Tailwind Racing 2012 MTB Series

[pongomoto]

this topic comes up every year.

[utabintarbo]

this topic comes up every year.

Is it ever resolved?

[pongomoto]

this topic comes up every year.

Is it ever resolved?

This is how the conversation normally goes

[gossamer]

I am just really curious on what that $60 dollars does... if it is a great asset to cycling then the sport and beginner should hold a license as well. If the USAC sanctioned races were something extraordinary or that was the way to move up in classes, but as I see it I would rather spend my money on the MMBA series, the races are just as much fun and they help out the local chapters. But as for a local race that may give you around 15 competitors... USAC does nothing for me.

If it is for insurance costs then what about the sport and beginners insurance, and lets face it, if I get hurt racing, MY insurance will cover me, not USAC's.

If I do start racing CX maybe then I could justify the fee, but for now I will stick to MMBA, BR, LJ100 and some other fine race venues.

Just to clear it up also it is not a money thing, I just want to know what my $60 goes for.

[Michelle_Wissman]

Here are just a few benefits of membership:

◦RACES and RIDES — Find and participate in more than 2,500 competitive races and fun rides all over the country.
◦RESOURCES — Find information on bike shops, cycling news, tips, calendars, clinics and more.
◦COMMUNITY — Connect with local associations, clubs, coaches and teams in your area.
◦OPPORTUNITIES — Join programs to become a licensed coach, mechanic or official.

As a USA Cycling member, you have access to exclusive discounts from more than 35 companies offering services and gear that include travel, health insurance, cycling publications, training tools and more. Whether you're a race director, club organizer or just a cyclist looking to save money, you can find benefits available year-round to help make your cycling experience easy and affordable.

If you'd like to speak with USAC directly: 719-434-4200

[Farmer_John]

I'm not a fan of USAC, nor have I raced in 4 years and it's given me a different perspective on this issue.

Y'all will spend 2000.00 plus on a bike and equipment, but complain about race and sanction fees. Get a clue folks. If you want to race on a high level, you gotta pay the price.

Or not...or sandbag...

[gossamer]

Then all classes should be required to hold a license...

Its never been about the money... just the principal.

[jonw9]

If it is for insurance costs then what about the sport and beginners insurance, and lets face it, if I get hurt racing, MY insurance will cover me, not USAC's.

The insurance isn't so much to protect you, it is to protect the organizers, landholders, and affiliated people.

If you get hurt, your medical will cover you, assuming you have it. The insurance company will probably try and get their money somehow. I know the even we put on last year, 50% of the income basically went to cover the required insurance policy.

[kiloman]

What does USAC really do for the rider?

Why do these races need to be "licensed"? Usually, licenses portent to ensure a certain level of quality or expertise on the pat of the licensee. That is obviously not the case here, given that you're likely racing next to the same guys you raced next to at the last non-USAC-licensed event. Or is the willingness to part with the $60 fee sufficient evidence of one's "expertise"?

Having raced 1/2 on the road and track I can definitely attest to the benefits of having a licensed category system through the upgrade process. You wouldn't want any joe schmoe to try and jump in a Cat 3 criterium for example. For Cat 4/5 road racing there isn't much benefit to having a license unless you aspire to move up. I'm not sure how the MTB categories compare, if Sport is equivalent to road 3/4 and Beginner is equivalent to road 5? MTBing is a different kind of racing so it makes sense that the licensing doesn't directly correlate to the road. I wanted to do the 20mi Expert race because 10 miles is just too short for a race, but since I let my USCF license lapse 10 years ago when I moved to Michigan and saw just how bad it was to ride on the road compared to say Maryland or Pennsylvania or Virginia, I got out of road racing. MTB racing will be more for fun since I don't aspire to Pro 1/2 but I am bummed that I would have to hold an annual license to race the longer races, even if I get my butt kicked, I would prefer to do the longer distances. Oh well, we'll see how I fare this coming weekend in Sport.

[gossamer]

If it is for insurance costs then what about the sport and beginners insurance, and lets face it, if I get hurt racing, MY insurance will cover me, not USAC's.

The insurance isn't so much to protect you, it is to protect the organizers, landholders, and affiliated people.

If you get hurt, your medical will cover you, assuming you have it. The insurance company will probably try and get their money somehow. I know the even we put on last year, 50% of the income basically went to cover the required insurance policy.

This just solidifies my argument for why only expert then?

[gossamer]

What does USAC really do for the rider?

Why do these races need to be "licensed"? Usually, licenses portent to ensure a certain level of quality or expertise on the pat of the licensee. That is obviously not the case here, given that you're likely racing next to the same guys you raced next to at the last non-USAC-licensed event. Or is the willingness to part with the $60 fee sufficient evidence of one's "expertise"?

Having raced 1/2 on the road and track I can definitely attest to the benefits of having a licensed category system through the upgrade process. You wouldn't want any joe schmoe to try and jump in a Cat 3 criterium for example. For Cat 4/5 road racing there isn't much benefit to having a license unless you aspire to move up. I'm not sure how the MTB categories compare, if Sport is equivalent to road 3/4 and Beginner is equivalent to road 5? MTBing is a different kind of racing so it makes sense that the licensing doesn't directly correlate to the road. I wanted to do the 20mi Expert race because 10 miles is just too short for a race, but since I let my USCF license lapse 10 years ago when I moved to Michigan and saw just how bad it was to ride on the road compared to say Maryland or Pennsylvania or Virginia, I got out of road racing. MTB racing will be more for fun since I don't aspire to Pro 1/2 but I am bummed that I would have to hold an annual license to race the longer races, even if I get my butt kicked, I would prefer to do the longer distances. Oh well, we'll see how I fare this coming weekend in Sport.

This would make it benificial but anyone can race any class, you just need to buy the license

[paynful]

Dave... I don't know about you, but I had to submit a race resume to get my CAT 1 MTB license. So you can't just race any class.

I think that beginners should be free, but you should need a lisence for Sport and up.

[jonw9]

Are entries transferable like last year, or no because of the USAC system?

[kyleRIG29er]

If you buy a USAC license, is there a minimum number of races to earn points?

[dennismurphy]

Dave... I don't know about you, but I had to submit a race resume to get my CAT 1 MTB license. So you can't just race any class.

I think that beginners should be free, but you should need a lisence for Sport and up.

It's my understanding the USAC executive director sets policy as to the licensing- or so I was told by the last two area USAC reps