Rye Airfield PArk Slalom Event /Boston Cup July 4th ,5th an

Mark McCree · Post by **Mark McCree** » Sun Jun 29, 2003 7:36 pm

I'm comming in thurs. night. John said he would put me up. ALL of the trucks go out 2nd day fedex. on monday. I will be safe. LOL

See you guys there.

McCree

John Gilmour · Post by **John Gilmour** » Sun Jun 29, 2003 8:09 pm

Stuff I have for the race-

That honking gazebo,
mil spec duct tape. Good for 100mph winds- should keep the strips battened down.

killer aluminum tables

4 of these chairs

Giant flip card numerals all with binders. legible from a long way off. 10 in yellow and ten in white for cone marshalls. Should allow for very fast resetting and cone penalty tabulation.

two barbeques 40" diameter and 18 inch diamter - which will also become prizes.

two walkie talkies- TK will you also bring yours?

two inflatable patriotic coolers and a few plastic ones.

Two 3' x 5' American flags.

stuff I still need
2 tway timers
bracketing board
megaphone

[ This Message was edited by: John Gilmour on 2003-06-29 14:15 ]

Pierre Gravel · Post by **Pierre Gravel** » Sun Jun 29, 2003 8:57 pm

I think i will be able to attend my 1st race, i want to know if there will be a longboard race too and if so, will there be a minimum wheelbase? We will be 2 or 3 guys from Montreal, Me JF and JimZ, we'll try Rye too. Later!

Karl Floitgraf · Post by **Karl Floitgraf** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 12:12 am

I wish I could race but I broke my wrist wedsday, (I know I should have worn pads). So I'm stuck Cone Marshling. See you all there.

Vlad Popov · Post by **Vlad Popov** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 5:26 am

I have sad news from PlankkR. The company is unable to sponsor the event. Our management spent all time and $$ on shopping for race outfits to try to stay in the Gilmour's league. In addition, the board of directors has informed us that wood is appreciated by very few slalomers and is not for everybody. However, all the interested parties will be able to pre-order a board from the new PlankkR-2 collection. The company needs to get a minimum of 25 orders to start production.

John Gilmour · Post by **John Gilmour** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 5:44 am

We'll take Karl's board..... he won't be needing it.

-Arnie

if you don't wear your pads.... Karl AND his Dad have matching broken left wrists. Within two weeks of each other.

Vlad Popov · Post by **Vlad Popov** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 7:00 pm

John,

Is there a group dinner on July 3d?

What time and where shell we meet?

Terry Kirby · Post by **Terry Kirby** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 7:17 pm

John , Henry J over on the other site wants to know where the race is and when it starts. Is it Storrow or Memorial ? And when does it start9 or 10 or earlier. T

Vlad Popov · Post by **Vlad Popov** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 8:41 pm

July 03 Boston Dinner. 19:30 o'clock. Rainbow Buffet on rt9. It's not a fancy-looking dining place, but the food is good and cheap.

Unlimited sushi, sea bass, crab legs, duck, ect. (unlimited sakke too?) All for $11 a person.

The only catch is that you have to drive there.

Brought to you by a Roe Unlimited rider.

Brian Parsons · Post by **Brian Parsons** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 9:35 pm

Here are a few of my suggestions.

If you guys can get started on time and assuming no timer problems, I think hoping to get in three events is very optimistic.

John is a good course setter so I am sure he can quickly get the courses laid out. Try to position the timer where the strips do not need to be moved for each race.

Running through an elimination bracket is very time consuming. Insuring that the racers stay focused on the race and when it is their turn to race is very important in keeping things on schedule.

If you have dual lanes qualify two racers at a time. Tway’s timer can do this.

Also, understand that your top guys will have moved through 3 full brackets by the end of the day. In summertime heat this can drain even the most fit athlete.

Last year the bracketing was confusing to some racers so by eliminating confusion racers know exactly when they should be ready to race.

Don’t get caught up in dazzling the crowd with the pro riders blazing through a course at mach speed. Focus on keeping the action going. Most of your spectators are not there to see a slalom race. You need to keep their attention by keeping racers on the hill. Everyone looks fast to the non-slalom community.

I am biased toward the newbies and intermediate level riders. Creating a bracket where these riders can experience the same thrill of working their way up to the finals the same as advanced riders do is a very good thing, especially in a grass roots event. But again this is time consuming. If you plan on doing this then account for the additional time and then additional practice time for the pros who have been coneing during the B race.

Set a cone limit DQ. This helps eliminate some calculating and counting during the race. Counting cones is a big pain for your timing guys. Its easier for you to say “over 5 DQ!” than to count someone’s 10 cone blowout. Also, keep racers and spectators away from your timing volunteers. They need to stay 100% focused on the racing and cone counting.

