Section head text.
So far the only thing to be hopeful of is good weather. Just heard the sentence “It’s going to sleet all night long” on CNN. Assuming the roads are clear…
Another four race weekend. Will the Morras/Riffelmacher play out at Grant’s Tomb or will they be swarmed by Empire? Who’ll win the 3/4 sprint? Loudon? Uglietta? the Ladies’ Sprint Champ?
First person who can tell us what Vino’s watching at 3 pm gets to race free at Bethel.
FROM: Grant’s Tomb Criterium
————————————————-
We’re sorry to report that due to bad course conditions, we’ve cancelled all races scheduled for today. We hope to see you next year at the 2008 Grant’s Tomb Criterium.
Yours – Alex and the CU Cycling team
Oye! Who designed those things damn….
Because money is limited volunteers are often asked to help with marshaling, housing etc. Knowing that promoter is looking to make a profit whether $5,000 or $60,000 makes me less inclined to work for free.
I love the look, just watch out for the dingyness in a couple of months
cool team, unfortunate kit
"If race promotion in this country was handled more as a business venture then as a type of "giving back" to the cycling cummunity, perhaps cycling would be less of a fringe sport in this country."
We need both.
Can someone else chime in about what to do about Grant’s Tomb entry fees? I think we need more perspective here. More analysis.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2007 Tour of Connecticut
The Tour of Connecticut has been cancelled.
The Tour of Connecticut began as the Housatonic Valley Classic in 2001. It became the Tour of CT in 2003. More information on past Tours can be found at http://www.tourofct.com..
For more information, contact: John Eustice, Sparta Cycling – 917-699-4566 or jde@spartacycling.com.
So, who is going for those Slipstream argyle kits?
Cool or uncool?
What say thou?
PS Paris-Nice rocked today!
I’m trying to understand your point of view about not suggesting donations because "it’s a business" view but it’s hard.
A college cycling club is NOT a business institution but more like a nonprofit. They spent their own money upfront to give us a chance to race and our entry fees would reimburse them later. Then, not of their doing (obviously) it snows. If they reimburse everyone, as I’m sure they’re ready to do, they’ll be in a hole. If the hole is big enough, they might not have upfront money to put on next year’s event.
If some us can afford to, it’s good for the sport to donate your entry fee to them. Logically enabling them funds to have upfront money for next year’s event is good for this sport. If you can’t afford it, ask for reimbursement.
Racers –
Thank you for registering for the Columbia University Cycling Club’s 2007 edition of Grant’s Tomb Criterium. As you know, we were forced to cancel all of our races. The eighteen consecutive hours of sleet and snow that preceded the start would have made it impossible to run our events safely.
Columbia University Cycling Club is not a for-profit venture. In past years we have relied heavily on revenue from the Grant
Racers –
Thank you for registering for the Columbia University Cycling Club’s 2007 edition of Grant’s Tomb Criterium. As you know, we were forced to cancel all of our races. The eighteen consecutive hours of sleet and snow that preceded the start would have made it impossible to run our events safely.
Columbia University Cycling Club is not a for-profit venture. In past years we have relied heavily on revenue from the Grant
thanks bummer, and everyone else, for understanding.
i am drafting a refund policy e-mail as we speak, thanks for the reference from harriman, jt.
– alex
The jersey is certainly cool, but more importantly is that Iona Wynter is a total hottie! She was a talented triathlete before she switched over to cycling and is a total powerhouse. Met her a few years ago (at Fitchburg or Somerville or somewhere), I believe she was riding for Genesis Scuba or something like that. Very sweet.
I just re-read my post to Alex (the wrong Alex, no less), and all of the commentary in reaction to it, and have to say that I was way off-base. Sorry that I offended everyone like that. The freak snowstorm two days after 65 degrees riding in shorts weather threw me into a tizzy. Again, sorry.
I will only say that as a poor college student 11 years ago, a fellow mountain biking buddy and I decided to put on a race. We charged everything on our already nearly maxed credit cards – NORBA fees, photo copies, mailing lists, postage, insurance, timing equipment, and assumed the risk of posting a generous cash prize list that would have to be paid out whether this 1st time event was a financial success or a huge failure.
The event was a huge success. Over 600 people came out for a great race and went home happy. Well almost all of them.
