I was a having a similar discussion on the lack of entries at the Nationals.. it's more apparent to me that the reason people don't go race the pro nationals or don't want to race the "amateur big" races isn't just the money... it's kinda/mostly the money but not the whole reason. People don't have same values in competing. Which is fine but don't say 'I'm not going because it's too expensive' just say 'I don't want to compete and it's too expensive'. The cost is really high and the competition, in some cases is unfair (especially at the pro level) but what happened to, screw it, let's line up on the same gate and let's go. Bring it... I'm here to compete.
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well." - Pierre de Coubertin
Again.. not discounting the cost aspect because it's truly expensive and sometimes the cost out weights the value.. but that's part of the struggle. It's not supposed to be easy to compete at a high level.
That is a product of the snow flake generation. Kids are being brought up in a world where everything is supposed to be fair and equal. Dont hurt peoples feelings, beating somebody on the track hurts their feelings. People dont want their kids feelings hurt. You know, maybe if the promoters put safe spaces in at the tracks for everyone who didnt win that day the attendance would increase.
The quote by Pierre above is true, but if you dont believe you can attain your goal who is going to keep up the struggle? So what is the "goal" you have set for yourself? Thats the real question nobody in this discussion has asked. The truth is everyone on here has given the correct answer. So by going to the LL qualifers some people have a goal to win, others have a goal to spend time with family, others have a goal to spend time with friends, and others have a goal to race on national caliber tracks, Others, like myself, want all of that and to try to make the show. What all of you seem to be missing ( I could be wrong, maybe some see it ) is that everyone has a goal to reach by going! This is why each of us go.
Knox had a goal to reach before he would race again. He attained that goal and lost his wieght, got into some type of shape, practiced a bit and for the first time in 18 years he lined up behind a gate ( injured and all ) and raced!! He struggled and he reached his goal.
Gail and her family spend time together at the track, they practice hard and the riders of the group do very well. Im sure its been a struggle through out the years but they have attained many goals they have set out for.
Sharc broke a tib and fib , has had some serious personal issues. He has struggled through all that made it to Ironman and spet the weekend with friends racing with the best in our area on a national track that was a blast! He rode very well and loved every minute of it. You could tell by the never ending smile on his face this past weekned! Goal achieved
I rode like complete ass, was pissed only at myself for my poor conditioning and performance. But I wouldnt trade it in for much. I spent time with friends ( the family couldnt make it ), my dog, rode a nasty rough and rutted track against some fast dudes, got my ass kicked and loved every minute of it! My goal was obviously to get a ticket but my reality goal was to place top 15, have fun and not get injured. I found I have the speed for the top 15 but the rest of my goals were met. I have a plan for next year now too. Guess what ??? Im going to Alabama to do it all again in a couple weeks! Goal ? Same, top 15 , have fun with the track, family this time and friends.
Put into perspective most everyone does this for their own goals. When goals cant possibly be met or financial hurdles become too much.... that is when people stop coming. As far as negativity? I really dont see any about the racing on here. I do see people getting upset because a people have different views than their own. I dont get that, what a boring world it would be if we all like the same things the same way. If we all thought the same about everything, if we all agreed about everything every time. It doesnt mean you have to like what other people think but I dont get the hatred and attacks because of it, a discussion is one thing.......
