Debra Krichko

I disagree with combining all the women - I rarely show to the races that combine the fields for women. I support the races that have a separate Cat 4 and / or a separate Master's category for women whenever I can. I think a lot of women in this age / category like to race, but aren't fanatical about it and a separate women's masters group or Cat 4 group gives them the opportunity to participate without being in the more competitive and serious 1/2/3 mix. For me it's about distance and ability. I can ride a 56 mile ride by myself anytime - so I don't see the motivation to drive and pay to do it if I will be dropped every race (and when the fields are mixed - it splits up fast.) I don't race to win, but I don't race to ride alone either. When there are large numbers - for example in the Men's Cat 3 - then you will have an opportunity to ride with others when dropped. When you have 10 women - spread across 3 categories, it's not very likely you'll have anyone to finish with.

I've seen a large number of Master women riders drop out of racing over the past 8 years and their excuse has been that they aren't serious enough about racing that they can stay with the combined group and so they don't enjoy racing. I've also seen a lot of Cat 4's drop out when they are upgraded to a 3 because the next level is a big jump. These women still ride and race cyclocross or triathlons, etc. They just don't want to road race any longer. The idea is to get more women to participate at each level - I don't think combining the groups will do that. The Even Steven race a few years ago had every category split out and it was the highest turnout of women racers I've ever seen. It was good marketing and it was also really fun.

PIR has had a good Novice turnout - I think it's important to encourage the strongest few in that group to move to the Senior group after a few wins. This keeps it at a Novice level for those coming in and allows the stronger, more experienced riders to move up. But if you just throw everyone together - the beginners will quit coming, or get dropped and never learn to ride in a group and you also have safety issues with mixing the inexperienced with those who have been out there for years.

I don't know why fewer women seem to be showing up at the races lately, but I don't think combining the fields is the solution.

Debbi