Coming to terms with the carnage
06-30-07, 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Dubbayoo
Do you guys have any problem with the fact that Cat 5's can move up simply by completing a set # of races and not necessarily placing? Or that they can race at all without proving any competency first?
06-30-07, 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by runtimmyc
These threads are always buzz kills.
06-30-07, 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by kensuf
Dude, ever think about racing masters? I've got a buddy who swore off cat4 races after nearly being taken out and he's been racing masters 35 since. He's placing pretty well too.
Yeah. That's the ticket.
Bob
06-30-07, 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Bobby Lex
Oh sure. The Masters guys never crash.
Yeah. That's the ticket.
Bob
Yeah. That's the ticket.
Bob
06-30-07, 01:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Bobby Lex
Oh sure. The Masters guys never crash.
Yeah. That's the ticket.
Bob
Yeah. That's the ticket.
Bob
06-30-07, 03:02 PM
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Originally Posted by riskus
you dont think there are less crashes in the masters then cat 4?
1. Pro 1/2 racer hit by car on training ride. Broken shoulder.
2. Pro 1/2 racer (different guy) crashes twice in same crit. Breaks frame. Minor road rash.
3. Pro 1/2 racer (same guy as #2 above) crashes in road race next day. Minor road rash.
4. Masters 55+ racer hit by car on training ride. Broken ribs, collarbone.
5. Masters 30+ racer crashes in crit. No other cyclists involved (lost it in a corner). Broken ribs, punctured lung, shattered collarbone.
6. Cat. 3 racer stops behind a crash. Racer next to him can't unclip. Falls over onto his bike. Breaks his frame. No injuries.
7. Cat. 4 racer hit by car on training ride. Broken frame. Minor road rash.
Granted, this is a statistically small sample. But it is clear that crashes happen in all categories. And the worst crashes were during training rides and involved cars.
Seems to me you just have to accept the probability of crashing if you ride a bike. This "Crash-5's" or "Crash-4's" buzz is a myth IMO. Merlinlight hit the nail on the head, the upper Cats. just crash faster.
Even the TT advocates aren't immune. Two TT teammates of mine had separate crashes on training rides earlier this year. And remember Jan Ulrich crashing in the TDF a few years back during his TT (admittedly during the rain), but Michael Rasmussen crashed 3x in an individual TT in the TDF 2 years ago.
Bottom line, is that if you can't get that "crash gremlin" out from between your ears you shouldn't be riding a bicycle. There are a lot of other sports out there that won't tear you up psychologically. Why torture yourself?
Bob
06-30-07, 03:06 PM
#57
Peloton Shelter Dog
Originally Posted by Dubbayoo
Masters are possibly more likely to say "you know what, I got mouths to feed...squeezing into that hole just isn't worth it."
And that's why mass start racing isn't so appealing to me now. The Sunday competitive rides include plenty of quality racers trying to get to the finish first, tactics and give and take, no entry fee, far less crash danger. And you only crash in a TT if YOU ride like a bonehead. So that's my current take. But as you get fit/fast the urge to race again may well return. God help me.
You either accept it or you don't, but trying to rationalize it is a waste of time. Stay safe boys. And forget about the crashes in the meantime. You'll have plenty of time to think about them when they happen.
06-30-07, 03:17 PM
#58
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Originally Posted by Dubbayoo
Boys go over it...men have a job to go to on Monday. 
OK, I race Masters and Cat 3 races and I periodically stay to watch Pro/1/2 races. I end up seeing parts of the Cat 4 or 5 races by default while waiting for my start. IMHO the big difference is speed.
Duh? Well, what I mean is that generally the Masters and lower category races are at a pace where people are spread across the road. When the pace is high enough to stretch things out there are fewer crashes.
Faster is safer!
Think about when the biggest crashes occur in the European pro races. When the peleton is spread across the road. When it's a single line crashes are less frequent and when they do occur, they take out fewer people.
So back to our unfortunate reality. Since I am not a field sprinter you can find me at the back of the field on the last lap of a crit. During the race I don't overlap wheels and I don't try to squeeze through spaces that aren't really there. When I go through a corner I stay right on the wheel that I'm behind (holding my line) and I make most of my passes on the straights instead of trying to dive bomb the corners.
Do I win a lot of races? NO. But I guess thats why I'm still racing after all of these years. It's more about the speed and challenging myself. But that's for another thread...
