H2H 2011 Proposed Sched and Payout Schedule

pearl said:
I really wanted to stop reading this because I feel like its pointless to even have this thread, but what the hell;

At the level of pro/cat1, do you come to race to watch people cheer you on?

I've watched a couple of Cat 1/Pro races go off. I'm not sure what the in race discussion sounds like between riders. I watched the Jungle race after going through the feed zone and besides yelling at the people I knew and having a 5 second dialogue with them, I heard Ryan talking to another Bulldog dude and that was it. We would cheer, they wouldn't flinch. Do they care we are here?

This is a pretty generic statement so I don't mean to offend anyone;

No Cat1/Pro rider seems excited I'm watching them. I don't want you to be super excited to see humans yelling at you, but do you even notice anyone is cheering, or are you too focused on the goal ahead to realize what the hell is going on? You guys come through the zone all business and focused on keeping the hammer down, as you should.

I feel like more of a nuisance than a support to be watching. Does that mean I won't stand around and support my peoples? No.

I just got distracted at work from the rest of my post, so I will just leave it at that. I love all of you.
Click to expand...

Listen James...😀😀😀

We love every voice of encouragement we can get. It is exponentially motivating if it is not our own! I am sick of my own voice telling me to pedal faster bitch!
 
xc62701 said:
That's a curious observation. I just thought it was me. Yes when I come through I am ALL business. I'm thinking about where to gain time and where the weakness and strengths are of my competitors and assessing how my race is going as well. But besides this and the utter look of pain on my face I totally appreciate the cheers from spectators. I usually have to recover a little bit after the start/finish with people cheering since it's makes me crank so much harder knowing people are cheering.
Click to expand...
Same here. I love to be cheered on. Even though I may be too focused to say "thank you" or risk a face plant by giving a thumbs up with one hand. That's one of things I love about doing a big race like Windham. When I'm in pain on my last lap and a bunch of spectators who took the time to hike up the mountain to the techy spot shake their cowbells and yell that I'm looking strong, it definitely gives me a little extra kick.
That's one of the down sides to racing last for me; lots of the spectators are gone by the time the CAT 1's are deep into it. That said, it still beats the hell out of waking up at the crack of dawn.
 
Last edited:
the best cheering was at dh40.
James, Mandi, Bill & Lisa. I didnt know it was you guys at first because of being hyper focused but did greatly appreciate it. the vuvuzelas where awesome...even though it was a long race you guys helped make it a party atmosphere.
 
pooriggy said:
the best cheering was at dh40.
James, Mandi, Bill & Lisa. I didnt know it was you guys at first because of being hyper focused but did greatly appreciate it. the vuvuzelas where awesome...even though it was a long race you guys helped make it a party atmosphere.
Click to expand...

The DH races aren't as serious to some as others, and I knew without a doubt in my mind you guys heard us that time 😉
 
You, Mandi, Bill and Lisa are who I think of when I think of a cheering section and it doesnt go unnoticed....But for example...If I had any money on me at lewis morris, I would have paid someone to shoot me and end the misery. So no way I was looking like fat, jolly santa claus as I was riding by.
 
if only it was easier for people to get deeper into the course. I like to RIDE a mile or so in and watch the Cat3 racers go off. I'll give them some words of encouragement and remind them to calm down, breathe and stay steady...then start my warm up.
 
As for race times, I dont think it really matters that much. I also think that it should be up to the promoters how they lay out the day's activities. Depending on the course, you may need to stagger starts a specific way to alleviate overlap of race classes which is both dangerous and a turn-off for all involved. Nobody likes racers barrelling down on them, and nobody likes riding up somebody's azz. Leave start times to the promoters, and hope they know what they're doing.

As for payout, this is very similar to how the MASS pays out. It works very well in that series. Even the small races have decent sized pro fields. I do NOT agree with payouts to CAT 1. There needs to be an incentive to move up to Pro. My thinking is that if you're a true competitor, then you'll move up when it's time, regardless of payout. If you're just motivated by the cash, then paying CAT 1 will keep those riders in CAT 1. I think that there should be mandatory upgrades for all who have podiumed for the series and stronly suggested upgrades for series top 5's and single podium finishes throughout the series.

