Clear Lake Sprint/International (Page 2)

Not saying some things weren't Gregs fault, but the League City police aren't the best when it comes to supporting races. Not sure what a race director is supposed to do when some cops don't show up?

They were trying to get the race course denied this year. Bunch of the local triathletes here went in and fought for the race, and we came out on good terms. So I think this year will be better. Sprint course for the bike is different as well, to help avoid some of the safety problems from last year.

Will give it another shot this year. Hopefully I don't have to sit at a light for a minute this time.

Edited by smilford 2010-08-18 10:32 AM

This year lets make sure we thank the police for being out there and show the character triathletes are supposed to have, that way they are more motivated to help out next year. 

 

I was one of the bunch (if you consider me, Todd, Ben and his wife a bunch) of triathletes who went up to the city council chamber that night and spoke. I'm not associated with the race in any way except that I did it last year and enjoyed it.

As you all are aware, the resolution before the council not only passed but passed unanimously to allow the race. After the meeting,  I had a chance to talk to the police chief who was actually the one who brought up the issue to the council. His take on the whole thing was that the communication between the race, council and his office was not as it should have been and he felt the council allowed the race to happen without giving his office enough information and in a timely manner. As a result, his office ended up scrambling to cover intersections properly on Saturday and answering a couple of hundred emails and voice mails from angry citizens Monday because they had not put out the message signs to let them know the race was happening that weekend.

He made a point to tell me twice that he and his office support the race 100% and it was not his intention to have the race shut down.  He didn't blame Greg for the problems and hoped people would understand the position his office was in. The only reason he brought the motion before council was to make sure Greg, the city and the police worked together to make sure that the safety issues on 96 and the traffic mess on 270/2094/518 don't happen again. They want to do their utmost to keep all of us safe and upright and he felt this was the best avenue.

Again, I am not a part of the race organization or the city but I left the meeting feeling like things, at least from a League City perspective, should run a lot smoother this year.

That being said, I agree with Mr. Ritter that we all need to make sure we are racing with class wherever we are competing. I know it's hard to believe but the vast majority of residents of any town could care less about our bike splits. They've got a bear claw waiting for them at Shipleys and we're in their way. And the poor souls in blue polyester that get to listen to them don't get paid near enough when it's 65 degrees let alone when it's 92. A wave, a smile and a thank you goes a long way. A handshake and a thank you for the organizers and volunteers isn't a bad idea either.

Hope everyone has a great race. See you out there.

Mike

Thanks for the info Mike!

I agree with all you guys. When we were planning Kemah (Gateway) we had to avoid League City (hence the 2 loops on 146) and it actually turned out to be in our best interest. If Greg had to deal with some of the issues that were presented to us that would have made it tough for him for sure. Hopefully it works out this year. Looks like he's trying to fix the issues that presented themselves last year. Good to see that between him and us the Olympic distance is making a comeback. Thanks for all the support guys.

To answer Stephen's comment on what we do when cops don't show up.....I like to curl up in the fetal position and have a good long cry. lol, jk. We've been blessed with some amazing cops but to comment on what Ritter was saying, our police told me that they love to work our events because all of you tell them thanks, smile, and are having fun and they love protecting you all. From a Clear Lake perspective I think that the better time police have and the nicer all the athletes are to them the more the word spreads and they really want to come out and work the events. Please go out of your way to be extra nice to all the police officers and every single event, no matter what. Even if you're redlining it on the bike or run and you can barely breath you should always be able to muster out a gasping "thank you" at the intersections. Remember they are risking their lives out there more than anyone at those dangerous intersections.


 

Looking like it may be a bit cooler come Saturday.

I am looking forward to it.

yeah budday

I wish I didn't have to work, it will be a great morning for a race...

So how long does it normally take for the time info to get posted??

it's on the timer's website......http://www.eztoregister.com/Results.asp

Thx.