Everyone: Yesterday I started in Etna working South to speak with local businesses for two reasons: A) to get some real data on how much $$ the race actually brings to the Valley, and B) to collect public opinion and express our views, leave flyers, etc. The results were interesting. Two hotels I spoke with said they fill up every year, Cabin Creek in Thayne stating the turn people away each year. The convenience stores seem to see a bump in revenue, but I have yet to work the East side of the highway which I will try to do today. I had intended to work that North yesterday but found opinions so strong, and people so willing to talk, that businesses were closed by the time I was finished in Afton. 3 businesses were indifferent or did not know about revenue. 2 reported good results (hotels) 13 vehemently expressed that it hurts their trade as the locals stay home and/or people cannot get to their stores. On the hotels, it seems we pick the customers up on the return trip after the race as its too costly to stay in Jackson so they overnight here then return home sunday. I found very strong public opinion on the issue. The main complaints being road blocking, bathroom usage, and garbage. One gal said she has seen them empty coolers complete with food and garbage right in her business parking lot. Another reported they have a sort of groomed pull out as part of their business and picked up 2 garbage bags worth from that area after the race. 5 people complained of seeing them urinating publicly, with one reporting a male defecating in one of her lilac bushes. 5 was the total number complaining of that issue, but complaints of littering and traffic blocking were too numerous to count. On the road issue, two main complaints: the support cars going out of their way to block traffic and allow the entire travel lane for the cyclists, and B) the attitude of those doing so. It seems hand gestures and shouting are common. I have witnessed this myself many times. A representative of a utility company reports being unable to reach a Jackson destination on an emergency call despite using flashing lights and horn. A local farmer, for whom this is grain harvest time, says it takes so long to get equipment moved in that effort it creates major problems for him and his employees. Time is short this morning so I will not espouse all of what I heard. The vast majority of people I spoke with are like myself. We recognize the inherent value of the race, we appreciate the effort of the competitors, and are impressed with the charity aspect. However, we also take issue with how they are allowed to run in Star Valley. The public indecency, littering and road hogging must stop, as must the belligerent attitude of the participants. We all agree, if they ran within the rules and the Law, no problem. This will be going via email to council members, Brent Chambers, race organizer, SV chamber of Commerce, Governor Meads office, and local representatives as well as law enforcement and other concerned parties. I thank you for your time. Regards, Jim Further updates as events warrant.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:18:47 +0000
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