( Article on page 23 of Tail Winds newspaper.
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Platinum Changes For Perimeter Bicycling Events
Safety Changes Lead to Changes in Platinum Designation

by Mark Flint

As Perimeter Bicycling’s events grow in size, safety becomes increasingly critical. One of the areas where cyclists’ safety is most at risk is at the beginning, with large numbers of cyclists jockeying to get a good position at or near the front.

The primary purpose of the platinum designation always has been to ensure that riders who have proven that they are the fastest start at the front, so they aren’t impeded by slower riders in the mass start.
The system worked, but it had some flaws, and Perimeter Bicycling official have made changes to address those flaws.

"The purpose of platinum designation is to put the fastest of the fast in front so they will be out of the way of slower cyclists," said Richard DeBernardis, president of Perimeter Bicycling. "Speed, skill and experience do not know gender or age, so those are no longer factors in the new platinum times. Platinum time is platinum time. There is no longer a division between men or women."

Those who currently have platinum status will retain it until expiration. Platinum status is retain for three years from the date it is issued.
In addition, platinum times for several Perimeter events are being adjusted.

Platinum time for the El Tour de Phoenix 72 mile event is now under 3:05 hours, changed from 3:15. The Tour of the Tucson Mountains 70 mile platinum time is now under 2:55 hours, compared to the previous time of 3 hours. The Cochise Classic 92 mile platinum time is now under 4:15 hours, compared to 4:30 in previous years. The Cochise Classic 157 mile event platinum is now under 9 hours instead of the previous 8. And the Cochise Classic 252 mile platinum time is under 14 hours compared to 13 in previous years. El Tour de Tucson platinum time remains the same for the 109 mile distance (5 hours) but as in the other events, it applies to all participants, regardless of gender.
DeBernardis noted that timed events bring out more of the competitive streak in many bicyclists, and the platinum designation, initially designed as a safety standard, has become sought-after status. The changes enhance the primary purpose of the designation - safety - and more effectively support the purpose for which it was created.
"Timing is provided as a means for riders to benchmark their fitness," he said. "It's a ‘health barometer" in that it enables individuals to compare their time year in and year out. If their time is better than previously, they are fitter. If not so good, then they know they need to get themselves back into shape.

"As long as we provide timing for our cyclists, there will be those who use it for competitive purposes," DeBernardis said. "That’s human nature, and we can’t control it. But Perimeter events are not races. We don’t hand out prize money."

When the platinum designation was created, century rides were few and far between. Over the past 27 years, cycling has become a mainstream activity for regular folks who just want to stay in shape.
Not only are there more cyclists, but also there are more fit cyclists. The growth in cycling’s popularity has produced a plethora of pro and semi-pro teams, all with intensive experience in pack riding and behavior.

"In addition, advances in technology make everyone faster," noted DeBernardis. "Lighter frame materials, more aerodynamic helmets and clothing, better working moving parts - even advances in nutrition and training - it all contributes to having faster cyclists on the road."
Recognizing these developments, Perimeter Bicycling's Rules & Information Committee took a look at the trends in the finishes in each of the "long" events of its rides and realized that the platinum times were out of sync with the reality of cycling today.

"We recognize that change is not easy to accept, and that many riders have emotional attachment to platinum status and what it means to them," said DeBernardis. "However, our first concern has to be the safety of the riders, and we make this change knowing that some riders may be unhappy with it. We can live with that, knowing the change increases their odds of completing the event without injury."