Hugh Givens
Thanks again to those of you who helped make POC a success. A couple of behavior issues aside, things seemed to go pretty well. I appreciate all of the messages of support I have received. But truly, this event could not happen at all without a great staff of volunteers from the Presto Velo/bicycleattorney.com team.
The gravel section once again proved challenging and decisive, and caused little trouble. My informal survey tells me that riders with 25mm+ tubular tires were most successful. But those with narrow, lightweight, high-pressure clinchers had the most flats.
Thanks again to our sponsors Bike N Hike, Hopworks, Cyclesoles, Enzo's, Kiwi Outdoor Rep Group, Nancy's, SNC Nutrition Center, KoolStop, and Elk Cove Vineyards.
Unclaimed prizes will be available at Bike N Hike on SE Grand Avenue after 3:00 today:
MASTERS 50+
1. Joe Hamilton: TROPHY + prizes
2. Michael Wilson
3. David Miller
4. Rich Desmond
MASTERS MEN 4/5
4. Rob Bingham
MASTERS MEN 1/2
4. Todd Rosler
5. Mike Stockton
MEN 3
5. Antonio Castaneda
MEN 1/2
11. Sam Nicoletti
12. Ross Brody
13. Brant Buchholz
14. David Root
15. Mike Palmer
WOMEN 1/2
4. Emily Charbonneau
A final note about "the incident":
The core issue issue is not about the biological need to relieve oneself - it is no great revelation that everyone does it. Nor is it an issue of cultural acceptability to perform this biological act in view of others.
It is about respect.
Respect for a small community. Respect for the property owner. Respect for the school superintendent who gave us permission to use the staging venue. Respect for the county public works officials who permitted us to race on the roads. Respect for the race promoter. Respect for the OBRA organization and its officials and members.
I spent yesterday morning writing letters of apology to to my school and county contacts in advance of the inevitable complaints they will receive today. These people have enough to deal with already; why should they cooperate with with an outside organization that is just going to cause them problems? They don't need us as much as we need them, folks.
I think the take away here is that we ALL need to be much more aware of our actions in public - whether out on a training ride or at a race. Despite our Pro-Tour gear, and elite, athletic, good looks, we're just not as cool and beloved as we think we are. And we are the ones with everything to lose.
HG