Yes, you heard that right. Not even that much rain, frankly. Embarrassing. A 2 minute bike ride from my house. I'm really hoping they get something worked out but I have my doubts.
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Oh, for sure. It's a complete and total joke.Afrank said:Pretty laughable to be honest, CX is almost built on the foundation of being a race to do in the rain.
I'm wondering if you were there yesterday, and just what the weather was like this morning.jaylew said:A 2 minute bike ride from my house.
The cyclo-cross community was reeling from the decision which came at the hands of the Austin City Parks and Recreation department, who stepped in early this morning to call a halt to the race after claiming that more than an inch of rain had soaked the course overnight and forced them to stop the event in order to protect the health of a grove of "heritage trees", some of which are more than 100 years old.
Yet observations by the national and local weather services put the rainfall at just one tenth of an inch, and it is difficult to not suspect there is more to the attempted cancellation than just trees and mud.
Austin Parks and Recreation director Sara Hensley told the media during a press conference that she has been getting emails and calls from residents who are upset with the city for allowing the race to be held. Residents are afraid the park and its ancient trees are being damaged beyond repair. A local tree preservation group was particularly outspoken in their objections. "People are calling for me to resign or be fired," Hensley said. "But we've also been getting messages of support. This is what happens when you live in a city where everyone wants to give their two cents, so we have to try to balance that."
Granville57 said:Oh, for sure. It's a complete and total joke.
I'm wondering if you were there yesterday, and just what the weather was like this morning.
From the images I saw, it appeared to be more than acceptable. It wasn't even raining, and the overall conditions looked quite good.
Will you be able to attend tomorrow?
(I imagine that the crowd turnout will be pretty weak on a Monday)
OffTheBackAdam said:Bunch of bloody tree-huggers! Completely clueless. Photos of a huge Oak, how far do they think its root system speads, how deep & what % will be damaged?
Evolution has made plants resistant to such minor damage.
Typical stupid Watermelons, I'm amazed that they've not worked some "Climate Change" rubbish into their argument too.
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DirtyWorks said:Hours after I posted this, apparently the race is cancelled altogether???
Granville57 said:This is a supposed live feed taking place right now?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sFjcDdLfzM#t=3741
I'm finding it very difficult to get specific info from USAC online.
But I do believe this is happening now (don't know why there isn't any chatter on Twitter from the usual suspects though)
OffTheBackAdam said:Bunch of bloody tree-huggers! Completely clueless. Photos of a huge Oak, how far do they think its root system speads, how deep & what % will be damaged?
Evolution has made plants resistant to such minor damage.
Typical stupid Watermelons, I'm amazed that they've not worked some "Climate Change" rubbish into their argument too.
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Afrank said:Good article about the conflict and where the blame lies- http://velonews.competitor.com/2015/01/news/cyclocross/commentary-nationals-disaster_358091
Oldman said:Plenty of blame to go around but ultimately the organizer should ask the questions.
Oldman said:They actually posted the parameters...it's science Mr. Dinosaur rider. The Austin officials authorizing the event should certainly consulted the Park officials about areas of protection; particularly specimen trees. It took 300 years to grow them and about 2 seconds for a cycling genius to discount their importance.
I really hope you were kidding.