Coronavirus lockdown and exercising outdoors

[Vetplant]

So what do you guys think... Can something like the 947 or Tshwane Classic take place under the announced Level 2 restrictions?

 

From what I have seen and heard, there won't be a shortage of interest.

 

Masks on in the holding pens and then into the back pocket as we roll off the line?

[Reme Le Hane]

So what do you guys think... Can something like the 947 or Tshwane Classic take place under the announced Level 2 restrictions?

 

From what I have seen and heard, there won't be a shortage of interest.

 

Masks on in the holding pens and then into the back pocket as we roll off the line?

Still no gatherings of larger than 50, how would get that right for a race?

[Vetplant]

Still no gatherings of larger than 50, how would get that right for a race?

Good question.

 

Multiple races of 50 people, interspaced with time gaps? Probably won't fly though.

 

So we hope for level 1 then I presume?

[Reme Le Hane]

Good question.

 

Multiple races of 50 people, interspaced with time gaps? Probably won't fly though.

 

So we hope for level 1 then I presume?

Race venue is the problem, not the starting block. Sure you can maybe manage the groups coming in, but it would be no more than 50 people including organizers, marshals, vendors.

 

The real problem is the end, you just kick people out when they finished?

 

Would also have to change the race format, normally it’s first one to finish wins, we would have to go enduro without fastest time wins.

 

Pretty sure level 1 still has gathering caps, pretty sure large events are not going to be allowed until such time as we have a working vaccine.

 

I know nothing about spread in large crowds in open areas and from what I have read neither to the scientists at this point. Imagine something like the argus, that what like 50k riders. Imagine what a disaster it would be if by some random chance every starting block had like 1 or 2 asymptotic carriers and managed to ultimately end up infecting half the race. Without a working vaccine you basically restart the entire pandemic that way.

 

I think it’s more likely that our next real race is far closer to 2022 than 2021 and you will be required to provide proof of vaccine in order to enter/start.

 

Personally I hope to be wrong on that, but I also think given what’s happened globally even with government approval it would be remarkably irresponsible to hold a massive event until such time as we have a mass penetrated, working vaccine.

 

As chilled as many of us have been regarding this, I think when it comes to actually attending a mass event with thousands of people, many of us will be giving that some serious thought before signing up, we as a species need to for once also consider other people, even if that’s just our family, friends and coworkers.

 

Maybe the smaller, local events that usually attract a few hundred people can still get going, make a bit of a success of it, but something like Argus. I think your high risk points will be the venue, starting block and water points, the water points potentially being the highest risk, and then roadies do not liken self sufficient races, the massive tizzy online when TwonOceans started moving that way, with all the trail runners laughing at them.

[BaGearA]

And then think about those 20k OD people that then get infected go back home all over the country before they start showing any symptoms / or maybe even not

[Vetplant]

Race venue is the problem, not the starting block. Sure you can maybe manage the groups coming in, but it would be no more than 50 people including organizers, marshals, vendors.

 

The real problem is the end, you just kick people out when they finished?

 

Would also have to change the race format, normally it’s first one to finish wins, we would have to go enduro without fastest time wins.

 

Pretty sure level 1 still has gathering caps, pretty sure large events are not going to be allowed until such time as we have a working vaccine.

 

I know nothing about spread in large crowds in open areas and from what I have read neither to the scientists at this point. Imagine something like the argus, that what like 50k riders. Imagine what a disaster it would be if by some random chance every starting block had like 1 or 2 asymptotic carriers and managed to ultimately end up infecting half the race. Without a working vaccine you basically restart the entire pandemic that way.

 

I think it’s more likely that our next real race is far closer to 2022 than 2021 and you will be required to provide proof of vaccine in order to enter/start.

 

Personally I hope to be wrong on that, but I also think given what’s happened globally even with government approval it would be remarkably irresponsible to hold a massive event until such time as we have a mass penetrated, working vaccine.

 

As chilled as many of us have been regarding this, I think when it comes to actually attending a mass event with thousands of people, many of us will be giving that some serious thought before signing up, we as a species need to for once also consider other people, even if that’s just our family, friends and coworkers.

 

Maybe the smaller, local events that usually attract a few hundred people can still get going, make a bit of a success of it, but something like Argus. I think your high risk points will be the venue, starting block and water points, the water points potentially being the highest risk, and then roadies do not liken self sufficient races, the massive tizzy online when TwonOceans started moving that way, with all the trail runners laughing at them.

