JBS Memorial Road Race - 6th April

[Phil H]

Hi,

Paul Tunnel is once again promoting the JB Smith Memorial Road Race at Bletchingly on 6th April. He is still short of marshals and drivers (we haven't even filled the corner by the pub positions yet!).

This race is not a particularly difficult way of fulfilling your membership marshalling obligation. You would just need to be at Bletchingly Golf Club (not the village hall) at 12:30 on Saturday 6th April.

If you can help, please mail paul (dot) tunnell (at) landg (dot) com

If you want some more info, you can PM me too. I have a list of unfilled positions.

PS: Can someone make my post sticky

[Phil H]

Bump.

We're still short of helpers for this one. It is an opportunity to watch some serious racing as well as stand in front of traffic with only a red flag for protection.

Obligatory note: Members not currently in prison are expected to marshal one event per year and this one isn't at a stupid time of the morning.

[Mknovell]

Tried to email Paul but the email bounced!

Is the email correct

Thanks

Karen Novell

[Phil H]

[quote="Mknovell"]Tried to email Paul but the email bounced!

Is the email correct

Thanks

Karen Novell

[Bridget]

No, the email's not correct - there's two Ls in Tunnell. I'll email you Paul's address Karen to be sure.

Thanks,
Bridget

[Phil H]

[quote="Bridget"]No, the email's not correct - there's two Ls in Tunnell. I'll email you Paul's address Karen to be sure.

Thanks,
Bridget

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

We'll organise a ride from the cafe to the race as usual. I'll post details. watch this space.

[Phil H]

I've had a query about what being a marshal in a road race actually involves. Essentially the duty is twofold: to warn the public of the approaching race and to warn the riders of any imminent hazards. On this event, there will be motorcycle outriders from NEG who to a good job of positioning themselves to keep the race safe. I found the information below that explains things quite well. The main points though are 1) stay safe, 2) be nice, 3) don't get into an argument 4) enjoy the close-up view of the racing.

Incidents are very rare. I've marshalled quite a few races now and have never had trouble with a motorist.
[quote]
Marshals are an important part of any cycling event. The organiser and commissaire should ensure that all marshals are informed of any changes in the race and the last car in the convoy should inform the marshals when they are no longer needed or if they need to change their position as directed by the Chief Commissaire. Try to get the marshals back to the HQ for the prize presentations in order to see the results of their work during the day.

[list=1]1. Ensure all your marshals are wearing fluorescent vests, have red flags and whistles. It is also advisable that marshals have pen and paper to write down license plates of vehicles that ignore them and a phone with the organiser's number to pass on this information.
[list=2]2. Ensure each junction has directional arrows and 'Highways agency "Cycle Event" signs' positioned at enough distance to give adequate warning to oncoming traffic. Particular attention should be given to 'blind' corners. Do not bury signs in the undergrowth.
[list=3]3. Almost all junctions require 2 marshals. 1st marshal to direct the race and, where necessary, warn approaching traffic. 2nd marshal to be positioned further along the course, away from the junction, to warn oncoming traffic. More complicated junctions may require 3 marshals.

[list=4]4. Marshals should stand in a prominent and clearly visible position to ensure maximum public awareness. It is recommended that marshals stand in the road in a decisive and positive manner but at the same time ensuring their own safety. Their red flag should be held out into the road such that traffic may drive round it. Politely thank any traffic that does stop.
Warn the riders if thereis any danger.
[list=5]5. Marshals are allowed to ask the traffic to stop, but the traffic doesn't have to follow their instruction
or wait.
[list=6]6. When cars have stopped the marshal should explain what is happening, request the driver's patience and apologise for any inconvenience.

[list=7]7. If the driver does proceed make a note of their vehicle registration number.

[list=8]8. The marshal should be courteous and must not get involved in arguments.

[list=9]9. If an accident does occur do not admit liability that is for the insurance company to decide.

[list=10]10. If a member of the public wishes to make a complaint the marshal should ONLY make a note of their name and address and refer them to the Race Organiser or Commissaire at the Headquarters and the marshal must not get involved in any further discussions.

[list=11]11. Be Courteous at all times

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

We'll take two groups from the cafe - faster and slower one. We need to leave at about 11.00. I know it's blindingly obvious but I'll still say it. Keep an eye on the weather. you get nice and warm riding a bike you'll get cold standing around watching a bike race. Bring an extra layer or two.

[Phil H]

Last call for volunteers. We're still a couple short.

Weather forecast: Not as bad as it has been.

[Keith]

To all those who lent a hand today, thank-you. We can't race without your support.

K

[Andrew G]

Well done Keith, glad to see you kick the Bletchingley hoodoo you've suffered in previous years . A shame you couldn't get to the break, a couple of good attempts. Well done to Rich too, looked quite comfortable in the shrinking bunch, but a bit dead up that final climb. It's a killer of a course.

[Phil H]

A fun day out as always. We [url=http://s1132.photobucket.com/user/SteppenHerring/library/JBS%20Memorial%20RR%202013]took some pictures[/url]

[Amy]

Yep, good to see Keith make it all the way round this time Next year he'll be, if not winning it, in the top ten. Good to see Rich in Addiscombe kit - no excuses now for George for chasing him down in a race

I had huge fun at my corner - 3 drivers tried to drive round me, one said she didn't know what a red flag meant and the taxi driver first tried to tell me I wasn't very visible (that'd be the large car I'd first stopped between him and me) and then he thought that said car was parked - like about 2 foot from the pavement, engine still on, driver in car, on a blind bend and sign warning that a cycle event was on...

[olderigetbetteriwas]

Thanks to everyone who helped run this event...it was very easy from my perspective in terms of signing on, pre-race meeting, feeling safe on the road etc...it all helped to make my first road race for a looooong time very enjoyable (even if i died a death at the end)...