SoCalCycling.com

[bmbcyclist]

Does anyone know how the bicycle John's girls are? I believe 2 of them looked hurt pretty badly at the crash on Sunday.

[jay]

Kolb said her gals are okay... and that Jen "the studette" Wilson will even be heading to VOS with stiches in her chin. Thank goodness everyone is okay cuz that was an ugly one.

[BikeBoy]

Hey y'all...

Just a quick reply from the source (well, almost).
All of the BJ's girls are doing OK and on the mend. Alex Tabata suffered a concussion, Irene (from what I've been told) dislocated her shoulder but is on the mend. Jen Wilson wound up with a concussion, busted up jaw, chin stitches, sprained hand/wrist and road rash. Priscilla Calderon (next bed over in the ER) looked to have a fractured rib, but I never heard the verdict.
From what I hear, Betsy got the worst of it with serious facial lacerations. If anybody has contact with her, please send my (our) best.

Yes, Jay... Today, Jen the "studette" got the coach's OK to do VOS... She seems to be psyched about it so y'all watch out!!! Scabs pullin' through!
Thanks everyone for their concern. You guys are da best.

-Grant (Wilson)

[jay]

Last lap let's clear the field.

I am only writing this because some of my best mates were on the deck @ Brea...

Becky Quinn was the best sprinter out there on Sunday and part of the future of women's track cycling for the USA. A track team that is working very hard to re-build so we do not need her hurt. If you were mixing it up on the last lap and you were not-

a. sprinter that was trying to take it away from Quinn
b. a leadout rider that was taking your sprinter to the line

then you should have been giving them room.

this is a courtesy and a respect that is given to the sprinters and their leadouts if you do not have a serious chance of holding speed to the line. If the only chance you had to win the race was in a breakaway then you had plenty of chances. But on the last lap let those women that call themselves sprinters have their fun. Last laps do not need to be dangerous if we self-regulate where we need to be on them.

and keep in mind this is a small race in Brea with a pay out of about $75.00 bucks for the winner... not really worth having awesome racers such as the ones on Sunday hit the deck.

best of luck in recovery for all...

[bmbcyclist]

I agree. The thing started by several riders trying to get on Quinns wheel, as if they would even come around her.

If the wheel is taken, do your own sprint. That crash was not necessary, and it is all because of someone being arrogant and trying to make a hole where there wasn't one.

For instance, I am not a "sprinter" and saw the bunching and crowding on the inside, so I went wide holding my breath that they would make it, well, they didn't make it, and I too, way on the outside got caught up in the mess. I lost 12 hours of pay, which is way more than 75 bucks.

I also hear that the initiator of the crash is known for this aggressive unsafe riding, and I will talk with Doc at the next race.

I am very glad everyone is up and running, it sucks when you get caught up in a crash that you had not initiated, and get hurt.

[BikeBoy]

Well stated, all.

bmb, I too heard the rumour that the initiator was a rider who has been known for this sort of aggressive riding.
As far as I know, though, the initiator remains unidentified.
I certainly don't want this to become an exercise in figer-pointing, but for the sake of clarity and reputation...
Jen has assured me that all 'identified' riders were taking clear and clean lines through turn 3. Helen's had their train at the front with Jen at the rear of it. Betsy was just to Jen's inside and slightly ahead. Becky Quinn was inside and ahead of Betsy and moving forward quickly. The incident seems to have occurred when the aforementioned 'unidentified' rider moved up Betsy's inside trying to get Becky's wheel. She decked it quickly thereafter, taking Betsy with her, followed by Jen and everyone else.
Just wanted to forward $.02 worth of info before any accusations start, 'cause they always do.

bb