When will planning for Freezing Saddles start?

[cvcalhoun]

As requested, I’m not replying to the original post, quoted below. However, so far, I haven’t seen even any of the “we start discussing and planning it” part that was supposed to start around Halloween, much less the “Registration starts” part that was supposed to start around now. And I’m itching to sign up. Anyone know what’s happening?

@Amalitza 125526 wrote:

****PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS THREAD. **** This is a post to provide a single spot for information you will need to participate in this year’s Bike Arlington Freezing Saddles (BAFS). I will update this post as needed to keep information current. If you have a question, or think that something needs to be added or changed in this post, PM me please. Or post in a different thread. This one will work http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?9375-Freezing-Saddles-Sticky-Post&p=125540#post125540 This is not a thread to discuss or plan this year’s freezing saddles, just to have one place for people to check in on current status and find out what they need to know to sign up and play.
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What you need to know if you would like to participate in Freezing Saddles 2016

Freezing Saddles 2016 will (probably) run from January 1 through the last day of winter (as it has in the past). This year’s game hasn’t been organized yet. If you would like to participate in BAFS2016, you do not need to do anything right now. Check back later and this post will be updated with sign-up and other relevant information as it is decided on.

Rough guestimate of schedule based on previous years:

Somewhere around Halloween: we start discussing and planning it. When this happens, I’ll edit this post to include links to relevant planning threads, for those that are interested.

Somewhere around Thanksgiving: Registration starts. When this happens, I’ll edit this post to include instructions and links.

Christmas day or Christmas eve or some day very close to that: registration closes. If you want to play, be sure to check back in sometime before that so you can sign up.

January 1, 12:01am (12:00:01?) Game on.

Somewhere in the approximate vicinity of the start of the game: there is a happy hour. Teams are announced. People will have to create and join their teams in strava. Even though you already registered, you’ll still need to find your team on strava, so you will need to make sure you know how to do this. Again, links and whatnot will be provided here when available.

AND PLEASE PLEASE DON’T REPLY TO THIS THREAD.:p

Topic

[Steve O]

Here’s what I think I’ve heard and also what I am just making up now, because it makes sense:

– Slackers must be veterans of FS. Newbies will be assigned a team. This is good. Being on a team is much more fun anyway. (Using the rcannon modified definition of “consensus,” there is “consensus” on this point.)
– Slackers do not appear on team leaderboard. So not really a “team;” more like a “bunch o’ “
– Slackers do appear on the individual leaderboard, for whatever gratification that brings them.
– Slackers not eligible for individual pointless prizes that are based on riding stats (most miles, longest ride, #kidical, 8th slowest, billy goat, etc.)
– Slackers are eligible for non-statistical side bets and pointless prizes (ride titles, photo contests, beerneuring and the like)
– Slackers are highly encouraged to contribute in other ways to the success of FS

[Steve O]

Here’s an idea to throw a little more arbitrariness into the mix, and also to keep everyone in the game longer.

Last year we had a list of extra riders: joined late or whatever. I expect we will have the same this year.

IDEA:
During the game, at certain points in time (I have some ideas about how this might be done), the last place team gets one of the bench riders–perhaps randomly assigned. Adding a rider will probably bump them up a few spots, but is unlikely to take them to first. Then it happens again, last place team gets a new rider. We do this several times during the game. This will help alleviate the hopelessness that can set in for the last place team. It also can help make up for those teams who are unluckily assigned a no-show or two. And it should serve to tighten up the gaps, making it more interesting all around.

Discussion welcomed.

[cvcalhoun]

The following are the changes I am planning to make in this year’s registration form. If anyone has any objections, speak now or forever (or at least until FS 2017) hold your peace:

1. All geographical information other than Zip Codes has been removed. The form will not submit unless the Zip Code is between 20000 and 29999.
2. All answers that would disqualify you will result in the form not submitting. For example, if you don’t agree to the terms of the contest or say, “I’m not really intending to participate in anything, so I’m not registering for Freezing Saddles,” the form will not go through with such answers.
3. The question about participation in the Slacker team specifically says you can’t join that team unless you have previously participated in Freezing Saddles.
4. A CAPTCHA has been added, so spammers and bots can’t sign up. (They probably wouldn’t enjoy it anyway.)
5. A graphic of someone riding a bicycle through snowy mountains has been added to the top, just to give potential contestants an idea of what will be expected of them.
6. While intentional spelling and grammar errors have been left in, unintentional ones have been removed. (It is entirely within the discretion of Management to determine which ones were intentional.)

We’re already overdue on putting up the registration form, so please let me know if you disagree with any of this.

