sided lecture that used to pass as "conversation" between myself and my primary school head mistress everytime I was in trouble and had me feeling about as tall as I was at the time, some 40 odd years ago. So I politely declined the admission. Thanks Paeroa, but no thanks.

I actually held no animosity whatsover towards the organisers of Paeroa prior to this. I was a lil' amazed at the cost of a late entry (the person I spoke to obviously didn't think it was unreasonable), but after all it's their event and they can set whatever rules they like. But I'm 40-fuk'n-5 ferchissakes and the only person who gets to lecture my inner child like that is my good lady when were' doing that naughty-schoolboy-sexy-school-marm routine on special occasions......and even then we have a safe word. No way was this lady listening to the safe word!

So all in all I can't wait for next year so I can get my Paeroa entry in nice and early.....Tui anyone?

[gixerracer]

Update:

Thanks to the generous lateral thinking of Danger Dave I had one last shot at an entry for Paeroa: he couldn't make it and kindly offered me his spot if I wanted to try and arrange a swap. It was a looooong shot but if ya don't ask ya don't know, right?

Well, I farkin' know now! Apparently we are "all getting a bit too cocky" and after being grilled about EXACTLY why I didn't get my entry in on time (explained about NZSBK, wasn't sure if bike or I or finances would be in a fit condition afterwards) didn't get a chance to mention that I am away at work for 3 weeks between NZSBK and Paeroa so there are literally only 2 full days at home between the 2. But instead received another lecture about there being "communications down there too" and that they never used to accept late entries but now do, and couldn't understand the flak they were copping online. I would be "blacklisted" for future reference etc etc etc etc................

.................but she'd let it happen "this time".

Our chat was pretty much like the sort of one sided lecture that used to pass as "conversation" between myself and my primary school head mistress everytime I was in trouble and had me feeling about as tall as I was at the time, some 40 odd years ago. So I politely declined the admission. Thanks Paeroa, but no thanks.

I actually held no animosity whatsover towards the organisers of Paeroa prior to this. I was a lil' amazed at the cost of a late entry (the person I spoke to obviously didn't think it was unreasonable), but after all it's their event and they can set whatever rules they like. But I'm 40-fuk'n-5 ferchissakes and the only person who gets to lecture my inner child like that is my good lady when were' doing that naughty-schoolboy-sexy-school-marm routine on special occasions......and even then we have a safe word. No way was this lady listening to the safe word!

So all in all I can't wait for next year so I can get my Paeroa entry in nice and early.....Tui anyone?

Hahahahaha good on ya mate

[Clivoris]

Unbelievable shooting of the own pedestrian device.

[Kickaha]

I would be "blacklisted" for future reference etc etc etc etc.........................

About that time I would have told them to go fuck themselves

[steveyb]

Update:

Thanks to the generous lateral thinking of Danger Dave I had one last shot at an entry for Paeroa: he couldn't make it and kindly offered me his spot if I wanted to try and arrange a swap. It was a looooong shot but if ya don't ask ya don't know, right?

Well, I farkin' know now! Apparently we are "all getting a bit too cocky" and after being grilled about EXACTLY why I didn't get my entry in on time (explained about NZSBK, wasn't sure if bike or I or finances would be in a fit condition afterwards) didn't get a chance to mention that I am away at work for 3 weeks between NZSBK and Paeroa so there are literally only 2 full days at home between the 2. But instead received another lecture about there being "communications down there too" and that they never used to accept late entries but now do, and couldn't understand the flak they were copping online. I would be "blacklisted" for future reference etc etc etc etc................

.................but she'd let it happen "this time".

Our chat was pretty much like the sort of one sided lecture that used to pass as "conversation" between myself and my primary school head mistress everytime I was in trouble and had me feeling about as tall as I was at the time, some 40 odd years ago. So I politely declined the admission. Thanks Paeroa, but no thanks.

