Items to consider at bike races, before, during, and after the event.

April 6th, 2010 Kirk Albers Posted in News | No Comments »

A quick note to pass on some important items to consider when participating in a bicycle race event – by no means is this meant to be a comprehensive list.  All of these items are important to consider in order to maintain relatively good public standing with sponsors, law enforcements officials, local government officials, local residents, and fellow racers.

Public urination – quite simple, don’t do it!

Changing clothes – be mindful, many of the venues have spectators who may not be as progressive about public nudity as yourself.

Centerline – unless the promoters and officials notify racers of a rolling enclosure or closed course, assume it is open to traffic and respect the centerline of the road.  Centerline violations are the number one complaint officials and promoters receive from local officials/residents, and the number one reason courses are no longer available, most importantly riding left of center is extremely dangerous.

Racing solo – whether dropped, riding solo off the front, etc, use prudent judgment by riding as far right as possible and exercise caution around automobiles – generally be aware that local drivers may not realize you are part of a bicycle race.

Trash – simple, dispose of it properly, this includes water bottles, gel packs, etc.

Warm-up – stay all the way to the right, do not pass cars, no more than two abreast, single up in traffic – all the things you would do when riding with one or two friends out training.

Cool-down – same as warm-up, in addition be aware and courteous to other riders who may be racing hard to finish their own race.  DO NOT congregate near the officials and/or finish line – this only makes a stressful situation even more stressful.

Results – please be respectful with the officials and promoter when trying to correct a potential error in results.