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06-30-07, 03:28 PM
#59
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In general I would say Masters Races have fewer crashes than 4/5 races around here. However, I've been in some Masters Races here with a lot of crashes. One factor is that the Master 45 and Masters 35 races can be the biggest fields, often bigger than the Cat 5's, and the more people you bunch up on a tight crit course, or single lane RR, the more potential for crashes.
Also, you better be a prettty strong Cat 4 to hang in the Masters 45 races, and a strong Cat 3 in the 35's races.
Also, you better be a prettty strong Cat 4 to hang in the Masters 45 races, and a strong Cat 3 in the 35's races.
06-30-07, 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by patentcad
And you only crash in a TT if YOU ride like a bonehead.
Anyway, I'm TT'ing along a couple of weeks back, going as fast as I can. Road is closed to vehicular traffic, but it's through a bunch of parks, so a lot of people ride it...
Long story very slightly condensed, someone's on a bike path five feet away from the road. Without turning his head, he suddenly makes a left hand turn in the middle of nowhere - no intersections for miles - and starts coming onto the road, where I'm whizzing along at somewhere north of 25 MPH (slight downhill).
I missed him, or he missed me, by about six inches... but the next idiot, or squirrel, or idiot-squirrel, might have your (or my) name on it.
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06-30-07, 04:18 PM
#61
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Originally Posted by ElJamoquio
Obviously you're right, but I still need to share this anecdote, mainly because I like to listen to myself type.
Anyway, I'm TT'ing along a couple of weeks back, going as fast as I can. Road is closed to vehicular traffic, but it's through a bunch of parks, so a lot of people ride it...
Long story very slightly condensed, someone's on a bike path five feet away from the road. Without turning his head, he suddenly makes a left hand turn in the middle of nowhere - no intersections for miles - and starts coming onto the road, where I'm whizzing along at somewhere north of 25 MPH (slight downhill).
I missed him, or he missed me, by about six inches... but the next idiot, or squirrel, or idiot-squirrel, might have your (or my) name on it.
Anyway, I'm TT'ing along a couple of weeks back, going as fast as I can. Road is closed to vehicular traffic, but it's through a bunch of parks, so a lot of people ride it...
Long story very slightly condensed, someone's on a bike path five feet away from the road. Without turning his head, he suddenly makes a left hand turn in the middle of nowhere - no intersections for miles - and starts coming onto the road, where I'm whizzing along at somewhere north of 25 MPH (slight downhill).
I missed him, or he missed me, by about six inches... but the next idiot, or squirrel, or idiot-squirrel, might have your (or my) name on it.
I work at a computer, so such an injury wouldn't have that kind of impact. But risk that kind of devastation as a strive to grab 9th place in the vets race? If I were Dr. W. I'd do it. I'm Pcad. I suck at this sport. The thrill of winning is more like a never-gonna-happen dream anyway at this point. And even if by some bike racing miracle I make the break in some race and get a top 5 result, how many races do I have to risk a mid-pack crash for that? Doesn't really make sense for me anymore.
But stay tuned. That could change next week.
06-30-07, 05:40 PM
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Bob makes a good point. I'm much more wary of riding in motor vehicle traffic than I am in a race, and I've seen some shady bike handling in the races.
But still, the sport has risks and that's partly why it's fun. My mom didn't want me to play soccer back in the day, because she was afraid I'd break a leg or destroy a knee. I've broken a leg and blown an ankle by running track. She also fully supports my bike racing and horseback riding, both of which can do all sorts of damage, including breaking my neck. (And until recently, the helmet regulations for show jumping were pretty lax, especially for adults).
I think some of the men's races may be riskier just because the fields are so large, so you have to put your safety in the hands of more people. But you could easily destroy your bike and do much worse damage to yourself, far away from medical assistance, out on a training ride...especially if DC metro taxis or buses are nearby
.
But still, the sport has risks and that's partly why it's fun. My mom didn't want me to play soccer back in the day, because she was afraid I'd break a leg or destroy a knee. I've broken a leg and blown an ankle by running track. She also fully supports my bike racing and horseback riding, both of which can do all sorts of damage, including breaking my neck. (And until recently, the helmet regulations for show jumping were pretty lax, especially for adults).
I think some of the men's races may be riskier just because the fields are so large, so you have to put your safety in the hands of more people. But you could easily destroy your bike and do much worse damage to yourself, far away from medical assistance, out on a training ride...especially if DC metro taxis or buses are nearby
.
