<< I prefer to go shirtless because it is cooler, more aero on the bike
wrong and wrong. Wearing a shirt actually helps to keep the body cooler. If it was cooler to not wear a top, then why doesn't anyone go shirtless at some fo ther eal hot weather races like Badwater? A lot of the races there wear long sleeve tops for two reasons, sun protection and to keep the body cooler. Not necessarily more aero on the bike either. A good fitting top helps smooth out the air flow over a hairy chest. Now going topless would be more aero then wearing a big baggy t-shirt though.
To Rockfish:
<< Does anyone think contacting them will make any differance in the decision making process?
yes it will. I am one of 11 that will vote on this issue. I've had enough people contact me that don't want this rule so that is the way that I will vote. I would suggest that you find out who your board representative is for your region and contact them. Let them know that you don't support this rule and give them some good concrete reasons why. It's called democracy and it's surprising how well it works when you work with it.
Mike Plumb, TriPower MultiSports
Professional Running, Cycling and Multisport Coaching, F.I.S.T. Certified
http://www.tripower.org