VitaMN story

So VitaMN published a story about Stupor Bowl, written by Amber Schadewald that starts off this way:

Every year, on the weekend of Super Bowl Sunday, Minneapolis hosts one of the largest, longest-running bike races of its kind. It attracts riders from across the country and gains attention from bike communities worldwide. What race is this, you ask? Shhh. It's a secret. The first rule of this race is: Do not talk about the race.

But what happens when an underground event celebrates its 12th year and grows to nearly 400 participants? It's only natural that it will muster some outside curiosity, and come to a crossroads. The name of the race (read quietly): the Stupor Bowl, which takes place on Saturday.

Acquiring information for a story on the event was a legitimate pain. Dozens of voice mails and e-mails went unanswered, and this year's organizers refused to comment. Fans of the race seem to have made a pact of silence, citing valid concerns of being shut down if the race gets too big. Racers are also worried about legal issues and police interference, especially after seeing the popular Critical Mass group rides turned into a police-led parade.

So after it is made clear to the author that the race organizer's in no way want to be part of her story and that they want as little attention as possible, she ignored their wishes and published the piece. I am all for journalistic integrity and the people's right to know but we're not talking about a politicians past or a major news story, we're talking about Stupor Bowl. A counter culture event that wants nothing to do with the mainstream public and who's very existence is threatened by mainstream attention such as this.

Her selfish disregard for the wishes of the people who organize and created this race threatens this race, future races, and the alleycat scene in general.

Amber, you have done a great disservice to the cycling community of Minneapolis, I hope in the future you will not help destroy the very things you seek to report on.
Shame on you and this terrible lapse in judgement. Going ahead with this story was a total dick move.