When one compares the participation in the 100 mile distance in
currently to that some years back with a different format one must take
care to factor in the the overall decline in 100 mile participation of
the readership as a whole.
That notwithstanding the I recall the days of the regional championship
rides that were used to select the NC, when less than a handful of
riders showed up.
I think participation in the current form of chosing the NCs is quite
high and serves the membership well..
With only 30+ entries in the 100, and with a Top Ten available in each of
four weight divisions (never mind Juniors), it would appear that there is
considerable apathy from riders.
Given this lack of participation, one need only to qualify and complete to
earn what should be a prestigious national award, since there are placings
available for the taking.
I don't quite understand how this disparity in numbers can be considered
to be "quite high" participation, or how it "serves the membership
well..." Where is all that "head to head" competition???
Just my nickel's worth...
Heidi
-- Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for
lunch
Democracy is two
wolves and a
lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb
contesting
the vote!
--Benjamin Franklin