[Steve O]

@cvcalhoun 128887 wrote:

The following are the changes I am planning to make in this year’s registration form. If anyone has any objections, speak now or forever (or at least until FS 2017) hold your peace:

1. All geographical information other than Zip Codes has been removed. The form will not submit unless the Zip Code is between 20000 and 29999.
2. All answers that would disqualify you will result in the form not submitting. For example, if you don’t agree to the terms of the contest or say, “I’m not really intending to participate in anything, so I’m not registering for Freezing Saddles,” the form will not go through with such answers.
3. The question about participation in the Slacker team specifically says you can’t join that team unless you have previously participated in Freezing Saddles.
4. A CAPTCHA has been added, so spammers and bots can’t sign up. (They probably wouldn’t enjoy it anyway.)
5. A graphic of someone riding a bicycle through snowy mountains has been added to the top, just to give potential contestants an idea of what will be expected of them.
6. While intentional spelling and grammar errors have been left in, unintentional ones have been removed. (It is entirely within the discretion of Management to determine which ones were intentional.)

We’re already overdue on putting up the registration form, so please let me know if you disagree with any of this.

• I might suggest changing the word “Team” to “Bunch o’ ” for the slackers, as suggested previously.
• Be sure to change any year references to be appropriate
• I think the “I am addicted to competition” line was one of the things that put off newbies. It’s a game more than a competition. Best might be to take this question out entirely in order to avoid confusion. People who want to be one of the Bunch O’ Slackers can just say so here. Since slackers need to be veterans, they are already following this discussion. If you want to leave it in, then soften the language.
• Lose the stupid puppy references, of course.
• It might be good to add links to this thread and even the threads from previous years to give newbies a taste of what they may be in for.

[cvcalhoun]

Okay, I have now put up a page for everyone to look at and comment on at this link. To prevent premature submissions, I have temporarily removed the “Submit” button. My responses to Steve O’s comments are shown below. If anyone has any other comments, please let me know within the next 24 hours, so we can get this baby up and running!

@Steve O 128888 wrote:

• I might suggest changing the word “Team” to “Bunch o’ ” for the slackers, as suggested previously. Done.
• Be sure to change any year references to be appropriate Done.
• I think the “I am addicted to competition” line was one of the things that put off newbies. It’s a game more than a competition. Best might be to take this question out entirely in order to avoid confusion. People who want to be one of the Bunch O’ Slackers can just say so here. Since slackers need to be veterans, they are already following this discussion. If you want to leave it in, then soften the language. Done.
• Lose the stupid puppy references, of course. Aw, come on, we need to get rid of the puppies? I’m going to need confirmation from someone other than the notoriously anti-puppy Steve O before doing that!
• It might be good to add links to this thread and even the threads from previous years to give newbies a taste of what they may be in for. I’m not sure I want to add multiple links. And specifically, I’m not sure I want to add a specific link to this topic. As others have pointed out, the planning thread is often the most contentious of the year. But I’ve added a link to the Freezing Saddles topic as a whole.

[cvcalhoun]

Okay, I have now put up a registration form for everyone to look at and comment on at this link. To prevent premature submissions, I have temporarily removed the “Submit” button. My responses to Steve O’s comments are shown below. If anyone has any other comments, please let me know within the next 24 hours, so we can get this baby up and running!

@Steve O 128888 wrote:

• I might suggest changing the word “Team” to “Bunch o’ ” for the slackers, as suggested previously. Done.
• Be sure to change any year references to be appropriate Done.
• I think the “I am addicted to competition” line was one of the things that put off newbies. It’s a game more than a competition. Best might be to take this question out entirely in order to avoid confusion. People who want to be one of the Bunch O’ Slackers can just say so here. Since slackers need to be veterans, they are already following this discussion. If you want to leave it in, then soften the language. Language softened.
• Lose the stupid puppy references, of course. Aw, come on, we need to get rid of the puppies? I’m going to need confirmation from someone other than the notoriously anti-puppy Steve O before doing that!
• It might be good to add links to this thread and even the threads from previous years to give newbies a taste of what they may be in for. I’m not sure I want to add multiple links. And specifically, I’m not sure I want to add a specific link to this topic. As others have pointed out, the planning thread is often the most contentious of the year. But I’ve added a link to the Freezing Saddles topic as a whole.

[cvcalhoun]

Okay, I have now put up a registration form for everyone to look at and comment on at this link. To prevent premature submissions, I have temporarily removed the “Submit” button. My responses to Steve O’s comments are shown below. If anyone has any other comments, please let me know within the next 24 hours, so we can get this baby up and running!

@Steve O 128888 wrote:

• I might suggest changing the word “Team” to “Bunch o’ ” for the slackers, as suggested previously. Done.
• Be sure to change any year references to be appropriate Done.
• I think the “I am addicted to competition” line was one of the things that put off newbies. It’s a game more than a competition. Best might be to take this question out entirely in order to avoid confusion. People who want to be one of the Bunch O’ Slackers can just say so here. Since slackers need to be veterans, they are already following this discussion. If you want to leave it in, then soften the language. Language softened.
• Lose the stupid puppy references, of course. Aw, come on, we need to get rid of the puppies? I’m going to need confirmation from someone other than the notoriously anti-puppy Steve O before doing that!
• It might be good to add links to this thread and even the threads from previous years to give newbies a taste of what they may be in for. I’m not sure I want to add multiple links. And specifically, I’m not sure I want to add a specific link to this thread. As others have pointed out, the planning thread is often the most contentious of the year. But I’ve added a link to the Freezing Saddles topic as a whole.

