CALM DOWN

Over the past few days, several high ups in the ECCC have been tearing into my teammate Raymond over the Stevens course. I assure that the course is safe, the reason for the post was to make racers aware of it. Judging from what we saw in the D and C, it is highly recommended that racers preview the course.

Our course is technical and will make for excellent racing, however due to the inexperience of some riders crashes can be expected. In order to minimize the crashes, Raymond recommended for teams to preview the course. I feel that people are overreacting to all the logistics of our race. It seems that some people(you know who you are) are upset at the parking and speed bump issues(they are being fixed today). Obviously, you do not what planning a race in the middle of a city is like. There are certain obstacles know that we had to compromise with the city.

For you guys that have been tearing into Raymond, you need to calm down (yes he is a little obnoxious, but that is what gets everything done at the end of day). Seriously, calm down its not cool to be throwing garbage at my teammate. Some of your arguments are not valid as you have not been dealing w/ a corrupt city that is called Hoboken. Understand, that although we are a second year team we are striving to become better. We have had some pitfalls and minor problems but have been able to overcome them w/ the help of certain individuals(again you know who you are). Instead of criticizing and being negative, why don't you individuals give constructive criticism. Work with us not against us, we will put on an amazing race that everyone will remember for years. This course will make for some great racing, we simply ask that riders preview the course to avoid crashes. The course may have some bumps, some tight turns, and maybe some rough roads. That is bike racing for you, if you don't like it then don't race. If you want to see some epic racing, then show up and race at Stevens.

Instead of having a private discussion Joe has decided to inflate the situation on a public forum. This is not the Joe Kopena I met last year as an intro racer. Instead of being supportive and helpful as in the past, he has decided to give us the cold shoulder. The comments about us not being experienced enough racers are being made w/ no valid argument. Some of our racers have been racing in Prospect Park all year and have come out w/ scratches and some cases bite marks. Our racers compete in more USCF races than most teams combined. If you are going to make an argument, please get your facts straight. We may not have time to train as some people, but remember we are engineers and actually work in school.

I ask In the future, if you have a problem w/ us grow up and call or email us. There is no need to publicly scrutinize a second year team. You blog about how you love the intro coaching and how worked so hard for it, then show that same compassion for us who have only strived to put on a good race.