Putting the Beemer to work

[dravnx]

I carried media for the Rock and Roll marathon in San Jose, Ca. This was my 13th sporting event that I've worked. It was the first marathon though. I've previously worked Ironman and other triathlons carrying either media or course marshals. It's really fun and challenging riding.

[Ray]

I carried media for the Rock and Roll marathon in San Jose, Ca. This was my 13th sporting event that I've worked. It was the first marathon though. I've previously worked Ironman and other triathlons carrying either media or course marshals. It's really fun and challenging riding.

You're a good man.

A great way to keep slow-speed skills and awareness up to snuff. 

Though I did the volunteer physician thing for some US Olympic qualifying events a couple of decades ago, I never had the time or courage to help with motorcycle covereage.  Watching a motorcycle with pillion go down on the uphill finish of this year's Tour de France - an event staffed almost exclusively by ex professional racers - reinforced my impression of the skill set invloved. Having watched me during the BMW Performance Center's intro to authority training a couple years ago, Darrelll will be happy to tell you, that slow-speed maneuvers are a perishable skill. 

Though shorter than a lot of bicycle races, the marathons can be especially challenging - with slow uphills and slow participants, who unlike the cyclists, aren't looking out for the motorbikes. 

"Thank you for your service."

[dravnx]

Unlike the TdF, most of the triathlons are done on open roads so you also have to contend with cars, trucks, pedestrians and non participating bicycles.

[Ray]

Unlike the TdF, most of the triathlons are done on open roads so you also have to contend with cars, trucks, pedestrians and non participating bicycles.

All the more reason - hats off to ya.

(Is this where we revive discussion of the potential merits of the Yamaha Niken GT - one of the sponsor bikes in the the TdF?)

Thanks for setting the good example.

[darrell]

Having watched me during the BMW Performance Center's intro to authority training a couple years ago, Darrelll will be happy to tell you, that slow-speed maneuvers are a perishable skill. 

Ray is under stating how well he handled his bike.  I was impressed how he was able to handle the RS with its long wheel base, short bars, somewhat top heavy and be on the same course as the larger GS bikes and several smaller models.  He dabbed a foot now and again but never laid the bike its side like a few others did.

[36654]

US Cycling has a group of riding marshalls that support their events. Sounded like a fun job, but it was strange to hear which locations were problems due to poor coordination with local law enforcement and businesses.

[dravnx]

My biggest challenge were the numb nuts who wear earbuds and can't hear you yelling "on the left".

[36654]

My biggest challenge were the numb nuts who wear earbuds and can't hear you yelling "on the left".

IIRC, the Atlanta Olympics had the cycling events on a Sunday morning.  The marshalls didn't know the local custom (at that time) of gas stations opening after Sunday services.  There was some panic until they found a station in some remote part of town..

[dravnx]

I carried media for the Rock and Roll marathon in San Jose, Ca. This was my 13th sporting event that I've worked. It was the first marathon though. I've previously worked Ironman and other triathlons carrying either media or course marshals. It's really fun and challenging riding.

Worked the Ironman Triathlon in Sacramento, Ca. this weekend carrying a course marshal. We had to respond to 5 accidents. A few broken bones and 2 ambulance rides. One looked like a broken hip. I was even involved in one of the accidents. We were stopped on the side of the road talking to a problematic rider when a woman ran into the back of my bike. Her tire hit the back of my rear tire and she hit the ground. I was able to keep the bike up with minimal effort. She was a bit bruised but otherwise OK. It was really windy and she was riding with her head down and not watching where she was going. 
I did 2 laps of the bicycle course for a total of 220ish miles and it took me 7 hours.

[Grumpy Goat]

Rotated the Marshall pic for you.

[dravnx]

Rotated the Marshall pic for you.

Mil gracias.

[Foyster]

I keep hoping I will get it together to do that some day when my life settles down. I would love to escort the Mount Hamilton road race from San Jose to Livermore.