06-30-07, 06:25 PM
#63
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Originally Posted by Bobby Lex
Stats from my team this season:
1. Pro 1/2 racer hit by car on training ride. Broken shoulder.
2. Pro 1/2 racer (different guy) crashes twice in same crit. Breaks frame. Minor road rash.
3. Pro 1/2 racer (same guy as #2 above) crashes in road race next day. Minor road rash.
4. Masters 55+ racer hit by car on training ride. Broken ribs, collarbone.
5. Masters 30+ racer crashes in crit. No other cyclists involved (lost it in a corner). Broken ribs, punctured lung, shattered collarbone.
6. Cat. 3 racer stops behind a crash. Racer next to him can't unclip. Falls over onto his bike. Breaks his frame. No injuries.
7. Cat. 4 racer hit by car on training ride. Broken frame. Minor road rash.
Granted, this is a statistically small sample. But it is clear that crashes happen in all categories. And the worst crashes were during training rides and involved cars.
Seems to me you just have to accept the probability of crashing if you ride a bike. This "Crash-5's" or "Crash-4's" buzz is a myth IMO. Merlinlight hit the nail on the head, the upper Cats. just crash faster.
Even the TT advocates aren't immune. Two TT teammates of mine had separate crashes on training rides earlier this year. And remember Jan Ulrich crashing in the TDF a few years back during his TT (admittedly during the rain), but Michael Rasmussen crashed 3x in an individual TT in the TDF 2 years ago.
Bottom line, is that if you can't get that "crash gremlin" out from between your ears you shouldn't be riding a bicycle. There are a lot of other sports out there that won't tear you up psychologically. Why torture yourself?
Bob
1. Pro 1/2 racer hit by car on training ride. Broken shoulder.
2. Pro 1/2 racer (different guy) crashes twice in same crit. Breaks frame. Minor road rash.
3. Pro 1/2 racer (same guy as #2 above) crashes in road race next day. Minor road rash.
4. Masters 55+ racer hit by car on training ride. Broken ribs, collarbone.
5. Masters 30+ racer crashes in crit. No other cyclists involved (lost it in a corner). Broken ribs, punctured lung, shattered collarbone.
6. Cat. 3 racer stops behind a crash. Racer next to him can't unclip. Falls over onto his bike. Breaks his frame. No injuries.
7. Cat. 4 racer hit by car on training ride. Broken frame. Minor road rash.
Granted, this is a statistically small sample. But it is clear that crashes happen in all categories. And the worst crashes were during training rides and involved cars.
Seems to me you just have to accept the probability of crashing if you ride a bike. This "Crash-5's" or "Crash-4's" buzz is a myth IMO. Merlinlight hit the nail on the head, the upper Cats. just crash faster.
Even the TT advocates aren't immune. Two TT teammates of mine had separate crashes on training rides earlier this year. And remember Jan Ulrich crashing in the TDF a few years back during his TT (admittedly during the rain), but Michael Rasmussen crashed 3x in an individual TT in the TDF 2 years ago.
Bottom line, is that if you can't get that "crash gremlin" out from between your ears you shouldn't be riding a bicycle. There are a lot of other sports out there that won't tear you up psychologically. Why torture yourself?
Bob
no one is saying there arent plenty of crashes in higher cat races but i would be really suprised if the masters races had as many dumb crashes at 5/4.
regardless its certainly not stopping me from racing again
06-30-07, 06:39 PM
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I've been racing bicycles for 20 years and thankfully haven't been hurt much more than a sprained ankle or road rash. The majority of that time was on BMX and mountain bikes where crashing is a given. Moving to road racing wasn't that big of a jump for me, in terms of sketchiness. Trying to hold a handlebar's width in a pack versus dodging between trees a handlebar's width apart doesn't seem that much different to me.
I'm a strong proponent of cross-training, however. I rode observed trials for a few years just to improve my handling skills on the trails. Now, whenever someone bumps me in a pack, those techniques I learned come into play, especially when you're trying to hold your line at any costs. Even other types of racing disciplines are helpful to know. Just last night, during a scratch race on the track, the guys in front of me really slowed way down coming into the corner. I yelled out "slowing" before standing to slow, a habit from all the crit racing I've done. After that race, the guys behind me thanked me for calling that out, otherwise they would have plowed into someone or slammed on the banking.
I can think of a few riders in the pro peloton that have come from different disciplines before moving to road racing. McEwen and Landis are all I can remember off the top of my head.
