Thursday Mini D #3 7/10

[NateH]

Hey guys, the race info is up on the fluidride.com. Check it out, we'll see ya there!

[andres611]

where is the meeting point?

[greenhood]

Are people meeting up at the school or at QFC?

[bent^biker]

yarrr, where is the meeting point. I might be down and Ive got a cow bell :brows:

[NateH]

Bad new all, Mini D is canceled for tonight. I am very sorry about this and hope that it doesn't cause too much inconvenience. After last weeks race the parks department received an anonymous complaint and has brought some pressure on us. We have years of good history with the parks and don't want to risk that. We are very disappointed that this situation has to be handled in this fashion but the Mini D's are going to have to take a short break. Keep your eyes open, this is not the end, this is only a break. I will be pursuing permits for these events and hopefully we can get them going again soon, after all, I have the trophy that I have to give to someone!

[PeachesN'Cream]

DAMN!

Was really looking forward to Mini-D'ing tonight.

http://a2.vox.com/6a00c225266b2e8e1d00d09e67fa6abe2b-500pi

[andres611]

That really sucks, I was looking forward to it. I have never raced and thought this mini series could give me a taste of what racing is. Oh well I'll make it to the next one.

[PeachesN'Cream]

I have never raced and thought this mini series could give me a taste of what racing is. Oh well I'll make it to the next one.

Would have been my first race like event too. Was stoked to give it a go and meet some new peeps to ride with.

Out of curiosity, would SST have been a better venue as in it's way more bike specific trails?

[bent^biker]

the problem with the trails at sst (aside from the flowpark) is that they are flat. That said, the Rainier cup was an excellent mini-d event held there that was pretty sweet.

So nate, the parks dept has a problem with a bunch or bros showing up with a stopwatch? or does putting it on the fluidride site and giving it a name make it too official? in either case, very lame situation.

[Borneo]

Wasn't me. I swear....

It's part of the problem about asking for permission to use park property though and is part of the reason why race promoters charge the big bucks.
Some rider probably wanted to ride that trail last week and was told they couldn't because it was closed off for an impromptu "race".

It's definately a cool idea and good for the mtb community but, you gotta play by the all too political rules and ask for permission first and make it a little official. Just doing stuff though in very public environments won't work. That's why the underground events go down off the beaten track.

[greenhood]

It was the overweight neighborhood jackasses that complained that were walking up the trail, despite the signage.

[Gfreak]

I think everyone can find out more information here as to how the Parks Department found out and why they have a problem; look about 3/4 of the way through the thread:

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=429494

I had a great time at last week's race and hope that they continue. They have such a great laid back grass roots feeling to them. The best part of the race was afterwards when everyone was just hanging out and trying out each others bikes not to mention drinking my trophy. All in all it's not a bad idea to get some form of approval for these races, I just hope that the races can continue sooner rather than later.

[trailhacker]

It was the overweight neighborhood jackasses that complained that were walking up the trail, despite the signage.

Signage that said what; "Illegal, unpermitted, bootleg DH race in progress, stay off this public trail".

Or something similar?

[MMike]

Signage that said what; "Illegal, unpermitted, bootleg DH race in progress, stay off this public trail".

Or something similar?

Seems pretty clear. What could the problem be?

[greenhood]

Signage that said what; "Illegal, unpermitted, bootleg DH race in progress, stay off this public trail".

Or something similar?

Are you serious? This race took up about an 1/8 of a mile of trail. It's too bad people like you get all worked up over a little bit of fun.

[trailhacker]

Are you serious? This race took up about an 1/8 of a mile of trail. It's too bad people like you get all worked up over a little bit of fun.

Am I serious? Are YOU serious????
This was at ST. EDWARDS PARK. Are you new here? Or are you one of the 12 year olds that feels he has the right to build new jumps or some other freeride features there every other year then complains about "the man" when they get taken out.

I am not getting worked up at all. I just find it funny that YOU seem to be worked up beause a person complained about a BOOTLEG race.
It was an (not so) impromptu DH race in a PUBLIC park. That wasn't closed to the public.
Complaints come with THAT territory.

Sorry if the jackass didn't heed the warning of the paperplates that were probably posted as "signage".

Don't get me wrong. I was tempted to go out and do this fun little event.
But I wouldn't have complained about someone complaining?

[greenhood]

Am I serious? Are YOU serious????
This was at ST. EDWARDS PARK. Are you new here? Or are you one of the 12 year olds that feels he has the right to build new jumps or some other freeride features there every other year then complains about "the man" when they get taken out.

I am not getting worked up at all. I just find it funny that YOU seem to be worked up beause a person complained about a BOOTLEG race.
It was an (not so) impromptu DH race in a PUBLIC park. That wasn't closed to the public.
Complaints come with THAT territory.