The ironic thing is that some folks seemed mad at us for putting on too successful an event. It was as if they felt we were unfairly profiting from what was a grassroots sport at the time.
We did make a decent profit from the race, but in all honestly, it never crossed our minds to ask to keep the entry fees as donations if the event failed. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Are we now more altruistic as a community? If so, is this altruism possibly holding the sport back? If race promotion in this country was handled more as a business venture then as a type of "giving back" to the cycling cummunity, perhaps cycling would be less of a fringe sport in this country. Well run events would succed and grow larger every year, poorly run races would disappear. Just food for thought. Flame on I guess.
Was out yesterday with rob- the park wasnt so bad, although we had to bike through some snow to get there. cowboy up and get outside
I’m heading to CP in about an hour is anyone wants to join
I tried going over the bridge but both sides were closed at about 10:30.
I’m heading to CP in about an hour is anyone wants to join
Anyone been out riding?
To Wake Up – – The purpose of predictions is to spark dialogue. The predictors have the same rider list as you. They’re not stupid. But they seek dialogue. It’s how they make money.
To Everyone on the Money Issue – – this is the most boring discussion ever. If you want your money back, ask for it. If you don’t, don’t. But please spare us all the commentary.
Don’t know if CU is planning or required to give refunds. When CRCA had to cancel Harriman due to fog, we told riders we had costs, asked them to let us keep the money, but said we would refund them if they wanted or needed the money back. It worked out well — though administratively this was a big job. Below is the note CRCA sent to participants.
If you can afford it, I think yall should let CU keep the money.
–JFT
I’m writing to thank you for coming to the Bear Mountain Spring Classic and for your patience that morning. We were extremely disappointed to have to cancel the event, but the poor visibility made it impossible to hold the race safely.
Century Road Club Association organized the Bear Mountain Spring Classic because it’s an important event — a tough road race over good distances for all fields. In doing so, we expected to lose about $1,000; well worth it to provide the racing community with such a challenging day of competition.
With the cancellation, we face a more serious problem — the prospect of losing $4,800 on the event by refunding all entry fees. That amount makes it difficult for us to put on such races in the future, and may also scare other promoters.
We hope you will consider forgoing a refund to help us cut our losses. You can do that by doing nothing, or by sending a note saying "Keep it" to harriman03@crca.net.
Of course, if you want your entry fee back we will return it to you; information on how to obtain a refund is given at the bottom of this message.
Again, thanks for your participation this past weekend and best wishes for the rest of the season.
Sincerely,
Todd Samman
Director, Open Racing
Century Road Club Association
TO OBTAIN A REFUND
Send an email message to harriman03@crca.net. Please include your name and mailing address in the body of the message. There’s no need to indicate what field you were in; we have that info.
Refund requests must be received by May 27. We’re going to send checks out in the ten days following that.
TO FORGO A REFUND
Do nothing or send us a note at harriman03@crca.net telling us we can keep it.
fatter and drunker than when i woke up today
Wow. So someone who is having trouble making ends meet, but decides to spend some money to race should quit? That’s harsh. Perhaps you should walk a mile in his shoes before you judge him. And you probably shouldn’t decide what "charities" he should give to either.
If the cost of a race is going to set you back that much you might want to find a cheaper sport. Can’t remember the last time I raced against someone on a bike that cost less than a grand. If you’re truly having trouble feeding yourself and family then by all means get your refund but in that case you might want to do something a litle more productive with your time.
I say this as someone with no experience inoutting on races or desire to do so but I assume 90% of the work and probably most of the cost of the race has already been sunk into this weekend. Thanks Alex for holding out as long as you could and thanks AVD for making a smart call about Sunday. Keep the fees so long as you promise to keep putting on races.
I AM POOR…PLEASE CREDIT MY CARD OR SEND ME A CHECK
carney, or someone else other than morras or riffelmacher or empire would have won grant’s tomb…wake up
Why don’t you just go fxxk yourself.
I got Vino’s sister instead.
kindly take yer smarmy daintyass runner’s butt the fuck out of here
I saw a buttload of snowplows in Central Park this morning, and the existance of a serious running race kind of explains that….
NYRR 8000
I would much rather be in a race than put one on. Especially having to stand around in the super cold and wet or how about in the super hot all day or multi day events. Not much fun there. Hats off to anyone having the heart to do that. Anthony – Alan – Mo and the rest
are the best.
