Damian
To all who care:
I know that there are some of the racers from this weekend that aren't too
impressed with how the Mudslinger turned out. To you I apologize that
your experience wasn't more enjoyable. I also want to give you a little
idea of what I had to deal with and take care of on Sunday. First I had
about 10 volunteers not show up that I was counting on. How would you
deal with that if you were in charge? Then I was told by the powers that
be with the Research Forest that my aid stations weren't put out when they
had been there for about an hour. All the while I was trying to figure
out how I would make up for the lack of volunteers showing up. Now it's
time to take out the course martials in 2 groups to cover ground faster.
When I finished that I was trying to get back for the start of the race,
but was running late so I missed the start of my project. The race
started around 10-15 minutes late which by race standards is pretty good.
Before I even got back to the cabin I got a call about an injury on the
course (broke arm) and misdirections to where he was. After driving all
around looking for him and finally getting to him I'm told that the course
martials from the other vehicle were placed wrongly. Because of the speed
of the course by the time I figured everything out a large group had
already gone off course. I felt terrible, but was glad that It was fixed
before the sports and pro/experts went through. If and when some of you
move up you'll appreciate that you went off course when you were a
beginner and not in a more competitive class. When something went wrong
who do you think the volunteers call???? This doesn't even give you half
of what I was dealing with in the span of 1 1/2 hours. I had respect for
race promoters before this event and I have 10 times more respect now.
This race was put on by young adults ranging from 18-23, all who are
full time college students, hold jobs and train and race on a regular
basis. The awards were hand made and original (which you don't see often)
and offered added personality to the longest (and one of the largest)
running races in Oregon that wouldn't have happened this year without the
OSU Cycling Club. This wouldn't have happened without the 30 VOLUNTEERS
that took the time to help out. I challenge all of you out there to take
a weekend off from racing and volunteer because I'm sure the promoters
could use your help. Also I challenge you to thank each and every
promoter for taking time out of his/her life to put on a race, even if
people went off course or results took a long time. Those of you who
thanked me and my crew in person and via email are very appreciated (there
were even ones that were sent the wrong way). Thank you and if OSU gives
it the O.k. maybe I'll see some of you at the OSU Campus Criterium on May
13th. If not I'll see you at the races and next years Mudslinger.
Beaver GRRRRRR!!!!
Damian Schmitt, OSU Cycling Club President/Mudslinger Promoter