FLCC> A Few Buck Hill Notes

[Steve Edgar]

A few folks have written to say the results posted at ...

http://web.mac.com/steve.edgar/Cross/BuckHill.html

... do not display well in their browser.  I have reposted them using  
a more generic method, so if you did not have good viewing the first  
time, try now.

The big turnout at Buck Hill caught us by surprise.  This was a very  
pleasant surprise, but one which would affect the first 2 minutes of  
the race.

Our start was not setup for big fields, as the narrow and twisty  
section of the course comes up quickly, and the only 2 barriers on  
the course had to be negotiated on the opening straight.  This meant  
the field could not go berserk from the gun.  They could ride fast,  
but still needed to use some judgment.

And the racers pretty much did that.  One guy got too excited (as  
seen in the composite picture), but everyone got through okay.

We had advertised Buck Hill as an "everyone starts at once" event  
because we typically get small fields.  I felt we could not change  
that on the day, so at the pre-race announcements I stuck with the  
plan, and reminded the riders they'd have to leave room for each  
other in the tight section the first time through.

I later realized I could have started the field in 2 waves.  Wave 1:  
open men.  Wave 2: everyone else.   I'm not sure why I did not think  
of that before the start.  This would have required some timing  
adjustments, but was possible.  Next year we can have a new and  
improved start.

I feel bad Matt got injured.  Injuries are rare in both road racing  
and off road racing, but we are about safe and fun racing.  We never  
want to see anyone get hurt.

I'm sure the guys thought the bark chips section would add some fun  
to an otherwise mostly straight and flat course, and would not pose a  
risk.  We realized too late that a rider might use too fast an entry  
speed.  (The bark chips section will not be returning next year.)

I hope everyone is looking forward to riding Swandrome.  It will be a  
great event.  Hope to see you there.

-- Steve.