Stan Pope wrote:Maybe there is a conspiracy amongst 'em, Bubba ... They got together and decided that they would keep the right side of the rail clean and smooth and let the left side do what it would. Hmmm?
Don't you love conspiracy theories? And all the wasted time tearing apart the faulty logic inherent in 'em?
When I have the time, it can be fun. Otherwise...
It did occur to me, though, to consider what effect rail riding has on the center rail. Assuming both sides start out in the same condition, does being ridden "improve", or does it "damage", the right side of the rail (finish, smoothness, graphite buildup?).
If it "improves" it, to some extent it would become necessary "When in Rome, to do as the Romans". The right side RRs would be "conditioning" the rail for themselves with each pass. A left side RR would not be getting the benefit of the "conditioning" performed by the rest of the racers, and would be at a disadvantage in riding the non-"conditioned" left side.
It if "damages" it, then the contrarian (left side) RR would be riding a better (i.e. less "damaged") rail and would have the advantage. At least until the others figured it out and also switched to the "less damaged" left side, at which point they would begin to "damage" the left and the right would become an advantage, at which time........
"Who's Grandpa's neighbor?"... Phil Davis, Down and Derby