FLCC> Let's [not] Race [yet]

[Daniel Kidney]

Cameron,
I hate to quell excitement for a vigorous ride, but in this case I think it
would be better if we did not have choice between the 'race' and the
'learning ride' because if we did, I'm afraid that there would be very few
teachers among the learners, and we would all be putting ourselves at
greater risk for accidents this season.

Let me explain: I understand your eagerness to ride given the beautiful
weather we've been having, I'm certainly looking forward to tomorrow too. I
feel that there are a few notes about Tuesday nights that should be
mentioned here though. Although every year we seem to broach the topic every
year of when to start and how to start, there are some standing traditions.
Generally, weather permitting April is the first month of Tuesday night
rides, however there is definite distinction between 'rides' and 'races.'
Races start in May, this may be a little late for collegiate folks but there
are reasons for this. These are races with no corner marshels, no stopped
traffic, and no SAG cars; we all have to take responsibility for our own and
each other's safety. Every year we have new riders, and many of us have let
our group riding skills become a little rusty during the winter months. In a
group you cannot take your own safety entirely into your own hands; you are
also relying on the riders in front of you and near you to ride consistently
and predictably. So for *everyone's* safety, and to make new riders feel
welcome and comfortable, we try to keep April a "safe" month for learning
and co-operative riding. If you are a new rider you rely on this, if you are
an experienced, strong group rider, great! We need you to help all the new
riders learn the ropes.

If the Cornell team wants to have impromptu races on Ringwood that's fine...
if you want to put out the invitation to the FLCC as well, that's just fine
too as long as it doesn't coincide with the Tuesday night rides distracting
experienced teachers (and perhaps overzealous amatures) from the importance
of sharing knowledge for the sake of safety.

So all that said, I look forward to seeing a big group out for the beautiful
weather tomorrow! If you've never come to Tuesday night, now is the time to
start! I can assure anyone new to the area or new to group riding that
tomorrow we will have a safe cooperative ride; now is the time to start, not
once we're all racing!

Cheers

Daniel

On Mon, Apr 7, 2008 at 12:27 PM, Cameron Cogburn <cvc4 at cornell.edu> wrote:

> With tomorrow's projected high of 60, I can not pass up on a chance
> for some good riding before the rain rolls in. Now there has been talk
> that Tuesday night races have started back up again, with people
> meeting a little before 6 pm at the usual East Hill Plaza spot.
> Understandably, it is still relatively early in the season for non-
> collegiate riders, but I do not want to exclude anyone in my
> proposition/challenge for a hard "ride"/race tomorrow along the
> Ringwood course.
>
> I will be at Goldwin Smith from 5:25 – 5:37 (sharp) for intrepid
> Cornell riders who want to discover a fantastic cycling resource and
> community; I will then be at East Hill right after that at 5:50 or so
> in order to start on time around 6. I encourage riders of all
> abilities to come as the groups usually split into 3 levels, or we can
> do that ourselves if not a lot of FLCC riders show up. However for the
> fastest riders out there, this Rampant Lion is ready to roar!
>
> -Cameron Cogburner
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