BiknBen
Well-Known Member
Ten things I think I think relative to the Chain Stretcher.
1.) New York needs to reorganize their highway naming/numbering system. Why is there a 9A, 9D, 9S , and 9W. Then a 17, 17S, 17A, and 17M. These same roads also have names like Lord of all Idiots Memorial Highway. I shouldn't need an Enigma Code breaker to navigate through the state. Exits should be numbered with sign telling me where the ramp goes.
2.) Don’t tell me the first mile of the course is wide and allows for passing when there is only a 10 inch wide path that is actually rideable. Racers were funneled into a "Fire road" that was more like a drainage culvert covered with rocks. I was thankful to get a good position at the start.
3.) SS and geared racers should not start together. Each bike type has its own style of riding. On a SS you must attack as you approach a tough section to carry momentum through it. We don't have the luxury of shifting down as pedal cadence drops. Conversely, we eventually spin out on many flat sections and all downhills. The leapfrogging with other riders in the geared class was a nuisance.
4.) Each racer has their own idea of passing etiquette on the race course. No matter how passionate you are about your self-imposed rules of the trail, there are twenty guys around you that disagree and have their own rules that they think are better. If someone catches you or is sooo far up your a$$ that he points out your saddle soles...he is faster than you. Just accept it and move the fock over!!!
5.) I went to the race with no expectations and just wanted to have a good time. When some a$$hat gave me a “brake job” for rubbing his back tire I was in disbelief. That was the turning point in the race for me. I should thank that guy for really pissing me off.
6.) Being frustrated because you are unable to pass a rider does not allow you to be a prick to the guy behind you. Being able to get to the front and through inevitable traffic in a race is part of the strategy. If you can't pass the guy in front of you, don't be surprised if someone passes you both!
7.) The Chain Stretcher crew did a great job of organizing the start and getting us off on time. The results were also posted in a timely fashion. I joked with Norm that “things at a MTB race are never early and never on time”. These guys almost made me a liar.
8.) Racing on the Mary SS was cool but I’m kickin myself for selling my FS bike. I could not have done the Expert race on that bike. Simply too long and difficult a course for a SS Rigid tank.
9.) MTB races are too long. The places are decided after one lap and then you just hope that nothing unravels before the finish line comes.
10.) People are gonna read this and think it is cool or that I’m a total prick. Sorry, just spitting out my thoughts.
1.) New York needs to reorganize their highway naming/numbering system. Why is there a 9A, 9D, 9S , and 9W. Then a 17, 17S, 17A, and 17M. These same roads also have names like Lord of all Idiots Memorial Highway. I shouldn't need an Enigma Code breaker to navigate through the state. Exits should be numbered with sign telling me where the ramp goes.
2.) Don’t tell me the first mile of the course is wide and allows for passing when there is only a 10 inch wide path that is actually rideable. Racers were funneled into a "Fire road" that was more like a drainage culvert covered with rocks. I was thankful to get a good position at the start.
3.) SS and geared racers should not start together. Each bike type has its own style of riding. On a SS you must attack as you approach a tough section to carry momentum through it. We don't have the luxury of shifting down as pedal cadence drops. Conversely, we eventually spin out on many flat sections and all downhills. The leapfrogging with other riders in the geared class was a nuisance.
4.) Each racer has their own idea of passing etiquette on the race course. No matter how passionate you are about your self-imposed rules of the trail, there are twenty guys around you that disagree and have their own rules that they think are better. If someone catches you or is sooo far up your a$$ that he points out your saddle soles...he is faster than you. Just accept it and move the fock over!!!
5.) I went to the race with no expectations and just wanted to have a good time. When some a$$hat gave me a “brake job” for rubbing his back tire I was in disbelief. That was the turning point in the race for me. I should thank that guy for really pissing me off.
6.) Being frustrated because you are unable to pass a rider does not allow you to be a prick to the guy behind you. Being able to get to the front and through inevitable traffic in a race is part of the strategy. If you can't pass the guy in front of you, don't be surprised if someone passes you both!
7.) The Chain Stretcher crew did a great job of organizing the start and getting us off on time. The results were also posted in a timely fashion. I joked with Norm that “things at a MTB race are never early and never on time”. These guys almost made me a liar.
8.) Racing on the Mary SS was cool but I’m kickin myself for selling my FS bike. I could not have done the Expert race on that bike. Simply too long and difficult a course for a SS Rigid tank.
9.) MTB races are too long. The places are decided after one lap and then you just hope that nothing unravels before the finish line comes.
10.) People are gonna read this and think it is cool or that I’m a total prick. Sorry, just spitting out my thoughts.
Last edited: