Ron and Dorothy Strasser
Thanks for sending that Evan. I would have not been so diplomatic. Our cross courses are so great and the crowds of riders and spectators tell the story. If they change the rules, we should just keep on keepin' on with what we got. What we got is GOOD! If cross in other areas of the US does not have the level of participation we have... as you said, they should come see what we are doing right. I think "inclusive" is a key point. The more exclusive a group becomes, the more they think there view of things is the only correct view. Lets not go there... lets let people race and have fun! That openess is what makes our cross scene so positive for so many. We produce alot of top riders and thousands of excited folks.
ron
----- Original Message -----
From: Evan MacKenzie
To: MotorRef@peoplepc.com
Cc: obra@list.obra.org
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 2:18 PM
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Proposed USCF rule changes for 'cross
To Jim Allen, USCF Western Section Trustee-
Jim-
I have read the proposed rule changes for cyclocross (text copied below) and I feel compelled to comment.
Here in Oregon and Washington, cyclocross has become immensely popular. It is not uncommon to have more than 700 racers show up for any of our local "Cross Crusade" races in the Portland area (http://www.crosscrusade.com/). One of the reasons cyclocross is so popular here is because it is so spectator-friendly, and fun for the racers as well. Someone who is a spectator this year may be a racer next year. Our courses vary in terrain, but all offer their challenges. Some of the obstacles you might see in a local race include rock clumps, logs, monstrous puddles, run-ups that may be virtually impossible without spikes, large above-ground cement utility vaults, and yes, the obligatory barriers. At some races you might see a "six-pack" of barriers. Heck, at the annual Halloween race you might even have to ride or portage over a fake coffin. Yes, some of the juniors and beginners may have some trouble on the worst run-ups and obstacles. But you know what? Not only do they add to the challenge, they add to the sense of accomplishment, and they also add to the fun, both for riders and spectators. Riders love the challenge of clearing obstacles, and spectators love it when they don't. You won't see a group of 100 people at one of our local races cheering and beating drums and other assorted sound-making devices in front of a straight, flat section of the course. They are all over at the obstacles, the barriers, or the nasty sections that are giving everybody trouble. If you crash hard, they cheer hard when you get back on your bike. If you make it, they cheer even more.
If you "dumb down" cyclocross courses, you will lose racers, and then you will lose spectators, and before long you will lose races. This is not the way to grow the sport of cyclocross, and bike racing in general. It is counter-productive.
If for some crazy reason I ever decide to leave Oregon, I will continue to race bikes both on- and off-road, for whatever sanctioning body there is. But I'll tell you one thing for sure, I will miss our OBRA more than I'd miss my big toe. Come on out and watch one of our 'cross races, and see what makes (bike racing in) Oregon so great.
Oh, and please don't adopt this proposed change to the rules. I'd hate to travel a long way for a cyclocross race only to find a single set of barriers and maybe a tiny run-up. What a disappointment!
Evan MacKenzie
Hillsboro, OR
(location of the USGP finale this year)
UR06.22 5A Cyclocross obstacles - submitted by Tom Simonson
Last year we passed legislation permitting more than one set of barriers at some
events. This legislation clarifies that this should be the exception rather than
standard practice, and gives some examples for obstacles and "acrobatics".
Cyclo-cross
5A11. Races which are not UCI events, national championships, or used to qualify
riders for national teams or international competition may have two additional sets of
temporary artificial barriers (3 total). The barriers must meet the specifications in
5A10 and the total number of obstacles may not exceed 6. The addition of
additional temporary barriers should be done only in unusual circumstances
(e.g. local tradition at a particular event or the lack of suitable terrain); the
standard cyclo-cross course should have at most one set of temporary
barriers.
5A12. The course may cross bridges or footbridges provided that they are a
minimum of 3 meters wide and that there is a guard rail on both sides. A non-slip
surface (carpet, wire mesh, or special anti-slip paint) shall be used on bridges and
footbridges. A separate footbridge shall be provided for spectators.
5A13. No acrobatics on the part of the riders shall be required to overcome
obstacles. This includes such items as excessively steep or slippery run-ups
and steps so high that riders have difficulty climbing them.
5A14. Having consulted the Organizer, the Chief Referee may decide that artificial
obstacles shall be removed if the circuit is unusually slippery.
Evan MacKenzie
Urban Planner I
City of Hillsboro
150 E. Main Street, 4th floor
Hillsboro, OR 97123
503-681-6154
evanm@ci.hillsboro.or.us
http://www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/Planning_Department/
Try Hillsboro Maps!
Tons of info on any (addressed) property in Hillsboro
http://hillsboromaps.ci.hillsboro.or.us/hillsboro/index.cfm
------------- __o
---------- _ '\<,_
----------(_)/ (_)______Get on your bikes and ride!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org