Texas - Dallas MS 150 - I know hindsight is 20/20...

OK, now why was day two called off? I woke up at the Marriott and not a drop of rain. Picked up my bike, not a drop of rain. Drove home to Dallas, not a drop of rain. Sun poked out in the afternoon.

Well, at least I made it to the finish day one and didn't have to get pulled off.

Also, did anyone else notice the Embassy Suites in Frisco wasn't exactly thrilled to have the riders there? I can kinda understand the no bike and no cleats thing (although I had to argue that I would NOT take off my recessed cleat MTB shoes). But not serving anything but cold cereal and a few bits of fruit was ridiculous!

Spent yesterday cleaning off my bike in gorgeous biking weather wondering the exact same thing.

I was in the last group to finish before the mandatory SAG and got nailed by the rain on the last 16 miles. I promised myself I wouldn't wait for my slower friends, but decided to get the team spirit back at lunch and hold up at the final two break points. As they say, no good deed goes unpunished as I got soaked at the end. But at least I finished.

I really wish the race organizers had waited till the next morning or even until 10 PM or so before calling it. I think they relied a little too much on early "doom and gloom" weather forecasts.

Yes, hindsight is 20/20. I know that Jessica (Tour Director) and the rest of the committe that was involved and working with the National Weather Service to make the decision regarding Day 2, had a very tough time. The decision was not made lightly, and as always, rider safety was the top priority. The forecast for Sunday was 90% chance of severe storms. It was impossible to tell on Saturday night that the weather would turn out like it did. As all of you know, meteorology is not an exact science, and the forecasters must give their best prediction, and decision makers must use all of the data available to them to make the appropriate decision based on those forecasts.

The other important thing to remember is that the ride is not about the ride, it is about finding a cure for MS, and ending the uncertainty and suffering that those afflicted with MS face.

Yes, hindsight is 20/20. I know that Jessica (Tour Director) and the rest of the committe that was involved and working with the National Weather Service to make the decision regarding Day 2, had a very tough time. The decision was not made lightly, and as always, rider safety was the top priority. The forecast for Sunday was 90% chance of severe storms. It was impossible to tell on Saturday night that the weather would turn out like it did. As all of you know, meteorology is not an exact science, and the forecasters must give their best prediction, and decision makers must use all of the data available to them to make the appropriate decision based on those forecasts.

The other important thing to remember is that the ride is not about the ride, it is about finding a cure for MS, and ending the uncertainty and suffering that those afflicted with MS face.

Now you're just making me feel bad ;)

So when they send out numerous emails and post it prominently on the website that the ride goes on "Rain or Shine!", what they really mean apparently is that the ride goes on "Drizzle (or forecast of Drizzle or less) or Shine!"...

Mac Hooke

oh man, I know how you feel. I wanted to ride the first day in Houston but they wouldn't let me. If I ould have had access to my bike I would have riden. I know others that rode, it was wet but ridable. The MS organizers are chicken. I raise a lot of money for MS and will continue to. But let me sign a damn waiver and ride.

So when they send out numerous emails and post it prominently on the website that the ride goes on "Rain or Shine!", what they really mean apparently is that the ride goes on "Drizzle (or forecast of Drizzle or less) or Shine!"...

Mac Hooke

Lightening and hail tends to trump the rain or shine disclaimer.
Take a look at what happened to the Cowboys practice facility. Imagine if that particular weather feature had hit a group of riders. Do not for an instant that Jessica and company canceled the ride just for the heck of it. They put a lot of time and effort into organizing, planning and putting things together to create the ride that you all enjoy so much. Much credit goes to all of the MS staff for dealing with the last minute changes created by Tarrant County's decision to ban all public gatherings in fear of H1N1, and and to the course support staff for clearing the course when the weather moved into the area on Saturday afternoon.

I agree that they did a phenomenal job reorganizing because of Tarrant County and the organization of the first day was superb. You are also correct in that this event is for finding a cure to MS and about raising money for MS. However, if it is not also about the ride, why do we all spend months training for it and all the people who dedicate all year to planning the ride.

I certainly did not raise all the money just so I could ride, but I certainly would not have gone through all the effort I did just to raise the money, that may make me sound like a terrible person, but it is the truth. I am very dissapointed the ride was cancelled, especially by 7:30 the night before. Did they not know how fast weather changes in Texas? Calling the ride by 4:00 the next morning would not have hindered anyone to a significant degree and in this case, would have led to the event actually continuing, which would have rewarded the months of effort by everyone.

I understand safety must come first, but they called it way too early.

I flatted twice in the last mile next to the speedway :(
it was fun though

Hands down, we all would have loved a second day no doubt. I'm bummed, but I agree with Griffin, the staff had so much information being thrown at them and they did a wonderful job in dealing with potential tornados and swine flu. If it makes anyone feel any better I was out on some of our route roads on Sunday (in a car, not on a bike) and it was just potential for disaster. It sounds like most of us can handle a little wet road, but think of all of those riders who just ride once a year and it is at this ride. The roads were very wet, somewhat flooded in areas, combine that with the few thousand of us on bikes and there were bound to be a number of mechanicals and a number of crashes. Yes we spent time training, but it's not wasted. We still have a whole summer to go and if you're bound and determined to get your MS150 action, why not go for the Valero ride (out of San Antonio) in October. I know many people are going for that one now. Here's to a great summer!