Regarding race schedule, I would like some consideration given to other races... I'd suggest talking to the MASS officials to minimize conflicts if at all possible. I know this is a huge PITA and is highly based upon venue availability. Last year, I raced predominantly in the MASS series, which had a lot of conflicts with H2H. I wanted to some H2H races, but the stars just didnt line up.
 
mr.chainsaw said:
if only it was easier for people to get deeper into the course. I like to RIDE a mile or so in and watch the Cat3 racers go off. I'll give them some words of encouragement and remind them to calm down, breathe and stay steady...then start my warm up.
Click to expand...

at KVSP I think I saw you three times, you were like the little devil that would appear randomly and tell me useful words such as:

Your at the top, hammer it
Slow you're breathing, you got 30 seconds til the next guy
CATCH THAT F$&$ING *****
etc

It was nice. I enjoyed it and I think I acknowledged you.
 
I empathize with the Cat 1/Pro sentiment of the ghost town that exists when they are out there. The problem is that those of us that race Cat 2 and 3 have to get to the venue really early and to hang out until 3 or so to support all of you is really taxing.

Someone mentioned making the day more like an event. I can tell you that at races (like the DH races) where there are food and libations I am more likely to hang out a lot longer. I don't mean bananas and cookies either. It is really difficult to hang out for that many hours and not eat real food. And if anyone tells me to pack a lunch I'll run you over with my bike :getsome:

It is about it being a fun atmosphere to hang out and chill for that long while the fast guys and gals are out there. If it were that type of atmosphere then maybe more families would come as well.

I don't know about others, but I actually enjoy watching all of you because you make it all look so easy at ludicrous speeds 🙂 But unfortunately us mere mortals eventually run out of steam and have to head home for the day before we pass out in a heap in the middle of the woods.
 
pearl said:
No Cat1/Pro rider seems excited I'm watching them. I don't want you to be super excited to see humans yelling at you, but do you even notice anyone is cheering, or are you too focused on the goal ahead to realize what the hell is going on? You guys come through the zone all business and focused on keeping the hammer down, as you should.
Click to expand...

I love when humans yell at me when I race. I may not look happy, but it gets me pumped, pushes me to ride harder. Keep yelling. 🙂
twss
 
dnap said:
I empathize with the Cat 1/Pro sentiment of the ghost town that exists when they are out there. The problem is that those of us that race Cat 2 and 3 have to get to the venue really early and to hang out until 3 or so to support all of you is really taxing.

Someone mentioned making the day more like an event. I can tell you that at races (like the DH races) where there are food and libations I am more likely to hang out a lot longer. I don't mean bananas and cookies either. It is really difficult to hang out for that many hours and not eat real food. And if anyone tells me to pack a lunch I'll run you over with my bike :getsome:

It is about it being a fun atmosphere to hang out and chill for that long while the fast guys and gals are out there. If it were that type of atmosphere then maybe more families would come as well.

I don't know about others, but I actually enjoy watching all of you because you make it all look so easy at ludicrous speeds 🙂 But unfortunately us mere mortals eventually run out of steam and have to head home for the day before we pass out in a heap in the middle of the woods.
Click to expand...

Some good thoughts here. Unfortunately, Alcohol is not allowed in NJ state parks, so please keep in mind that is more the venue than the promoter. I started bringing a team picnic at some of the races, and saw others doing that as well. It was really fun and I would encourage other teams to do that as well.
 
pixychick said:
Unfortunately, Alcohol is not allowed in NJ state parks, so please keep in mind that is more the venue than the promoter.
Click to expand...

I think this needs to be changed, don't you? 😉
 
I'd like to hang and cheer on the cat1s also, but we always have the kids tagging with. My 10 y/o son will ONLY poop on his own toilet !!!
 
pixychick said:
Some good thoughts here. Unfortunately, Alcohol is not allowed in NJ state parks, so please keep in mind that is more the venue than the promoter. I started bringing a team picnic at some of the races, and saw others doing that as well. It was really fun and I would encourage other teams to do that as well.
Click to expand...

It wasn't the alcohol that was the draw as much as real food. I know I've been to events where there is someone set up selling cheap burgers, hot dogs and sodas. I'm thinking that sort of thing might be worth a try to keep people around a bit longer. Then again, it may also conflict with NJ state park regulations.
 
pedals said:
I'd like to hang and cheer on the cat1s also, but we always have the kids tagging with. My 10 y/o son will ONLY poop on his own toilet !!!
Click to expand...

give him a box of raisan bran cereal for the car ride up, wash it down with some adult hot chocolate(coffee) and everytime he asks if we can go home just tell him in ten minutes. eventually his bowels will not be concerned with whose toilet/tree he poops in.😀
this thread takes you everywhere
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom