Scott Jones
Thank you to all of the riders that came out to race the TT today at
Revenge of the Disc. Kenny did a great job dealing with the situation we
were handed today and put on a great TT! I hope you all had a lot of fun
with the race and sharing the road with the close to 2000 Cycle Oregon
Weekend riders. There are unfortunately a few things I need to communicate
to all of the riders out there (not just those that attended this race) so
that you can be prepared for future races.
1- Once the first rider starts, the course is CLOSED. Do not ignore the
official and ride on the course anyway. To me this is a respect thing. You
would not like others in your way when you are racing, so please do not do
it to those already racing.
2- Crossing the centerline at anytime is not a good idea, especially if you
are cutting corners to take seconds of your time. TT rules state that you
need to ride as close to the right side of the road as practical (OBRA
Rule 15.5.9). Riding in the middle of the road or right on the yellow line
and holding up traffic is poor behavior. We want to have these races again
and irritating the public does us no good. Yes, they sometimes get in our
way, but we need to set a good example and stay right. Even with the winds
today you could keep your line to the right and ride safely.
3- Riding against the flow of traffic today, especially when the road was
full of cyclists was just a bad idea. Is it that hard to ask that we
respect all of those that were riding today, funny helmets or not? We are
one community, racers and weekend warriors alike. It goes a long way when
we show them respect.
4- Wearing one number in the middle of your back is unacceptable (OBRA Rule
8.5.2). It makes it virtually impossible for finish line officials to read
it as you go flying by at 30+ mph in that tailwind. The two women at the
finish line were not 8 feet tall, so how do you think they can see your
number? There are several of you that will get warnings for this, please do
not do it again. A single number on your side does not slow you down at all
if you pin it tight. This is the rule, so please follow it! In the end it
makes it much easier for officials to do their job and get results right
the first time. For those of you without a result, please let the Chief
Judge know and she can try and figure out who you are with the times that
are missing riders.
Thanks,
Scott Jones
Chief Referee