Dan H
MessageThe first mountain bike race I competed in was the '87 Mud Slinger. I don't recall if there was a NORBA yet but I was told I could use my USCF license. At registration when they saw I was Cat II on the road, they said I would have to be a pro. I said, "I don't wanna be a pro! I've never race a mountain bike before and Tinker is here!". The registering official just looked at me and said: "you're a pro".
----- Original Message -----
From: Ron and Dorothy Strasser
To: mike.murray@obra.org ; obra@list.obra.org
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2006 9:51 AM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] CCX Upgrades
Folks,
my two cents worth,
My first year of mountain bike racing I was told to upgrade (from beginner to sport) about mid season. I had actually already made that decision and sent in my entry for the next race as a sport. I experienced immediate benefit on my first sport race as it showed me that not only could I do the tougher race, but also enjoy it. It also gave me a concept of what I would be going through the next season. I ended up having enough points from beginner to finish toward the top anyway, but was rewarded more by the confidence gained in racing sport the remainder of the season. I do understand folks in the crusade series wanting to finish up high in their cat. instead of moving up. The cross season is short compared to the mtb season. I am not sure what I feel is right, but my move up in mtb helped me. It made me a better rider... now I try to "maintain", which is the tough part.
ride fast and take lots of chances!
ron
----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Murray
To: obra@list.obra.org
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 3:54 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] CCX Upgrades
George's idea has merit but the devil is in the details. Even though the rules allow for it, a rider would never be upgraded and excluded from a stage race because he went over the points limit in the first stages. On the other hand there are series events that span months. A rider that wins every race that he enters should probably not still be competing in the Cat 5 races at PIR while winning Cat 2 races at other venues. There are rare riders that start the season as Cat 5 and end as Cat 2.
Mike Murray
-----Original Message-----
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On Behalf Of GEORGE SCHRECK
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2006 09:40 AM
To: djshanks@comcast.net
Cc: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] CCX Upgrades
I have no problem with upgrading and I do not like sandbagging. My only point is that in a series where there are cumulative points, I do race for a placing in the series, regardless of the prizes, and by upgrading someone in the middle of a series, it prevents them from competing in the series. It also, makes the series results for the other competitors less meaningful as well.
It is like upgrading someone in the middle of a stage race or omnium. The series is like an omnium, and I think you ought to be able to complete it. You should be upgraded for all other races outside the series, however.
----Original Message----
From: djshanks@comcast.net
Date: 11/10/2006 8:13 AM
To: "GEORGE SCHRECK"
Cc:
Subj: Re: [OBRA Chat] CCX Upgrades
George,
Didn't one of your many emails earlier this year say that as we are amateur bike racers, we shouldn't really be racing for prizes or cash?
I always thought that you get better at a sport by competing against people at a higher level. Why remain as the big fish in a small pool?
Doug Shanks
-------------- Original message --------------
From: GEORGE SCHRECK
Actually, I think there should be a rule that you do not upgrade anyone in the middle of a series. Upgrade them for races outside the series, but let them complete the series in the classification in which they started. Otherwise they are penalized by not having enough points to contend in either class.
I know Mike Murray will respond with "Then propose a rule at the annual meeting," but I am too lazy. I would rather make observations and suggestions which take little effort.
Oops, time for a nap.
----Original Message----
From: jvbiker@gmail.com
Date: 11/09/2006 4:06 PM
To: "comotionclassic@comcast.net"
Cc:
Subj: Re: [OBRA Chat] CCX Upgrades
Comment.
I'm no fan of sandbagging, and I agree with the forced upgrades early in
the season, but it seems unfair to upgrade folks right before the last
crusade race/state champs. It probably ruins their chances for doing
well in the series. This is a general comment about the timing only; I've
not reviewed the race records of any of the riders below. However, if
they were egregiously sandbagging, I figure they'd have been called out
by now.
Cheers,
JV
On 11/9/06, comotionclassic@comcast.net wrote:
The following riders have the points to upgrade.
Scott Carlile - up to Men A
Tim Joslin - up to Men B
Veronica Vega - up to Women A
Aaron Leritz - up to Masters A
Alex Accetta - up to Masters B
Questions, Comments?
Sal Collura
Oregon Bicycle Racing Association
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