I actually held no animosity whatsover towards the organisers of Paeroa prior to this. I was a lil' amazed at the cost of a late entry (the person I spoke to obviously didn't think it was unreasonable), but after all it's their event and they can set whatever rules they like. But I'm 40-fuk'n-5 ferchissakes and the only person who gets to lecture my inner child like that is my good lady when were' doing that naughty-schoolboy-sexy-school-marm routine on special occasions......and even then we have a safe word. No way was this lady listening to the safe word!

So all in all I can't wait for next year so I can get my Paeroa entry in nice and early.....Tui anyone?

Professionalism and customer service at its kiwi finest.
Y'know the one?
"We make one thing and everyone will like it or they can fuck off."
Well, that used to work when there was only one thing to buy. The world isn't like that anymore.

Sorry, but can anyone tell me why they are trying so hard to enter this particular event?
I know I am being hypocritical as I have raced there twice myself, in years 1 and 2, but really, is it now still worth the effort, cost, risk?
The crowds and the spectacle are nothing like they used to be.
I for one think that street racing has past its used by date.

[jellywrestler]

[QUOTE=slowpoke;1130248403]Update:
yeah but ther'ell still be people riding though

[scracha]

Update:
event and they can set whatever rules they like. But I'm 40-fuk'n-5 ferchissakes and the only person who gets to lecture my inner child like that is my good lady when were' doing that naughty-schoolboy-sexy-school-marm routine on special occasions......and even then we have a safe word.

Could be my new sig.



No way was this lady listening to the safe word!

So all in all I can't wait for next year so I can get my Paeroa entry in nice and early.....Tui anyone?

If it's the same "lady" I spoke to a few years back then yes, she's clearly either got an attitude problem or the worst phone manner in Paeroa. In hindsight, perhaps lecturing her on the multitude of reasons (work, kids, missus, bike fucking out, falling off, illness, transport bolloxing out, skintness, etc) as to why most racers like to get their entries in as late as possible would have been useful.

It's their event and it appears to be in decline. I could even understand the late entry fee if they offered 80% refund if you couldn't make the event (with say 2 weeks notice)...but they don't (contrast to the PMCC who without asking, sent me a cheque to refund 2 full rounds of racing after I emailed them to scratch my entries after going tits up at their 1st round) . No cross entries either? Obviously the classes are so full...NOT. Can't racers doss at the track overnight anymore either?

I think it says a lot that I'd rather drive 7.5 hours to Carterton for the Cliffhanger than 15 minutes to to Paeroa BOTS.

Fuggem....and their lack of airfences...

I'll see ya'll at Paeroa....







highland games next weekend http://www.paeroahighlandgames.co.nz/

[wharfy]

I for one think that street racing has past its used by date.
OOOOOHHHHH...... Thats a whole new thread :)

[wharfy]

I think it says a lot that I'd rather drive 7.5 hours to Carterton for the Cliffhanger than 15 minutes to to Paeroa BOTS.

Fuggem....and their lack of airfences...

I'll see ya'll at Paeroa....



Probably see ya at both - spectating only :)

[RobGassit]

Paeroa, World famous in New Zealand.:laugh:

[slowpoke]

Sorry, but can anyone tell me why they are trying so hard to enter this particular event?
I know I am being hypocritical as I have raced there twice myself, in years 1 and 2, but really, is it now still worth the effort, cost, risk?
The crowds and the spectacle are nothing like they used to be.
I for one think that street racing has past its used by date.

I've only done the event once a few years ago, 3 days after dislocating a shoulder and generally battering myself in a road bike crash, so at the time I pretty much cruised around at the back of the field. I enjoyed myself in a part of the country I'd never been to but the results were pretty embarrassing so I just wanted to go back and give it a decent thrash. Who knows, I might still be at the back of the field but at least I could sign it off after giving it a proper shake.

It's got it's safety issues but it's a cool lil' track that I found more enjoyable to ride than Wanga's.

I had a great time in the S/I doing Clubman's at NZSBK and spent a few days between rounds in Queenstown with the missus where we also had heaps of fun. With that in mind I'd conned her into coming along to Paeroa (you know Hell is going through a cold snap when you see my missus trackside) by bribing her with the promise of a few days checking out Coromandel afterwards. But it looks like I'll be on a shovel doing the landscaping at home instead....bugger.

