as the season winds down, it seems like the right time to start seriously addressing the major flaws in the adminsitration of bicycle races in the mid-atlantic area.  the biggest issues we've seen recently have been those related to race numbers. 

now it simply goes without saying that the reason we have so many problems with identifying racers is because of the nature of race numbering.  oh, sure, you'll hear all sorts of other excuses, but lack of clarity and redundancy is the big one, trust me.  other sports just seem to take this issue more seriously.  in triathlon, for instance, your number is written in indelible marker on both arms and both legs.  your age or a code for your age group is usually put on your right or left calf.  they call this body marking**.  in addition, you have a paper number that attaches to your bike and a sticker that usually goes on your helmet.  when you're running, you need to wear a second paper number around your waist. 

now those people are really, honestly serious about placing competitors.  this sort of redundancy that we have come to simply expect as de rigeur in a professional business environment, we somehow don't see the need for in our chosen recreational pursuit.  even short track speed skating has a better system than we do.  using high contrast yellow helmet covers with black numbers, it's easy to identify each racer.

simply put, we must learn form these sports.  i will be advancing a two-part proposal at the mabra annual meeting which i hope you will all support.  mabra should acquire a stock of bright yellow helmet covers with large balck numbers immediately, and provide them to promoters to use during races.  initially, we'll probably only be able to afford one set.  but i'm sure that with a big "can do" attitide, the racers and officials in our district will work cooperartively to collect the helmet numbers from one race and immediately get them distributed and onto the helmets of the racers in the next race. 

in addition, all racers should be body marked.  the price of a sharpie?  $1.19 in my most recent back to school circular.  the knowledge that you're number is written all over your body virtually assuring you of getting placed in the final results?  can a price event be put on such a thing?  we spend so much on bikes and uniforms and training and sports nutrition and transport to the races.  and suddenly we balk at the $1.19 to virtually assure us of being placed?  it's false economy brother and sisters.  i will expect immediate and vociferous support for this proposal at the annual meeting from all people who bitterly kvetched about losing placings at recent races.  together, we can work to make racing better here in the mid-atlantic

 - - - posted by scott

**  i used to volunteer before a lot of tri's around here and body mark people on the morning of the race.  it's a surreal experience, but that's a story for another time.