Air Force Classic Crash?

[eminva]

@creadinger 141528 wrote:

I was mostly referring to how most charity rides and other events usually have different distances one can ride. [/url]

You are right, and the event you cite is an excellent example. And set up to separate the fast folks from the beginners.

I guess I am expressing regret that there are not more closed street cycling events for any category of rider here. I know a cyclovia is pie in the sky, but it would sure be nice. Again, not trying to conflate the Challenge Ride with that — just wish there were a variety of events for different audiences.

Sorry to get off topic. I add my good wishes for speedy recovery for the injured.

Liz

[dasgeh]

@creadinger 141528 wrote:

I was mostly referring to how most charity rides and other events usually have different distances one can ride. And anything less than ~50K is essentially family friendly no? And by family friendly, I’m not talking about rides specifically for families, like Kidical Mass. Just a ride that families can do without feeling too out of their depth in distance or pace.

It depends on the family, but there are not any other rides with closed roads, at this distance (1 loop is 15km) in the city. The only other one in the city with closed roads specifically excludes families.

[Harry Meatmotor]

@eminva 141526 wrote:

What is the appeal of this event for strong cyclists who would be credible competitors in USA Cycling-sanctioned races? In other words, if one is capable of racing, why not just race?

That particular weekend features two crits, and both are on the National Calendar (which means you’ll see domestic pro teams mixing it up with our local teams, and it’s really exciting to cheer for our local gals and guys). Saturday’s races only feature age-graded races open to any male racers below Cat3, and no Cat5 race of any kind. Sunday’s races are only open to PRO, 1, 2’s. What that means is that there’s really only one race any male Cat4 in the region can enter, and it’s an open, Cat 1, 2, 3, 4 race. In simple terms, it’s a stupid fast race for $40 where most Cat 4s will get dropped within 10-15 minutes of racing.

So, for such a big event, there’s really nothing for any Cat4 or Cat3 ladies, or Cat4 or Cat5 men. I’d rather spend my money (Or volunteer for free entry!) and ride the Challenge Ride than spend $40 to get blown out the back of a Masters field in 8 minutes. And, I can ride to both events, no need for hours in the car to go race in the middle of no where, MD.

[sjclaeys]

An easy to enforce step to improve safety is to ban aero bars and tri-bikes. This would at least ensure that all riders are not riding “aero” and have quick access to brakes, while perhaps cutting down on the more aggressive speed demons.

[Steve O]

Please use the other thread for discussion about the event and how it could be improved or changed. This thread was originally intended to be specifically about the crash(es) in this year’s Challenge Ride

[Steve O]

We should probably move this discussion back over to the other thread.

[mstone]

People ride like jerks on the W&OD; suggesting that there’s a change that can be made to get everyone to ride safely and politely on a closed road course is a fantasy.

[mdub47]

Back on the original topic, does anyone have an update on the woman who was injured?

[Tim Kelley]

@mdub47 141571 wrote:

Back on the original topic, does anyone have an update on the woman who was injured?

The event organizers report that the woman is healing rapidly, is expected to make a full recovery, and be released from the hospital soon. The other two crashes were shoulder/collarbone issues are were released from the hospital on Sunday.

They also state, “We have begun to look at new ways to activate the Sunday Challenge Ride. The growth we are seeing made it apparent, even before Sunday, that we would need to look at ways to spread out the field…educate the wide range of cyclists we have participating and find ways for everyone to enjoy the day of closed-road cycling in the Northern Virginia area. We have received a variety of great suggestions, from sponsors and individuals, that we are already considering.”

[mdub47]

@Tim Kelley 141581 wrote:

The event organizers report that the woman is healing rapidly, is expected to make a full recovery, and be released from the hospital soon. The other two crashes were shoulder/collarbone issues are were released from the hospital on Sunday.”

Thanks. They sent this out in an email to participants earlier today:

“I am also pleased to report that everyone involved in the incidents during Sunday’s Challenge Ride and were transported to area hospitals are all doing well and on the mend. The most serious, a female cyclist who was critically injured during the Corporate Challenge Ride is out of the ICU and doctors have indicated that they expect a full recovery. The family would also like to thank all those in the cycling community who have offered their support during this time, thank you. In good spirits, the cyclist offers these words of encouragement for all to ‘Keep at it! See you all next year!'”

[KLizotte]

That is one tough broad. Just sayin’

[Starduster]

Wow. And I thought I dodged crazy conditions on the DC Bike Ride? I got royally sick overnight and couldn’t make the start of the Challenge ride. Guardian Angel works in strange strange ways.

Talked to Bless Gomes @ Papillon Cycles afterwards, who told me about the carnage I missed. A bone to pick: Seriously? Sending riders over an incomplete paving job on the Pike? From fresh pavement to just milled, which is diabolical on a narrow road tire, especially for an less-than-skilled rider? Fast downhill to boot? Even with my plan of not worrying about time on the first lap and staying out of trouble…

Glad everyone is recovering….

[Author]

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