All of these suggestions may seem easy in theory but trying to keep things moving on race day is very very hard. John has a great hill in a great location. I would suggest working to accomplish two events using a full A and B bracket of 8. If you have time and energy for a third race for those left standing, great. If not it’s no big deal.

Or, you guys have a great hill with tons of speed. Set a big, fun, fast single lane GS or longboard slalom. Allow everyone 2 runs and the fastest guys win. This is a quick and easy race. Then do a dual lane race in the afternoon when you have the biggest crowds.

Saturday we started longboard practice at 10am we stayed on schedule all day and finished at around 4pm. We ran a single lane longboard race with each racer getting two runs. And did a tight slalom race with A and B brackets of 8. We had a total of 16 racers in each event. I had wanted to run a spec race after the TS but the heat had gotten the best of us all.

It takes at least 3-4 hours to do A and B eight racer elimination brackets with qualifying. If practice needs to start at 10 sharp then the timing guy and the course setter needs to have everything ready to go and tested by 9:30-9:45.

Unfortunately guys I am just getting over the worst case of the flu I have ever had in my entire life. My plan is to stay close to home and try to get healthy again. I think WesE is planning on trying to make it up there I can send my timer with him if you guys need it. Somehow my bracketing board got lost at the Gathering I think GBJ has it. Go buy the large 2 ft by 3 ft paper tablets at OfficeMax and draw your brackets on it prior to the race.

Sorry of this post seem like ramblings. I hope it helps. It takes 3 or 4 guys that are willing to bust ass all day to keep things on track.

Oh, I don’t think the musical start we had last year was very time efficient.

Terry Kirby · Post by **Terry Kirby** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 9:49 pm

Words of Wisdom from the Godfather of East Coast GRass Roots. Thanks Brian. TK

Noah Heinle · Post by **Noah Heinle** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 9:51 pm

ready...steady...No. I hear that song in my nightmares.

Parsons, you are the man. Thanks again.

...and again.

John Gilmour · Post by **John Gilmour** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 1:07 am

Thanks Brian!

I talked with Vlad today and ran a few other options by him.

One thing that hit home is how time consuming eliminations racing is.

Should we limit the eliminations racing to just one race... Say the Intermediate race where the majority of racers will race?

I want racers to race head to head- but I'm not enamoured with the tedious blowout races either. Or the long time it takes to determine the brackets. It grinds every event to a halt in the middle.

If we ran the 2nd race using the qualifications from the first race to seed competitors closely it might get interesting.

Particularly if I were to do this.

Set an intermediate course (a fast pumper-medium technical level) with a timing strip at the bottom-------slight gap (say a big step over)---
then continue the same course for the pro race yet add difficulty with the last 20-25 cones. Competitors then cross the last timing strip and get a time for the "pro" course.

Run the Intermediate racers first- then add the cones and qualify the pro racers.

The split time from the Pros would seed the Pro racers for the intermediate level course.

Now everyone races Intermediate course.

After that race is done we add the last 25 cones back. Pros have pre-qualified already.

There is a large time gap so they can already be seeded as soon as the first event is over...no down time we run the eliminations for the second race.

We race the Pros in the standard elimination way.

In this way we can qualify and seed racers for two events without increasing the qualification runs and time to build the brackets.

Any objections? I would like to try this. It also keeps the action moving.

Also I expect good racers to race both the Intermediate and Pro races. Intermediate riders who want to see how their times compare can easily compare.

A Intermediate riders can try running the pro course and if they can't make the bottom section...they race Intermediate. But if they choose to race pro they give up their chance for prizes and have to go for the cash only.

We just need two tway timers.

[ This Message was edited by: John Gilmour on 2003-06-30 19:43 ]

John Gilmour · Post by **John Gilmour** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 3:02 am

From the North (Route 93S)
Take 93 South to Exit 26A (not accessible from carpool lane), "Storrow Drive/Cambridge/Route 28N/Route 3N". Stay to the right, moving to the middle lane, following signs for "Route 28 North/Cambridge/North Station". At the traffic signal, take a left onto Nashua Street. Take the first right onto Route 28 North/Msgr O'Brien Highway. Pass the Museum of Science on your left. Proceed to second traffic light and take a left onto Edwin Land Boulevard. Go past Royal Sonesta Hotel. Continue down the road heading West and merge onto Memorial Drive. Stay left and go under underpass and go past Mass Avenue Bridge. Take the U-turn (now you are heading East) and now you will be able to pull up to Mass Avenue. Take a right onto the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge. Slalom course is under the Bridge on the other side.

