Yesterday Daugavpils Velokross 2022 took place. (https://velokross.sniegpulkstenite.lv/daugavpils-velokross-2022/), organized by the tourist club "Snowdrop".
I helped out a bit there with the setup and cleanup of all sorts of objects: gates, fences, tables, tents, signs, fence pegs, and so on.
There were generally enough people for this, and sometimes we even found ourselves twiddling our thumbs. True, we had to take down the decorations partly in the rain and cold. Luckily, it ended quickly. (Both the cold and the rain).
The cyclocross itself was quite a success: a gastroenterologist from the Central City Hospital broke his arm.
People periodically ask me here: is it dangerous to ride a cyclocross? This is a good example of cognitive bias: on the one hand, a guy broke his arm. On the other hand, it's the first incident in 9 years. I think the answer is obvious to a rational person: the chance of ending up in the hospital is generally slim. Which doesn't negate the need for preparation.
The helpers, by the way, were fed Mexican food, treated to semi-homemade pie and coffee. True, our fearless leader Vika K. complained that we always want to stuff our faces at the most inappropriate moment.
Interestingly, 27 huge boulders were brought and dumped near the awards podium by the hard-working cyclocross staff. We, naturally, added the missing one to make it 28, matching the number of stones in the name of the company where I work.
True, we never did put up the banner - a great branding opportunity was missed after all. I hope we'll think this through in advance next year.
By the way, this year there were two new "28Stone" banners, in an ultra-minimalist style - without a website address or QR code. Stylish, but not very productive for hiring. But there was such a code on the bottles handed out to every participant and helper. You could use the code to go and check out job openings.
By the way, if you know anyone who'd be a good fit for a gig at a cool IT firm, feel free to drop me a line. If you really need sponsorship for sports events in D'pils, write too, we'll think about it.
I also ran into various acquaintances, but the conversations somehow ended quickly. With my periodic anxiety, it often seems to me that people aren't very happy to talk to me. Yesterday it felt like that way too much. I think it's because I didn't get enough sleep. Nevertheless, the day went pretty well, although I didn't manage to clean the apartment (my traditional Saturday activity). Have to do it today.
I learned all sorts of details about the cyclocross: it turns out, according to the rules of the Latvian Cycling Federation (LRF), the minimum prize for first place in official events is 50 euros, for second - 30.
Another thing: our friend Visla became the chairman of the LRF panel of judges. He actually works in a bank, but he kept helping and helping, and worked his way up. As you know, the reward for a job well done is more work. That's exactly what happened to him. There's not much profit in it, it's practically volunteer work.
Summing up, I want to say something already known to many fans of evolutionary biology. Humans are wired to live and work in small groups, which is why activities like organizing a cyclocross are good for mental health. In addition, any volunteer work is also useful. I advise everyone to find a hobby to their liking where you can build or do something together. I wouldn't say I helped a whole lot (rather very little), but already more than last year, so there is progress.
P.S. There are photos and videos in the comments. I shot a timelapse, and it turned out pretty well, but it takes way too long to edit on a phone. On the plus side, you can do it in the field.