For the Walter Mittys Among Us

SlowRider said:

This is a topic I nearly got into with the "what it is to love a sport"
thread, but thought better of it. Take a look at the following article
on VeloNews, especially at the bit about bike races in South Africa.

http://www.velonews.com/train/articles/7768.0.html

Riding alongside Miguel Indurain?? Wow.

Bike races there sound a lot like big running races here in the states
(think Bay to Breakers, or Bolder Boulder, or even the Boston
Marathon). The article above addresses exactly what I've missed since
I had to stop running to save my knees.

In the ~10 years since I've been cycling regularly, I've noticed a
distinct difference between the "elite" cyclists who race, and
...everybody else. There doesn't appear to be room for those of us who
want to pursue PR's and enjoy the comraderie of _friendly_ competition.
There's a big gap between the casual weekend rides (out-and-back to
the local bakery) for the 13-16MPH crowd and sanctioned races for the
hard-core 25MPH+ crowd.

If you asked me, this is the biggest hole in American cycling. Of course that's
because I'm the guy who falls between those categories and wishes there were
more time trials and cyclocrosses and other competitive but not cut-throat
events.

Aside from my own selfish interests, there should be more intermediate events
for youngsters who might be brought into the sport. USCF doesn't seem to have
any interest in kids beyond who's likely to win the Juniors next year. What's
the kid who might win 5 years from now supposed to do. Ride BMX?

Ron

SlowRider said:

In the ~10 years since I've been cycling regularly, I've noticed a
distinct difference between the "elite" cyclists who race, and
...everybody else. There doesn't appear to be room for those of us

who

Quoted message said:

want to pursue PR's and enjoy the comraderie of _friendly_

competition.

Quoted message said:

There's a big gap between the casual weekend rides (out-and-back to
the local bakery) for the 13-16MPH crowd and sanctioned races for the
hard-core 25MPH+ crowd.

Most of our local (Boston) riding seems to be in that big "gap". We
have several weekly rides that, while not being races, are quite
competitive. I think this is fairly typical where there's a good local
cycling scene. We generally break into fairly small groups and have
staggered starts, with faster riders going out first. I'd say speeds
for a rolling 30-40 mile loop range between 24+ to perhaps 16. The
competitive aspect comes from just being able to hang on to the group
you start with. Our Saturday morning ride frequently draws over 100
riders, it runs all year.

Quoted message said:

All are welcome -- that's the key. I love doing charity rides and
local events, but it would be so nice to have a venue for casual
racing. Us Walter Mittys need an outlet!

We also have a weekly crit (closed course), with separate races for
different levels. Anyone can ride beginners (cat 5).

Peter Cole said:

SlowRider said:

In the ~10 years since I've been cycling regularly, I've noticed a
distinct difference between the "elite" cyclists who race, and
...everybody else. There doesn't appear to be room for those of us

who

Quoted message said:

want to pursue PR's and enjoy the comraderie of _friendly_

competition.

You've noticed that, huh. I am one of those 13-16 MPH people and just
have fun being out and around, stopping to talk to strangers or
whatever. Way better than plopping on the couch and turning on the much
maligned (with good reason) [censored] tube.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

There's a big gap between the casual weekend rides (out-and-back to
the local bakery) for the 13-16MPH crowd and sanctioned races for the
hard-core 25MPH+ crowd.

Most of our local (Boston) riding seems to be in that big "gap". We
have several weekly rides that, while not being races, are quite
competitive. I think this is fairly typical where there's a good local
cycling scene. We generally break into fairly small groups and have
staggered starts, with faster riders going out first. I'd say speeds
for a rolling 30-40 mile loop range between 24+ to perhaps 16. The
competitive aspect comes from just being able to hang on to the group
you start with. Our Saturday morning ride frequently draws over 100
riders, it runs all year.

We have one yearly ride in my area and it is a charity ride. It is
called "Bike Around the Buttes" and has all types. I start first at 6:55
AM, the official time is 7:00, and usually pass the first refreshment
stop before it is set up at the 10 mile point. After this the speed
riders begin to overtake me and I back off a bit more for the slower
riders to catch up for my 5 minute head start. From there on I ride
slower and talk more up until the finish at 40, 60, or even 100 miles
depending on the course I have chosen. There is also a 20 mile and a 10
mile course for the elderly or out of shape to take part in. The 25 MPH+
crowd thinks it is a race but officially it is a tour for charity and
racing speeds are actually frowned upon. Some of the racers have nearly
caused accidents passing the 8 to 12 MPH groups who tend to meander
around the pavement since vehicles other than support are blocked on
most sections. This event is coming up in about 3 weeks. Take a look.
History and scenic info.
http://www.syix.com/yubacity/sutterbuttes.html
The actual sponsor.
http://www.bikearoundthebuttes.com/
This year it is on April 16.
It is a great ride, no racing, and all types of riders are welcome.
Bill Baka

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

All are welcome -- that's the key. I love doing charity rides and
local events, but it would be so nice to have a venue for casual
racing. Us Walter Mittys need an outlet!

We also have a weekly crit (closed course), with separate races for
different levels. Anyone can ride beginners (cat 5).