GamJams.net: Where Mid-Atlantic bike racers roll: List Lurker: 03-19-10

While you were busy hitting the delete key, I was busy living vicariously as a lonely list lurker. Here's a quick look at what you might have missed on the various cycling list-serves this week...

In MABRA-land, there was a little action as folks got ready to start their seasons:

There are two important changes to the USAC rules concerning criterium events. You can find the 2010 edition of the USAC rules here. But you should at least be aware of the following summaries:

Riders dropped by the field may not contribute in any way to to the efforts of a group "off the front." Once the dropped rider is lapped, however, he may participate in any action taken by the pack, including new breakaway attempts.
A rider granted a free lap must re-enter the race before the final 8K. Determining the "last lap eligible for free lap re-entry" will be case-by-case based on the specifics of each race course.

Haymarket Bicycles / Home Visit has invited any and all comers to their Battle of Bull Run...Mtn. Ride this Sunday, 21 March. The ride, billed as "the exact opposite of a no-drop ride" will start at 8:00 a.m. and cover 62.5 miles of challenging terrain. If you are interested, and ready to be dropped mercilessly, contact the Jared Nieters for more information.
Conte's of Bethesda announced that they are starting their Thursday evening rides. You can meet these guys here and be ready to roll at 6:15 for a few miles with -- as they say -- "more civility" than other rides.
The (in)famous Goon Ride announced that it will be (un)officially starting up this week at the Rockville end of Beach Drive. Riders should meet up at 5:45 in the Garrett Park parking lot and be ready to "ride at your own risk because cycling is an inherently dangerous activity." It's all very mysterious and, apparently, popular at the same time...
While on the subject of ride invitations, there was some discussion in MABRA-land about normally shy and reclusive Lance Lacy. This week, Mr. Lacy (Who Got Dropped?) announced to the world that he was playing hooky from work three days in a row to enjoy the perfect cycling weather. Some folks questioned his lack of productivity and -- in this era of economic uncertainty -- that's a serious charge. Well the facts reveal the true story: on each day Lacy played hooky, the stock market gained an average of 45.53 points. So, the national economy is actually better when Lacy doesn't do his part! This is not a theory; I have numbers in this report. So, Lacy, please do America a favor and keep inviting MABRA to ride with you; it's practically your civic duty!

Over in the world of the Virginia Cycling Association, there were a lot of cross posting from MABRA, but one thing did stand out:

The organizers of the Dismal Dash TT announced that the results have been posted here and the first event of the VA BAR is officially in the books. Thanks to all who started their season off with a little 40K spin.

Got any comments, interpretations, re-interpretations, or mis-interprations? Send them to me; I've got nothing better to do than to sit in my darkened room and live vicariously as a list-lurker...

Gus Grissom races for Team GamJams Racing, teaches Greek and Latin at DeMatha Catholic High School, and writes a dissertation in his spare time. He compiles this column strictly for fortune and glory.