Sorry if the jackass didn't heed the warning of the paperplates that were probably posted as "signage".

Don't get me wrong. I was tempted to go out and do this fun little event.
But I wouldn't have complained about someone complaining?

Get over yourself. Also, I am not 12, I have been riding mountain bikes since 1989. The one thing that has remained constant in that time is how mountain biking always has it's share of self-rightous, uptight babyboomers like you who think they know what is best for the sport. Maybe your right that St. Eds was not the best place to do this xc race (Not DH-There is no DH!) but maybe locals could share a small segment of the park with a few guys that are trying to build community and blow off some steam on a Thursday night.

[Certified Drunk]

Damn, we have a PISSING contest! :crazy:

[greenhood]

Damn, we have a PISSING contest! :crazy:

I am finished pissing.

[trailhacker]

Get over YOURSELF.

I know it's the internet and all so intent often gets lost. What you are losing is I am not critisizing the event AT ALL. I am pointing out the irony of YOU complaining about someone complaining about a BOOTLEG race.
You have to see the irony of that?!?


Get over yourself. Also, I am not 12, I have been riding mountain bikes since 1989. The one thing that has remained constant in that time is how mountain biking always has it's share of self-rightous, uptight babyboomers like you who think they know what is best for the sport. Maybe your right that St. Eds was not the best place to do this xc race (Not DH-There is no DH!) but maybe locals could share a small segment of the park with a few guys that are trying to build community and blow off some steam on a Thursday night.

[DirtMcGirk]

Damn, this is a downer. Leave it to one person to ruin the fun for everyone.

This wasn't really a "race" in the traditional sense. It was a bunch of guys having the old "I'm faster then you, watch this" moment down a trail. You did it when you were a kid, each and every one of you, and some of us from time to time need to revert to our younger days.

Did we hurt anyone by racing there?
no.

Someone got their panties in a twist because someone else was having fun, and for one reason or another they didn't join in, and then they had to go and narc the cool kids out for having just too much fun. More then likely this was the same kid in grade school who took names when the teacher was out of the room.

I have faith in the guys from Fluidride. Good people always find a way to have that extra bit of fun so many of us had such a good time at. They had good intentions and a good outlook, and sometimes, that's enough.

[bikerpunk98199]

O no! e fight! Lets all get really mad and attack each other online...... the real manly thing to do

[DirtMcGirk]

O no! e fight! Lets all get really mad and attack each other online...... the real manly thing to do

Its fun, I can do it while I sit semi naked in my room after Whistler.

[Borneo]

I think that the main issue is that "no one" has the right to close off a trail for a private event without consulting the land manager in advance to at least make it legit. Then, the complaints would be lessoned.

I'd bet if some runner group decided to close off 38 for a tech downhill run and you all we're planning on riding it, the sh!t would hit the fan. Same deal.

Yeah, it hurt the people that had no intention of "racing" but just wanted to ride that trail that evening. I'm sure there was a lot of grumbling from the people using the system and not participating that evening.

Good idea, real poor planning. Hopefully Nate et al will learn from this and play the political game. It's in the shop's best interest to play nice because, after all they have to make a living at what we just do for fun.

[MMike]

I am finished pissing.

Are you aware of who trailhacker is and what he's actually done for the MTBers in the PNW??

I'm guessing not.

But I'm guessing you've benefitted from it.

[DHRracer]

Are you aware of who trailhacker is and what he's actually done for the MTBers in the PNW??

I'm guessing not.

But I'm guessing you've benefitted from it.I'll second that!!!!!

[DirtMcGirk]

Screw it, next time I am bringing a jousting stick and a pig head for a cod piece.

[MMike]

Screw it, next time I am bringing a jousting stick and a pig head for a cod piece.

You mean you don't normally do that? heathen.

[oly]

I've been riding mountain bikes since 1987 and my dad makes more money than your dad.

[greenhood]

Your old

[Certified Drunk]

You should watch who you call old!

[DBR X6 RIDER]

I'm old. Everybody else is old, too. I ride less older than some of those that are old but not as old as me. The B-Mc-D is older than me but can ride way less older than those of less oldness than he...and me.

[DirtMcGirk]

Old Balls

[greenhood]

Actually, I am old too...

[SeaPig]

I'm old. Everybody else is old, too. I ride less older than some of those that are old but not as old as me. The B-Mc-D is older than me but can ride way less older than those of less oldness than he...and me.

I ride more less old some days!

[boxxerace]

I for one, blame GW. :busted:

[DirtMcGirk]

I blame Jesus

[MMike]

I blame Downhill Zone

[bent^biker]

I blame flexy frames and rootbeer

[NateH]

Hey Guys, Just wanted to say a few things.

