It's
very annoying when entries get sent back - especially in this case when it's a whole series. I had the early part of my season blown out of the water last year, so I know what it's like.
BUT...
In defence of race organisers it's a difficult job -
especially with the ongoing "Highways issues" and current over-subscription of events (and of course they're oversubscribed because everyone wants to race but no-one wants to organise...). We're
not one of the clubs which helps marshal at these races so, unfortunately, we're probably not top of the heap when it comes to allocating limited places. Likewise, TLI is entirely run by volunteers. They do their best to support event organisers but ultimately they've got plenty on their plates too with insurance issues and generally trying to lobby to keep racing on the roads.
...and...
There's still plenty out there to have a go at. To answer Rich's question, newbie-wise there are three ways forward:-
-Circuit racing very locally at Tockwith (BC) and a bit further afield at Croft (TLI). Suits some people more than others, but worth a go.
-For anyone 40 or over, LVRC (vets) racing. LVRC specifically suggest novices start off in older age groups in order to "ease themselves into" racing. There are eight events within the next three months which are local enough to have a crack at -
including one this Saturday for anyone with excess aggression to vent
-BC road races - 3rd/4th cat races would be do-able for anyone who's coping with the recent Saturday training rides - Tim commented that last Sunday's Seacroft Wheelers RR was in many ways easier than our recent training rides round the same circuit. BC events are particularly oversubscribed but fire off enough entries far enough in advance and some of 'em will stick!
So... ...get those diaries out and get filling in entry forms.
Picking up on Tom's point, the Beldons had enough grief organising the two local TLI races last year to want to take a year off this year, although I did hear very vague rumours of someone trying to put a vets race or two onto the Bishopwood circuit.
Lastly, I can pretty much guarantee any Clifton member who enters our club RR on 10th July a ride, because I'll be the man with the marker pen and the stack of return envelopes. And as a fraught race organiser with too many grey hairs and a thick legal contract from East Riding of Yorkshire sat on my desk,
please can I ask for helpers and marshals on the day!!! Since we're doing both BC and LVRC, you can race one and help with the other.
Please!!