[consularrider]

@Steve O 128865 wrote:

It might be worth leaving in the zip code question. That way we will have it if we need it.
Also, FS is a regional game. In the past people from far away states have wanted to join. As much as they may be nice and even strongly committed riders, FS is really for people who can attend group rides, coffee clubs, happy hours and the FSLNHPP. That is unlikely for those in Chicago or Minneapolis…or even Kiev.

Uhhh, I can fly over just to attend the opening BAFS Happy Hour and multiple morning coffee clubs if that will make you happy. (FYI my official zip code is 20189, Dulles, VA)

[cvcalhoun]

@consularrider 128892 wrote:

Uhhh, I can fly over just to attend the opening BAFS Happy Hour and multiple morning coffee clubs if that will make you happy. (FYI my official zip code is 20189, Dulles, VA)

Well, if you signed up and used a Zip Code that began with a 2, I wouldn’t tell! But since someone might notice, anyway, I’ll leave it to the rest of this forum whether we have a consensus on the issue.

[cvcalhoun]

@consularrider 128892 wrote:

Uhhh, I can fly over just to attend the opening BAFS Happy Hour and multiple morning coffee clubs if that will make you happy. (FYI my official zip code is 20189, Dulles, VA)

Well, if you signed up and used any Zip Code from Maryland, DC, or Virginia, I wouldn’t tell! But since someone might notice, anyway, I’ll leave it to the rest of this forum whether we have a consensus on the issue.

[peterw_diy]

Count me as another fan of the “local” team groupings. Team rides are part of the fun, and I’ll spare you all the full sermon, but I’m not going to ferry my bike on top of the car just to go for a ride. I like to leave the iceberg melter parked as much as possible (and I’m too cheap and busy to use Metro). So I really hope whatever kind souls tackle the team assignments will try to honor preferences for local teams.

cvcalhoun, didn’t last year’s form ask about local team preference? Would you please add that question back in, even if you think you need to add a caveat that there has been some debate and we might not factor your answer into team assignments?

@jrenaut 128869 wrote:

So if anyone knows a young Python developer with time on his/her hands, perhaps you might suggest they take part.

“Young” developer, huh? Damned agism even when asking for volunteers. You realize Guido himself is nearly 60, right? GRRR. If intended as a joke, NOT FUNNY.

[cvcalhoun]

@peterw_diy 128895 wrote:

Count me as another fan of the “local” team groupings. Team rides are part of the fun, and I’ll spare you all the full sermon, but I’m not going to ferry my bike on top of the car just to go for a ride. I like to leave the iceberg melter parked as much as possible (and I’m too cheap and busy to use Metro). So I really hope whatever kind souls tackle the team assignments will try to honor preferences for local teams.

cvcalhoun, didn’t last year’s form ask about local team preference? Would you please add that question back in, even if you think you need to add a caveat that there has been some debate and we might not factor your answer into team assignments?

“Young” developer, huh? Damned agism even when asking for volunteers. You realize Guido himself is nearly 60, right? GRRR. If intended as a joke, NOT FUNNY.

I don’t want to ask people whether they want to be on a local team unless they actually have the option to be on a local team. That’s just a recipe for confusion.

I would prefer not to have local teams. Last year, they were apparently so unpopular that people like me who didn’t want to be on them got stuck on them anyway. But if the group thinks otherwise, I’ll go with the group. I just need to know quickly, so I can finalize the form.

[peterw_diy]

@cvcalhoun 128896 wrote:

I don’t want to ask people whether they want to be on a local team unless they actually have the option to be on a local team. That’s just a recipe for confusion.

I would prefer not to have local teams. Last year, they were apparently so unpopular that people like me who didn’t want to be on them got stuck on them anyway. But if the group thinks otherwise, I’ll go with the group. I just need to know quickly, so I can finalize the form.

As this is a volunteer-led game, I think whoever steroid up to make the team assignments should get the final say, but I just posted a 3-day poll to make it easy to capture & tally opinions on this: http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?9627-Poll-should-Freezing-Saddles-offer-quot-local-quot-teams

[peterw_diy]

To quickly and concisely capture opinions on local teams, I have posted a poll:http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?9627-Poll-should-Freezing-Saddles-offer-quot-local-quot-teams

[cvcalhoun]

@peterw_diy 128901 wrote:

To quickly and concisely capture opinions on local teams, I have posted a poll:http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?9627-Poll-should-Freezing-Saddles-offer-quot-local-quot-teams

Thanks for that! I doubt we’re going to have anyone volunteer to do team assignments in the next 24 hours. But I’d really like to get registration started. The poll should help collect the necessary information quickly.

[Author]

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