Chuck,
I've yet to make a show like Cirque (am definitely going next year), but have done judged competitions in areas as diverse as vintage autos, vintage motorcycles, re-enactment/historical clothing/costume and the science fiction convention masquerade (a group ego-driven and nasty enough to make those comments on Wooljersey be an absolute modicum of politeness in comparison).
As a result of these past and continuing (I still judge at vintage motorcycle shows and help organize them) experiences, any bikes I take to a bicycle gathering will be strictly for riding and general conversation. Period. Over the past 30 years I've had enough of overblown egos loudly disagreeing with the results of the judging.
I got back into cycling for the enjoyment and pleasure of the sport. I don't need to be part of yet another forum for backbiting and disagreement.
As is usual in these instances, three days after what appears to have been a just-shy-of-perfect-Cirque, primary attention is being paid to "who got what prizes they didn't deserve" and not the excellence of the overall event.
It's a shame. For once, I certainly won't want to be part of this process.
George R. "Syke" Paczolt Montpelier, VA
> In a message dated 6/13/2006 5:24:58 P.M. Eastern
> Standard Time,
> chuckschmidt@earthlink.net writes:
>
> But in my opinion, the competition has created a
> major distraction
> and consequently detracts from the experience of
> looking at each
> other's bikes at the Bike Show. And the ensuing
> second guessing of
> the judging and hurt feelings every year is
> something I'd rather not
> experience anymore.
>
> Any other opinions out there?
>
> Chuck Schmidt
> South Pasadena, Southern California
> http://www.velo-retro.com (Velo Rendezvous)
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