First off thanks to everyone for the support, we are trying to do these events for the community and it is good to see that so many of you had fun and feel passionate about it.

Next, I just want to say for the record that at all three events we have closed no trails, had no entry fee, sign up sheet, or even a waiver. As far as the parks department is concerned this should be the same as a BBTC group ride.

Regardless of this though, we have a good relationship with the parks and want to keep it that way, so we are going to do what ever needs to be done to make this happen legally.

Have a great day all,
Nate

[Mtbike]

I blame Downhill Zone

Me too!

[DBR X6 RIDER]

I blame people that sing karaoke while sober...and still butcher the song.

[Borneo]

To my credit, I've tried not to reply. But, some things still just don't jive. Don't want to be the Debby Downer but moreso perhaps a voice of reason.

One can't "safely" have a timed run in a public park without closing the trail to other users. Those going down only have their end time on their mind (I would!) and should not have to worry about anyone randomly coming up the trail. Maybe having radios and calling out when someone is on the course or caling a hold so a family can walk up that trail safely would be a good idea. Telling them they have to go around is effectively closing the trail. I'm sure the land managers would be okay with this arangement if they knew about it.

No where near a BBTC calendar ride imho, but that's me. Organized racing, no matter how "casual" is still higher on the danger zone in the litigeous society we live in. Seriously, I'd check with the Fluidride legal department. You don't want little Johnny's bitter mom to own it after the court battle do you?

Just food for thought. Still an awesome idea and thanks for giving it a go.

[Uruk-hai]

What an opportunity to be ambassadors to the sport for people who may not otherwise be exposed to the whole scene: Enthusiastic, positive volunteers/participants with 2-way radios holding off families from the trail until it is safe to proceed. Meanwhile, they get to see riders on cool bikes and cool gear go by, piquing the interest of Little Johnny, who now wants to get into the scene...Mom and Dad get Johnny a bike and gear, Johnny starts riding, another racer/rider joins the scene (maybe his parents, too!) and the sport gets a little stronger in the PNW.

So goes the theory, anyways. Just my $.02. Turn lemons into lemonade.

[DirtMcGirk]

It was majority rule, simple as that. We had the most users on the trail, and as such we delegated a public space to our use. No different than an organized volley ball or soccer game at Greenlake. You don't have to have a permit to do those things, so why would a permit be needed for something that:
- Has no entry fee
- Has no sign up
- Has only a bunch of yahoos on their bikes.

This is bull**** in my opinion. We wanted to ride hard, we didn't affect anyone, and we were just out having a good time.

The bigger reality is that some assclown Seattle-ite got their panties in a wad because we were having fun. It happens all the time in this supposedly "liberal" city. You start having a little good time, and some holier then thou, controller of the fun type comes along and shuts it down.

Complete and utter bull**** is what this is. I could care less about being an ambassador or being some sort of beacon for what your agenda is, I just want to ride my bike with some like minded individuals.

Nate, don't let this slow you down. That was one of the best races I've been to in the decade or so I've been doing this. Grassroots, no cost, running for beer. Keep it going, we have just as much of a right to be there as the soccer mommies, Seattle NIMBY types, and the ****ing concert goers.

Whole thing makes me want to puke all over the entire parks and rec department.

[Borneo]

Thanks for the lunchtime laugh Dirt! :)

Just the type under your webname says it all....

Majority rule.... funny. So, you've been riding since you were 3? That's cool.

[DirtMcGirk]

Thanks for the lunchtime laugh Dirt! :)

Just the type under your webname says it all....

Majority rule.... funny. So, you've been riding since you were 3? That's cool.

Wait, is that the Endub fun police I hear?

[bent^biker]

Organized racing, no matter how "casual" is still higher on the danger zone

so what you are really saying is we need Tom Cruise to come race and it would all be ok?:biggrin:

[Borneo]

Fully. :)

We got a local "Goose" that's killin' it already too.

[Skookum]

Welp for those wondering if they should lend a hand at Duthie in the upcoming few years or so. This will be one more reason to help out the XC trails they put in, even though most of you probably don't want to help dig on that stuff.

i'm not going to be digging out there as i'll be done working on bike parks for a good long spell. But with all the work at Colonnade i think i've been succesful in demonstrating something that is "beginner" or "XC" can be fun and worthwhile to ride.

Here's to hoping that others make Duthie even worthier... whether it be a simple Super D time trial or frikkin mountain bike polo or jousting or whatever else someone get's a wild hair to do. We got a couple parks now to think about doing this kind of stuff without having to hassle with other user-groups.

[SeaPig]

Reading this reminds me of something I heard here today at the USA National Championships in Vermont. The Event Director told me that they finally got permission from the land managers after 7 plus years to make a new course for the DH. A lot of promises had to be made.

