Wes...On 2003-09-02 15:57, Wesley Tucker wrote:Chris,On 2003-09-02 15:20, Chris Stepanek wrote:
When can we start being specialists? When can we start riding the courses WE like and not having to be made to feel guilty about it?
I don't know quite how to say this without sound like I'm being snooty or suggesting some people be EXCLUDED from an event. The answer to your question, though, is "we" can start being specialists when we start holding "INVITATIONAL EVENTS." In other words, people come to an event who are invited based on their particular preference for racing.
Again, I know that sounds exclusionary, but I hope you get what I mean in concept. If you and some of the Nor'easters wanted to hold an exclusive TIGHT RACING weekend, you would put out the word that only TIGHT RACERS would enjoy themselves. What's more is I think it would have to be announced in such a way that only people who practiced and enjoyed tight racing would make the trip. Coming to such an event to "find out" if someone "likes" tight racing isn't part of the program.
The same it true with Hybrid racing, Giant slalom or whatever. One of the things I've admired over the past few months is Mike Gorman's JPL races. He has a big hill with a gnarly surface and advertises a big giant slalom on a big hill. Someone who goes to his race knows what's in store. Don't go to Mike's race with little wheels and short boards and then complain afterwards there was nothing there that involved that kind of racing. In other words, a short board and small wheels wasn't invited. If someone insists on coming unprepared, everyone will still be hospitable, but don't gripe later about the course.
Of course, maybe my attitude about being involved in all kinds of events means I win nothing, but at least I might get asked to show up at all the parties and still be competitive!
I don't think we need to go that far, though I have no problem with invitationals, but for other reasons.
I don't see a specialist as being limited at all. I see it more as the excel in a specific event. If you have a race with say a GS and TS event I see the TS specialist excelling in the TS and doing pretty good in GS. i see a specialist as favoring/being better at one event over the other but not to the complete exclusion to the other event(s). In that world the specialist would never race. Part of racing IS showing up on race day, figuring out the course and taking your skillset to the podium and adapting. In fact that is 50% of racing right there.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: chris stepanek on 2003-09-02 16:46 ]</font>