Feb 8, 2012

A Letter To the Union Board from a Member of the Rider's Council

Dear Union Board,

My name is Katie Reed, and I am a member of the Little 500 Rider's Council. This will be my third and final year riding in the Little 500 for Alpha Gamma Delta. I would like to openly protest the Union Board Concert, which takes place on Friday, April 20th with doors opening at 8 pm. Since you may not have been paying attention to recent events on your campus, the 25th Annual Women's Little 500 race will be taking place at Armstrong Stadium at 7 pm on Friday, April 20th.

With this being the 25th Anniversary of the Women's race, it is insulting to the alumnae who went through so much to make the women's race possible on our campus. The purpose of moving the race to the evening was to showcase and to involve more students and alumni in the event. Imagine how each woman who has trained at least one if not more than one year for this race will feel if the stands were empty due to the scheduling of this concert.

I hope that you will strongly consider the ramifications of this decision, and the precedence that it sets for future Little 500 races. "We are expecting a large turnout of students with high energy levels, alumni who grew up with this band, and other fans from around the state of Indiana," Shectman said in the IDS on Monday, February 7th.

We must remember, after all, the whole reason this concert will be taking place is because of a bike race.

Sincerely,
Katie Reed
reedke@indiana.edu

95 comments:

Todd said...

That's probably not the best approach to get the concert changed. No solution was given, no reasons the concert would benefit by moving the time and no acceptance that the race is what changed its traditional schedule, not the concert.

Anonymous said...

Typically, the concert is earlier in the week. In the past four years the Union Board concert has not been the Friday of the women's race. Furthermore, Union Board was fully aware of the new race schedule and voted to put the concert on the same night anyway. It's very disappointing.

Todd, your comment seems callous. I think female riders have a justifiable reason to be upset. In fact, I think the whole Little 500 community should be upset by the decision. Maybe you might offer some more constructive comments or at least show a little sympathy for the sentiment

Katie, I appreciated your letter. If you haven't sent it I would add how this decision runs counter to the Union Board mission to unify the campus. They just scheduled an event of a bike race that brings more than 25,000 fans together every year.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Anon @ 12:34. Katie, I'd also suggest working with IUSF and/or Riders Council to write a letter to the IDS. Maybe even send a copy to the Union Board President and Concerts Director. It's Union Board's responsibility to find a solution to the problem; not yours.

Todd said...

I said that I don't think the approach was the best to acheive the goal of getting the concert moved. That does not mean that I disagree with Katie's sentiment.

For some reason, I thought we went to the Flaming Lips after the women's race two years ago. If that's wrong, I'll scratch my last comment. I'll stand by the rest of it.

Reverse positions and think about reading this letter as a UB member. To close with a statement that basically says, "Your concert wouldn't be around without my bike race," doesn't serve much purpose. A closing like:

The Women's Little 500 and the UB Concert have been important traditions of the Little 500 week and to have them compete for an audience does not benefit either event.

Saying what you really feel is not always the best negotiating strategy.

Katie Reed said...

Todd,

Thank you for your constructive criticism. I received a response from Union Board yesterday, and I will be attending their board meeting either this week or next week to discuss a solution.

The past concerts during Little 500 have fallen on the following dates:
2007--O.A.R. (Friday, 4/20/2007)
2008--Feist (Friday, 4/11/2008)
2009--Flight of the Conchords (Saturday, 4/25/2009)
2010--Flaming Lips (Thursday, 4/22/2010)
2011--Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj (Tuesday, 4/12/2011)

The IDS announced the time change for the Women's Little 500 race and the Little 50 race on November 2nd, 2011. I agree that if the race were at 4 pm, it would be appropriate to have a concert on the same day. However, that is not the case this year, and we both need to be respectful of each other's event. There is still plenty of time to negotiate a solution so that both of our events will benefit, and I fully intend to make sure that that is the route taken.

http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/19822.html?emailID=19822

Katie

Anonymous said...

Good work, Katie. And don't be intimidated by their long board table!

Anonymous said...

good for you katie. you tell that numb nut how it is

Anonymous said...

Todd wasn't bashing her. He's a owner of a prosperous firm himself and is simply offering her advice you moron. He cares about little five too or else he wouldn't be posting his suggestions

Todd said...

