Responses to Racing for All (3/10/05)
Several people have written in to express their feelings about the March 10th editorial "And Racing for All." Join the discussion.
posted by mark @ 11:34 PM
5 comments
Slimen Und Grossen
Bicycle Racing News and Gossip in and around the Kansas City Metropolitan area. For more visit www.localcycling.com
5 Comments:
Dear Mark –
Elite riders aren’t the only ones feeling left out. Even though somewhere around 40% of USCF licensees in the state of Kansas are males over the age of 40, it’s hard for such an older racer to find a category suited to him. Check out the Spring fling: the only master category races are for cat 5s 40+ and 60+. Those of us who have stuck around long enough (10 or more races) to be even a category four racer, have to enter an event that is filled mostly with those much younger. For me there’s a span of 30 years between my age and the perceived average age of the entrants in a senior cat 3-4 race, the only race open to many older racers. Some of us can also enter the Elite event and race against guys that are not only younger, but also are dedicating a lot more of their waking hours to the sport. Many other races with masters events have only a 35+ class. I’m still giving away 20 years. It does make a difference.
I’m not going to take the time to write a well-reasoned essay here, Mark, but this, too, is an area being actively neglected in our district. It’s fine to welcome newcomers, but it would be nice to offer something for the veterans as well. Our reward for sticking with the sport? As we age, we can become pack fodder for the youngsters, spectators, or, perhaps even better, gardeners.
Thom Leonard
Dear Mark:
Thom makes some good points about masters racing locally. Would like to propose a solution.
Let those under 40 race by category groupings. Then have open masters 40+ and 50+ (where possible 60+). This will not add extra classes to races and will allow masters to compete against their age peers. Personally would rather get my butt kicked by Thom, and other higher category masters, than have to give up 20-30 years racing by category or be limited to Cat 5 masters. Individuals will have a chance to compete in meaningful classes and the racing will improve for all.
Best Regards,
Richard Gordon, Ph.D.
CLM Racing/Team Slimen Und Grossen
Hey there was master's 35/45+ in Manhattan last weekend and only two racers showed.
Roger,
the flyers for the Kansas Weekend indicate different....they are quite specific about categories...
you can view them on the race flyers page at www.slimenundgrossen.com
Mark
The Kansas City racing scene does not need this inner fighting that has appeared on this thread. Get over it! Move on! Are you forgetting why we (the majority of us) do this?
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