If you're into racing, it's in your blood. After a while, it doesn't matter if it's on a bike, trike, or sled.
I'm a strong proponent of cross-training, however. I rode observed trials for a few years just to improve my handling skills on the trails. Now, whenever someone bumps me in a pack, those techniques I learned come into play, especially when you're trying to hold your line at any costs. Even other types of racing disciplines are helpful to know. Just last night, during a scratch race on the track, the guys in front of me really slowed way down coming into the corner. I yelled out "slowing" before standing to slow, a habit from all the crit racing I've done. After that race, the guys behind me thanked me for calling that out, otherwise they would have plowed into someone or slammed on the banking.
I can think of a few riders in the pro peloton that have come from different disciplines before moving to road racing. McEwen and Landis are all I can remember off the top of my head.
If you're into racing, it's in your blood. After a while, it doesn't matter if it's on a bike, trike, or sled.
06-30-07, 06:50 PM
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Hmm...So I deduce that you trashed your Piny? That is horrible news. Were you able to salvage any of the components for a rebuilt?
Were you able to salvage any of the components for a rebuilt?
Originally Posted by DrPete
I know that there are times, usually immediately after crashes, when we start to question why we continue to race. For some reason this has gotten into my head. For instance, at the Reston Town Center grand prix, a technical crit here in the DC area last weekend, there were 18 crashes, 9 requiring medical attention, and 4 requiring hospitallization. And nobody really batted an eyelash at those stats.
Some of it falls on the race organizers, sure, but Reston was NOT a particularly technical course. Get a bunch of overly-aggressive cat 4's and 5's out there lacking perspective about what it is they're really racing for, though, and it's on like Donkey Kong. What makes this even more frustrating is that all of my crashes this year haven't been anything that I've actually done--I've just been stuck behind the crashes and have gotten sucked into them. The one that broke my frame was a "smart" crash on my part where I was barely injured, but then someone else joins the pile-up and lands on my frame, breaking it.
I just don't know how to come to terms with this. There are guys 10 years my junior who are willing to sacrifice themselves and their equipment doing dangerous ***** to win a $50 prize at a race. There are others who don't know what they're doing and don't seem to care. There are plenty of broken bones to go around among the BF racers I know and have ridden with.
Then there are the folks who will say "Well, then don't race crits." It's NOT just crits. The crash that destroyed my Powertap wheel, for instance, was some moron over-reacting to another rider's flat and making a sudden move right into the pack, taking out 6 guys, on a flat, wide-open straightaway in a road race.
I don't know what the point of this little rant actually is, but for any of you out there thinking that upgrading to cat 4 is going to put you in a safer field, you're wrong. I was never in a single crash as a Cat 5, and now this season I've been involved in 3 and was knocked out of contention this past week narrowly avoiding a 4th.
I guess I just need to get stronger and cat up to 3. At least around here it seems to be a much safer/smarter peloton.
Some of it falls on the race organizers, sure, but Reston was NOT a particularly technical course. Get a bunch of overly-aggressive cat 4's and 5's out there lacking perspective about what it is they're really racing for, though, and it's on like Donkey Kong. What makes this even more frustrating is that all of my crashes this year haven't been anything that I've actually done--I've just been stuck behind the crashes and have gotten sucked into them. The one that broke my frame was a "smart" crash on my part where I was barely injured, but then someone else joins the pile-up and lands on my frame, breaking it.
I just don't know how to come to terms with this. There are guys 10 years my junior who are willing to sacrifice themselves and their equipment doing dangerous ***** to win a $50 prize at a race. There are others who don't know what they're doing and don't seem to care. There are plenty of broken bones to go around among the BF racers I know and have ridden with.
Then there are the folks who will say "Well, then don't race crits." It's NOT just crits. The crash that destroyed my Powertap wheel, for instance, was some moron over-reacting to another rider's flat and making a sudden move right into the pack, taking out 6 guys, on a flat, wide-open straightaway in a road race.
I don't know what the point of this little rant actually is, but for any of you out there thinking that upgrading to cat 4 is going to put you in a safer field, you're wrong. I was never in a single crash as a Cat 5, and now this season I've been involved in 3 and was knocked out of contention this past week narrowly avoiding a 4th.
I guess I just need to get stronger and cat up to 3. At least around here it seems to be a much safer/smarter peloton.
