Steven Beardsley
I know the cyclocross season is almost over (Make sure to support
the Psychocross series and come out to Kruger's CX), but if you are doing
some season ending reflection today, please read along.
I was disappointed to hear about a negative interaction between a racer in
the Cat 1/2 race and some spectators at Barton Park yesterday. While I
wasn't there when it happened, I could certainly hear the bullhorn
projecting for most of the race. And even heard from someone who had to
leave that particular area because it was getting disturbing. Apparently
one of the racers had beer thrown on them when the stopped to talk with the
heckler. Totally not appropriate at any cyclocross race that does not
include the SSCXWC acronym.
I also ran across this article from Courteney McFadden this morning:
http://www.courtenaymcfadden.com/blog/2018/11/19/theres-no-place-for-heckling-in-cyclocross
While I don't agree with everything Courteney says in the article, I think
it gives some insight into how some people view heckling at races.
If you haven't read the Cyclocross Crusade Code of Conduct, you can see it
here: http://www.crosscrusade.com/code-of-conduct/. These are generally
good points to think about when you are getting ready to blurt something
out across the course tape.
Code of Conduct:
(a) Be decent and kind to one another, and treat each other with the same
respect you would like to receive.
(b) Follow all crew members’ and officials’ instructions without question
or hesitation.
(c) Have fun and participate well.
(d) Be active in building and promoting the community of cyclocross.
Overall I would encourage you to support your fellow racers and give them a
few light verbal jabs where appropriate. Save the heavy handed heckles for
your friends or people you are certain won't mind it. I know when I am
digging in the pain cave, a good creative heckle from the sidelines always
brings a smile to my face. But, just remember that, as with most things in
life, consent is the key.