Bicycles

[Jeremy]

How about a no bicycles on course policy for SPC? There is really no reason to have a bicycle on course on a 40 sec. skidpad. It was kind of dangerous since there were parts of the course that were used more than once and a crossover.

Brooksville I am OK with it since the course is usually longer. Even a short brooksville course is pushing it though.

It was kind of annoying on my coursewalks to be getting buzzed by bicycles every 30 seconds. And yes I borrowed a bike and did 3/4 of a lap with it, but I really just wanted to try out Jack's bicycle.

[Loren]

We could enact SCCA's "no wheels" policy that prohibits anyone from pre-viewing the course on a wheeled vehicle of any kind. That would rule out bikes, scooters, skate boards, roller blades, etc.

Of course, their claimed reason for that rule is that it provides a competitive advantage. Which is the same reason they don't allow competitors to ride with other competitors. From that perspective, I don't really care. Regardless of how the course and technique was learned, the driver drove the car!

I can see the safety and annoyance concern, however. Seemed that between bicycles, scooters and skateboards, most of which were used by more than one person, there were probably a dozen or more people buzzing around the course. If I'd taken the time to do a casual course walk (I didn't, walked it once with Jamie for safety, and sort of "walked" it when I put down the chalk line), I'd have found all of that traffic distracting to say the least.

What does everyone else think? Are the 20% who "wheel" around a "course walk" distracting to the 80% who don't.

[Jeremy]

I think the main problem was that the people riding at the last event were not doing it in a respectful manner. They were riding at top speed like they were Lance Armstrong in a time trial. Maybe we can borrow one of the police cars and set up a speed trap somewhere on course.

[Loren]

There are three reasons to ride something with wheels on a course walk.
1. It's faster than walking. With only a few exceptions (maybe the event chairman, maybe the tech crew), this is BS. Arrive by 8:30, plenty of time to walk the course before the 10am driver's meeting.
2. To get a "feel" for the course. A valid reason, but most of us want to walk the course on the line we expect to drive it, which happens to be the same line you'll want to ride a bike on. Hard to do both at the same time without disrupting the thought process of the rider or the walker... probably both.
3. You have a physical condition that prevents you from easily walking the whole course. This is, IMO, the only REAL reason anyone should be wheeling around the course during a course walk. And in that case, doing so at a WALKING PACE would be appropriate.

[Native]

...doing so at a WALKING PACE would be appropriate.

This seems reasonable. The Course Marshal/Safety Person can be alerted to keep an eye out for "speeders." The last thing we need is someone walking getting run over by someone riding. And it's completely avoidable.

[snookwheel]

I was a guilty one with a bike on the walk through. BUT, I have no issues with a rule allowing it ONLY if a person physically can't walk the course. That was the first time I have used a bike on a course. I kept it slow... didn't fire up the available 35cc of angry HP that was my disposal and kept it pretty close to walking speed. (Mo-peds make crappy bikes) I can see where it could get out of hand.

Scott

[shakedown067]

I did notice it to be more of an issue than normal. The issue I have with the bikes, is if they are going fast, I can loose the line I was walking. I found I had to keep my hear out for upcoming traffic, which is distracting to say the least. I'm cool with them if we can keep them down to a reasonable speed. I could see it being temping to go a little faster every time you ride a course, so hopefully just us bringing it up with calm down any speeders. 8)

[AScoda]

I have always thought that bikes were sort of unsporting. I understand though that some people physically can't walk as much as your average person. Those are generally the people that bring bikes out. That is usually seen at Brooksville though. There was an unusual amount of alternative transport for SPC. I was guilty as well. I took Kenny's skateboard for a spin around the course. I found it to be relatively useless for learning the course, because you keep having to watch for and go around the people that are walking. Fun though.
Anyway, I don't think we can totally ban the use of bikes and the like, but maybe allow by special request for those that have special needs.

[nc4me]

Only if you can't walk the course and ride at walking speed.

[Jamie]

I've never bought the arguement that riding the course offers more of a competitive advantage than walking...the dynamics and the sight lines (not to mention the speeds, unless you really are Lance Armstrong) are totally different. (I might change my opinion if someone brings out a 4-wheel recumbent bike....) As far as dealing with anyone who's riding "pedestrian unfriendly", I suggest carrying one of the extra umbrellas from the trailer -- crosswise. Or I'll lend out my jack handle. Seriously, rather than legislating it, let's just talk to the individuals. In the unlikely event they get a case of the ass, we just ask them to take it elsewhere. I doubt we'll have that problem with any of our regulars.

[Loren]

I agree with Jamie. For now, let's just let it be known that a "course walk" is intended to be an opportunity to WALK the course. If you want or need to "ride", do so at a reasonable pace and be very courteous to those who are walking.

'nuff said.

[TodB]

Perhaps the riders could wear a bell around their necks ? That would make it a lot safer. Yellow_Colorz_PDT_08

[Loren]

More cowbell?

[snookwheel]

Perhaps the riders could wear a bell around their necks ? That would make it a lot safer. Yellow_Colorz_PDT_08

Ok Todd... you know what you need.. Just do it!

[Native]

lulz at the last two posts. Yellow_Colorz_PDT_04

[TodB]

Thanks Scott but there are 2 Barbie bikes already in my garage........but my kids will not let me ride them!