[Tony.OK]

Christ Spud, you've just ruined my favourite memory from racing. Of the measley 2 years I raced, the Paeroa event I did ranked as my most memorable and exciting outing. Now its tarnished hahaa!!

Honestly though, I wasn't sure if I was reading a thread about racing or someone dealing with WINZ, almost get the feeling certain organisers treat racers as "the bad guy" trying to rip the system off?

Tis a pity some see it that way, on the whole its not that way though.....from my limited experience anyway.

Here's hoping it all gets sorted for the future.



Righto............back out to the shed to work on the XR400............trail riding seems so much simpler haha!

[gatch]

Maybe I'm just slow, but why can't you cunts get your entries in on time ?

[slowpoke]

Christ Spud, you've just ruined my favourite memory from racing. Of the measley 2 years I raced the Paeroa event I did ranked as my most memorable and exciting outing. Now its tarnished hahaa!!

Honestly though, I wasn't sure if I was reading a thread about racing or someone dealing with WINZ, almost get the feeling certain organisers treat racers as "the bad guy" trying to rip the system off?

Tis a pity some see it that way, on the whole its not that way though.....from my limited experience anyway.

Here's hoping it all gets sorted for the future.



Righto............back out to the shed to work on the XR400............trail riding seems so much simpler haha!

Your favourite memory? I thought that had more to do with your van rockin' and rollin' at 2 in the morning than anything to do with racing mudderboiks. While most of us were sleeping all cold and lonely you complained about a lack of sleep ya jammy bugger!

[onearmedbandit]

Maybe I'm just slow, but why can't you cunts get your entries in on time ?

Not really the point is it?

[RobGassit]

Not really the point is it?

If there is a point I suspect it's on top of Gatch's head.:weird:

[Dreama]

I've only done the event once a few years ago, 3 days after dislocating a shoulder and generally battering myself in a road bike crash, so at the time I pretty much cruised around at the back of the field. I enjoyed myself in a part of the country I'd never been to but the results were pretty embarrassing so I just wanted to go back and give it a decent thrash. Who knows, I might still be at the back of the field but at least I could sign it off after giving it a proper shake.

It's got it's safety issues but it's a cool lil' track that I found more enjoyable to ride than Wanga's.

I had a great time in the S/I doing Clubman's at NZSBK and spent a few days between rounds in Queenstown with the missus where we also had heaps of fun. With that in mind I'd conned her into coming along to Paeroa (you know Hell is going through a cold snap when you see my missus trackside) by bribing her with the promise of a few days checking out Coromandel afterwards. But it looks like I'll be on a shovel doing the landscaping at home instead....bugger.

The whole saga sounds depressing Spud ... It's a bloody shame it didn't come together for ya ... plus you could have called in to see me when you got to Whitianga ! I myself have passed on Paeroa for the last few years mainly because my bike got burnt to a cinder there in 2009 but also because I came to the conclusion that it's not especially good value .... ie cost vs track time. Factor in the carnage issue and the heat (waiting on the dummy grid in that heat just does my head in) I eventually decided that the cool clear seawater here on the Coromandel was a preferable alternative. However, having said that, I made that decision after about 6-8 yrs of racing there and will say without hesitation that it's farkin exciting, scary, sphincter clenching fun and I'm pretty stoked I have done it. ( Shame it had to end in a fireball but errr ... that's street racing for ya !!)

It would be a real shame to see the event dissappear ... it's clearly not what it was in years gone by but I reckon that's due to the economy rather than the meeting. In this age of pc crap it's awesome that motorcycle racers can still do something that has been happening here for decades. Support and saviour it boys, cos it probably won't go on forever and then it'll be just a memory.

But to your initial point spud ..... officious organisers etc ... well with respect mate, the entry is clear on no late entries and then she did relent. Obviously her mannerisms and customer service were not particularily great but perhaps she was sick of racers ringing her for a late entry, snowed under from doing her volunteer job in the orgainizing bit etc ..... just sayin mate ... people get pissed off sometimes when they probably shouldn't.