Agree.

 

Maybe this is the opportunity to support the smaller events, organised at club level.

 

Hopefully they can consider putting up more short format challenges:

Hillclimbs

TTs

Criteriums

 

I saw Jakaranda cycling club has already organised a "spontaneous group ride" for the first weekend in September. Let's see if it flies.

[Reme Le Hane]

Agree.

 

Maybe this is the opportunity to support the smaller events, organised at club level.

 

Hopefully they can consider putting up more short format challenges:

Hillclimbs

TTs

Criteriums

 

I saw Jakaranda cycling club has already organised a "spontaneous group ride" for the first weekend in September. Let's see if it flies.

The virtual events have been doing well for running, no reason we cannot do the same for cycling. I have seen a few do it for charity, so a few sponsored prizes, but the entires are paid at places like give and gain, then using strava as the leader board. Sure you don’t have that race spirit but you can always grab a few friends for some of that and it is timed so.

[ChrisF]

The virtual events have been doing well for running, no reason we cannot do the same for cycling. I have seen a few do it for charity, so a few sponsored prizes, but the entires are paid at places like give and gain, then using strava as the leader board. Sure you don’t have that race spirit but you can always grab a few friends for some of that and it is timed so.

Jip, virtual events is the short term future ... nice to see the mix of trainers and outside rides in these virtual events

 

Sadly not much of a race vibe with less than 50 people.

[DieselnDust]

I don't think a vaccine is necessary to get events going. Once more science is concluded we will be able to manage the risk effectively. Already there is a large data base  where high risk people can be profiled.

 

Bike races, pretty low risk if participants are screened before the start. Batches <50 are entirely possible.

Finish area is also easily managed. Cross the line, pick up your can of coke and cheers, move along. Socialise with your mate post race on Whatsapp. Easy as that. No doom and gloom necessary.

 

CSA and Provincial level race already have less< 50 per category so its entirely possible.

Of course if these are the only events happening then more people will enter so theres opportunity for the provincial  cycling bodies

[splat]

I hope the DC still goes ahead...

[DJR]

I hope the DC still goes ahead...

Maximum of 60 teams allowed..............no should be good   

[Patchelicious]

I hope the DC still goes ahead...

Not just you. I can just see how Brenda Savage is praying to the cycling gods every night before bed time, promising to never ever ever ever exaggerate race reports ever again if the DC goes ahead.

Edited August 16, 2020 by Patchelicious

[DJR]

Not just you. I can just see how Brenda Savage is praying to the cycling gods every night before bed time, promising to never ever ever ever exaggerate race reports ever again if the DC goes ahead.

[Pure Savage]

Not just you. I can just see how Brenda Savage is praying to the cycling gods every night before bed time, promising to never ever ever ever exaggerate race reports ever again if the DC goes ahead.

If the official one is postponed the unofficial one can take place with team cars and no stops. Win. Win. Win.

[Frosty]

FWIW, level 3 restricted event numbers to <300 (including organiser’s staff) from 01/09/2020. Batches are limited to <50, so in theory 5 batches are allowed if the organiser has <50 staff. Wonder what level will allow? Guess CSA need to advise that sooner than later.

 

The next problem is enforcing rules that people aren’t particularly good at following:

 

Socializing before/after the event. During a normal race, riders would gather shortly after the finish line, and when asked to move, they look at you with a death stare. Old habits die hard, and I wonder how they will react now.

[ChrisF]

FWIW, level 3 restricted event numbers to <300 (including organiser’s staff) from 01/09/2020. Batches are limited to <50, so in theory 5 batches are allowed if the organiser has <50 staff. Wonder what level will allow? Guess CSA need to advise that sooner than later.

 

The next problem is enforcing rules that people aren’t particularly good at following:

 

Socializing before/after the event. During a normal race, riders would gather shortly after the finish line, and when asked to move, they look at you with a death stare. Old habits die hard, and I wonder how they will react now.

Typical MTB event ends with a beer tent, braai-fires, and a lekka kuier ...

 

 

Kids, wifes and family members enjoy the kermis event during and after the ride ....

 

We leave home by 5.00, sometimes earlier, drive over the mountain to an event in the Boland, and to enjoy a full day. Sharing the ride, then sharing war stories ....

 

 

Just dont see people driving 300km round trip to ride a route, get in your car and leave immediately....

 

 

MISS these day events ...