It seemed as though there were not nearly as many people riding with the survivor flags on the bikes. My only reference is looking around at Day 1 start and in the bike coral at Mohawk.
I opted to just use the yellow socks that were introduced this year as alternate symbol. I think it was a good idea, though the socks were quite tall and my feet were pretty sore after day 1. I was thankful to get them off.
Would still much rather see them introduce a survivor jersey that is colored different from the others. Not sure what cost difference would be. I see that they have started making a common event jersey that can be used at all locations. They used to be specific to the region, like Toronto/Niagara. I presume this saves a fair bit of money. Not sure how much cost would be added by offering one other jersey color for survivors. They do this with the ambassadors.
This was my third year riding, and first as a survivor. I liked the socks this year as it allowed you to identify survivors when they were off their bikes at pit stops and camp. I too thought about a specialized jersey for the survivors instead of the flag but I assume they do this because many teams/individuals have their own jerseys done that may end up being very similar to a 'survivor' jersey. I found the flag to get in the way quite often when mounting/dismounting the bike.
-- Edited by jamesbissonjr on Tuesday 14th of June 2011 04:49:14 AM
I wasn't aware that there were "survivor socks" nor did I pay much attention to the socks people were wearing. I did greet any riders with survivor flags, but if I missed those who used socks instead of flags, I'm sorry. I appreciate that the flags are a nuisance, but I really don't think socks are going to be noticed much.
When I first heard of the socks I thought it was a good idea. On the road I only noticed 1 rider wearing them and never in camp. Now yellow compression knee-socks would get some attention.
I wore the socks but unless you were a survivor and got the call to pick them up I don't think others knew what they were.
However, what I did do and what seemed to work was I had my flag from last year stiched onto the back of my jersey so anyone coming behind me could see it. I recieived lots of supporting comments from that. THis was kind of like having a survivors jersey.
I had the flag, once we adjusted it so I could get off and on my bike easier it was not an issue for me! Looking around at the bike parking in camp and seeing the flags poking up is a pretty awe inspiring sight though!
oh and the yellow almost knee high socks (i'm not very tall so they came halfway up my legs) were pretty commical... I felt like a clown, but choose to wear them on the second day anyway.
-- Edited by mmgirl on Tuesday 14th of June 2011 04:03:42 PM
