From Bruce's FB:
Hi everyone – I felt that you were all due an explanation of the issues I have had with HAMR and the ‘official’ record status.
Firstly, I would like to thank all of you for your on-going support. It really gives me energy to keep pushing. Thank you. Thanks also to my sponsors who have been great in helping me with this record attempt.
Prior to starting the record attempt, I was contacted by a number of people who recommended HAMR but I would need to register with them in order for them to officiate. I wondered as to how that would benefit me as a rider – as I am already being ‘officiated’ by Guinness – who are World renowned with record attempts and validation. However, after some thought, I conceded and explained to HAMR that I would like to join them and appear on their league tables.
At this stage, I was informed that there was a $300 registration fee. It seemed steep, but I paid.
I commenced the record attempt on January 1st. Since then I was contacted by HAMR to explain that I also needed to pay my annual membership fee – another $30. I had assumed this would be covered in the previous payment of $300 – it wasn’t. I was also informed that in addition to my Garmin, I would need to provide a live tracking device. I offered a iPhone based app (Find my Friend) which would enable the organisation to verifiy my Garmin records.
I was informed that this would not be acceptable as they required me to provide a tracking device that ALL MEMBERS of the group could follow. Real time. I was also told that a single piece of technology would acceptable – a further $200
From a personal security perspective, I have a major issue with every single member of the public able to know exactly where I am (more importantly – where I am not) at any time of the day. My living space will be compromised, and there is no ‘Privacy Zone’ setting. I have no issue in any single member of the HAMR organisation using a tracking device for me – but not the general public.
Further to this – I provided an excellent means of doing this, but it was found to be unacceptable. I don’t have the money or the desire to purchase an additional device. I also feel that my $300 should have been sufficient to cover all fees for a self-appointed organisation.
Please also bear in mind that all of this is going on WHILE I am trying to ride 340km a day, with no support. 11-13hrs in the saddle leaves little time for admin or discussion.
As such, I was informed that I had been disqualified by HAMR – ironically, given I had not paid the $30 membership fee, I assume I was never actually registered to be disqualified anyway.
It is a shame – but it takes nothing away from my attempt. I feel that HAMR should be encouraging me, not providing road-blocks.
Thank you for understanding. And for taking the time to read this and also supporting me. It means a lot to me. The attempt will continue with Guinness providing validation.
Tommy Goodwin probably owes HAMR $300 too
wink emoticon
Not saying he's right, but I think there is a rationale there. Wait and see what Guiness say, I think...
