I really think that in a small State as NM  (in terms of participants) there is not a perfect solution for the category issue. For instance, I think that splitting the 1-2-3 field into two is a mistake, if it weren't for the collegiate racers, at the Trifecta or at the 505 classic we would end up in a field of 4 guys in the 1-2-3 field...but at the same time cat 3 riders love it because the can play the big boys shattering the master riders in the cat3-master field...

I understand that for (especially novel) riders a jersey at the end of a year of racing might be a "cool" thing, but I really think, and I have expressed my opinion before, that the money necessary to buy and ship those jerseys could be better spent helping to promote races, which, maybe you have noticed, are dying...what about a loan system for first time race promoters? what about calling race promoters to make sure that the race is happening or if not if there is a way to help (Los Alamos for instance, where the race promoter for familiar problems could not the effort in promoting the race)?

My two cents.

Fortunato

I received notification after the race, I did not realize they were sent before hand before registering.
I know the responsibility lies on the race organizers themselves. My numerous previous attempts to communicate with them have been largely unsuccessful.
. I figured that at least expressing my frustration to the director of the series would have some clout in the future..
I do appreciate that participation the series isn’t just the point in fact I am one of the riders that goes to all of the races.
By raising my voice I sought to raise awareness so that in the future race organizers are aware that riders do care that, if they purport to be part of the series that they comply.
If I could I would be happy to help take on the role of organizing the tour of El Paso, however my previous offerings to take on an active role went unheededd
I figure another way I can help be part of the solution is by helping with the organization of the series and communicating and contacting race organizers.
Just shoot me an email if you feel that I can be of any help in 2020

Ana




On Tue, Aug 20, 2019 at 8:43 AM -0600, "Dennis Chavez" < dengchavez@gmail.com> wrote:

Ana,

We're sorry to hear your disappointment that two of your results can not be counted toward the series. We did our best to encourage Tour of El Paso and Crest Race directors to comply with the new series categories/race-groups. Because they chose not to comply, there was no fair way to award series points across ALL categories. We also felt that, even if we did find a way to award points, it might set a precedent that race directors could do whatever they wanted in regards to categories and race groupings.

It might look, at first glance, that the sole purpose of the race series is to attract more racers by offering top participants winners jerseys at the end. That is only part of it. It's biggest value, which is difficult to quantify, is to create consistency across all races. This consistency, or attempt at it, can create a sense of comfort and familiarity when registering for an event and even during the event itself. Registrants don't have to figure out "where do I fit in, what group should I sign up for" at each event.

As for notifications, we did send out emails stating El Paso and Crest races would not be part of the series. Search your email for messages sent, my me, on May 21st, 2019 and June 10, 2019, respectively. If you didn't get these messages, my apologies. Emailing the Racers List is pretty much my only tool for getting the word out.

Looking forward to 2020, we would encourage anyone who was also disappointed to see El Paso and Crest not scored in the series, to contact those race's respective directors and voice your concern. This might help them decide to become compliant for 2020.









On Tue, Aug 20, 2019 at 6:51 AM Schwartz, Ana I. via Bike-racers < bike-racers@mailman.swcp.com> wrote:

Dear all,
I absolutely love our NMRRS. For the 3rd year in a row I have pretty much participated in all of the races.  There is no question in my mind that NM is a fantastic place to race a bike- our topography is gorgeous, and offers beautiful climbs (sorry, I'm very partial to climbing!) My closest friendships are with racers, and all of them have been fostered on the race course.

I do confess, that this year I am slightly disappointed that two of my 1st place wins from races originally listed as part of the series, ended up, afterwards, not counting towards the series because the race categories did not conform with the series' guidelines.  That's a -24 points to my tally.

Looking forward and proactively, Is there a way to let racers know ahead of time, say when registration opens for a particular race, that the categories do  not conform to the series?
I don't know if this notification could come from the race organizers or from those organizing the series?

This knowledge would help us better tailor our race schedules and decide whether to spend a particular weekend racing outside of the state for a more varied experience.

This might also be essential in not only sustaining participation, but growing it moving forward as riders will feel more confident in making choices regarding which races to compete in.

I can't even begin to fathom the effort that goes into making this series happen. I want to see it thrive and sincerely offer to help out next year in any way.
Looking forward to seeing many of you this weekend at the State Championships,

Ana Schwartz


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