M
Mike Tennent
Guest
The following was posted on the Great Floridian forum site.
"One USAT rule or new rule that has been brought to light this season also has to do with bike
helmets, riding to and from the race, as in parking or staying nearby and riding with your gear to
the transition area. Around North Carolina, Set-Up, Inc. competitors are being forewarned that
riding without a helmet to the race site is also a DQ. "
Remember the prolonged discussion here regarding an incident last year? I guess it got some official
attention.
I did a quick look at the Rule book. here's what it says. Note the very last sentence.
"(b) Chin Strap Violations. The helmet must be fastened before the participant first mounts the
bicycle, at all times when the participant is on the bicycle, and must not be unfastened until the
participant has dismounted. Any violation of this Section 5.9(b) which occurs while the participant
is in the transition area shall result in a variable time penalty. Any other violation of this
Section shall result in disqualification. This Section 5.9(b) shall be enforced at all times while
at the event site on race day. "
Although I don't disagree with the rule, I can see where it opens a whole can of worms. What is the
"event site?" How is that defined? How far can it reasonably extend?
It seems an RD will need to post some kind of map showing what the area is or expect some protests.
Other thoughts?
Mike Tennent "IronPenguin"
"One USAT rule or new rule that has been brought to light this season also has to do with bike
helmets, riding to and from the race, as in parking or staying nearby and riding with your gear to
the transition area. Around North Carolina, Set-Up, Inc. competitors are being forewarned that
riding without a helmet to the race site is also a DQ. "
Remember the prolonged discussion here regarding an incident last year? I guess it got some official
attention.
I did a quick look at the Rule book. here's what it says. Note the very last sentence.
"(b) Chin Strap Violations. The helmet must be fastened before the participant first mounts the
bicycle, at all times when the participant is on the bicycle, and must not be unfastened until the
participant has dismounted. Any violation of this Section 5.9(b) which occurs while the participant
is in the transition area shall result in a variable time penalty. Any other violation of this
Section shall result in disqualification. This Section 5.9(b) shall be enforced at all times while
at the event site on race day. "
Although I don't disagree with the rule, I can see where it opens a whole can of worms. What is the
"event site?" How is that defined? How far can it reasonably extend?
It seems an RD will need to post some kind of map showing what the area is or expect some protests.
Other thoughts?
Mike Tennent "IronPenguin"