So, my A race is cancelled. WWYD?

[mrs.jacinthe]

I got the official email a few minutes ago.  Other than sobbing uncontrollably over something stupid, I need to come up with a plan, so I now have a WWYD.

I can't cancel the hotel - it was through Priceline and I didn't buy the trip insurance (not that it would have mattered, I'm not injured or ill).  So I'm out that $250.  Plus the $115 for the race registration (no refunds) and $60 for the kayak reservation.

However, we were going to board the dog, get a petsitter for Cat, and drive down (through Death Valley, which is ALSO closed.  SIGH), so there's another $500+ that's still unspent.  I have three options and I'm not thinking clearly at the moment.  WWYD?

A) Cancel everything I can and stay home.  We lose $420+ and get nothing.
B) Cancel the dog's boarding reservation and take her with us (we were leaving her here due to not wanting to leave her in a hotel for 8 hours during the race).  Enjoy a little mini vacation.  We lose $800 (including gas and meals), but get a 5 day vacation away from home.
C) Leave the dog in boarding and take the vacation without her (which should be more relaxing).  We lose $1100 total.

If you have another suggestion, I'd love to hear it.  I'm so bummed right now I just want to sit down and cry.

[venice2007]

Oh man that stinks! Sorry! I'd do a mini vacation
Boooooo this is awful. So so sorry

[lb2006]

I would do B - save the money on boarding, get to keep your pup with you AND get to vacation. I'm so sorry

[cinco]

I'm so sorry I would still go and get a little vacation out of it, which is what we did after the hurricane last year. I was renting a room from my Aunt and Uncle, and they weren't going to board anyone misplaced from the storm. That part of NYC was in good shape anyway.

[Susie]

I'd probably do B too. I'm so sorry.

[gt7301b]

I'd do B. Have you called Priceline? I've had them refund me a non-refundable room before when my flight was canceled due to weather. It can't hurt to at least give them a call.

[Wines Not Whines]

I'm so sorry. I'd probably do B.

[Raggedeannie]

Oh no! I've been thinking about you. So sorry

[runaways]

I'd go with option B as well. I'm so, so sorry. I can't imagine how upset I would be.

[G22]

I'm sorry I'd go with option B at the very least. You need something to cheer you up. Take the vacation.

[hannahb]

Plan B. Sorry the race got cancelled. Is there another race soon you can do?

[mrs.jacinthe]

Oct 1, 2013 17:27:58 GMT -5 hannahb said:

Plan B. Sorry the race got cancelled. Is there another race soon you can do?

I wish.  There's really not a lot left until next May unless I want to fly to Texas (I don't).  The only alternative would be to throw myself on the mercy of the organizers for an Alcatraz swim for later this year.  Most of them are already full, but maybe if they get a cancellation?

*sigh*

[trigal]

Go on vacation!! I have no advice about the dog as I don't know how much that would change your experience.

[pamela]

Check with your CC that you paid the registration through for a possible refund. You did not receive the product or service you paid for.

[kams]

I'm so, so sorry . I'd probably go with B, and then try to squeeze in to an Alcatraz swim

[zoidberg]

They canceled the race but are keeping all the entry fees? That seems pretty crappy.

[beckbech]

Agree that it's ridiculous they cancelled the race and aren't refunding registration fees. I used to work for a huge theater and our tickets had a "no refunds or exchange" policy but if we, or the artist, cancelled, everybody got refunds or switched to a rescheduled date. I'd check into disputing with your credit card company.

[sadlebred]

Most races are "no refunds." Keep in mind that the promoter has already had to pay out their expenses...police, facility rentals, prizes, porta-potties, food, advertising/marketing, etc. It is not the promoter's fault that the government shut down (that there was a tornado/thunderstorm/3 feet of snow/act of God). They still have to cover their expenses. It sucks, but it's a fact of racing. If the promoter cannot at least cover their expenses, they are likely to go under. At least in cycling, many events are promoted by an individual or local bike club. Neither really have the resources to "eat" the expenses they have already put out. I've had races cancelled on me on more than one occasion. It stinks but is sometimes unavoidable.

IMO, the promoter should offer a partial refund (minus their expenses) or allow the entry to transfer another one of their events or to next year's race. That is a fair compromise and often happens in cycling when events have to be cancelled.

[zoidberg]

Oct 2, 2013 8:09:05 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

IMO, the promoter should offer a partial refund (minus their expenses) or allow the entry to transfer another one of their events or to next year's race. That is a fair compromise and often happens in cycling when events have to be cancelled.

This was what I was thinking. I know they have expenses, but surely they have not already spent every single penny of those entry fees. Either a partial refund or a transfer (or even a discount on next year equivalent to a partial refund) would be fair.

[mrs.jacinthe]

They've said they'll email with a discount off next year's race. Unfortunately, this was my "big bang" at this event. Next year is not going to happen for me. It's a bummer.

That said, I do totally understand about the race fee being nonrefundable. They've already paid all kinds of fees, bought food and shirts, etc. The money is gone and while I probably won't participate next year, I'd hate for a cancellation to put the LSC in a bind, financially, and make OWSs even LESS common and more expensive. So ... I get it. I don't like it, but I understand and get it.

[katinthehat]

mrs.jacinthe - no joke. If you can get a cheap ticket and want to fly down here for this - snappingtortuga.com/ (which may be the race you're referring) I'm more than happy to have you stay at our house and I'll drive you guys around. I was looking for a reason to enter the 500m race myself

[mrs.jacinthe]

Oct 2, 2013 16:35:36 GMT -5 katinthehat said:

mrs.jacinthe - no joke. If you can get a cheap ticket and want to fly down here for this - snappingtortuga.com/ (which may be the race you're referring) I'm more than happy to have you stay at our house and I'll drive you guys around. I was looking for a reason to enter the 500m race myself

katinthehat  - You are AWESOME.  Seriously.  I just want to hug the crap out of you for even offering. 

The snapping tortuga is a little too soon to make it work - we're actually on the road to use our vacation in Vegas and will be there through Sunday.  I was looking at the bale of tortugas 10k though, so you got the right series on the first try!  However, as a solo swimmer, I am doubtful that they would have any spots left, since it was only open to the first 15 people.  Additionally, I've never actually completed a 5k race (have previously stopped at 2.4) and have no qualifying time, so I doubt they'd take me. 

[katinthehat]

Oct 3, 2013 10:31:53 GMT -5 mrs.jacinthe said:

Oct 2, 2013 16:35:36 GMT -5 katinthehat said:

mrs.jacinthe - no joke. If you can get a cheap ticket and want to fly down here for this - snappingtortuga.com/ (which may be the race you're referring) I'm more than happy to have you stay at our house and I'll drive you guys around. I was looking for a reason to enter the 500m race myself

katinthehat  - You are AWESOME.  Seriously.  I just want to hug the crap out of you for even offering. 

The snapping tortuga is a little too soon to make it work - we're actually on the road to use our vacation in Vegas and will be there through Sunday.  I was looking at the bale of tortugas 10k though, so you got the right series on the first try!  However, as a solo swimmer, I am doubtful that they would have any spots left, since it was only open to the first 15 people.  Additionally, I've never actually completed a 5k race (have previously stopped at 2.4) and have no qualifying time, so I doubt they'd take me. 

well if you ever want to put that race on your calendar - the offer stands!