The promoter can keep my entry. It is not often women get a race at all. Anymore if a promoter has a race for women these days you are shut out if you are anything above a cat.3. I appreciate this promoter having what is right, an open womens race to allow everyone to ride and adding depth to the field size. The prize list is not one you come across to often either for a local event. ($600 10 deep )Hopefully my $25 will help to preserve this race in the future and most importantly, the womens race.
that’s from http://www.newyorkbikeracing.com
Who wrote the "Sunday Cancelled" post? If you want us to take it seriously, make it appear official.
everyone, even bummer –
thanks so much for your support for our event, we are all really disappointed to see it cancelled. your support for and appreciation of our effort means a lot to me, and all my teammates.
i’d like to also offer my thanks to those of you that have offered your entry fees as donations… we expect to send a great team to nationals this year, and every penny of those donations will help us cover this cost.
thanks from all of us with the cu cycling team.
yours,
– alex
Snow Storm Cancels Day of Racing
Saturday March 17, 2007, after spending many hours in Central park looking over the course, the Promoter Anthony Van Dunk decided that the course was unsafe. "There is just to much snow for me to remove by tomorrow morning." he said with a lump in his throat. "I just hate to disappoint the riders." He remembered the days of the Snowboys. Back in the late 1990’s he held the race as it snowed. Yes, that was a race and was great fun.
What do you do if you pre-registered? For the racers who have pre-registered for the day you can have a race credit for any of the spring series races or the Pete Senia Memorial or any other race solely promoted by the MCA [please e-mail and let us know which date you want to race [not including the Great neck race on May 20, 2007]]
For the Series racer you can get a refund or apply the money to any other race the MCA does [not including the Great neck race on May 20, 2007.]
Please call your friends and family and let them know that the race was canceled for this week and we continue the series on March 25, 2007 in Prospect Park. Also remember to e-mail The MCA to let us know what you want to do.
Thank you for time.
PS. we got a warning from the parks department if we do not have enough marshals (40) they will take away our permits and that mean not more racing in Central Park. So please bring out a friend or a warm body to the next race in Central Park.
We have run the race in the park since 1968 and I would like to keep it going. But with out enough marshals you maybe riding you last race in Central park.
i might as well ride today if i can….anyone know how the roads look out there? especially prospect park?
The race is put on by the Columbia bike racing club. Money lost will surley affect the race being put on next year. Any profit will go to the club which is not supported finacialy by the university. Alex B, or Alex C. or Joe Smith are not making a dime. For those uscf cheap asses who want a refund I’m sure you will get it, but make no mistake you are not helping cycling in NY or bike racing in general. If anyone feels they simply can not ballance thier books without 20 bucks, see me and I will help you with your finances.
PS Even promoters like AVD and CI, that can occasionally make a small profit are a godsend, as they are driven by the passion for our sport, not the $.
Mihael
Found this on USACycling website – they will refund moto insurance costs
"Applications to purchase the Non-owned/Hired Automobile and Non-owned/Hired Motorcycle Coverage can be found on the
USA Cycling website and are included with permit packets that are distributed by USA Cycling. No refunds will be issued
unless the event is cancelled or the application is declined because of an unfavorable motor vehicle search "
review of driving records
Donating one (1) 1/2/3 entry fee and four (4) CRCA JrDev entry fees in the 3/4 race. Props to Alex Bremer, consider also that the preparation and lead up to Grant’s Tomb was Alex’s spring break. He could be down in Daytona right now.
To Bummer –
you should really consider finding that rock you came from under and go back to it.
I agree with the post below…if you can afford it, consider the entry fee a donation to Columbia’s racing program. I remember being pretty broke in college and it sucked. If you are still pretty broke, I think it would be great if Alex can offer refunds, perhaps offering you the option of a partial refund to help recoup fixed costs.
In other news, Paris-Nice airs at 5 pm tomorrow night on versus (the-channel-formerly-known-as OLN). Set up your rollers in front of the TV, rub some embrocation on your legs, and enjoy the roads of southern France.
If USCF is not refunding fees paid by promoter, I don’t think promoter is under any legal or policy obligation to refund entry fees.
