nickobec wrote:I understand that there has been some preliminary discussions about a PDCC open/learn to race day,
Were people interested in racing, would be taught introductory race craft like basic race tactics, holding a pace line, conserving energy, which gear to use, what to look at and how to take a corner in a group, etc. Then allowed to race in a controlled situation.
Parker are the latte laps, one chaperone per rider? How popular are they? Are they every SKCC meeting and how many riders?
In my opinion it is relatively easy transition from regular group riding to racing, compared to the scary learning to race experience for someone without group riding experience, I know that is the route I took.
One issue in WA is the number of club members, PDCC I understand is one of the larger clubs in WA, yet the total membership is less than the female membership of SKCC. I am sure all WA clubs would love to learn from the SKCC experience and increase their membership, particularly among women at all ages and levels.
Latte Laps from memory normally had about two or three experienced riders and I think when I tried it there would have been 15 to 20 people 'racing' and everyone gets a go on the front, the speed wasn't slow, it was still rather fast, so you still had to be fit and be able to ride in a group to do it, but it gave you an idea of structure and control on the race.
There popular, they've been running them for the last four years (and then some), I'm not sure exactly on how long they've been running them. But it's one of the biggest reason's for them to have been able to increase their membership. You had to have a three race permit to play.
Your opinion is not neccessarily the same as someone who is just starting out, it's best to step aside from what you think and wonder what they're thinking, the most important thing you take from this conversation is that there is a way to increase your membership and the participation levels by offering people an oppotunity to try.
Talk to me some more via email if you want
sheridescycling@gmail.com ... Probably I can help with numbers.