I definitely wasn't bashing Katie and reading her response, it doesn't sound like she took it that way.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Katie Reed said...

If anyone would like to show their support, I will be on the Union Board agenda for TONIGHT at 6 pm in the Distinguished Alumni Room in the IMU.

Thanks,

Katie

Anonymous said...

Title IX...

Anonymous said...

everyone who is a L5 rider, friend of a L5 rider, or who cares about Little 500 should show up to this.

Anonymous said...

100% AGREE here. The reason for the concert is the Little 500 BIKE RACE. This includes both the male and female races. To put a concert up at the same time is both disrespectful of the Little 500 community as a whole, and more specifically the 33 women's teams who trained for and are competing in this race.

Just another reason I will never donate a cent to the university specifically. All my donations go to Little 500 or my house.

Todd said...

In all seriousness to anyone who is going tonight, being confrontational will get your voice heard, but it will likely put the UB on the defensive. Once they are on the defensive, the negotiations will likely break down and it will become a "Little 5 Community" vs the "UB".

Try taking the approach of:

1) What is most beneficial for both groups? (Cross marketing, larger population for both events if held on a separate date, tradition of the race, tradition of the concert)

2) What is a possible solution to the problem and why it achieves point 1?

3) How RC can work with UB to make this change happen?

Stroking the egos of those across the table works much better than punching them in the face.

Anonymous said...

that todd neville sure knows what he's talking about. pay attention kids

Anonymous said...

bill is in the mail.

Anonymous said...

typical that someone treads on iusf

Anonymous said...

I think it is absolute bull shit that Chris West bitches and gets an extra year of eligibility even though the rules clearly state that qualifications and/or riding in the race counts as a year of eligibility.

Anonymous said...

so does that mean the cat 2 rule can be broken as well?

Anonymous said...

agreed. west should be ineligible.

Anonymous said...

Yeah that is bullshit about chris west if that is true. He's a cat2 as well so that should go against him. It's too bad PDT has a group of 8 five year seniors and still can't do anythhing

Anonymous said...

so, what happened at the meeting? i'd be interested to hear if UB was planning their concert way before IUSF decided to change the race to 6 i mean 8 i mean 7:30 i mean 7...

Eric Anderson said...

There were about 25 Little 5'ers in attendance and a couple other concerned students. The UB Concerts committee was situated around the long table and we sat around the outside of the room. They follow Robert's rules of order, so only Katie was allowed to speak.

She gave her prepared opening remarks that basically established that we want to come up with a solution that helps both parties, not attack or criticize anyone. The whole speech was friendly and showed a genuine willingness to work together, so it was well-received. She ended by suggesting that the concert either be pushed back or moved to a different date, and then open discussion among the board+Katie started.

From the start it was clear they weren't even willing to consider moving the date due to the number of contracts/arrangements that had already been made for that Friday night. It was clarified that IUSF announced the 7:00 start time on November 12 and that UB didn't select a date until the end of December, for the record. The board was hesitant to commit to anything, but the general tone I got was that if it's feasible they're going to try and push the concert back, even if it's only a half hour or so, to accommodate the women's race. No guarantees were made since there's a lot of adjustments that need to be made, but the 10-minute discussion period ended with them agreeing to meet with Katie (and whoever else is interested) in a less formal setting to start evaluating possibilities.

I'm optimistic, but we'll see.

Anonymous said...

Sublime isn't even any good. Theyre outdated and the lead singer is dead. Let's get back to the issue of chris cheater west. Can other teams protest this eligibility change? Lots tried last year when young was racing and young was clearly within the rules the whole time. I see no argument for west and why it was approved???

Anonymous said...

People are worried about Chris West ruining Little 5? They guy is good, but he is not THAT good. That's what the rules really come down to, keeping a level playing field (as much as possible). The protests over Young didn't seem so much about whether he was inside or outside the rules, the protesters seemed more concerned about how good he was, and how much that skewed the field (still not worth protesting, but still). West has done a lot for Little 5 and IUCC, he's not trying to cheat the system in anyway, and just because the rules are there, doesn't mean they make sense in the way they are written down, and that we have to have a discussion over rider eligibility necessarily rather than rule amendments when we find flaws.