I agree with the post below…if you can afford it, consider the entry fee a donation to Columbia’s racing program. I remember being pretty broke in college and it sucked. If you are still pretty broke, I think it would be great if Alex can offer refunds, perhaps offering you the option of a partial refund to help recoup fixed costs.
In other news, Paris-Nice airs at 5 pm tomorrow night on versus (the-channel-formerly-known-as OLN). Set up your rollers in front of the TV, rub some embrocation on your legs, and enjoy the roads of southern France.
In any case, I’m donating my fee… they can’t help the snow and they tried to make it happen. It’s for a good cause and I was gonna lose that money anyway. Columbia needs the funds to run their program. Risk or not, it would be cool to do it if you can afford it. If not, get your money back. No biggie either way.
Yo, bummer. The promoter is Alex Bremer. Alex R is probably Alex Rodriguez.
In any race, if it gets cancelled and you want your entry back, you can ask the promoter and they should give it to you. But as Alex R (CRCA official) said, those of you who haven’t put on a race before have no idea of the fixed costs that go into a bike race, no matter whether or not the race happens.
I don’t have any knowledge of Alex B’s (Columbia University student and race promoter) budget, but I am pretty sure I can list some or all of his expenses that either were paid before today’s race or had to be paid regardless of the event going off or not:
–New York City Department of Parks & Recreation permits
–NYPD permits
–USA Cycling permits
–Finish line camera service
–Office supplies
–Printing & copying forms
–Race numbers
–Insurance for pace cars and/or motor marshalls
–Food & Beverages
I think that’s enough; most of you will get the point.
So before you insist that the promoter give a full refund to you, re-read what I stated above. Like I said before, if you want your full refund you should get it. But will $5 or $10 less that a full refund really hurt you? It probably won’t, and will go a long way to helping the promoter not have to recoup those expenses from his own pocket.
Alan
To Bummer —
Alex R is not the promoter of Grant’s Tomb. Don’t get upset about Alex R’s suggestion. Alex Bremer is the promoter of Grant’s Tomb.
Bike racers are a bunch of selfish, whining assholes.
Alex – it is unfortunate that your race was cancelled due to the foul weather. As with any financial venture, there are risks involved which we are sure you were aware of before taking on this project.
Your suggestion that we donate our entry fees to help cover your losses is simply ridiculous. Are you joking, Alex? Set the record straight, will you be issuing refunds, or not?
From all the posts I have read I doubt some of the folks posting have ever run a race or help run a race. You should try doing it some time. We would have more races and you would understand what is going on.
First thing is that an official will not let a race go on if there is ice on the road. Unless the road is clear of snow and ice, the race won’t go on. The promoter is hoping that the overnight snow won’t be so bad and the morning sun will get rid of the ice. As you now know, the course was reviewed and they made the decision to cancel.
The race can’t be postponed. The race is mainly a collegiate race. The collegiate calendar is set and so they can’t get another date. Also, putting on a race takes a lot of resources, the promoter may not be able to put those resources together again this year.
Something else to think about is that even though the race was canceled, all the fixed costs of putting on a race are still there. The team still have a lot of costs to cover.
You may want to consider you race entry fee a donation to the CU team to help cover those costs.
Alex – it is unfortunate that your race was cancelled due to the foul weather. As with any financial venture, there are risks involved which we are sure you were aware of before taking on this project.
Your suggestion that we donate our entry fees to help cover your losses is simply ridiculous. Are you joking, Alex? Set the record straight, will you be issuing refunds, or not?
that’s not alex the promoter
From all the posts I have read I doubt some of the folks posting have ever run a race or help run a race. You should try doing it some time. We would have more races and you would understand what is going on.
First thing is that an official will not let a race go on if there is ice on the road. Unless the road is clear of snow and ice, the race won’t go on. The promoter is hoping that the overnight snow won’t be so bad and the morning sun will get rid of the ice. As you now know, the course was reviewed and they made the decision to cancel.
The race can’t be postponed. The race is mainly a collegiate race. The collegiate calendar is set and so they can’t get another date. Also, putting on a race takes a lot of resources, the promoter may not be able to put those resources together again this year.
Something else to think about is that even though the race was canceled, all the fixed costs of putting on a race are still there. The team still have a lot of costs to cover.
You may want to consider you race entry fee a donation to the CU team to help cover those costs.
