Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Couldn't agree more with you.  Absolutely - hats off to the volunteers - and 
ANYBODY that's there particpating and helping in ANY capacity.  
Unfortunately there'll be those that will be "those" and it makes it tough 
for anybody that's putting their best foot forward to want to help - even 
thought they may not be experienced.

Personally I think it may be more of an isolated incidence that in that 
particular ride the 50 milers weren't as relaxed or nice as the 25 milers.  
If a blanket statement were to be made, I'd probably say that in general the 
50 milers bring enough experience with them to be more relaxed.  But that, 
too, would be a blanket statement, which I don't think is fair for either 
category.  As far as "racers" - it's too bad that those at that particular 
ride seemed to be rude to your doc.  Personally I don't think it has 
anything to do with the term "racers"...I mean, I know many, many of them 
that "race" and have to deal with the stress of competitiveness, their 
well-being of their horses, etc, etc.  At the same time those very same 
racers that I'm talking about bring the absolute best attitude, 
sportsmanship, and appreciation with them.  Generally it seems that the less 
experiences ones that attempt to be front runners are the ones that are 
stressed and have not figured out the kindness of the volunteers that's 
beeing offered to them.

We're here in Southern California and perhaps we're a bit on the fortunate 
side.  In general, the rides I've been to, it seems that riders do make a 
real effort to be nice to the volunteers - and those who are nasty usually 
learn really quickly that this isn't the right way to be if they wish to 
ever participate at a ride again.

I've ridden some endurance up in Idaho - different region - and there, too 
the people were so incredibly nice...volunteers and riders alike.  I suppose 
you'll always have a few sour apples amongst the sweet ones - but...then 
again...just my own whitnessing.

Hope your doc might reconsider some day to volunteer.  Sometimes riders just 
get caught up in their own little world and just need to be reminded that 
others co-exist, and in the case of endurance rides, others volunteer their 
time and efforts without expecting anything in return.

Catfish


> From: "Jonni" <jonnij@xxxxxxxx>
> To: "Ridecamp" <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [RC]   rude riders revisited
> Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2005 12:09:05 -0600
>
> Well, I know as I send out this little note, those that NEED to consider 
> what I am about to say, most likely are not going to read it. But, maybe 
> the rest of us can say something to a rider next time we see them treating 
> volunteers poorly at a ride. This has been said time and time again, but 
> still, some riders don't get it.
>
> At the doctors office today, a man asked if I rode the rides, as he pointed 
> at my ride shirt I was wearing from a local AERC ride that is put on each 
> year. I said yes, and he said he volunteered a couple years ago, and will 
> NEVER do it again, as the riders were nasty towards him. I inquired a bit 
> more, and he said he was an in timer, and that it was his first time 
> volunteering. He had a very experienced helper, who happened to step away 
> for a moment, just as the first 50 mile "racers" came in, and they were 
> riding in a group. Overwhelmed, and I'm sure doing the best he could, to 
> get things straight, the riders became rude as he was not fast enough 
> getting them their times. He said that the 25 milers were very nice, and 
> much more relaxed, and friendly, but for the most part, the 50 milers were 
> an overly competitive stressed out group, that were NOT nice.
>
> It is sad that ones first time coming out to volunteer at a ride will turn 
> them off to the sport. He even mentioned he avoids riding on the day of the 
> ride on those trails, as he just does not want to deal with "endurance 
> riders"......
>
> So, as I said, since those who are often a bit rude and nasty towards the 
> volunteers etc. probably won't read this, and if they do, won't recognize 
> that it is THEM I speak of, at the next ride, if you hear a rider getting 
> testy with a volunteer who may just be doing the best they can, mention it 
> to them, that without volunteers, we won't have rides. For all of our 
> normal  rides across the nation every weekend, it is not like y'all are 
> racing for some grand prize of prizes.  Take a deep breath, and deal with 
> it if you have someone new helping at a check point. Thank them for being 
> there. Just think, if they have a good day, they will come back to do it 
> again, and will be even more experienced!
>
>
> Jonni

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