Roll Out Start?

Does anyone know of a ski race that does a roll-out start similar to those
done with bike races? A race I help organize has thrown this idea out there
as a way to utilize the same start and finish.

What has been discussed is to have a 4-stroke snow machine lead the skiers
for the first K or so then turn off and let the 'race' begin. The roll-out
section is about 1.5 pisten bulley's wide.

At this point it is not a likely possibility but do folks think we are
setting ourselves up for a cluster f.ck? I somewhat like the idea but I'm
pretty certain there would be a major yard sale during the roll-out.

Dave

Dave,

Why would this be better or more fair than a mass start?

Scott

p.s. I don't know why I am asking because I leave Monday for a month and a
half so I will probably miss the discussion.

"Dave M-K" wrote in message
...
Does anyone know of a ski race that does a roll-out start similar to those
done with bike races? A race I help organize has thrown this idea out
there as a way to utilize the same start and finish.

What has been discussed is to have a 4-stroke snow machine lead the skiers
for the first K or so then turn off and let the 'race' begin. The
roll-out section is about 1.5 pisten bulley's wide.

At this point it is not a likely possibility but do folks think we are
setting ourselves up for a cluster f.ck? I somewhat like the idea but I'm
pretty certain there would be a major yard sale during the roll-out.

Dave

"Scott Elliot" wrote in message
news:ZErBi.2516$bO6.1955@edtnps89...
Dave,

Why would this be better or more fair than a mass start?

Scott

The course widens to 2-3 times the width of the suggested start area after
1K. The start area we have historically used would be at the new 1K mark.

If we went with the new start most of us believe it would be too narrow for
a mass start race. Some think if we did a controlled roll-out for the first
K, this problem would be eliminated. Some of us believe we are only asking
for new problems.

Dave

p.s. I don't know why I am asking because I leave Monday for a month and
a half so I will probably miss the discussion.

"Dave M-K" wrote in message
...
Does anyone know of a ski race that does a roll-out start similar to
those done with bike races? A race I help organize has thrown this idea
out there as a way to utilize the same start and finish.

What has been discussed is to have a 4-stroke snow machine lead the
skiers for the first K or so then turn off and let the 'race' begin. The
roll-out section is about 1.5 pisten bulley's wide.

At this point it is not a likely possibility but do folks think we are
setting ourselves up for a cluster f.ck? I somewhat like the idea but
I'm pretty certain there would be a major yard sale during the roll-out.

Dave

The main advantage I see of a rollout is to get everyone on their skis
and going, to limit cold start problems (e.g., Jay's infamous Seeley
start or broken poles). It would also help skiers warm up slowly (an
excellent reason) and settle nerves some overall. The disadvantage is
that within the pack some will try to pass, whether for good reason or
out of anxiety. Without sufficient trail width and norms, that would
lead to disputes and accidents. Remember, in car racing rollouts use
placement based on immediate pre-race qualifying position.

rm

"Dave M-K" wrote:


"Scott Elliot" wrote in message
news:ZErBi.2516$bO6.1955@edtnps89...
Dave,

Why would this be better or more fair than a mass start?

Scott

The course widens to 2-3 times the width of the suggested start area
after 1K. The start area we have historically used would be at the
new 1K mark.

If we went with the new start most of us believe it would be too
narrow for a mass start race. Some think if we did a controlled
roll-out for the first K, this problem would be eliminated. Some of
us believe we are only asking for new problems.

Dave

p.s. I don't know why I am asking because I leave Monday for a
month and a half so I will probably miss the discussion.

"Dave M-K" wrote in message
...
Does anyone know of a ski race that does a roll-out start similar
to those done with bike races? A race I help organize has thrown
this idea out there as a way to utilize the same start and finish.

What has been discussed is to have a 4-stroke snow machine lead the
skiers for the first K or so then turn off and let the 'race'
begin. The roll-out section is about 1.5 pisten bulley's wide.

At this point it is not a likely possibility but do folks think we
are setting ourselves up for a cluster f.ck? I somewhat like the
idea but I'm pretty certain there would be a major yard sale during
the roll-out.

Dave

At first, I was a little bit skeptical about the benefits of a ski-out
start, but the most recent post may have changed my mind. The idea of
a little bit of immediately-pre-racing warm up really appeals to me,
though I do think it makes the organizers job a fair amount harder...
The temptation to move up in the group would definitely be there.

If it is a classic race, or if the first k or so is flat, why not set
tracks, pretty tightly spaced beside each other so that it would be
very difficult to pass? Also, if the speed is kept relatively low I
don't think there would be too too much carnage in that first k. Some
kind of seeding would be nice, but not entirely necessary, in my
opinion. What is the distance of the race?

Its definitely an interesting idea to think about, even if its not
entirely feasible for you yet, and it might even attract a few extra
people out of novelty.

On Aug 30, 10:16 am, wrote:
(e.g., Jay's infamous Seeley
start or broken poles).

One thing to learn from that incident is that you can't prevent idiots
from being idiots. They're just too ingenious.

I'd start the race a km into the course where the race is wider.
There's nothing important about the start line. The above mentioned
Seeley Hills starts a km into the course.

Jay

"Bjorn A. Payne Diaz" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Aug 30, 10:16 am, wrote:
(e.g., Jay's infamous Seeley
start or broken poles).

One thing to learn from that incident is that you can't prevent idiots
from being idiots. They're just too ingenious.

I'd start the race a km into the course where the race is wider.
There's nothing important about the start line.

The importance of the start comes in when there are 500 clothing bags to
move to the finish. If we have the same start and finish, we don't have to
move them. If the finish is 1K from the start we've got to move them. Not
a major problem but just one more thing to get volunteers for. Also I know
many people like starting and finishing in the same spot. You don't have to
worry about cramming all your gear into a bag that will break, you can bring
an extra pair of skis to test and you can leave your bag-o-stuff where ever
you want. BUT I agree with Jay that no matter what the start is like, there
will likely be some kind of tangle up, the narrower the area the greater the
chance the tangle is larger.

Dave

The above mentioned
Seeley Hills starts a km into the course.

Jay