I don't care if you don't want to pull but if that's your gig sit further back in the pack and don't fight for wheels. Let those who want to push the pace do so. That way the pack is actually SAFER, FASTER, and hopefully more fun.

+1 Exactly

So, for the Eldo vets, has it been worse this year, or about the same?

Holy crap! :twitchy:
I think main reason for such BS is "weekend racers". Similar to people who show up for group ride and turn it in to a race (usually by not being very safe). They do not race on regular bases so this is their "THE RACE". so they try to "win" it even though they don't really have fitness or skill. Thus you get BS like people in the front seating up at final sprint, not pulling through, passing with no room to pass, etc.

So, for the Eldo vets, has it been worse this year, or about the same?

Well, probably because I'm getting older and more cynical, but I think it's getting perceptibly worse. Fewer people are willing to work from my POV. :notamused:

It seemed like there were about the same number of crashes as usual -- which is too many. :mad:

What a shame. Back in 1999 - 2001 there were just a handful of crashes, and only 1 or 2 that required medics. And it was always in the 4/5 group.

I had hoped to get back to ElDo next year, but this really gives me a reason not to. Sounds like I'd be better off doing the local Tuesday ride my club does. It's almost as fast as the 1/2/3's, but much safer and usually only a dozen riders. Probably a better workout anyway.

If I see some rule changes for next year (that will either limit the fields or do something to better organize the skills levels into appropriate groups), perhaps I'll come out.

Holy crap! :twitchy:
I think main reason for such BS is "weekend racers". Similar to people who show up for group ride and turn it in to a race (usually by not being very safe). They do not race on regular bases so this is their "THE RACE". so they try to "win" it even though they don't really have fitness or skill. Thus you get BS like people in the front seating up at final sprint, not pulling through, passing with no room to pass, etc.

Sorry but that exactly what Eldo is about.... its a cluster#$&@ for wanna b racers...

I was unable to make it last week, but i heard it started at 6:15. im guessing tomorrow's will start at 6:15 as well. just wanted to confirm with anyone that knows for sure. thanks.

Hello Tanner,

I won't be there but it will be starting at 6:00p as noted on the CBR web site (http://www.californiabicycleracing.org/).

I can't speak for the other races, but 4/5 was clean. I hope its due to the fact that a triathlete in a Ladera jersey, another person in a Bike Religion jersey, and I were trying to keep the pace high and the field strung out. No sprints for me - I left that for those who could actually do it. Hopefully that will be me next year.

I'm convinced that once 4/5 starts to get 3 wide, it starts to get sketchy as the field slows down.

Big thanks to Chris and Vera and everyone who put on El Dorado this year.

Max speed: 32.1 mph
Average speed: 24.5 mph

I can't speak for the other races, but 4/5 was clean. I hope its due to the fact that a triathlete in a Ladera jersey, another person in a Bike Religion jersey, and I were trying to keep the pace high and the field strung out. No sprints for me - I left that for those who could actually do it. Hopefully that will be me next year.

I'm convinced that once 4/5 starts to get 3 wide, it starts to get sketchy as the field slows down.

Big thanks to Chris and Vera and everyone who put on El Dorado this year.

Max speed: 32.1 mph
Average speed: 24.5 mph

QFT! I was in the 4/5 and glad it went as well as it did. Nothing sketchy or stupid happened and the pace was kinda slower which was cool for me. I'd rather have a kinda nice relaxing race where I don't have to sit out a lap (hey I'm slow!) for the very last race of the season. I also totally have to agree w/ the strung out field being safer.

Stay safe everyone.