Before I left I remember reading on RM and hearing in person that the course here sucked and the event was run poorly, so people weren't going to come. Well, there were circumstances to why the course was the way it was and those things were worked out. Now all those talkers and haters are at home and I just got to practice on a great course because I am a believer and person that does my best to get along. Not so fast, just after that I talked to one of the guys working on the course and they are going to do some things to tame the course down. Things that IMHO cancel out work that I and others have done to get an edge, all because people didn't get along, but tried to redirect the flow of things.

Why is this important to this thread? Well, people that weren't there at ST EDS have gone on here and elsewhere and instead of trying to understand what went down they have sought to change the way things are perceived. Instead of getting along, they have all tried to get us to adapt to them.

Borneo, I think I know you and I am sure I respect you, but you were not there. I personally escorted several people up the trail and even stopped during a run as to not run into someone riding up the trail. I was on a hardtail and everyone else was on small bikes. No one, expect one who forgot his half helmet, wore fullface. While this was a mini-dh, the emphasis was on mini and was about cornering, not bombing. While this was associated with FR, it was in no way a FR event. You'd have known that, if you were there. N only does this because he, as it appears to me, like to run a stop watch. Actually, his girlfriend is better at it then he is. Last time I checked, there is no law against using a stopwatch.

I mean why change the record for how this went down? N is being right and taking the high ground and I have no doubt, he'll come back better. You went on that other thread and scolded the park employee for not taking this as seriously as you do. I again say this as I would to any of my friends that not only pulled theirs out and stepped on it, but tried to step on mine in the process. Seriously dude, nothing about how you see this "event," which was closer in nature to a pickup basketball game then an event, was a reality and you should be told that. When was the last time a pickup BBall group needed a permit?

It's true, if this were to get bigger and be an actual event, then a permit and all would be smart. But when two or more get together to time each other that is not necessarily an event. It's called having fun!

[Gfreak]

Very well put SeaPig. If there are any doubter's out there, what he stated couldn't be closer to the truth.

[greenhood]

Reading this reminds me of something I heard here today at the USA National Championships in Vermont. The Event Director told me that they finally got permission from the land managers after 7 plus years to make a new course for the DH. A lot of promises had to be made.

Before I left I remember reading on RM and hearing in person that the course here sucked and the event was run poorly, so people weren't going to come. Well, there were circumstances to why the course was the way it was and those things were worked out. Now all those talkers and haters are at home and I just got to practice on a great course because I am a believer and person that does my best to get along. Not so fast, just after that I talked to one of the guys working on the course and they are going to do some things to tame the course down. Things that IMHO cancel out work that I and others have done to get an edge, all because people didn't get along, but tried to redirect the flow of things.

Why is this important to this thread? Well, people that weren't there at ST EDS have gone on here and elsewhere and instead of trying to understand what went down they have sought to change the way things are perceived. Instead of getting along, they have all tried to get us to adapt to them.

Borneo, I think I know you and I am sure I respect you, but you were not there. I personally escorted several people up the trail and even stopped during a run as to not run into someone riding up the trail. I was on a hardtail and everyone else was on small bikes. No one, expect one who forgot his half helmet, wore fullface. While this was a mini-dh, the emphasis was on mini and was about cornering, not bombing. While this was associated with FR, it was in no way a FR event. You'd have known that, if you were there. N only does this because he, as it appears to me, like to run a stop watch. Actually, his girlfriend is better at it then he is. Last time I checked, there is no law against using a stopwatch.

I mean why change the record for how this went down? N is being right and taking the high ground and I have no doubt, he'll come back better. You went on that other thread and scolded the park employee for not taking this as seriously as you do. I again say this as I would to any of my friends that not only pulled theirs out and stepped on it, but tried to step on mine in the process. Seriously dude, nothing about how you see this "event," which was closer in nature to a pickup basketball game then an event, was a reality and you should be told that. When was the last time a pickup BBall group needed a permit?

It's true, if this were to get bigger and be an actual event, then a permit and all would be smart. But when two or more get together to time each other that is not necessarily an event. It's called having fun!

Well said. I could not agree more.

[Borneo]

Agreed Seapig.

No reason not to be a little cautious though. For the greater good eh?

Scolding? Really?

I never said it wasn't a great idea. The marketing aspect of "race" will always raise the land manager flag though. I'm glad it's being worked out and hope it continues with a better overall understanding.

Can we close this one now? :)

[bent^biker]

well said s.p.
Kick some ass at nats for the pnw

[DirtMcGirk]

Well put sea pig!

[Mtbike]

I still blame DH Zone!

[DirtMcGirk]

Can I still blame Jesus?