Yojiimbo. It was just on IFC
kind of sucks for those who have to factor losing ground in a points series into the equation
As much as it sucks for another weekend spent on the trainer……is it even worth the risk racing this weekend? The season is long…there will be many races to come.
On the grants cancellation tip…..I think it would be cool if they kept the reg money and hold an omnium next year at a reduced price. Like a stage in central, then the crit…just my 2 cents…..not sure if that’s possible.
Did someone just quote Yojimbo?
…better to eat mush and live a long life
SNOW!
March 18 race Tour de Kirche is CANCELLED.
This is due to snow conditions. We will be glad to either refund or credit you. Please email us or see us at the registration table at later weeks.
…better to leat mush and live a long life
thanks to alex for the hard work, just the same.
looks like an early start on the guinness and jameson…
I seriously doubt Van Dunk will make the go/no go decision until the morning of the race.
I was in Central Park for a couple hours this morning (not riding) and at 7:15am I thought "No way will they race Sunday." BUT then I noticed a lot of plows going around and around.
I think there will be a lane completely clear of snow by the afternoon that could be raced. But the thing is, snowmelt will run across the road and maybe freeze overnight.
We’ll see.
Signed — your neighborhood fact freak.
FROM: Grant’s Tomb Criterium
————————————————-
We’re sorry to report that due to bad course conditions, we’ve cancelled all races scheduled for today. We hope to see you next year at the 2008 Grant’s Tomb Criterium.
Yours – Alex and the CU Cycling team
According to my friend on the Columbia cycling team the race is cancelled. Stand by for the official confirmation.
We know the colligiate races are cancled ,is this confirmation we are waiting on for the USCF races ?
Just Check on Bike Reg.com and it states All Races Are Canceled is that True ?
Check out your own street and tell us if you think the crit course is gonna be any better.
They’re going to make a call on Bethel this afternoon. it would be nice if Van Dunk did the same. It’s one thing to try and get off a collegiate sponsored race in the middle of the day, and quite another thing when the race starts 45 minutes before sunrise
Are they giving out Refunds at the Race if you Decide not to race because of the Weather Condition ? Does anyone know how the Course is Looking so Far ?
pipe dream nice one
eugene
Yup that’s right..Easton handle bar, Easton stem, Easton seatpost, and even the new Easton wheelset..oh and I’m also sportin’ Easton hockey protective gear tomorrow.
I just spent an hour hacking at 8 inches of ice. By the time I dig out of this I won’t have anything left this weekend to race with anyway.
Sleet falls, roads icy
Promoter will not cancel,
So he can keep loot.
kidPantyhose – you’re no kid if you have no idea what The Fast and the Furious – Tokyo Drift is all about
You know what ignore that last post, just keep the money, I’m sure a ton of work went into planning this event etc. It sucks that the race is in doubt. I’m just F’n pissed there is 4 inches of snow on the ground, peace out.
just downloaded couple of new games for my xbox360, this weekend is going to "me" time… good luck racing sickos. weather conditions resemble cyclocross worlds from Poprad in 1999. SuperMario you were amazing!
two intelligent posts in a row! a new record.
It’s not going to be run if the road is dangerous. If it starts, it’ll be because the road is clear enough. I know Alan Atwood and he will not let a race start that has ice on the road.
Deciding to sit this one out to avoid trekking over there for nothing, or because you don’t want to deal with the drive to get to the race, are reasonable. But saying you don’t want to risk getting hurt *in* the race (any more than a normal crit on wet roads) is off.
What about the people that don’t live 8 minutes away between 70 and 125 street on the upper west side?
Can we get a refund even if you decide to run the race?
I think Alex and team rock for working this and keeping the racing option open.
The national weather service hourly forecasts–generally the most accurate–for the next 24 hours can be accessed at http://www.weatherunderground.com and going to "detail" under Saturday. Freezing rain and sleet is expected through the morning, perhaps lessening by around noon. The temperature should be below thirty until mid to late afternoon, which means the grime is likely to stick.
We at Champion System are largely electing to sit this one out…it does not seem worth getting injured given the risk. If the roads are magically clear and we made the wrong decision, so be it. We’ll see you Sunday morning.
If you choose to race tomorrow, good luck and be careful.
