Open letter to all riders and supporters of the South Staffordshire & Shropshire Cycling Clubs Road Race League (SSSCCRRL)

 

I would like to take a few minutes to remind everyone of what the league was designed for and what is expected of riders in these troubled times where racing on the public highway is under threat.

 

The SSSCCRRL was designed as a training league, but we know that different riders use it for different purposes – from the hardened racer who is using it for training, through to the beginner who is trying to get some experience. Bearing this mixed standard of rider in mind it is essential that everyone:

 

· Obey the rules of the road

· Don’t cross the white lines

· Remember that we share the road with others who are bigger than us

· Don’t panic riders who are trying to learn the art of bunched racing

· Remember in the sprint at the end that it’s not the world championship and therefore not worth risking injury through risk taking.

· Recognise that the commisaire is the highest authority at the event

· Remember that you are representing CYCLING to the public

· ENJOY THE RACING

 

The league has no infrastructure behind it other than the committee and therefore relies on the participation of its riders to make it work. Participating clubs nominate a member to organise their event and riders & members of the nominated club are expected to marshal – drive and help where they can. Riders not belonging to an organising club are classed as privately affiliated to the league through marshalling / organising on the privately affiliated event. THIS IS THE NUMBER 1 RULE OF THE SSSCCRRL. Members of clubs not organising an event are expected to marshal / assist at the privately affiliated member’s event, failure to do so will result in the rider being barred from the remainder of events for 2010 and possible sanctions for league events in the following years.

 

The club nominated organiser is doing the riders a favour by representing his / her club, having done this job many times I recognise the stress that this person is under, most of which comes from not knowing what club support they will have on the day.  Can I therefore request that all riders find out who is organising their event and pledge their support to their event organiser at the earliest possible opportunity. If you are unable to help out at your clubs event due to holiday / illness, you are still expected to contribute and will be directed towards helping on the privately affiliated night.

 

Lastly, we are bound by the rules of British Cycling, thus – if you do not have a current licence and crash helmet, you will not be allowed to ride.

 

Lecture over!!

On a personal note – let’s have another great year, suffer like never before and enjoy the most glorious of sports.

 

Steve Allcott      SSSCCRRL Chair