| Re: electric bikes on centuries
Daryl Hunt wrote:
> "Bill Baka" <bbaka@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:ikNvh.5701$O02.895@newssvr11.news.prodigy.net ...
>> Curtis L. Russell wrote:
>>> On Mon, 29 Jan 2007 18:16:04 -0600, Werehatrack
>>> <rault00@earthWEEDSlink.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> AFAIK, power-assisted vehicles are not accepted for entry in
>>>> sanctioned bicycle events, period.
>>> Sanctioned? By who? LAB isn't sanctioning any centuries in the sense
>>> of setting rules (or taking responsibility). USCF/USAC wouldn't permit
>>> power assist of course, but they don't have many clubs applying for
>>> permits for 100 mile TTs - most such TTs are 40 kilo or so.
>>>
>>> I'm guessing any fund raiser would take anyone with an entry fee and
>>> just disregard them for any distance based prizes. I doubt that too
>>> many of the LAB clubs I've done events with would turn them away -
>>> they would probably just tell them to ride responsibly. Of course,
>>> since there are few closed course centuries, your choice is to accept
>>> them or have them along unofficially. You can keep them out of your
>>> feed areas, but you can't keep them off the course.
>>>
>>> Curtis L. Russell
>>> Odenton, MD (USA)
>>> Just someone on two wheels...
>> We have an annual event here called "Bike around the Buttes", which is a
>> fund raiser for diabetes. The entrance fee is $20.00 and I get a tee shirt
>> out of it. The ride distances can be 10, 20, 40, 60, or 100 miles and they
>> state that it is definitely NOT a race. Electric assist bikes are allowed
>> but I have yet to see one. I usually ride the 60 mile course so I can get
>> in on the lunch and social part of things. During the ride I can speed up
>> an chat with a group of people then go up to the next group, etc. There
>> are always a few hot shots who think it is a race and blast by everyone in
>> their brightest Dayglow outfits, but they are not that social to the
>> casual riders, as if they are a lower class rider.
>> There are usually only about ten of them and they keep to themselves like
>> a little snob group.
>> The rest of us just chat and ride at anywhere from 8 to 15 MPH and enjoy
>> the company.
>> Riders range from 18 to 80+, so it is a very mixed group, and I would not
>> deny an 80 year old participant from riding an electric on a charity ride.
>> The ride is in early April so if anyone wants to verify my observations
>> just come on over and sign up.
>> Bill Baka
>
> I think there are a few reasons you don't see Low Speed Electric Bicycles
> (legal term).
>
> First of all, they would only be really able to ride in the 10 mile run.
> Range past that just isn't really going to happen. Claiming otherwise is
> sort of like claiming that your Moutain Bike can maintain 30 mph over a 60
> mile race. And don't forget about that carberator that gets your car 200
> mpg. Now, you can go the long distance but, even when you are helping the
> motor by pedalling most of the time, I doubt you want to finish the last
> half of the race pedalling that extra 40 pounds or so.
>
> I think the biggest is that the "Pure" cyclists make the Low Speed Electric
> Bicycles (pedal assist) feel about as welcome as an absessed tooth.
>
>
>
This is not a "Pure" cyclist event, but, as I said there are about a
dozen "Pure" roadies who make no attempt to socialize with anyone not
dressed in full cycling gear and a $3,000 bike. They would probably
allow an 80 year old granny on an elder's tricycle if she wanted, so it
is a really open event. I almost expect to see a 400 pound person on an
electric wheelchair replacement thingy some day.
It is California, after all, so nothing can be ruled out.
Bill Baka
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