Haverty, Chris
Absolutely. OBRA races should have all kinds of finishes - uphill, downhill and flat.
Having said that, the BB series typically has a mix (2 downhill and 1 uphill finish) that gives riders with different talents a chance to do well. So, I think having an uphill finish in BB2, even on this years clockwise direction, would be a good thing.
Ride safe,
Chris
Brian Ratliff wrote:
No offense, but me being who I am, I'd be very sad if every finish in the OBRA schedule was a slow uphill finish. Sprinters wouldn't have a place in the schedule anymore.
2008/3/3 r r :
I agree. An uphill finish would be better as far as safety and true competition.
I've been racing the BB's for years, and have seen some (possible understatement) god awful crashes (people ambulanced out and even life-flighted) occur because of this downhill finish in the dip that the line is in. Being in the dip provides just too much speed for the close quarter chaos of the whole pack trying to sprint. Especially in the less experience fields.
Didn't Silverton last year teach us any lesson at all about downhill finishes and safety issues in the peloton at the finish. How many more tragic accidents need to occur before changes are made, in not just the BB's but every race that has a sprint heading downhill to the line. Yes, there was no crash yesterday, but its like an active volcano or fault line, its only a matter of time till another horrible one happens again. Lets make it a more safe finish, and a finish where the stronger riders will truly prevail (which is that not the point of competition; that the stronger and/or more talented athlete prevails). At the BB's, there is optimal scenarios for a finish line, with plenty of wide spots in the shoulder to accommodate the van/tent/camera. It will just mean you may have to ride a WHOLE mile back to the lot instead.
Safety should be of the up most importance in a bicycle race.
V
Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2008 16:37:20 -0800
From: riznob@gmail.com
To: jeff.mitchem@gmail.com
CC: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Banana Belt Updates
Can we at least move the finnish to a hill? Pretty please.
-Rob Anderson
2008/3/3 Jeff Mitchem :
Thank you volunteers, thank you officials, thank you riders for an awesome BB#1. Following are a few updates as we prepare for BB#2.
- Pre-Registered Riders. NO LONG LINE next race. All you need to do is check-in at registration when you arrive.....no paper work, no exchange of $, this will be a verbal check that you are present on race day.
- Un-registered Riders. We will have extra registration staff on hand with multiple lines so you wont have to wait as long.
- Course Direction. Due to really bad road conditions in the outer lane we will maintain course direction and not reverse direction as advertised in the flyer.
- Bicycleattornery.com Men 1/2 Hot Spot Cash. Thank you to the Bicycle Attorney for donating $200 winner-take-all cash money for the Men 1/2 hot spots. BB#1 winners were Evan Elken and ?....not sure yet who won the second hot spot but when I find out, they have $100 coming. Look for more cash hot spots next week....
- Volunteers. Please confirm by replying to this email if you are interested in volunteering for BB#2. I need to know if you are racing and when, and what position you prefer. Compensation is free BB entry or 2 free PIRs + parking fee.
- Field Size. When it comes to pelotons, SIZE MATTERS. So, be aware that all size challenged pelotons (less than 6 riders) will be combined with other fields.
- Comments Welcome. Please reply with comments, questions, recommendations, offers, etc...
stay tuned for more....
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Rob Anderson
riznob@gmail.com
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