I think Alex and team rock for working this and keeping the racing option open.
it’s a real video, yes.
pipe dream
whats the great "turn of phrase" here?
and tokyo drift? hmm… pls to esplain
Pipe dream:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5503582578132361295
that’s crazy. is it real?
You pansies are lucky, cause if there was a race I would’ve kicked your a$$es…
just a quick note…
we really want to see our race go off, even if we have to delay races, cancel fields, and alter the course.
we want to give ourselves the best chance to run our race, and so are leaving any decision on whether or not the course is race-worthy to the chief referee on the starting line. all concerned should rest assured that we will not have riders race on an unsafe course.
thanks.
– alex
funny, the pros seem to manage to bitch about round abouts and tight finishes. I suppose they’re just litigious. :rolleyes While riders share in the responsibility of safety, it is unskillful of a promoter to run an event on a knowingly unsafe course. Since the forecast is calling for freezing drizzle until noon tomorrow this will likely be an irrelevant conversation.
The responsibility of "rider safety" is mainly on the rider. After second grade it’s up to you to assess the risk, decide what to do, then accept the consequnces of your decision. Or you can hire a lawyer and sue McDonalds for giving you hot coffee. You decide.
Umm, there’s a little thing called finals.
Them crazy college kids.
That said, in the past there have been two races in one year at GT – the collegiate/USCF early season and then a USCF later. Maybe Somebody will do it. And if he’s too busy, maybe Someone Else will.
But "Tokyo Drift" is hilarious
bravo to the use of "pipe dream" – great turn of phrase
About Sunday:
If a promoter like CRCA or Charlie I was running it, they’d either cancel now or walk the park Saturday afternoon and decide go/no go at that time.
BUT in my experience Van Dunk does not cancel races in advance, and has only cancelled when it’s certain the situation is really bad. A number of years ago he ran a race where most of the road was clear, but there was a section of snow on straight road we had to ride over. It was … interesting …
Columbia counts on the USCF races to raise money for their program. That’s a good cause.
While they could not reschedul the ECCC races, they can reschedule the USCF races. That would work to the advantage of everyone except there will be extra work for the Columbia race organizers in regetting permits from the City. Why not try for May 12 , the day before Bear Mtn.
Saul Raisin is expecting a small turnout at Sunday’s Gimbels ride due to all of crashing at Grants Tomb so he cancelled his ride. Instead he will be making visits to local cyclists at the hospitals. Schedule will be posted soon.
on slim.
tomorrow is a pipe dream. will there be racing Sunday?
I think it was the Het Volk, not Flanders. Also cut short some Paris-Nice stages in recent years.
Grant’s tomb stone.
Crash fest written all over it.
They should be more concerned with the saftey of the riders and reschedule. Good luck!
Besides Toefield, what are some other 3/4 combined races going on this season locally that one could ride a bike to?
Shaw, you’re in at Bethel. Check with Gene Pringle if there’s a problem.
Yeah, I’m so sick of these college kids putting on big races just to line their pockets…
Give them a break. Sure it would be nice to know for sure right now when and if the races will happen but you can’t blame the promoter for not wanting to cancel until the last minute.
Tonight: Periods of freezing rain and sleet before 4am, then a chance of freezing drizzle. Low around 24. North wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New sleet accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Saturday: A chance of freezing drizzle before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. North wind around 15 mph
Tonight: Periods of freezing rain and sleet before 4am, then a chance of freezing drizzle. Low around 24. North wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New sleet accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Saturday: A chance of freezing drizzle before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. North wind around 15 mph
sounds like he just wants to ring the cash register regardless. nice.
Vino thank Baldwin very much for sending copy.
But Baldwin no get Pamela.
Didnt they cancel Gent/Wevelgem or the Tour of Flanders a few years ago for snow?
Of course he be watching DVD Borat: Lessons for Glorious Nation of Kazahkstan. He watching for 6 hours a day for last week.
He has fallen deep for the Pamela and is working to bring her to Kazahkstan. Marrying her necessary to redeem Kazahkstan in world.
To pararphrase:
"Of course, they do turn out wheels that are damn fast. We were on hand for a test of a prototype that produced negative drag
i plan to if it isn’t snowing/raining. thanks.
The correct answer though is Wapner.
Shaw, that’s close enough if you’re gonna race Bethel.