Todd said...

You guys are just sad. Go train, learn the race and beat Chris and RJ. Waaah, someone's better than me it's not fair.

Anonymous said...

I think it's funny that Delts are making such a big deal about West. They even asked our team to speak to Jordan. I spent that time doing intervals instead.

Anonymous said...

It's not that west is far and beyond better it's the fact that you can't bend rules for one person and not the next. Why can't that graham kid ride from beta then? Or why do riders have to sit out a year when transferring teams? Lots of questions arise when you bend the rules. If I were beta I'd protest with this being my selling point. Change it for one and play favorites because of what west did for iucc? Bullshit iucc has been nothing for the last few years and no one cares about that from iu.

Todd said...

All this is moot if they don't file by 4pm today.

Anonymous said...

Sorry Delts - you already cheated the rules enough by switching riders from TMT without having them be in any way a part of your fraternity. That is the true disgrace here. If a rider switches because he wants to be a part of the house, great, but just to ride in the race. I call bullshit- Jordan look into it while you are at it.

Anonymous said...

I think the issue with West riding is more that of principle than of being afraid of another rider on the track. Going along with what 11:18 said allowing someone who is bending or perhaps blatantly breaking the rules is a slippery slope. If we let one guy get away with it, what is to stop the flood gates opening? I think the issue gets lost in the fact that West is a good rider, but from my perspective that is irrelevant to the issue. Then again, like Todd says if no one does anything by this afternoon it will not matter who has an opinion about the issue.

To comment on the last post, I am confident neither Delts nor TMT broke any rules in the switching riders. Granted I am a fair number of years removed from the race now, but if memory serves correct, Coudright was the last remaining TMT rider, and the team was allowed to dissolve without repercussions. If you have an issue with what that particular house calls a brother, that is an issue with the Greek system and not necesarily with the Little 500, but if Delta Tau Delta will recognize Coudright or anyone else a member of the house, who are you to judge them?

Anonymous said...

Didn't iusf approve him to ride a fifth year last spring?

Anonymous said...

...they did. Would IUSF really back pedal on this decision? According to the rider's manual all decisions are final. I'm not saying I agree with the decision, but it sounds like a moot point.

Go train and quit worrying about Phi Delts 4th best rider.

Anonymous said...

First off - I know Chris West, and I would like to defend him in some way. 
 
What has Chris done to break the rules?  He rode in a quals event as a sophomore, but did not ride in the race.  Now, as a 5th year the rules state he should be ineligible?
 
With extreme bias I say, that rule is stupid.  I will agree with those saying its a violation of the rules.  There are countless rules just like this one that need to be edited immediately, because he did nothing wrong.   Also, the rules are put in place, but you can appeal them as he did, and won.  His degree went 5 years, he was here 5 years, he has rode in the race 3 times.  The year that he didnt ride in the race Phi Delt placed outside the top 10.  Obviously their goal was to stack their team for the future and get 15th after qualifying 1st.  Look at it similar to Eric's situation last year, this is a guy that has done everything right, has improved over the years from CAT 5 to CAT 2 and should be riding in the race.  And if you think him racing is as big an advantage for Phi Delt - he is not Steve Sharp.  Chris is a good rider, but this is not someone who is going to tear the field apart.  To Graham and all others that do not qualify for being a CAT 2 - you should be allowed to ride 1 year at that level is my opinion.  If they let him in now, I would be happy to see it. Unless you come in with a distinct advantage over the field similar to competing in NRC Races or as a CAT 1, you should be given a chance to experience this great intramural event.  Everyone should get to experience it.  But saying that Chris's situation is the same as coming in as a CAT 2 is completely wrong.  Delts, other teams, quit worrying about one rider on a team that has 10 to choose from on race day.  If Chris can't ride they will be fine, but for Chris personally that would be devastating after training all fall and spring.  This ruling took place a year ago, it should not be fought over now.  Start worrying about the race, worrying about your rookies, and what lies between now and the race.  Eric - he was a Cat 1/pro when you were bickering.  Graham came to IU as a Cat 2 when the rule was already in place and he lost his appeal.  Chris sat out his sophomore year because other riders were better than him on race day.  Let him ride and quit being a bitch.

Anonymous said...

