Little 500

The Little 500 spring season began Wednesday, as the IU Student Foundation held the first riders meeting of the season. The meeting prepped riders on what to expect this year, introduced rookie riders to the traditions of the race and discussed rules and regulations every rider must understand. \nThe meeting was an opportunity for riders to learn what to expect in the coming weeks and learn about different activities provided by IUSF. Alex Ihnen, IUSF assistant director and Director of the Little 500 said the foundation is looking to make safety a bigger issue than it was in past years.\n"We are looking at safety pretty seriously. We are making sure that everyone is taken care of. It's a really serious sporting event; people can get hurt in some instances," Ihnen said. "It doesn\'t happen very often. We are involving the IU Emergency Medical Services Club this year, which is medical students involved with the EMS. They are going to be out there helping out. In the past we have had athletic trainers, this year we are going to have EMS on hand at all the events and practices."\nA behind the scenes aspect of the race that many spectators never get to see is the Little 500 Riders Council. The council is made up of returning men and women riders who volunteer to coach rookie riders through the ropes of the course and the safety issues that surround the race. \nBesides safety issues and dates to remember, the main issue expressed by IUSF members were the life experiences that each rider would gain through the course of the three and a half months leading up to the race. \nSenior Robyn Faike, vice chair of the women's riders council and rider for Con Fuoco, said the relationship with her team and coach is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the race.\n"I think the relationships that are formed is the best part. We relate to each other so much more as friends, rather then getting together to ride. My coach and I are roommates," Faike said. \nThe traditions and experiences of the race are a couple reasons why freshman Raj Joseph decided to get involved in training with Dodds House.\n"I am trying to get everything out of this experience and take it for what it's worth," Joseph said. \n"I want to see why everyone's hyping the race up. I am trying to get a feel for what it's all about and maybe make some friends along the way"