Yep, first come first served is rubbish, as is selection criteria. It I entered an E/1/2/3 there could be an argument of prioritising the higher rankings, but then how would you get a ride as a 3rd cat, but then as a third cat I'm not so sure I would want to do E/1/2/3. I do realise an elite may be doing 20+ hours training and should be rewarded for that commitment, however, I don't find many of those races over-subscribed. Also, what is the commitment to an elite? Someone who works between 50-70 hours per week and fits in family as well and then manages to shoe horn, cram, organise in a bit of training to be able to race - surely that is commitment.
I disagree LVRC not being interesting races. However, the point is not LVRC races per se, moreover, the way it is organised. You could have the same level of organisation applied to the BC events and whatever BC circuit you wished. Have 3 races on all at once and cater for 3 fields with 40ish riders? That is the point in allowing more people to race and to race against people at the desired level.
So, first come first served is not desireable, but then selection criteria is also biased and discriminatory. I haven't been a member of a club for a number of years as I did not want to get involved in politics and disliked some of the aspects of club membership and some of things that went on. I preferred to stay outside and I wouldn't get as bothered or concerened. However, I have still helped out at several races when time allowed, even when not being a member of a club. I have provided lead car duties for Cliftons race - my own car and diesel and have supported the come and have a go time trail where I provided IT support and I have marshalled. But I'm not as good as anyone else because I don't "belong". Some clubs are also so small they struggle to organise events too - so they are being discriminated against as well. The point is there is not a perfect system except to quote the oft used phrase "think outside the box" and do something different? Maybe riders need to put in an appeal. Write a side of A4 stating why the should be entered and given a ride and what their case is
But then I've not ridden BC for 3 years now and don't think I ever will. There seems to be enough for me with the giffer racing (which isn;t easy - ask anyone who has done one) and TLI. There was an excellent set of events down at Cuckney that I did year before last.
I was thinking of joining Clifton as it is my local club. My worry is I invariably don't have the time to give to support, having two kids, a wife who works full time and a busy job too and struggle to fit in training even though I need the health related benefits (to avoid heart related problems heridtry), so any spare time is spent with kids/wife and bike last. But I suppose just joining Clifton would make me a better person and more disireable. Just wish race organisers could think outside the box so when my little boy may start racing, he'll be able to get a ride (not that I'm a pushy parent - I'm not - he may not race but he likes riding his bike at the moment).