Bicycle Inspection Form

Date: Aug 23, 2007

Bicycle Inspection Form

Date: Aug 23, 2007

I am glad that CNC finally came up with the inspection form. Seems like every year people take advantage of the generosity of REI mechanics who have to stay up all night long working on bikes that should have been overhauled before the ride. But, no, they take them on the ride and let the REI mechanics do the work for free and only charge for parts. People who have been on these rides see all those bikes needing service every day and it's because of neglect on the part of the riders. Thanks, REI, I'll take my bike into your shop for inspection and overhaul, if needed. Amen for the inspection form!

Date: Aug 23, 2007

Yeah, "Bout Time," all those "neglectful" CNC riders who take advantage of REI Bike mechanics and make them stay up all night long working on those pesky bikes so those riders can ride CNC the next day.

Yeah, that's it, the Inspection Form has nothing to do with safety, it is a campaign to overcome REI bike mechanic abuse.

YOU are the man!

Date: Aug 23, 2007

"Wheel secure in dropout"
"tire inflated"

That's worth checking a month in advance!

weirdface

Date: Aug 23, 2007

I too agree the form is worthless....

BUT

I was amazed last year (1st CNC) at all the bikes in for repair for stuff that should have been fixed, replaced or trashed before the ride. In defense of REI, of which I am not a member, with no stores close, I consider it quite nice that they provide the service for FREE

Simple enough solution. Buy the parts, pay for the service, set rates for what needs to be done and stick to it.

Date: Aug 23, 2007

I agree with Bout time. I've volunteered at a number of large rides and have seen the same thing. Some riders sometimes seem to feel entitled to a pre-ride free tune-up as part of the event. Some obsessive, competitive riders seem to need a pre-ride tune-up "fix " as part of their ride ritual. It is simply unfair to other participants, some who may have last minute, unanticipated problems like a bolt was not tighten up enough the night before. The MS 150's require this, for example.

However, I vehemently disagree with carrying the form around all week with daily sweat, in my case, and probable rain. This is simply ridiculous and unworkable. My 2 Cents.

Date: Aug 23, 2007

Just fold up the form, put it in a zip lock bag and store with your patch kit or tool pouch. Done !

Date: Aug 24, 2007

I do not disagree with your point, and I agree that they should stop people from doing just that. My point is this- I am a perfectly capable bike mechanic and I have invested hundreds of dollars in tools so I do not have to let other folks work on my bike on a regular basis. I think the way they are going about it is asinine and really wont prevent the same thing from happening again. They should have a bike inspection station at the check in to make sure the bikes are in working order, and charge folks $100 to repair them if they are not. That alone will prevent people from taking advantage of the generosity of CNC and REI, and also placate to those who do their own mechanical work (at least the ones who do it well).

Date: Aug 24, 2007

I'd like to venture answers to jIM's three questions and to offer a couple of thoughts on some of the other opinons contained in the the thread:

1. You
2. Of course not. And, besides, the bike transport options states that mechanics will be on hand to assist in reassembly should you be incapable
3. Seems prudent

It looks to me like we all get a pretty nicely organized and supported bike ride for a couple of hundred bucks. That's less than a couple of steaks and a nice bottle of whisky (no "e" please!). So it seems that maybe all our registration fees are subsidized by our sponsors, including REI. Cut 'em a break. Heck, maybe if you really need the wrench at one of the rest stops, then the line might be a bit shorter.

The worry of toting around the inspection form seems a bit overblown. I doubt the extra weight will materially affect one's pace or turnover rate.

And if the issue is really about "intrusion" then I respectfully suggest that those so offended by the inspection form process simply un-bunch their bloomers and read over the US Patriot Act.

Slàinte, sonas agus beartas!

Date: Aug 24, 2007

I have a suggestion. Get your bike inspected carry the form and have a good time. If you dont like the rules don't ride

Have Fun!!!

Date: Aug 25, 2007

I don't know if it's strange or not. But we still don't hafta have our bikes inspected before the ride. No inspection, need work, you pay. Simple. I've had work done on my bike on CNC before. I've ridden every CNC except the first one.

REI does not charge, but I've always managed to compensate the mechanics in some other way. Liquid refreshement (tips) etc....... I'll not have my bike inspected, it don't need it. But sometime, stuff do break. If my bike is busted, I'd hafta pay to have it fixed here too. I'm not bummed out. I just wanna ride.

See ya.
Joeboy