I see in the VM/Barb’s results that they list the reason for a penalty or DQ. I like that.
Couple of questions for Eric: What would constitute “endangerment”? And, why no refs on the second loop of the bike? The first loop looked pretty clean. The second, hmmmm. There were a few groups riding way too close.
Any reports from participants? I’ve read a few reports from some locals. It was a little warm, but Sunday was a lot hotter. I rode the course in reverse cheering everyone on after a 40 mile early jaunt out to Calistoga. 100 miles on the day and another 67 miles yesterday; 187 for the week.
I thought the weather was perfect. Friday was overcast and cool. I guess temperature-wise that would have been better racing weather, but I really enjoyed having a nice sunny day on Saturday, even if it was warmer (low 80’s?). It was really awesome to be out in the river as the overcast burned off and the sun came out. What an incredible view! I guess that’s one advantage of being a REALLY slow swimmer At least my worst fear didn’t materialize- coming into T1 and mine being the only bike left there.
I thought the bike course was awesome, though I was surprised by how rolling it was. Chalk up another newbie error for not riding or driving the course beforehand. I was also suprised by how choppy the roads were. I think I launched 3-4 Gatorade bottles and one Gu flask (!?) over the course of the ride. The run course was pretty flat (a lot flatter than previous years, from what I heard). All in all, a great race, great volunteers, and great weather. Sunday was definitely A LOT hotter than race day. Thank goodness the weather played out the way it did.
I also like the fact that the results show the reason for the penalty, though I have to feel a little bit sorry for the poor bastard that got DQ’ed for public urination. LOL! I know the RD has to crack down to appease the locals, but I don’t think that penalty fits the crime, though I don’t know any specifics (he may have done it in front of a pack of nuns or something).
You would typically be called for endangerment if you cross the center line on the bike course. This shouldn’t be called endangerment unless you come close to causing an accident. I heard Charlie describe it as conduct which causes you to hold your breathe in fear of an accident. Sometimes refs will call this anytime someone crosses the center line. That is the wrong way to call it, but it is a judgment call, so there is really no appeal.
Endangerment on a bike
any intentional action that when taken, creates a situation which places the racer, or fellow competitor, or general public in danger. In a case on Saturday a pass was made around the left side of a vehicle with the racer left of the centerline on a right hand turn.
as for Motorcycles, you would need to ask the head ref about coverage
I also like the fact that the results show the reason for the penalty, though I have to feel a little bit sorry for the poor bastard that got DQ’ed for public urination. LOL! I know the RD has to crack down to appease the locals, but I don’t think that penalty fits the crime, though I don’t know any specifics (he may have done it in front of a pack of nuns or something).
The roads are pretty nasty on much of the course. I live just off Chalk Hill and ride some portion of the course just about every weekend. I guess that is why so many of us ride carbon fiber bikes up here. I suspect the grape trucks cause a fair amount of damage on country roads not really designed for that kind of weight. So buy some SoCo wines and help our roads would ya!
It was definitely a hot day out there although Sunday would have been worse. Did you also notice the planes from the airshow going on that day (F15 doing manuevers, squadron of P51’s flying around and the aerobatic stunt plane)? If you live in the bay area you really should come up some time in the late summer or early fall (Oct is the best) when all the grape vines are turning colors. Every varietal has it’s own unique color scheme and it makes for a beautiful time for a late season “fun” ride. Sort of our version of New England. Usually there is only minimal wind and temps are moderate. You can even stop and quaff some vino but frankly I thinking drinking and riding is more dangerous than drinking and driving. I leave that to all the crazy tourists. We have a Santa Rosa based tri club if you want to join us for a group ride (www.tridogs.com)
If you live in the bay area you really should come up some time in the late summer or early fall (Oct is the best) when all the grape vines are turning colors.<<
I’m up there at least once a month, sometimes more, and have been for the last 13 years. That’s what happens when your riding buddy moves from the East Bay to SR. I even have my house picked out to buy when I win the lottery. Last year we did a January ride where the temps on the fairgrounds sign said 29F. That was a cold one. But you’re right–some great riding!
At least my worst fear didn’t materialize- coming into T1 and mine being the only bike left there.
Last year we did a January ride where the temps on the fairgrounds sign said 29F. That was a cold one. But you’re right–some great riding!