John Henry
I'm a Cat 4 rider who has done PIR many times. I think the motorcycle
idea is a good one, it will give us a definite time to neutralize. Part
of the problem with the 3/4 group is (1)riders yelling to neutralize way
too soon, or (2)way too late when the 1/2/3's are already on us.
(1) Some riders call to neutralize before the 1/2/3's are even close.
This causes dissention among the group, some neutralize, some say "not
yet". On one Tuesday night we had been given the bell at the last lap,
with less than a mile to go someone spots the 1/2/3's on the other side
of the track and yells "Neutralize!". There was no way they would catch
us, so most didn't neutralize. A few who did try made it dangerous for
everyone else behind them. I witnessed one crash as a result.
Most of the time communication is good and we have an early warning that
the pack is getting close and to get ready to neutralize. But not
always, leading to.....
(2)The 1/2/3's are on us and yelling to neutralize. What happens then is
the 3/4 group riding at the inside of the track attempts to move to the
outside as we've been told. Unfortunately this doesn't happen fast
enough and sometimes we're told by the 1/2/3's to stay inside by some,
outside by others and nobody knows which way to go.
I think the motorcycle will solve these problems. If that isn't
available each week I have a suggestion:
How about neutralizing to the "inside"? It's where we already are, all
we have to do is slow down and they can pass us on the side that is
already open. I know it's not the "traditional" way to do it, but if it
works we're all happy. Just something for consideration.
Thanks to all who make PIR worth coming to.
(I drive 80 miles from Albany each Tuesday)
John Henry
Candi Murray wrote:
We are going to try something new this week. Andy Eglitis is going to
bring his motorcycle out and run interference. He will lead the Cat
1/2/3
around until they begin to catch the 3/4's. At that time he will jump
ahead of the 3/4's and slow them down until the pass is complete. At
this
time the 3/4's will slow down and not attempt to jump in with the
1/2/3's.
As always we are open to suggestions and comments.
Candi