b hamon
Spencer wrote:
"as a SS racer i take issue with the completely different skill sets
involved in the women's and ss races. once upon a time, the single
speeds were for chumps who couldnt or wouldnt race. its about the
ride, not about the speed. with the advent of the 'blinglespeeds' that
has changed and many of us are competitive..."
And I respond:
As a "chump" (read: newbie racer) with a singlespeed that is decidedly lacking in "bling", I'm not sure how to take this. Should I be offended? Should I be resolved to somehow get faster in a hurry? Lacking that ability, should I continue to race even though I will surely be lapped by the leaders long before it's over? (If I am racing in the Beginner class, against women half my age, should I be even doing it on a singlespeed? I've noticed that not many Beginners do.)
When is racing about winning, and when is it about having a safe, fun experience? And where is the overlap between these states? Should there BE an overlap? Or should races be set aside for the truly "competitive" to race apart from those who are new to the scene?
My own experiences as a first-year racer have been overwhelmingly positive. Organizers and other racers have been friendly and encouraging. More experienced racers who found themselves lapping me have almost always called out that they were passing (and I DO appreciate that!). I have finished at or near the back of my category each time, exhausted from the effort but still smiling. Above all, I have been reminded CONSTANTLY by those around me that I should go out and have fun, no matter what. And believe me, I've been having the time of my life.
It seems that, while there is plenty of room for the highly competitive rider to excel, the Portland Short-track XC Series is designed to be especially welcoming to those who are new to racing. I hope that it will remain that way, and I greatly look forward to racing again next Monday night.
Happy riding! --Beth Hamon
http://bikelovejones.livejournal.com
http://veloquent.blogspot.com