Response to Andrew's interview with Brook Watts...

I tried to post this reply to the article, however it had too many words to allow the posted response. This is my response to the interview as part of the chat is aimed towards myslef.

With all due respect towards Brook Watts and Chris Grealish I'm going to assume that the words

"I was crucified by one blogger who after complaining about the fee blogged about a movie he just saw. The thing is, both the movie and CrossVegas are providing entertainment that costs money to produce. Did the theater let him in for free?"

is directed at my words on Addicted to Bicycles. That blog post was a reaction to people's opinions which somewhat reflected mine. If you are familiar with my blog at all, you've got to understand that it is primarily rambling garbage purely for entertainment value which is free to read or never look at, basically sensational editorialism as well as other crap, all for entertainment. The intro page reads as follows and has since day one

"Addicted to Bicycles
A place to come and hide away from life's daily bore, a place to smile and laugh....maybe even cry, a place to reflect on what's really important in life, where you go and who you go with....it's not about the pile of money you get to take with you to the grave folks.....your bank accounts should be a wealth of great experience and good friends. I am indeed a wealthy man. All attempts at humor on the site are just that, attempts. Most is untrue, all is purely entertainment. Larry G"

The post also said this...before I and others I talked with heard the reason for the charges...

"The promoter of this awesome event apparently has run into some type of expense issues (at least I hope that is the reason) with the venue in Vegas, and now plans on charging $8 a head to watch the racing."

I stated an opinion in the style of the blog, at the same time I attempted to qualify what a fantastic event Cross Vegas is, has been and will continue to be. I personally feell XVegas is responsible for the explosion in racer numbers the past two years. Numbers I myself have attmepted to take advantage of by promoting my own CX series, IN THE SPRING, and you know what, people come to race. This was in no way an attempt to judge the character of the promoter, but a decision which was made. At the time of the post I did not know the reason for charging $8 to attend, but people I talked too had made mention of it so it became a blog topic for the day. I think it is important to hear all opinions and move on.
I'm well aware of what Brook Watts and Chris Grealish have done for the world of CX in this country and I have and will continue to respect both of them as icons of the CX promotion world.

With this said, I apologize to the promoters, I'll do it in person as well when I see them in Vegas. I was wrong to judge the decision to charge for the event before I knew why. That said, it should be really fun with a bullseye on my back in the Wheelers and Dealers race, I'll be the old fart riding around in circles with the rest of em, and I'll be watching for the flying elbows and debris!

The bummer of the entire thing is that the crappy movie I went to cost a hell of alot more than watching XVegas will...good on ya, may the water flow under the bridge.

At the same time, if you do find the blog post, I urge you to see the post just prior which promotes the heck out of Cross Vegas...

See you in Vegas.

Larry Grossman
Eagle, Colorado