A unique problem with SI Buckets

[jasonu]

Back markers one can cope with. its the super slow bikes that make sickening impact a possibility. I wouldn't rate you as a problem Hels. This isn't about a thread to bash the slower riders, I think its more about the bikes that just can't make the grade (at least that's my take). or perhaps Learners still learning how to change gear, that would be an issue.

Tru dat sista!

[gav]

But you can't always blame the bikes either. As Muzza said the bike that was involved in the incident is certainly fast enough, just inexperience on behalf of the riders concerned maybe. Even extra track time in a training class isnt really going to help with how to cope when getting lapped. Sure motor cycling can be dangerous but isnt that part of the thrill of racing? Accidents are going to happen, and sometimes you get taken out by someone elses mistake, it happens ... Hell, you could go and play golf and still get hit by a stray golf ball!

[richban]

I found them to be no problem at all although not travelling at the pace of the front runners, the vest were visible several corners away so I knew I'd be in amongst them quickly although maybe I had more time to look around

Just looked over the video and its rather plain that vests worked well. We start lapping people about lap 3. The first dude has a vest and you can see him a mile off. Next one doesn't and gets passed at the quickest part of the track and I remember looking up and thinking wow where did you come from, please don't get spooked or we could be in trouble. Looking at that I am put off racing the BOB again. When I first started watching I thought wow I love that track. Then when the passing starts I thought. WTF. Thats mental dangerous. You judge for yourself.

[Muzzab]

Ah now thats my bugbear, if you're about to get lapped (and the blue flag lets everyone know) then your duel gets put on hold, maybe thats something that can be instilled at the mentoring stage, would certainly reduce the near misses.

Blue flag? Never seen one. Could be helpful though.

[Grumph]

Okay, reading what's being said can i make a suggestion - specifically for the BoB meeting.

If CAMS run to form you should get two five lap prelims in before the lunch break - which is BoB time.

If a rider can avoid being lapped in either of those prelims he/she can start in the BoB.

This will in effect give you a 20% speed differential which is probably acceptable. The track layout also gives slower riders a chance once a lap to look across while exiting the hairpin and check if they're going to be caught in the infield. If this is pointed out to competitors at riders briefing it may ensure tail enders staying alert.

[Dutchee]

Just looked over the video and its rather plain that vests worked well. We start lapping people about lap 3. The first dude has a vest and you can see him a mile off. Next one doesn't and gets passed at the quickest part of the track and I remember looking up and thinking wow where did you come from, please don't get spooked or we could be in trouble. Looking at that I am put off racing the BOB again. When I first started watching I thought wow I love that track. Then when the passing starts I thought. WTF. Thats mental dangerous. You judge for yourself.

Without watching the whole video, what needs to happen with BoB is, lose the ego's at sign-on. If you're not going to be in the top 10 or so, wear a vest. The riders wearing vests were visible through Rich's numberboard (if he looked far enough ahead), but those others going around the same speed really weren't. Maybe all "B grade" riders?

I won't ride events like this as I'd either not qualify (due to lack of speed), or if I did, I know I'd not enjoy it as I'd be stressing out too much about when I was about to be lapped. I'm over entering events and choosing not to ride them, I'd rather just have fun & wander around. Regular club meets in the N.I. I generally enjoy, but on days I'm not feeling it, I won't ride, as it's not safe for myself and other riders.

[aarondixon]

As a newbie to this and one of the guys getting lapped (for now) I thought I could add my 2 cents:
- if wearing a vest helps identify me then i'm happy to wear one until I'm no longet getting lapped. It'll be good motivation for me to grow a pair and go that bit faster
- I personally don't think the BOB is the right place for a newbie. The racing gets spread out and slower guys are getting passed constantly. Plus the longer race can contribute to a lack of concentration for some. A slower B grade race that is shorter may be ok but thats depends on how much time you got I guess
- It needs to be made clear to newbies at riders briefing not to change their line when they are getting passed or hear a bike coming up on them.
- Rule no of passing though is those doing the passing need to do so safely. Give the slow guy a bit of room so he don't cr*p in his leathers and sit up!
- Theres no substitute for track time and training. I had a lesson with Dan Ornsby a few years ago and it made a big difference at the time (unfortunately i then didn't ride track for 2 years). I plan on booking another lesson with Dan soon and some of the slower guys could possibly be encouraged to as well?

my thoughts anyway. cheers.

[Kickaha]

If you're not going to be in the top 10 or so, wear a vest. The riders wearing vests were visible through Rich's numberboard (if he looked far enough ahead), but those others going around the same speed really weren't. Maybe all "B grade" riders?

30 riders wearing vests? you just made them worthless as a warning

[Muzzab]

Just looked over the video and its rather plain that vests worked well. We start lapping people about lap 3. The first dude has a vest and you can see him a mile off. Next one doesn't and gets passed at the quickest part of the track and I remember looking up and thinking wow where did you come from, please don't get spooked or we could be in trouble. Looking at that I am put off racing the BOB again. When I first started watching I thought wow I love that track. Then when the passing starts I thought. WTF. Thats mental dangerous. You judge for yourself.

I watched and went " Who-hoo can't wait "

So which slow bike made you fall off? hee hee .......

[Muzzab]

30 riders wearing vests? you just made them worthless as a warning

I don't have a vest, but I have a bright yellow t-shirt from the Greymouth Street Races that I intend throwing on over the leathers.
If it helps the fast fellas to see you and start thinking about you sooner it's cool by me.

[richban]

So which slow bike made you fall off? hee hee .......

No one to blame but me.

[Yow Ling]

thanks Rich, the vid put the problem into perspective.

muzza, I had forgotten about the yellow shirts at greymouth

I have noticed a few riders do the bob as their entry to buckets or their annual race, these guys should ,like others have said be put into the other races and excluded from bob

Paul who was in the crash at the start of the thread is back home probably pretty sore still, old bones take longer to heal, his problem wasnt the bike or the visibility, just got spooked and went the wrong way

[gav]

Okay, reading what's being said can i make a suggestion - specifically for the BoB meeting.

If CAMS run to form you should get two five lap prelims in before the lunch break - which is BoB time.

If a rider can avoid being lapped in either of those prelims he/she can start in the BoB.

This will in effect give you a 20% speed differential which is probably acceptable. The track layout also gives slower riders a chance once a lap to look across while exiting the hairpin and check if they're going to be caught in the infield. If this is pointed out to competitors at riders briefing it may ensure tail enders staying alert.

And if a rider is lapped .... ????
The Hoogies/Nick Cain etc would probably lap maybe 1/4 of the field in a 6 lap sprint race. It's not so much the tail enders staying alert, it's maybe some of the faster guys staying alert as well when they are passing. If some riders are dangerously slow maybe a black flag to those riders concerned? Maybe a 10 lap consolation race of their own could be an option?

[puddytat]

Just looked over the video and its rather plain that vests worked well. We start lapping people about lap 3. The first dude has a vest and you can see him a mile off. Next one doesn't and gets passed at the quickest part of the track and I remember looking up and thinking wow where did you come from, please don't get spooked or we could be in trouble. Looking at that I am put off racing the BOB again. When I first started watching I thought wow I love that track. Then when the passing starts I thought. WTF. Thats mental dangerous. You judge for yourself.

man that was great!! Reminds me when i raced wiff ya

[marsheng]

After watching Richard's video, I've become aware of how fast he passes back markers.

The BOB is set for the 8th of September 2012 in conjunction with a CAMS day. Cams have Buckets and a 250/150 in which we are eligable, so there will be no shortage of racing for our group on the day.

The BOB is a serious race and we probably corner as fast as some of the superbikes which is the main issue. Last race meeting down here, we sent a backmarker to hospital for 4 days, with broken ribs and punctured lung. He was being overtaken on a corner and made a mistake !!!

What say we have qualifying times for the BOB during the earlier races and anyone below a certain time, has to sit it out for safety reasons.

Let me know your thoughts. Wallace