Am I the only contributor on this thread who keeps pointing out that the athletic competitions are being held in a NATIONAL PARK? And that the vast majority of people visiting a NATIONAL PARK have an right to expect a PRISTINE experience? And not have to dodge cyclists in the middle of the road, be unable to use scenic overlooks because they're clogged with aid stations and SAG vehicles? I mean, people plan trips to DV for months, spend thousands of $$ getting there, only to find the place is virtually shutdown due to an athletic competition?
So, if holding these events in DV is OK/legal, then why can't some outfit due base jumping competitions off El Capitan? Or do laps in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool? Those are in National Parks, so fair's fair.
So, let's cut the crap about the long arm of the government, nanny state, etc, etc. The Park Service has a right to re-evaluate holding athletic competitions in National Parks from time-to-time.
And Steve - I think if you dig a bit deeper into the closure of that part of the creek it's due to increased water temps, and until it returns to safe levels, it will remain closed. Is that unreasonable? There's lots of other hot springs. You just have to know where to look.
