Rick Johnson
2009-04-27
Jason,
I don't know what course you raced but the one I raced (Cat 1) wasn't
"mostly covered in snow" nor was it even "half covered in snow". Yes,
there was quite a bit of snow relative to just about any other race
I've done (but not rides). Yes, some stretches seemed long time wise
when they were being ran (or walked). But please throttle back on the
hyperbole. I'd give an honest estimate that the snow sections in total
did not exceed two miles. And I think I may even be exaggerating that.
Rick
Rick Johnson
Bend, Oregon"We must, indeed, all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."
-- Benjamin Franklin
Jason Shucker wrote:
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Don.
I truly apologize for calling you what I did. At the time my
emotions were running high, coupled with Monday morning work
annoyances! I had talked to my friend(s) about the race, and thought
it sucked that they drove all that way only to be greeted with a course
that was mostly covered in snow. Especially considering prior to the
race all course updates were 'clear of snow'
I had read a couple of prior posts about 'quit your whining' and
'go race on the road' yours was the one that set me off! And I reacted
out of emotion and not with my head.
However, to everyone that responded with 'quit your whining and
go race on the road' No one has been 'whining' all any of complainers
have asked for is a fair warning about course conditions if they are
above and beyond what is to be expected. A bit of gravel on the road,
no need to report that Plumber. A course half covered in snow, yeah it
should be. For no other reason so that people can come prepared.
Obviously people can't predict the crazy weather of spring time in the
NW, but snow covering the course was not an 'unexpected' weather
event. Its been there for months now, and was not moved/melted.
And a little sarcasm, for all those 'go race on the road'
comments LOL, I can tell those who haven't actually raced on the road.
Unless you think racing in early March, in 35 degrees, sideways rain,
and wind, for 66 miles is 'easy'
Thanks for Listening, and Sorry again
Jason Shucker
PS. Don, you did make one comment that I don't agree with, however I
won't blast you on list anymore. Just remember though Jr Riders are
needed to grow the sport, don't discourage them or their parents from
going to the events.
From: Don
Leet <donoso@bendnet.com>
To: obra@list.obra.org
Sent: Monday, April
27, 2009 2:03:43 PM
Subject: [OBRA Chat]
Mountain bike conditions.
I am sorry if I offended anyone with my email about mountain bike
conditions. My point was to simply enjoy what we are given and make the
best of where we are. I, for some reason, felt that the conditions at
Bear Trap were as I expected. I can't point to an email that said that
so it was probably my experience living in Bend and knowing where the
snow level is at, the other part is I like riding in the snow (at cross
nationals in Bend next year I will be praying for snow.). That does not
mean everyone should. In one of my favorite books (Lord of the Rings)
Gandalf tell Frodo We do not choose when we live we only choose what we
do with the time we are given. That is how I live my life. I ride bikes
to have fun so I try to find the fun even when the conditions are
harsh. This is my way and I am not suggesting for a second it be yours.
I do suggest that if conditions make a huge difference you find out
about them. I would also agree that the organizers of Bear Trap are a
little hard to get hold of.
I would like the OBRA chat list to be civil. Though we may disagree on
what we think is fun I feel that OBRA is the cycling family of Oregon
and to be called a name for having a different opinion hurts. I will
try to make sure my comments do not offend, though I will try to
include some humor.
Don Leet
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