My Jet Blue flight to Boca just got cancelled like this weekends races. Manolo has a untraceable Kazak account. Money was wired to Spain. Joe Brown’s a wuss with a jailhouse law degree.
vino = judge joe brown i’m guessing, since judy and peoples are at 4pm
i will speculate and say that the typical NO REFUNDS policy is the main reason many of us will race tomorrow despite the weather and course conditions. more a matter of principle, than it is a matter of economics in all likelyhood. we can afford to lose the 20 bucks, but we paid, therefore we will race. doesn’t make much sense, but what can you do?
If you have permits to close those roads and there’s a chance of things clearing up by afternoon, why not try to race? How often do we get an early season race where you can sleep in, eat normally, warm up well etc? I’m stoked.
why exactly are we giving a promoter crap for trying his best to hold the race? i don’t get it.
So no driving on potentially sketchy roads…but racing on sketchy roads is a go? Interesting.
it’s going to suck all weekend
it’s going to suck all weekend
I have no inside information, but speculate the logic of cancelling the GTC collegiate is that the field come from a lot of far places, and is doing more driving. For better or worse the USCF field is more local, so their gettting to the race involves less driving on potentially sketchy roads.
Just do the smart thing cancel the whole thing why chance guys going down! Its irresponsible. Its gonna suck tomorrow.
okay – so the collegiate races are cancelled, but the open races are not because ________________________. fill in the blank – this can be fun for a few minutes anyway.
hey guys –
just to confirm…
the uscf race is still on, see schmaltz’s bit for the updated schedule.
– GTC promoter
Mike – Glad some of the DC racing members are training. I am sitting on my ass at work waiting for the office to close.
Good luck at Grants if it goes off.
JG
Trainer – glad some of you are getting good base training during this bad weather.
One can not predict with any certainly, the outcome of a nor’easter outside of six hours. Too many variables in play here along the east coast.
where do you think I am? computer’s just set up next to it.
latest from promoter (Bike reg email):
From: grantstombcriterium@gmail.com
Subject: GTC: SCHEDULE CHANGE
Date: March 16, 2007 1:42:27 PM EST
To: dan@refinerydesignco.com
FROM: Grant’s Tomb Criterium
————————————————-
Riders –
Due to weather concerns, we have had to drastically change the schedule
for tomorrow races at the Grant’s Tomb Criterium.
We have cancelled our ECCC Collegiate races, and have moved our USCF races
to the afternoon.
The Women’s P/1/2/3/4 will be starting at noon (45 mins) and the Men’s 3/4
race will follow that (50 mins). The P/1/2/3 will follow (60 mins).
So here is our summary:
W P1234: 12:00 NOON 45 minutes
M 34: ~12:50 pm 50 minutes
M P123: ~1:45 pm 60 minutes
Please reply send questions, comments, or concerns.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
– Alex and the CU Team
You should all be on your trainers spinning instead of wining about the weather. Or you could bust out the cross bikes and go for a nice ride in the snow.
Whoops. Well, you know what they say about assuming.
As of now, THE USCF RACES ARE STILL ON!!! As of 1:08pm Friday per my last conversation with the promoter the women’s race will start at 12pm. If you are registered you will get an e-mail to this affect by the promoter from BikeReg.
Alan
That press release is fake.
there aren’t many lawyers out there racing bikes… you guys should be fine….
Remember the Valentine’s Day "storm" when the city got less than 2 inches of snow? It took about 2 weeks for the city to get the roads clear.
I think its pretty clear that the roads will not be DRY. The forcast didnt predict temps under freezing as far as I’ve seen so If you’re a nut for cleaning your bike after every race, I think the worst thing that wil come about could just be wet roads with salt pebbles throughout. Atleast thats the hope. I dont look forward to racing 100+ guys into a wet corner with road paint though.
From the National Weather Service for NY10025:
Tonight: Periods of snow, freezing rain and sleet. Low around 28. Blustery, with a north wind between 20 and 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Homey dont play that
the promoter claims he’s "gotta guy" at the NWS who tells him the forcast is overblown, or something like that. so – the race goes on!!!
Is weather forcasting really "factual"?
NOOOO!!!!!!! ah, man, that sucks!!
