Tuesday, January 31, 2012

In it to win it

There is a handicap system in place for the Cannonball based on the age and engine displacement of the scooter that provides a level playing field for all riders no matter what you're riding (rules [pdf] are here).  In theory, anyone ought to be able to win.  However, a consensus seems to have developed among many of us on larger scooters that we don't have a hope in hell of winning so we might as well just enjoy the ride.  I've been thinking for months now that I'm not going to drive myself all that hard.  That I'm just going to have fun riding.  That I'm in it for the camaraderie and the beer at night in motel parking lots.

Well, that's all good but I've given some more thought to the spirit of the competition and have decided that I owe it to the Cannonball - if not myself - to approach this with a more competitive attitude, to show up on the starting line thinking that I've got as good a chance as anyone at winning it.  While I still have some serious doubt about that, I'm going to give it a try.  This isn't a rally or a group ride or some rolling scooter love fest and I don't want to treat it like it is.

No comments: