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Re: [RC] WEIGHT DIVISIONS - Joe LongOn Sun, 31 Oct 2004 07:59:43 -0700 (MST), <heidi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: The AERC Rules on weight are explicit in they determine what is to be weighed. Body and tack! This determination is implicit in that the several articles of tack are not defined nor exactly what the "body" actually is. Alas, Bob, "tack" is a broad term. It is left to the rider not to jettison parts of it at the first vet check--or pick up more at the last vet check to "make weight" at the finish line. The solution to this problem is simple, logical, and fair. Base weight divisions on rider weight only -- after all, that's the genetically established parameter. Riders can choose to use a heavy or light saddle, and how much "stuff" to carry on that saddle. (I'm a minimalist myself, I carry far less "stuff" than the average rider.) There will be some gray areas even here, as for practical reasons we have to weigh with clothing. But a simple statement of "clothes worn during the ride only, without fanny packs, camelbacks, or other gear" should suffice. We're trying to get as close to the weight of the rider's nekkid body as we can without undue embarassment. ; ^ > That puts people into the weight division that their body indicates, and from there they decide what to carry with them, and no artificial Division advantage is gained by carrying extra "stuff." Hey, I normally won't even take a drink at the end of a ride until after I weigh in -- I think that to do so is unethical. Fluids consumed after the finish line were not carried by either horse or rider, and "A pint's a pound the world 'round." One more item: I haven't seen much comment about my proposal to reduce the number of weight divisions from four to three (or even two). How about it? If we get some discussion going we can ask the Board to put it on the agenda for the Convention meeting, and maybe get it done for the 2006 season. -- Joe Long jlong@xxxxxxxx http://www.rnbw.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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