Properly Marking Bikes?

[Frank]

I would like to read the opinions of riders whom have had other riders, which have not been properly marked, beat them in a ride.

While riding, I will look back and allow high-speed riders from faster classes, slower classes, and even my own class, to pass me. For the riders who do not have much more ability than myself, I will make them take it from me.

I just had another rider in my class, with a lower number, sitting next to me at the start. I was told that they had just moved down a class. They were not PROPERLY IDENTIFIED.

Do you suppose, if you looked back and saw their lower number, you would make room and allow them to pass? Personally, I will pull to the right and motion to them with my left arm. I also assume that they are from a faster class, had problems, and they are trying to make up for it. What's the down side, it is to find out later that they have taken a position from you by a few seconds. Do you suppose you could have held them off by a matter of seconds?

While out on the track, I have been noticing riders retaining their old numbers, only using numbers on the side plates with no numbers on the front plate, using numbers which are extremely small and unreadable (same markings used for our helmets), or simply no numbers. If they are an escort, a big E would be nice, a big S for sweeper, or basically any letter or colored sheet for the non-riders and large correct numbers for any participants.

From now on, do we only need to mark the helmets with the helmet numbers and apply the transponders?

Anyways, I could go off course here, so, I was just looking to see if anyone, (LIGHTBULB-like anyone on this site might not have any input) has thoughts about the subject of properly marking the bikes or should I just go back to eating dirt and watching dust floating around in the sunbeams?

[swedishfishmx]

They ran out of numbers at sign up.

[Speedysdad]

Collin is racing the MO series this year and their numbers don't coincide with the class they are in. It is difficult to know who he is racing. They put colored stickers on the back of their helmet to signify which class they are in....sometimes.

That said, FM does a pretty good job of governing what number you run. After a couple of races, score keepers will run out of patience with a rider that refuses to correct his number on his bike.

You could also call him out on the forum, peer pressure usually works no matter how old you are.

[Banshee350]

I know what you mean and yes it can be annoying. There are some without front number plate decals which sucks. I do like the idea for Sweeps and Escorts as I have been chased by both only to find out they are not competing.

I also agree with Speedysdad that FM does a pretty good job overall. I have also ran the MO series and there is absolutely no way to tell who is riding in your class which is extremely annoying. Sitting on the starting line at the last race looking at all three rows in front of me and none of the numbers match up.

So I agree with both but enjoy the organization that FM has thanks to Dan and everyone that lets us do what we do.

[jimmy rippy]

Even if they ran out of numbers - the racer should have just took tape and marked out a big fat " X " on the sides and front IMO.

[David Gardner]

If you are going slow enough to look back and see who is on your ass you need to get out of the way. If you get out of the way for someone who is slower than you just pass them back. If you can't pass them back then they are not slower than you. Seems pretty simple to me.

[trex]

In Missouri no class # and it is hard to know who you are racing .With that said I have never been beat by a # I have been slaped by a few escorts .Best advise put your head down and focuse forward you will know who is faster.But PLEASE if someone is behind you and yelling at you to move please do so it may be me.

[bowhunter]

If you are yelling, yell out your class, it makes it easier on everyone.