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

[Cameron Cogburn]

I apologize,
As I explained in an earlier email to Andrejs, I did not adequately  
discern that the goal was to get out new Cornell riders so that they  
could indeed take part in the FLCC rides. In addition, however, yes, I  
was proposing an impromptu hammerfest on Ringwood for those  
interested. I figured only certain Cornell riders would be interested  
but I thought I would take the risk and try to be inclusive; in no way  
was it meant to hijack the time-honored Tuesday night races, which I  
encourage everyone to make it to. However, regardless of one's  
druthers, I think a good plan for any cyclist tomorrow is: less  
typing, more biking!
-Cameron

On Apr 7, 2008, at 5:31 PM, Daniel Kidney wrote:

> 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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