06-30-07, 07:07 PM
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Originally Posted by yonderboy
I'm a strong proponent of cross-training, however. I rode observed trials for a few years just to improve my handling skills on the trails. Now, whenever someone bumps me in a pack, those techniques I learned come into play, especially when you're trying to hold your line at any costs. Even other types of racing disciplines are helpful to know.
06-30-07, 07:08 PM
#67
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Originally Posted by FranckCisco
Hmm...So I deduce that you trashed your Piny? That is horrible news. Were you able to salvage any of the components for a rebuilt?
Were you able to salvage any of the components for a rebuilt?
He cracked the top tube a little but its being repaired by calfee.
06-30-07, 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by riskus
How did you miss all the threads about this? He cracked the top tube a little but its being repaired by calfee.
He cracked the top tube a little but its being repaired by calfee.
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06-30-07, 07:32 PM
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Seems to me the racing culture and really any competitive sport doesn't admit anything less than a go for the jugular mindset no matter what level your playing at. There wasn't a boat load of support from the racing set for Hip's thread and the thread about being passed by a higher cat level last week. Now those were certainly different topics, but I'll suggest it springs from the same mindset - you either man-up to racing as is or get out of the f'ing way.
I used to play "Park and Rec" (ha!) soccer in Chicago about 15-20yrs ago, but there came a point where I just didn't want have my knees destroyed by some very good, never going to be a pro a$$hole who thought taking me out was the way to enjoy what in reality is just a hobby. That's the way adults play soccer in Chicago and my only choice was whether I wanted to participate. I eventually chose not to.
Between the sketchy riders, the aggressive riders willing to take that unreasonable chance (just another version of sketchiness), and the occasionally misjudgment in the heat of the moment, I don't think there's any way to avoid the carnage.
So I'm sticking to TTs - you may want, but certainly don't need, a special bike. Just throw on the aerobars and you'll be hammering. I saw some people flying at Church Creek on tweeked road bikes.
I used to play "Park and Rec" (ha!) soccer in Chicago about 15-20yrs ago, but there came a point where I just didn't want have my knees destroyed by some very good, never going to be a pro a$$hole who thought taking me out was the way to enjoy what in reality is just a hobby. That's the way adults play soccer in Chicago and my only choice was whether I wanted to participate. I eventually chose not to.
Between the sketchy riders, the aggressive riders willing to take that unreasonable chance (just another version of sketchiness), and the occasionally misjudgment in the heat of the moment, I don't think there's any way to avoid the carnage.
So I'm sticking to TTs - you may want, but certainly don't need, a special bike. Just throw on the aerobars and you'll be hammering. I saw some people flying at Church Creek on tweeked road bikes.
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06-30-07, 08:13 PM
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If you put things in perspective, especially when you have a professional career in medicine, law or bussiness at the senior level, racing against other uneducated, fanatical, and relatively dimwit riders does not calculate to be a rational decision. I'm still in school but there's no way in hell I'll be racing as an attorney. Much better saving the dough to enjoy the women and fine wine rather than pricey cycling gears and those damn Sram Red components that are over 100 grams over claimed weight (check weight weenies on Sram Force Crankset) if you don't believe me.
Originally Posted by SpongeDad
Seems to me the racing culture and really any competitive sport doesn't admit anything less than a go for the jugular mindset no matter what level your playing at. There wasn't a boat load of support from the racing set for Hip's thread and the thread about being passed by a higher cat level last week. Now those were certainly different topics, but I'll suggest it springs from the same mindset - you either man-up to racing as is or get out of the f'ing way.
I used to play "Park and Rec" (ha!) soccer in Chicago about 15-20yrs ago, but there came a point where I just didn't want have my knees destroyed by some very good, never going to be a pro a$$hole who thought taking me out was the way to enjoy what in reality is just a hobby. That's the way adults play soccer in Chicago and my only choice was whether I wanted to participate. I eventually chose not to.
Between the sketchy riders, the aggressive riders willing to take that unreasonable chance (just another version of sketchiness), and the occasionally misjudgment in the heat of the moment, I don't think there's any way to avoid the carnage.
So I'm sticking to TTs - you may want, but certainly don't need, a special bike. Just throw on the aerobars and you'll be hammering. I saw some people flying at Church Creek on tweeked road bikes.
I used to play "Park and Rec" (ha!) soccer in Chicago about 15-20yrs ago, but there came a point where I just didn't want have my knees destroyed by some very good, never going to be a pro a$$hole who thought taking me out was the way to enjoy what in reality is just a hobby. That's the way adults play soccer in Chicago and my only choice was whether I wanted to participate. I eventually chose not to.