Parking may exist on Cambridge side of the river. It is free parking.

From the West
From the West via the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90 Toll Road)
While Eastbound, take left to exit 18 following signs to Allston/Cambridge; stay in right lane following signs to Cambridge/Somerville; At Light move into right hand lane. Take last possible right before going over the river. You are now on Storrow Drive (this section will be open on all days). After you pass the Fenway exit you will be driving ovber the course and passing under the Mass Ave overpass. If it is Friday you will be forced to exit earlier. Take the Kenmore Square exit in this case. Stay in left lane. Take your first possible left onto Commonwealth Avenue. Stay in right lane. Commonwealth avenue intersects Massachusetts Avenue in one block. Race site is just 2 blocks to your left.

Vlad Popov · Post by **Vlad Popov** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 3:06 am

John, I can be there early to help with the courses/timers. Please post what time you want to be there, so those willing to help don't show up too early or too late.
Also, please set-up your board/s in advance and have enough proteins for breakfast.
Do you have Christina's #? We need more spectators like her.

John Gilmour · Post by **John Gilmour** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 3:10 am

Best cheap convenient deal is $79 a night. amenities are cable tv private phone, kichenette, microwave. But no a/c fans only. Shared bath though. It is 1/2 a block from the race site.

wwww.463beacon.com

private baths are $89 and $129 some have a/c

they have 5 rooms total available as of Monday night- this should be the skaters hotel.

[ This Message was edited by: John Gilmour on 2003-06-30 21:13 ]

John Gilmour · Post by **John Gilmour** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 3:19 am

Christina might be there to root for Ilva who is coming along with Lisa.

Steve O'Hara · Post by **Steve O'Hara** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 3:21 am

Check the new PARKSLALOM course at http://www.skatenh.com super easy course but lots of fun . Let me know what you think???

Terry Kirby · Post by **Terry Kirby** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 3:25 am

This sounds like it will be a great Race. If a few guys show up early and set the courses and timer we could be racing by 9am. Ideal. Nice and cool, everyone fresh and pert. Parsons top 8 A Pro 9 - whatever B Pro is brilliant. I dont think 2 courses are needed just one well set course can do it all. The push start will dictate who is pro and who is B pro. PLus McCree will be there with Wheels , trucks ,tools, mind altering materials and general good ol Boy funness. I heard a Rumour that Hollian may be coming to jack up some Yanks in Kennedy Land. Show Down on the Charles. Can u Dig it????

Vlad Popov · Post by **Vlad Popov** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 3:29 am

Terence and I just counted all slalomers who intend to be there. It's at least 21, not including Troy and Anthony; both are coming only for the Park Slalom Session.

Terry Kirby · Post by **Terry Kirby** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 3:36 am

There are guys from NY, DC, Canada coming to Rye NH for the death Race and Park Slalom. Just seeing the deathrace will be worth the trip. To all the guys hitting Boston...Don't miss the Rye Event. 1st of its kind in the North East. Steve O is the Organiser and raced at the Urban Waves event and Hacketts Death Race in Semi Valley. He knows how to set a great course. What a weekend.

Vlad Popov · Post by **Vlad Popov** » Tue Jul 01, 2003 4:25 am

I'm on the phone with Ilva. Who stops by here to check but refuses to register and participate (Hi Ilva

). Christina is going to be there on Thursday or Friday (too bad Chaput won't be there). Gurjita and Richard - other significant Ilva's friends - will pretend to be spectators as well.
Other news:
Ilva might register on this site pretty soon and
Gilmour's Birthday is July 1. I think this one is a big one not because it happens only ones in the lifetime, but because it's a big one...ahh...wait a minute....something’s wrong here...Anyway. Let's celebrate?

jg-yep- I'll be 20.

[ This Message was edited by: John Gilmour on 2003-06-30 22:36 ]

vp-well, then- Happy 20! Twice!

[ This Message was edited by: vlad popov on 2003-07-01 19:03 ]

Jim Siener · Post by **Jim Siener** » Wed Jul 02, 2003 9:26 pm

John, call me at work. I got news about Wentzle.

Terry Kirby · Post by **Terry Kirby** » Wed Jul 02, 2003 9:35 pm

John, will you be doing "win john gilmours money" this year? TK

Jim Siener · Post by **Jim Siener** » Wed Jul 02, 2003 10:03 pm

Here is the poster that is going up around Boston!Don't miss The Freedom Race!

Jim Siener · Post by **Jim Siener** » Wed Jul 02, 2003 10:55 pm

Freedom Race
Here is the map of the Race location.
Printout your own poster here.