Grant’s Tomb is an ECCC collegiate race. Teams from Maine to Delaware and PA. take part. The ECCC schedule has no open dates for makeup races.
Nothing’s been posted about a cancellation.
Atwood is cool
Smart thing to do would be cancel.
Why cancel if you don’t have to. Slim chance but still a possibility for tomorrow. I saw the Columbia guys with blow dryers on the course
Howdy ECCC –
It’s pretty hard to avoid the weather forecast for this weekend’s
upcoming bike battles in NYC and Trenton, NJ. Columbia and Princeton
have declared that the show must go on, but the MOST important
consideration is safety – both at the races and with potentially
hazardous travel conditions.
Columbia and Princeton are both calling in every Ivy League favor
possible to make sure the race course roads are clear, clean and dry.
Technically, the race isn’t canceled until we’re on the start line
looking at the road conditions with the chief official, but please make
your own determination of driving conditions and use your noggin.
Despite recent witty press releases and other email-based posturing,
nothing is worth risking your safety or that of your teammates.
As if the hole he’s dug isn’t deep enough, Nicholas Bennette of
Princeton was quoted as saying "This is the Ivy League. We will be out
there with our school-issued creme brulee torches making sure the
pavement is as dry as our freshly laundered cardigans."
What follows is a message from Columbia’s Grant’s Tomb promoters:
FROM: Grant’s Tomb Criterium
————————————————-
Hey GTC Racers-
As most of you are aware, the NYC forecast is less than ideal for the
next 48 hours. I wanted to address the concerns that many of you have
voiced…
We are very excited for our event, and will be keeping a close eye on
the course conditions over the next couple days. We still fully expect
to run the GTC, even if some races have to be delayed and/or shortened.
The Chief Referee, Alan Atwood, will most likely make the final
determination on Saturday morning as to whether or not the course is
race-able (or if there will be delays, etc).
For your convenience, I will be sending out another e-mail tomorrow
afternoon/evening with a report on the course conditions, we hope you
will decide to attend.
Thanks, we look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.
– Alex Bremer
and the Columbia University Cycling Team
Branchbrook is cancelled (per notice on bikereg)
I don’t think postponing is an option. It’s a go or a cancel.
I think they are doing it the right way. No one is forcing B&T people to show up early – if they see weather risk, its up to them to do a risk/reward and decide whether to show up. It would suck to cancel early and then see dry roads because the front moved away early or whatever…
unless the forecast is totally wrong.
even spring series on sunday is in some doubt I would imagine.
well, it’s a long season. I don’t mind the weekend off.
Race officials w sense of humor!
I love the idea of a sloppy cyclocross crit at Grants. I will stand there under warm fleece and goretex watching you fools slide around like nutters.
Alan Atwood is cool. I’m glad we have him in NYC.
No way I am doing that race. Local crit in terrible weather. I think I can find better things to do.
why not just postpone the race now? or does it make more sense for the bridge and tunnel crowd to drive into the city to hear that the race is postponed in person tomorrow?
They will wait till the last possible second to cancel this race.
Local cycling so nuts to race 90% will be there at 7AM freezing their a@@es off waiting for Atwood to decide.
I know I’ll be there!
I thought the forecast was for like 3+ inches? – not that the weatherman is ever right in NYC, but I think we are hoping against hope here. But hey, I guess this is Hopeful Friday…so Ill see you all there with my studded tires and old hockey pads on!
Thanks for the handling advice G.C.; but if there is snow or ice in a corner than the race ain’t happening, at least the one I’m chiefing.
As for the 2nd post; cross race with a Lemans start at the top of the steps to Grant’s Tomb. The climb up 122nd St will be the run-up, and riders must dismount and run the section in front of the tomb. Last one to not crash wins!!
All I can say is, I sincerely hope no one gets hurt at Grant’s… Fingers crossed…
Vino at 3PM: Paris-Nice on Eurovision?
cross or mountain bike crit?
if your rear wheel slides when in a snowy or icy corner while on a bicycle do not panic. Simply accelerate coming out of the corner which will shift weight back over the rear wheel thus enhancing traction. Counter steering will be critical as you exit the turn. Gently manhandle your wheel OUT of the turn. In longer sweeping turns consider unclipping the inside foot to use as a stabilizing tripod.
Coming soon to a theater near you
Grant’s Tomb – Tokyo Drift