#30 - One ride I’ll pass on
As I mentioned yesterday, I was in doubt about today’s ride at the Francorchamps race circuit. Today, I decided not to go. There’s several reasons for that decision. First of all, as I’m writing this post, it’s only 9 am. But already I can feel there’s not much oxygen in the air. While sitting behind my laptop, I can feel that breathing isn’t as easy as it should be. That would be an even bigger issue while working out.
Second of all, the organization couldn’t convince me they are fully aware of the risks involved in today’s weather. I called the track yesterday, and asked about any extra measures they would take, regarding the forecasted high temperatures. The answer was very much not to my liking. First of all, they stated that the temperatures are always lower in that region. While often true, it’s not like it would only be 25 C when the
rest of the country has 35 C or more. A difference of up to a couple degrees, still keeps the temperatures in the 30’s. On top of that, they told me they would offer water to all participants, just like they always do. Maybe I have slipped through the cracks in some way, but I have never seen a post where the participants were offered water before. I’ve been there two times, and I just haven’t seen any provisions of the kind. Again, it could be I just missed them, but that opens the question on how effective those provisions are.
I’ve visited quite a few festivals in the past, and most of us will have seen images in the news, of crowds being sprayed with water to cool them down. Even at events where you could imagine there’s not much physical activity. Still, you could expect there to be plenty of watering points. To drink or to refresh. And free of charge.
Me not being convinced of such provisions being made at an event where you will be making an effort, where you will be working out, led to the decision not to go. Maybe I would have decided otherwise if I felt my body could take it, after years of training. But even then, I would be carefull.
One final piece of advise, the spokesperson for the racetrack gave me: you can always slow down.
I agree that any participants has a responsibility in their own well being, but I can’t stop thinking that with this statement, the spokesperson really opened the door to problems. I’m not convinced they are fully prepared to cope with the heath that’s forecasted for days now. And by letting it all depend on the judgement of the participants, I feel they take a risk I would not be prepared to take. Especially since this is an event where (semi-) pro’s and untrained riders take part side by side. I’m not sure everybody will hold back before their body makes them hold back.
So yes… I’ll sit this one out, and I’ll try again in august.
One last thing though. I was moved and touched by all responses I got from my followers, to yesterdays post. Many send me messages voicing their concerns. That’s really touching, and it helped me to make the decision today. It made me realize that sometimes, it’s just too soon. Or just not worth it.
