FLCC> Fw: [CBRC] USAC vs Dieter, let no one be an island.

[Tamara Lewis]

 Just some information to forward along to all bike racers out there so that
maybe we can stand up and be heard... do what we all can to help correct
this flaw in the system.
 
-------Original Message-------
 
From: cgmcb.1 at juno.com
Date: 11/14/07 20:04:23
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Cc: CBRC at yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CBRC] USAC vs Dieter, let no one be an island.
 
Well, the saga of USAC vs. Dieter continues. 
While most of us have heard of the minor conflicts that resulted from Chuck
Quackenbush’s bid for the NYS Cross Championships last season ( ‘06 ), which
he got, the result was that the ‘07 Championships were awarded to the
Buffalo area. The Capital region made Chuck’s event a resounding success
with the awarding of bells and Champion’s Jerseys, proper facilities, food
and raucous crowds. This fall, as the race date approached for the Buffalo
event, there were many errors in the paperwork and some glaring gaps which
couldn’t be acceptable for proper race promotion. 
It fell to the Regional Coordinator, Dieter Drake, to make a decision, as
the Tuesday before the event, the proper paperwork still hadn’t been
submitted. The decision was to move the event from Buffalo back to it’s ‘06
spot, which made sense both because it was a proven event with solid backing
and because there weren’t any other events available in that time frame.
While, to most of us, this was a simple decision to make, there was such a
cry of ’Foul’ and ’Cronyism’ from the Buffalo Promoter that USAC saw fit to
have Dieter reverse his ruling. 
This wasn’t USAC reversing the ruling, it was them telling Dieter to do it.
Having confidence in his decision, he flatly refused. USAC had plenty of
ability and authority to go ahead and make the change themselves, but they
wouldn’t do it. So the situation as we have it is another useful, competent
and approachable representative for our sport is sacked for vague reasons in
a most un-professional manner. Remember Judy Miller this last spring. 
This is a common theme with the USAC, as several others that we’ve all known
or known of, have also been set adrift or villainized during times of
agitation or confusion. In my education to becoming a licensed Official, one
of the strongest points that is made is to assess all decisions carefully,
taking into account all circumstances, then to stand by the Chief Judge or
Referee’s decisions. Funny that an organization that would emphasis this
would then do nothing to help out those who they‘ve selected to represent
them. It’s the responsibility of all of us to stand strong on what is right
and not cow-tow to those who would gain their way through life with tantrums
and baseless accusations. 
There is liability in all aspects of life, but one can’t wake each day with
self protection on their minds or none of us would get out of the door. I
can, as can we all, understand that there are allowances that need to be
made to help bring such a far-flung sport along, but if a local body or
organization isn’t making the efforts to meet even the most basic
requirements, they can’t realistically expect to have the full backing of a
National Organization. None of us will ever get rich off of this, most of us
will be losing money and other resources every day that we participate, in
whatever role we fill. Cycling is by it’s nature, an expensive sport and
many of us feel the pinch from time to time. It’s not a problem in that if
we can ask for assistance when it’s needed or offer what we can, when we can
 it will be enough. We’ve got each other and I think that’s plenty. But I,
as a Coach, an Official and a Competitor, need to know that the USAC has my
back and the best interests of my Cycling pursuits in mind when they make
their decisions. 
I met and spoke with Shawn Farrell at Road Nationals last July and was left
with the impression that our sport was in good hands. Now I’ve got to take
another look, as the way they’ve handled their end of the affairs with both
Dieter Drake and Judy Miller, shows me differently. Now we’re a region
without representation. Heaven only knows who they’ll send us next, but it’s
sure that we’ll be running low on people who want to dedicate their lives to
this position and are able to bring the enthusiasm and empathy of Dieter
Drake or the wisdom and imperturbability of Judy Miller. Perhaps we should
ask USAC for the list of who applied for the job of NERC last spring and
whether we’ll have an opportunity to share our thoughts before they lay out
the cash and resources that it takes to replace what didn’t need to be fixed
 
My hope is that Alan Atwood still has our backs and theirs and will be able
and willing to fit in at least the basics of the position that will ensure
our continued sporting health. 
If you happen to make it to the New York State Cyclocross Championships this
Sunday in Bethlehem, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a big event and even
though it is too late for Chuck to get the jerseys for the podium, through
continuing regional community donations, every winner of their category is
guaranteed a Champion’s Jersey, good food and the best racing that we of the
Capital Region and surrounding areas can provide. We take our Championship
events seriously here and you’d all do well to make known to the USAC that
we will not approve of them handing over our New York State Road Race and
Criterium Championships to placate a malcontent. 
If we remain silent, that is exactly what is going to happen. 
Chris McBurnie 
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