this is probably the least important example of this phenomenon, but I thought it was pretty funny when they started mentioning it in coaches meetings this year. most chip-timed races in the past did include a note in passing that they wanted the chips back at the end, but they're going REALLY heavy on that this year and lately, more races are using an actual camera finish - which is kind of a pain for XC.

anyhow, i kind of liked that intruding on one of the dumber parts of my dumb little life. even a bunch of sticky teenagers shuffling around a giant, grassy, suburban park while their rich parents clap aimlessly are impacted by production and supply chain issues. world is a big, weird, and connected place.