West is clearly violating a rule. Pam didn't care because she was leaving the race director position. It is unfair to all other ineligible riders that West gets to violate a bold rule in the handbook.

Todd, I don't believe you have the right to be calling other people sad. People are bringing up a point about a rider who should not be allowed to race; not because he is better, but because he is violating the sanctity of the Little 500. Either follow the rules or let everyone ride.

Anonymous said...

Are you f$cking kidding me? Sanctity. Love it

Todd said...

I'm calling people sad because rather than take the appropriate channels they bitch on here, and because of absolutely unsupported mud slinging toward Delts.

Either file a complaint or be quiet.

Anonymous said...

Who cares if Pam was on her way out, she was still in the position to make that call. She made the call. A call that was made a year ago. Forget about it. Start training. Just like the bickering last year about Young, instead of training to you beat people wanted him thrown out. Just train. That's all Young thought about last year, training, and look what happened. He won. I wouldn't be surprised if that is what West is going right now. Training. Will he win? We will find out in a couple months. Time will tell.

Anonymous said...

I am interested to see the backlash regarding starting the race a few hours later to try and increase attendance, when it may cut attendance by 1/3. Jordan should take some responsibility here too as that should have been a question to the Union Board before any decisions were made. I say quit messing with the women's race! It's always something with gear changes, time changes, all in the name of some dude trying to make the race better and it ends up backfiring.

Anonymous said...

Not to mention the men's teams who will have to make one of two choices;

1.). Sit out in the cold until 9-9:30pm the night before their race;

Or - the most likely choice...

2.) sit at home and rest up.


Did RC actually think moving the race was a good move?

Anonymous said...

I also know chris west. He isn't here for a fifth year because of his degree either it's because he can't figure out what he wants to do with his life and thinks he can win little five. This argument isn't about him as a person it's about rules being skated around with no rhyme or reason while other teams have riders that must sit out because of these "strict" rules that have been laid down. If phi delts win this year put a (*) next to it because they had to have Pam bend the rules to make it possible. Im calling beta this year inching out sigma chi and cutters in third. Also don't argue that phi delt would be fine without him because if anyone remembers their second team last year couldn't even qualify. Pam sucked as a director and this is the exact reason why. Sherer got out while he could, smart man. Even got the dog too

Anonymous said...

As the last post demonstrates, this board has dropped to a new low. For the people that actually use this board for contrusctive and informative comments, we request that annoumous posted be eliminated. If that is not an option, then please remove the commenting feature all together.

Anonymous said...

Really disgusting and degrading comment. Keep your comments on Pam and her personal life out of it.

And I assure you Chris is not doing an extra year just for this race. Ask him yourself next time you see him.

Zachary Lusk said...

My lord some people are ruthless. When is the next meeting with union board taking place? Did they suggest moving the race up at all or is that out of the picture and strictly looking for a change in concert time?

Anonymous said...

Phi Delts second team last year was riders 9-12 (all freshman)because they couldn't skirt the rules... But obviously you knew that.

Todd said...

I think Pam did a pretty darn good job. The petition is there for exactly the reason Chris used it. If I recall, he got sick right before the race and that's why he did quals but didn't race, no? It's similar to the NCAA granting sixth years to injured athletes. The rule is 4 in 5, but they have an exception for a reason. Dedication to the race and only having ridden quals makes for a perfect case to grant an exception. Go Chris!

Anonymous said...

Why is Todd making the most sense on this thread of anyone? I need to take some time away because I never thought I'd say that.

-anonymous

Anonymous said...

if you're offended by these comments, then quit reading them. or get a thicker skin

Anonymous said...

Cause he's smart??

Todd said...

I'm glad I'm growing on you.

Geraint Parry said...

FACT: the rule says quals or race= participation.
OPINION: the rule is silly
FACT: change it next year or stop West riding this year.
FACT: ZBT is a Jewish house
OPINION: Unlikely the bike team does steroids
FACT: Pam was a fine race director
FACT: She isn't anymore, leave her be
COINCIDENCE: It seems only Male directors try to change the Women's race
OPINION: Jordan likely had little input into the changing of the time
FACT: If anyone thinks the board is at a new low you weren't around last year (for shame)
FACT: It's a great idea, racing under the lights will be fun.
FACT: There will be plenty of atmosphere even with the UB concert. Sororities show up therefore Frats show up. UB could put on Kelly Clarkson (she's good, right?) and chasing the tail will win out.
SPOILER ALERT: Teter will win the Women's race.
FACT: If it ain't raining, don't be worried about sitting out in the 'cold' until 9pm. If you are, you haven't prepared enough. Wear a sweater.
FACT: Will be a great mens race, maybe 8 teams in the mix.