[Deano]

Maybe I'm just slow, but why can't you cunts get your entries in on time ?

Not the reason I'm not participating this year.

[wharfy]

Not really the point is it?

Not the point of this thread but probably the point of having $500 late entry fee :)

[slowpoke]

The whole saga sounds depressing Spud ... It's a bloody shame it didn't come together for ya ... plus you could have called in to see me when you got to Whitianga ! I myself have passed on Paeroa for the last few years mainly because my bike got burnt to a cinder there in 2009 but also because I came to the conclusion that it's not especially good value .... ie cost vs track time. Factor in the carnage issue and the heat (waiting on the dummy grid in that heat just does my head in) I eventually decided that the cool clear seawater here on the Coromandel was a preferable alternative. However, having said that, I made that decision after about 6-8 yrs of racing there and will say without hesitation that it's farkin exciting, scary, sphincter clenching fun and I'm pretty stoked I have done it. ( Shame it had to end in a fireball but errr ... that's street racing for ya !!)

It would be a real shame to see the event dissappear ... it's clearly not what it was in years gone by but I reckon that's due to the economy rather than the meeting. In this age of pc crap it's awesome that motorcycle racers can still do something that has been happening here for decades. Support and saviour it boys, cos it probably won't go on forever and then it'll be just a memory.

But to your initial point spud ..... officious organisers etc ... well with respect mate, the entry is clear on no late entries and then she did relent. Obviously her mannerisms and customer service were not particularily great but perhaps she was sick of racers ringing her for a late entry, snowed under from doing her volunteer job in the orgainizing bit etc ..... just sayin mate ... people get pissed off sometimes when they probably shouldn't.

Yep, all fair points Ed, which is why I'm not stewing about it and find it pretty funny in retrospect if not at the time, haha.

True, it was only one person, and she may well have been under extreme pressure, but there's no fighting my ginga genes and while it takes a while to light the fuse, once lit it'll damn near burn under water, lol. I wouldn't put up with that sort of response from a sales/service person at Harvey Norman during the mayhem of the Boxing Day sales no matter how cheap something was or how much I wanted it, and same goes for buying this product. Cutting off my nose to spite my face? Definitely, but I struggle with rewarding any crap behaviour.....except my own, lol. I acknowledged it was a long shot during my intial explanation and would have completely understood if all I got was a simple "Sorry, but no." Instead I copped a gobful before a very reluctant OK....and the program hadn't even gone to the printers!

I just don't understand the big deal about admitting late entries. I mean, we're all basically asking "Please can we can come and spend money in your community?" and isn't that the whole point of the event? (as far as Paeroa are concerned) As it is that's probably +$1000 the region will miss out when you factor in gas for my 98 guzzling 4WD (I'm sure it's part submarine and would like to submerge in the stuff), and 4-5 days accommodation/meals etc as we tour around Coromandel....and that's before the missus gets her freak on with the credit card.

I'm not even in the public relations business but the contrast in impressions couldn't be more striking for me: here you are a good bloke making a simple passing comment about hot weather and the cool clear water of the Coromandel and 99% of readers will be going "Hmmmm, that sounds great!".....you've made a positive impression without even trying. It's that easy! Contrast that with the impression I was given by someone in a front line position for the event. It's not rocket science, and it's not hard.

Probably just as well though Ed, knowing what's in your shed and having a trailer on the back, I've got a feeling I'd be asking for forgiveness not permission from my better half and living with the aftermath would have been painful on so many levels. I'll catch you there one day mate, and hopefully you can show me the fast way 'round what is a fun track for sure. Ripping down that main street at serious speed and peeling up/along that levee makes for a unique experience, and I hope the event continues to be well supported.

[onearmedbandit]

Not the point of this thread but probably the point of having $500 late entry fee :)

Nope. They should simply state - "Late entries not accepted", instead of appearing to be just money hungry.