[ This Message was edited by: Jim Siener on 2003-07-02 16:56 ]

Karl Floitgraf · Post by **Karl Floitgraf** » Thu Jul 03, 2003 12:25 am

If you don't mind me asking, who on earth is Jim Siener?

_________________
I'm healing now-

[ This Message was edited by: John Gilmour on 2003-07-24 23:36 ]

Wes Eastridge · Post by **Wes Eastridge** » Thu Jul 03, 2003 1:53 am

Is there anyone between DC and Boston or coming through northern VA (Eric Moore?) that I can share a ride with for the rest of the way to Boston? If so, send me an email: jirraffe AT erols DOT com
I’d like to arrive in Boston tomorrow (Thursday) and leave on Sunday, but I can be somewhat flexible. I will contribute to gas and toll costs.

Henry Julier · Post by **Henry Julier** » Thu Jul 03, 2003 4:19 am

Hey, so there IS an entry fee... luckily I saw the banner, I dunno if I would have brought 25 extra bucks.

I'll be at the race site as early as my sister can get up... she'll be coming with me to help conehead. We'll see what time I get there, hopefully 8:30-9.

peace out

henry

John Gilmour · Post by **John Gilmour** » Thu Jul 03, 2003 5:36 am

I hear that Wentzle won't be coming as he took some time off from work oyster farming to go fishing.

I think we will still manage to have fun.

This hotel just dropped its rates significantly.
http://www.bostonhotelbuckminster.com/r ... ions2.html

$99 per night for two twins or $99 for a queen bed. Located just about 1 block from the race site. It is located in kenmore square.

If you have a 24 hour cancellation policy on your hotel and you are staying further away or paying more I would jump on this deal.

2 room Suites with two queen size beds are $154 per night. Nicely furnished- AC private baths- regular hotel. They have 13 rooms still available.

[ This Message was edited by: John Gilmour on 2003-07-02 23:57 ]

Karl Floitgraf · Post by **Karl Floitgraf** » Thu Jul 03, 2003 5:54 am

Is anyone bringing an extra person with them that could cone marshall? Just want to get an idea how many people I need to find on the day.

John Gilmour · Post by **John Gilmour** » Thu Jul 03, 2003 8:00 am

actually several people will be able to help. Lisa is coming from connecticut. A few of Ilva's friends might be willing to pitch in. Also a few of my rollerblading students said they might stop by. Suzy Peabody will also help get the racers ready two heats in advance.

I think this should move along a lot better than last year provided the timing systems go up quickly.

John Gilmour · Post by **John Gilmour** » Thu Jul 03, 2003 8:06 am

I could use a few more cones. Currently I have about 90 but I could use about 160.

William Tway · Post by **William Tway** » Thu Jul 03, 2003 5:08 pm

JG, are you squared away with a timing system? I won't be arriving until 11amish. Let me know if you need me to bring mine. Set-up fee is $25.00. Thanks.

<img src=http://www.users.cloud9.net/~wbtway/slacker.bmp>

[ This Message was edited by: JahRastaFarI on 2003-07-03 11:12 ]

[ This Message was edited by: William Tway on 2003-07-03 11:14 ]

Matthew Wilson · Post by **Matthew Wilson** » Thu Jul 03, 2003 6:21 pm

On 2003-07-03 02:06, John Gilmour wrote:
I could use a few more cones. Currently I have about 90 but I could use about 160.

JG-- I can bring 25 white Turner cones.

Wes Eastridge · Post by **Wes Eastridge** » Thu Jul 03, 2003 11:53 pm

To anyone that can help, I said that I would bring chalk and the bracketing board, but that was when I thought that I'd be traveling in a car. I am now going to arrive by train and therefore need to have an easy load. Can someone supply the chalk and a 3'x2' paper pad for bracketing?
Thanks.

Matthew Wilson · Post by **Matthew Wilson** » Fri Jul 04, 2003 2:19 am

I will bring some chalk too. But we may need more.

John Gilmour · Post by **John Gilmour** » Fri Jul 04, 2003 5:13 am

Yes we do need lots of chalk- and two tway timers would be ideal.

Tway....get on up here!

We gourged ourselves at the all you can eat Chinese and Japanese restaurant about 120 shrimp and 60 pieces of Sushi later not to mention tons of Alaskan king crap legs and heaping portions of Peking Duck... Man we are full.

Burgers and Dogs tomorrow- Nantucket Nectars is supplying the drinks.

William Tway · Post by **William Tway** » Fri Jul 04, 2003 5:54 am

Sweet!!!

John Gilmour · Post by **John Gilmour** » Fri Jul 04, 2003 1:37 pm

Everyone is up at race central Pancake breakfast at 7:00 AM- We will see you down there.

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