Anonymous said...

I don't know about teter they seem to showboat too much for me. I think their antics from last year might bite them in the ass. If not it's theirs to lose but I have a feeling there is going to be a big crash this year and they'll be in it. Look for a sleeper this year folks

Anonymous said...

FACT: chris west causes pDT to lose in the closing laps because he's a cheater

Anonymous said...

After only skimming this thread I quickly realized why I don't read the comments on the posts anymore. What started as a great post turned negative. Snaps to Katie for standing up, & snaps to Todd for giving advice. Of all the alumni that frequent this board, only one gave some great advice publicly. I only hope that others reached out directly. I wish I would have seen this earlier because I know I would have.

On another note... all this board is, is a bunch college students who are to afraid of obtaining their goals and instead make excuses. Quit complaining and step up. This is just a silly bike race, I only hope you don't have this attitude when it comes to life.

Let West race and let Graham race, and leave them alone. One individual does not win a race, even Young knows that. Listen to his interview post race last year.

Hansel

Anonymous said...

Wow. So on another note, Geraint, which teams do you think will make that top 8 to be in the mix? maybe make a new thread so we can start throwing down some real Little 5 projections and talk about which teams have been training and which ones haven't....no more of this annoying, foolish garbage that is just trying to call out single rider. Like others have said, one rider cant win the race, so deal with it and ride your own bike.

-taz

Anonymous said...

FACT: Chris West should NOT BE ELIGIBLE

Probably Fact: nobody had the nuts to protest it

Anonymous said...

fiction: chris west is a good rider

Anonymous said...

Fact: You're prob a bitch and am scared terribly. It's ok. You're mom will comfort you

Anonymous said...

There are motherf&ckin snakes on this motherf&ckin plane!!!!

Anonymous said...

fAcT: you think you're so cool calling people bitches when for all you know this anon post could be from a HOFer or race winner (which it is the latter but not the former) just remember there were non-cutters winners before 2007

Todd said...

Does anyone have a list of the protests filed?

As lame as Kiel was last year, at least he took a stand publicly.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting Zimba.

Anonymous said...

Fact: This blog is fueled by anonymous posting and would die out without it.

Opinion: West can ride for all I care. He is clearly violating a rule, but he will not be a major factor in the race. Pam and Bailey should be clear on which rules are meant to be followed and which ones they don't give a F*** about. What's the point of a rule book if they aren't going to follow it?

Anonymous said...

agreed, rules are rules. i don't understand why they only enforce some of them. it's like enforcing speed limits but letting people run red lights

Anonymous said...

Who won the plug in races today?

Anonymous said...

Delts and teter were leading last I heard...

Anonymous said...

Anon 4:52 - so judging by your comment you would prefer to eliminate the protest process all together?

The protest process is in place so that a rider can present an argument for when they feel their situation should be reconsidered or there are extenuating circumstances.

For example (and I don't know that this was the case), but West rode in Quals and then got sick and couldn't ride in the race. IUSF granting him another year is similar to a medical redshirt in NCAA.

Don't hate on the rider or call them a cheat. If they present a good case and IUSF grants it, how are they cheating?

If I where you I would stop bitching anonymously on a blog and take your argument to IUSF. I'll tell you from first hand experience that the leadership there is not going to react to this message board.

Anonymous said...

IUSF insider has told me a protest has been filed against West.

Anonymous said...

"please judge, waive this ticket because i only got it because i had to shit really bad! i was speeding because i had explosive diarrhea, so i don't think i should have to pay this ticket."

Judge: pay me double for wasting my time

IUSF: ok! sounds good - we'll even pay you $1500 for having to protest!

Anonymous said...

I don't care who rides when...maybe make the guys ride Sunday...

