That pretty much sums it up. There is also the issue that each rule in
the rule book doesn't carry the same weight when it comes down to the
integerty of the sport. For example a ride manager the continually
sanctions 40 miles of trail as a 50 is a more significant rules
violation that someone that may or may not violate the "completion
award rule." Sort of like a jaywalking vs. DUI manslaughter.
Until the AERC BOD gets serious about enforcing it's own rules we won't
have standardization and depending on people to protest is not going to
hack it. Why would someone that got 50 miles credit for 40 miles ridden
or better yet 100 miles credit of 80 miles ridden protest?
The only other options is stewards. And these carry their own baggage
and they add cost.
IMO if the AERC can't get a handle around the issues and put in
procedures that will ensure standardization it should abolish all
national awards and give out only regional awards. Most people ride
most of their rides in their home region and normally within a region
there is standardization if only because of the smaller georgraphic are
and smaller demographic differences involved.
Truman
Nancy Mitts wrote:
Many of these
periodic discussions have the same underlying issue. Should AERC
(meaning the board, committees, etc.) continue chasing themselves in
circles trying to establish "AERC Endurance?" That is, a defined
competition where the rules are the same (and applied the same) at
sanctioned events nationwide. Or, does AERC continue to say, any ride
that more or less complies with our most important rules can have their
results thrown in the pot for points. You don't have to comply with
whatever you really don't agree with.
I can have the Nancy Mitts Way Fun Endurance is a State of Mind ride
and do whatever I please.
When it becomes AERC sanctioned, I think I'm supposed to treat it as a
competition run along the guidleines of the national organization.
Maybe I'm wrong, and that's not what most people want to see? If an
overwhelming majority want to continue with a loose collection of do
your own thing rides, then that is the message that needs to be spelled
out. Otherwise, those working for standardization are wasting their
time.
Nancy Mitts
-- "It is necessary to be noble, and yet take humility as a basis
"It
is necessary to be noble, and yet
take humility as a basis.
It is necessary
to be exalted, and yet take modesty as a foundation."
