rules?
i've read a few race reports of the cohutta 35/65/100..so i'm wondering what people think of outside support on the courses? i know a few races specifically state in the rules that you can only receive aid from other racers and aid stations..you can't have people on the course helping you out. personally, i don't think it's fair. i sure would have loved a clean bottle, clean glasses or even chain lube and a smaller cog.. but i didn't get it...and neither did most racers unless they had it in a drop bag at the aid station. if you want to support someone, then volunteer at an aid station and support everyone. i'm not sure if it was specifically stated in the cohutta race rules or not, but i know we definitely have it written in the Fool's Gold rules.
posted by Namrita O'Dea at
8:50 AM
7 Comments:
I agree with you Nam. I think some people think that they don't need to follow rules....don't ask me why.
If the races become a free for all, maybe we can have Scott drive a limo on the course. He could hand us Founders beer out the windows...and maybe some dorritos :-)
Not sure if it was explicitly stated, but probably should have been...Having my hubby on course with a sprayer to clean the 10 lbs of extra mud off my bike sure would have been nice...
I guess I'd never really considered that outside support would be much of an issue -- who could get someone to dedicate themselves to 12 or so hours of waiting for you to need something during your race? Pros have support staff, I suppose (though certainly not in all cases), but surely this isn't a rule that gets broken too often, is it?
Personally I like the idea of being self-sufficient, so much so that I'd prefer to race with all my goodies (food, tubes, tools, water) in my Camelback and only get water and gatoraid at the aid stations. It seems like that's kinda the point, after all.
Maybe now that these events are bigger and the stakes are getting larger (after a fashion) someone will have to get all LAPD about the rules. Still, if that means that people like Team Dicky get busted for drinking a beer with some guy on the side of the road (awesome story on his blog), then I think that might be a little overkill.
Congrats on your finish!
this is what it says on the New Leaf website:
"The New Leaf site states:
Additional things to keep in mind:
1.Though we are not a NORBA sanctioned event, all
NORBA rules apply. Helmets are mandatory. Basic aid at
stations is allowed.
The first 10 rule in the USACycling Mountain Bike Racing Rule Book:
All riders are expected to follow the industry-supported MTB code:
1. I will yield the right of way to other non-motorized recreationists.
2. I will use caution when overtaking another and will make my presence known well in advance.
3. I will maintain control of my speed at all times.
4. I will stay on designated trails.
5. I will not disturb wildlife or livestock.
6. I will not litter.
7. I will respect public and private Property.
8. I will be self-sufficient.
9. I will not travel solo when bike-packing remote areas.
10. I will observe the practice of minimum impact bicycling.
11. I will always wear a helmet whenever I ride.
The USA Cycling MTB Rulebook is subject to revisions as approved by the USA Cycling MTB Board of Trustees. Revised rulebooks will be posted on the USA Cycling website."
so...seems to me that outside support is, in fact, NOT allowed.
dukepirate,
i agree with you and would not even consider it. however, it happens. and it happens more than you'd think..pros and nonpros alike. it happens in 24 hour races and the 100 milers. it sucks for the racers that don't have that level of support. sometimes it's enough to make a difference in the outcome of a race..i've seen that happen (not to me, but to others) and it's really unfair.
haha, FWIW, i hardly thing TD getting a beer would qualify as "outside support" ..agreed that would be overkill :)
I just saw another discussion about the same topic. If you're bored..
http://www.sorba.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=19691
I vote for the self sufficiency of no outside support.
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