As long as the crowd gets drunk and IUSF hits their numbers who gives a shit...remember the race is a philanthropy event that makes fat bank...do you really think they care about riders...

Oh wait...if the men's race was Sunday I bet you guys would give a shit...

Remember fight club was just the start...project mayhem was the real goal!

Anonymous said...

The race does not make money just so you know. It's quite
costly to put on.

Anonymous said...

The Rulebook says nothing about hypothetical red shirts, nothing about sickness being a valid excuse to ride 5 years, but it clearly states that riding in quals or a race counts as a year of eligibility. Therefore, West should be ineligible. I certainly believe he is a nice guy but if he is allowed to break rules then why can't other people?

Anonymous said...

Preaching to the choir. Hopefully someone put in a complaint because I surely didnt

Anonymous said...

BKB and Teter won the plug out

Anonymous said...

I really hope the comments posted on this board are not that of current riders. If so then this is a pretty sad bunch. Let me lay a few things out for you.

1. This is not an event that makes "fat bank". This cost IUSF and therefore the IU Foundation a great deal of money. Be thankful they see it as a good investment.

2. You pay $400 a year and get the following;
A. Free track time
B. Two bikes
C. Four unique cycling events/races
D. A nationally televised race that draws 20-25k people for the weekend
E. A free team banquet and trophies out the wazoo
F. BMOC status for majority if second semester
G. A priceless experience and some of the best friends of your life

Put things into a little perspective. Quit bitching. Train hard. Party harder. Have fun.

Because the next race you'll do will cost you $40 to enter, another $15 in gas, you'll crash and crack your $3000 carbon frame, and no one will give a rats ass because it took place in a god damn church parking lot.

Have a little perspective and quit your bitching.

Todd said...

Has anyone noticed the IDS poll about the UB concert? 82% of respondents say they don't like the concert choice and another 9% say they haven't decided if they will go.

The women might have a non-issue.

Kevin said...

Wow, Geraint...Kelly Clarkson?! Really?!!!!!

Anonymous said...

lindsey-wilson road race and crit anyone? feb 25/26

Anonymous said...

who else can say they did an intramural event that was on national TV?

Chris B said...

+1 hope they find a way to resolve this.

Anonymous said...

Collegiate season, that's where it's at. Way more legit than L5. Come join the real cyclists.

Anonymous said...

cya there, boiler down!

Anonymous said...

Oh for crying out loud, let the kid race. One lap in a meaningless event, rule or no rule- that's something you can all overlook in the name of sportsmanship. Don't get all high and mighty, just think about it on its merits.
HOF Alumnus

Anonymous said...

You are making a qualitative argument which in turn should allow other ineligible riders to race by your logic. If you overlook this rule how can you ignore the cat 2 rule? The rules are taken way too concretely.. you have to take the rulebook and apply it to the situation.

Let them race, I agree with you.

Anonymous said...

I agree with getting rid of the Cat 2 rule as well, but you have to concede that some rules are easier to overlook than others. The Cat 2 rule would tilt the outcome of the race in almost any year. Letting this kid race probably won't, and it's the right thing to do.

Todd said...

The petition process is also in the rule book. Chris is not breaking any rules.

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure a Cutter can bring up the NCAA as a reason for anything ... If Little 500 were the NCAA Eric Young would have been completely ineligible for trying out for a professional team (Bissel) and receiving any forms of compensation/expenses, ect. (bike, trip cost to Bissel training camp, etc.)

Anonymous said...

how much do you think a little 500 ring would go for on Pawn stars?

-Hank

Anonymous said...

Little 5 may not make money in a measurable way through ticket sales on race day, but I guarantee IU makes it back through donating alums reflecting back on a great experience.

Isn't winning more fun if you beat the best? Take it seriously, do the little things, and give yourself a chance to win. Worry about yourself, and have fun. It goes too quickly.

Anonymous said...

The race did raise $35,000 for working-student scholarships last year. That's definitely not nothing. Something to be proud of for riders and IUSF.

Anonymous said...

Riders get about a fifth of that. It's horseshit. Iusf deserves a cut but not as much as they get asidefrom the pizza they get at least once a week

Todd said...

http://idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=85641

Well done!

Anonymous said...

Just proves if women bitch enough they'll get their way.