Who do you think should start racing?

[Toks]

To my shame I haven't been on a club run this year yet so I may be somewhat out of the loop when it comes to some of the newer agreeables. Anyways I hope to come down in May and June and get going with club runs again. Now I'm happy to be corrected but I feel we as a club are becoming even less competitive than in previous years. So who shall we tease, persuade, badger or charm into racing (TT or RR) let me know. Don't be shy, I want names

[David.Hilbert]

Toks is a name that springs to mind

[Sylv]

Rogan - he's planning to start at Hillingdon
Matt C - but he's a triathlete
Serge - but he prefers mtb

[Paul H]

Marek
Hal

How about some incentive for first timers - could ACC buy their first race licence if they commit to say 4 races?

[Snoop Doug]

marco's nailed it. Leadership = Encouragement. Integrating difference without losing it. Exciting!

[Ivor]

Spot on marco.
There's always the ACC TT this Saturday, although perhaps a bit too early for anyone to come down from the club run.

[Amy]

[quote="Ivor"]Spot on marco.
There's always the ACC TT this Saturday, although perhaps a bit too early for anyone to come down from the club run.

[Andrew G]

Toks should do some .

I don't think you want to badger people at all, even in jest, as of someone doesn't want to race why should they. That said as Marco points out there are a lot of people who go on the club run who may not even know if they're interested or not, perhaps nervous about starting. Experiencing it from the sidelines can help bring about an interest and the idea of rides to races is a good one.

Just look at the take up in various sports after the Olympics, people see it and get an interest or want to try it.

[Toks]

[quote="Andrew G"]I don't think you want to badger people at all, even in jest, as of someone doesn't want to race why should they.

[Toks]

[quote="Amy"]

I always like to ride back (are we having brunch again??). Riding in the early morning though always feels wonderful - with the quality of the sunlight and the quieter roads

[Grahame]

Not me!

I was (briefly) tempted after my victory in the club B road race a few years ago. But, I have a quite obsessive side to my personality and fear a return to the early 90s when I was mountainbike racing. Back then everything in my life revolved around training and racing, and I was an even less pleasant person to know than I am now.

So. No, I won't give racing a go. I know it will become an obsession and turn me into somebody I don't like.

I've even retired from mountainbike racing after my "second in series" Experts result at Beastway last year.

[quote="Toks"][quote="Amy"]

I always like to ride back (are we having brunch again??). Riding in the early morning though always feels wonderful - with the quality of the sunlight and the quieter roads

[Jon H]

[quote="Amy"]I have no interest in racing.

[Ivor]

[quote="marco"]Sunday I think for the ACC 25. Shame this one's at 6.30am!!

[Roy Green]

Not 'badgering', and definitely not aiming at any individual. But I hope I can persuade a few more reluctant racers by playing my 'age card' (as Andrew calls it )

I rode my last TT in October 2008 (Redmon 2-up with A., on fixie, no less). My first was in April 1953 ... From that, you'll gather I've faced a good many timekeepers, and a few roadrace and track starters. Won't say I've enjoyed every one, but I wouldn't want to have missed my racing career for the world.

Of course, you have to want to do it. But reading weekly about the fervent clubrun sprints and tactics, seems to me that there are a lot of competitive riders in this club missing out on real competition. It's great to have something to show in the shape of a finish time, hopefully several PBs, or a placing and licence points and category upgrades, rather than just an entry on this Forum (but keep that going too, for race training!).

As Delia once said, "Let's be 'avin yer!" Come out to a few TTs, or racing at the Palace, to get the bug.