Charlie wrote:
>No, you can't join at the event.
> If you want to enter a
> bicycling race, or swim meet, or most other
> competitive events, you have to plan
> ahead.
Actually, this is not quite true. While there are a
few races that require pre-registration, it's
generally possible to enter a bike race at the event
itself, like I did many times this year.
Let's move onto membership. In Northern California, if
you are not licensed with the NCNCA (Northern
California and Nevada Cycling Association) you can
apply for a 1-day license. You can also apply for an
annual license at the event as well. It'd suck driving
all the way out to Copperopolis to find out otherwise!
However, when entering a race, particularly a popular
one, it is "advised" that you enter ahead of time, as
these events fill up fast.
I would like to point out some key differences between
bike races and autocrosses. For one, very rarely is
there a bike race when some guy shows up on his '79
Peugeot doing wheelies and burnouts in the parking
lot.
Oh, as luck would have it, I'm a competitive swimmer,
too! Well, good news for swimmers! In California, you
can also enter Pacific Masters Swimming competitions
at the event itself, including many swimmeets and most
open water competitions. Again, events can fill
quickly, so it's suggested that you enter ahead of
time. Even then, usually, it is not required.
Exceptions would include national or regional
competitions.
Triathlons are completely different. To enter an
Ironman, not only do you need to pre-register, you
must also undergo a complete psychological evaluation.
Only if you fail are you allowed to enter.
Note that I somewhat agree with SFR's extreme policy.
I'm just trying to help Charlie out.
-Katie Kelly
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