Article: A few words about the recent conflicts and issues within the three-wheeling

[Billy Golightly]

You can view the page at http://www.3wheelerworld.com/content.php/332-A-few-words-about-the-recent-conflicts-and-issues-within-the-three-wheeling-community...

[yaegerb]

Very good article, and I have a couple thoughts for you. Sending you a PM.

[Swinger]

Well put Billy

[Tri-Z 250]

Billy I'm in total agreement with ya. This is a HUGE spotlight on us(3wheeler crowd) and outsiders to the boards have no clue of any conflicts. The old saying of the bad apple spoiling the pie holds true here. 3wheeler racers can't afford to take a step back due to some bad press or slighted judgment from the general public. I'm sitting this one out, some for the reasons mentioned. Mostly I got nothing to prove to some old Pro coming back for just one more. I fear getting bumpped off the sweeper by a 1st timer who didn't hold their line as well. I live in the Hotbed for 3wheeled racing...I can catch the next one. I will be apart of this Event but I'm doing it as a specatator...sad but I made my decisison a month ago. Oh sure I'll be there grillin-and chillin lakeside, you guys swing by for a burger and soda(payback from the harescramble). I just wonder how many will showup unequipped and non preped, half in the bag, loose lipped, ripping the pits with an unpacked silencer trying to get their bike running at the event. I hope for the Best but don't want to be apart of any misshaps, or bad imagery. This is going to be Superfun and were all gonna get along just fine...The big thing to remember(this goes for everyone) is getting invited back for 2013 with open arms.

[kawasaki666]

It's sad when something is thrown together for the benifit of the sport, and some yah-hoos have to question the size of every ones trailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro to prove something! FUN is what it is ALL about!!! Very good article!

[JohnR.]

Bravo to you Bill! Excellent article. I can relate on getting burned out on something you once loved more than nothing else. I hope you all put on a great show and all stay safe.

Tri-Z - I couldn't agree with you more. Nothing worse than having a pilot with little or no experience taking you out and possibly injuring you because of a rookie mistake. Also, all too often people who should have been preparing their machines months before show up only to spend hours trying to get it started or to tune it in the pits. It just makes all of us look "ghetto" and unprofessional.

John

[brapp]

i completly agree billy, were suposed to be entusiast, and it seems liek soem people spend more time riding thier mouse and computor screen than riding thier trikes!!

[Matrix]

Wow I didn't think there were issues among members on here. I thought some just didn't take crap from anybody which is fine but I came out of this article completely different from when I came in..

[TimSr]

Well said Billy. I know the feeling well because everyone knows I DID walk away from it all to start fresh. Nothing is more discouraging than spending thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours to offer something to the public for which you get no compensation whatsoever, and then getting constantly bashed, criticized and beat up for what you "didn't offer", or what mistakes you may have made as though you owe them something by virtue of having offered it in the first place. Billy, I've seen you experience the same. Each year when I'm spent and about ready to pull the plug, tired of being the community punching bag, its a handful of supportors who say "Thanks for all you do. I really enjoyed this opportunity.", that encourages me to put together another year's program targeted towards them. At this point, I am SO regretting news of this event ever going pubic, but the bullet has left the gun. Not that I don't want the huge turnout and the public exposure, but I am so weary of wearing the bullseye and have so much concern for what kind of exposure it will be. My phone number and email are published on the OTC site. That is how grownups resolve issues, and I thank those who chose to do that, and encourage those who have not, to do the same. I've managed to re-build bridges with some of the bitterest of enemies because of a mutual passion for the sport, and have no doubts that a "cease-fire" can be negotiated with anyone who is willing and sincere. As for my thoughts on noobies, I have no problem with them whatsover, and would encourage them to particiapte in any OTC event. They are rarely the problem. They are usually there for fun and the experience, and not intent on winning, and are willing to brake or steer to avoid an accident. Most of the OTC guys have greater concern over outside, experienced racers, not familiar with our "this is a show for fun" mentaity who take it far too seriously, and want to win so much that safety and courtesy towards other riders is ignored, and they become a safety concern for anyone around them. It's just an exhibition race people! Lighten up! There are NO national titles here, unless you're on a quad. In an exhibition class, the promoters and spectators want to see a bunch of regular people who look like they are having fun, in a way that looks inviting to other regular people, not a bunch of serious factory sponsored professionals racing to put food on the table! We are the "rodeo clowns" of this event, and nobody likes an angry, miserable, or serious rodeo clown! Anybody who has seen a rodeo respects clowns as the most talented people out there, so its in no way meant to be demeaning. I encourage anybody to slap your shortest baldest tires on your trike and come on out and participate, and have some fun entertaining spectators. If you find it scary, or doubt your ability to hold your line, just hold back on the start and follow behind the pack. Even a 200S would be suitable for this event! Yes, you won't "win", but bobody cares! If you come out, with a light heart, intent on having fun, while being respectful of others, you WILL have fun and lifetime memories! If you come out feeling the need to prove something, or are obscessed with winning, you are far more likely to leave disappointed. Racing is not about race experience, expensive equipment, and professional racing skills. It's simply about an attitude of FUN and respect for the other riders.It's every individual, racer or spectator who represents triking that will determine whether this event is a one shot deal, or an annual event. Whether you like it or not, every other triker there is representing YOU, so there is nothing but destruction in fueding with anyone.

[bkm]

I guess being somewhat new and outside of the racing scene is a good thing. I never knew there was so much going on behind the scenes. Its a shame though because the internet can be a god send, but its also the downfall of civilization in some respects. I truly hope that all differences can be set aside and this upcoming race can be a landmark step in the right direction.

[tri again]

so well presented. I thought I was back in philosophy class. Human psychosocial group dynamics and then realized we're back in the land of tripod stability. so simple, really, but the 'devil is in the details' also comes to mind. I retired from running 3 day events and no one can come close to comprehending what it takes to make it work. ..unless they've actually been through it. Great job Billy and a most eloquent execution of concept. Thanks for sharing. We all needed to hear it.