newcastlecycling

Dr Rob,

I wondered how the heck you were placed in D grade...I have passed along a whole range of suggestions on how the resident might be placated and how the next crit might be run a little better next time.  There was quite a lot of stress on the KOCC volunteers, and they did a good job in what is an unusual event for them to host.

Gai,

I vaguley recall reading an article that (on average) most males do not have a fully developed ability to assess risk until their early 20s.  It explains why so many young male drivers have accidents in cars and engage is what older people see as stupidly risky conduct.  Any one who skis will see it on the ski slopes as well.  I know I was dumb when I was in my teens and early 20s - I am lucky to have lived through some of my crazy skiing and sailboarding antics.

We have plenty of very very fit young people in C grade.  They are the fittest in the grade.  Some of them are sensible riders but some are not.  It is a problem that affects most grades but seems to affect the grades from C down, and is part of the reason why I am quite keen to get back in to B grade because there are less dangerous riders in that grade than there is in C grade.

All I can recommend is you give the problem riders a very wide berth, and if they persist in chopping wheels complain to the Commissaire so they can be given a stern warning or a holiday.

MC