The DT Enduro thread last week pretty much followed the usual script. It doesn't matter if it happens on DT or MTBR or any other forum. A race is proposed on public/private land, and the ranger/landowner finds out about it because it's posted on a public forum. Then the usual shit-storm happens.
Bikers are gonna race, and they aren't always gonna be sanctioned Racers and Chasers events. It's inevitable. So how about a closed forum on DT to discuss these "get-togethers" on the down low?
We already have Moose Lodge where access is controlled by moderators. So the infrastructure already exists here on DT to create a forum and hide it away just for people who have been granted access. This will keep Rangers, landowners, pesky SDMBA folks (yeah I'm one) and others you don't want to see away from this corner of DT. You can then gather for all the pirate races you want.
Here's my proposition. Feel free to take this suggestion in any way you wish. But I hope it starts a reasonable discussion.
"The first rule of Fight Club is: There is no Fight Club". Same with Race club. Don't say the word "race" anywhere near the event site. Don't put numbers on bikes or jerseys. Just go out for a "group ride" and find some way that is not obvious to the general public to keep track of who's got the best times. This way if you do run into a ranger, you have an out by saying you were just going for a fun ride.
Abzilla's approach to staged start times would probably work best for these "rides". Bunch starts are just so obvious that this is a race.
Elect someone (Abzilla?) to be the gate-keeper for the new forum. Then you could only let in whoever you know and trust into the club.
Keep the numbers of riders on any one event down to a reasonable level like say 20. A huge group of 50+ riders at one place would be very obvious.
If someone posts up a race on the general forum, take it down. It doesn't belong in the general open forum. Nothing good can come from that.
And by all means, do not invite me into the club. I'm old and slow so I'm definately not a racer. Also, I'm one of those SDMBA members you want to keep out. I sure as hell am NOT talking for SDMBA here as some in that organization are possibly face-palming as they read this.
Of course none of this message is "rules". Just suggestions. Races will happen, so race smart and don't give the rangers the heads-up before you go.
See you out on the trails