Between the sketchy riders, the aggressive riders willing to take that unreasonable chance (just another version of sketchiness), and the occasionally misjudgment in the heat of the moment, I don't think there's any way to avoid the carnage.
So I'm sticking to TTs - you may want, but certainly don't need, a special bike. Just throw on the aerobars and you'll be hammering. I saw some people flying at Church Creek on tweeked road bikes.
06-30-07, 08:27 PM
#71
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I've been thinking long and hard about this as of late. In my view, once I've come up with financial provisions (ie. insurance) to protect my family and my business partners in the event that I were seriously injured or killed, I'm willing to take on the risk of cycling in general and racing in particular.
I'm sure there are better definitions out there, but in my view there are two kinds of risk we assume: acute risk and chronic risk. I would define acute risk as participating in something that might cause sudden severe injury or death; chronic risk would be participating in something that over a long time causes gradual injury or eventual death. Cycling is an acute risk. Being 50 pounds overweight with high cholesterol is chronic risk. Bungie jumping = acute; smoking = chronic. Before cycling, I accepted the chronic risk of living life as a lardass; now I accept the acute risk of cycling and prefer the quality of life it brings even though the risk model has changed.
We ALL take risks. Driving to work in the morning is a risk. Eating food at a restaurant is a risk. Cycling is a risk. I choose to accept the risk of cycling because I KNOW I'M GOING TO DIE SOMEDAY and I prefer the joy it brings to my life. I would rather die in a cycling accident than of a heart attack or of cancer.
--Steve
I'm sure there are better definitions out there, but in my view there are two kinds of risk we assume: acute risk and chronic risk. I would define acute risk as participating in something that might cause sudden severe injury or death; chronic risk would be participating in something that over a long time causes gradual injury or eventual death. Cycling is an acute risk. Being 50 pounds overweight with high cholesterol is chronic risk. Bungie jumping = acute; smoking = chronic. Before cycling, I accepted the chronic risk of living life as a lardass; now I accept the acute risk of cycling and prefer the quality of life it brings even though the risk model has changed.
We ALL take risks. Driving to work in the morning is a risk. Eating food at a restaurant is a risk. Cycling is a risk. I choose to accept the risk of cycling because I KNOW I'M GOING TO DIE SOMEDAY and I prefer the joy it brings to my life. I would rather die in a cycling accident than of a heart attack or of cancer.
--Steve
06-30-07, 09:05 PM
#72
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Originally Posted by FranckCisco
If you put things in perspective, especially when you have a professional career in medicine, law or bussiness at the senior level, racing against other uneducated, fanatical, and relatively dimwit riders does not calculate to be a rational decision. I'm still in school but there's no way in hell I'll be racing as an attorney. Much better saving the dough to enjoy the women and fine wine rather than pricey cycling gears and those damn Sram Red components that are over 100 grams over claimed weight (check weight weenies on Sram Force Crankset) if you don't believe me.
06-30-07, 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus
W,
It'd be really cool if there was club support to run new rider clinics, as are present in some areas. Heck, I think it might help get more people into the racing scene, on top of making CAT-5 races safer.
My club/team is running a 'cross clinic later this summer, but we haven't really done anything for new road racers...and to be honest I haven't seen any other area clubs/teams offer anything.
It'd be really cool if there was club support to run new rider clinics, as are present in some areas. Heck, I think it might help get more people into the racing scene, on top of making CAT-5 races safer.
My club/team is running a 'cross clinic later this summer, but we haven't really done anything for new road racers...and to be honest I haven't seen any other area clubs/teams offer anything.
06-30-07, 09:14 PM
#74
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Originally Posted by Bobby Lex
Stats from my team this season...Granted, this is a statistically small sample. But it is clear that crashes happen in all categories. And the worst crashes were during training rides and involved cars.
06-30-07, 11:06 PM
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Originally Posted by riskus
At least us uneducated racers wont have to look back and regret all the money we spent on "women and fine wine" and wonder what we could have accomplished in racing. There is a lot more to life then money.
This is how I look at it. If I prove to be just a good local or regional racer and nothing more, then I can always get a job in the financial sector and have my money and cars and women. If I do have success on the bike I can race for a while, then get a job in the finacial sector and have my money annd cars and women. If I do not try I will always have that little vioce telling me, 'what if?' All of the money and cars and women in the world will not erase the regrets of giving up a dream for money.