#2 the boner race move
Submitted by rook_417 on Sun, 2010-05-16 16:20
2. The Boner Race Move: We’ve all done less than stellar race moves— So when it happens please get irritated and do whatever you do, but then pull it together and calmly let that rider know what they did wrong. How else will they learn. You are the more experienced rider, teach them, just like someone taught you. Everyone will benefit…including my complaint induced ulcer.
As someone who hasn't been racing at the track very long, I'd appreciate if this was followed a bit more often.
I'm sure I pull some stupid stuff from time to time (please, no need to verify) as do many people that are new to the track. The reason we do this (I can really only speak for myself)is because we don't know any better. For example, I pulled out of the sprint lane before the line last wed. While I knew that this wasn't allowed when in a contested sprint, I thought it was ok after I looked behind and noticed I had a gap. Jeff called me out and I went up to him afterwards and he clarified and thus I LEARNED!
Please feel free to educate people that haven't been racing for a very long time. Also, please be specific. Clearly we don't know we are doing something wrong (one would at least hope)so saying something in general terms might not do the trick.
Please don't take this as an invitation to get your panties in a wad. At the end of the day it's still racing and stuff happens. All I ask is that you educate in a calm and respectful manner and don't take (or make) anything personal. Complaining about it really won't solve the problem either.
We are generally willing and eager to learn but the only way we can do that is if we are taught. Afterall, no one wants to be "that guy".
One Last Thing.
To all of the people who either helped or tried to help me find a bike and get racing agian, Thanks. Howard Buckley came through for me in the end but many people asked about my situation along the way and tried to help. Once again, thank you!
-Daniel
Everyone makes boneheaded
Everyone makes boneheaded mistakes. This is why we have "B's" and "C's" (and D's too). If you were paying attention, you made all your really big / dangerous ones in the D's. Sometimes, when you're tired, you'll make them in the C's. But if you're doing it in the B's, then you're not ready for prime-time. If you get there (the A's) you should expect to be yelled at / derided / lectured, because you should have left these things behind in the D, C, & B categories.
Of course, I grew up racing in the day where if you chopped someone, you could probably expect a visit in the parking lot after the race...
Same as it ever was - same as it ever was.
...
I guess my point was that to learn from those mistakes in the lower categories, someone has to say something about them. That's all.
Usually you can tell by the
Usually you can tell by the grinding of metal on concrete and all the cursing behind you.
Remember: Bad decisions make good stories!