Navigation and GPS - specifically Freedom Challenge

[Shebeen]

I don't want to take away from the current FC2016 thread here, so start this discussion separately.

 

Here is the official statement by FC2016 race director Johan Rissik, with regards to rider Frank Bradford who was found to have a GPS enabled polar HR watch on him (according to info posted on this forum). I'm going to set my stall out early and say that I think this call was a little bit harsh on the rider, BUT that is just my opinion and obviously respect the decision by Johan. I only bring this up because I'm a blanket wearer and am 100% committed to the event retaining it's integrity. I'm an adventure racer, so I'm very well acquainted with traditional navigation using map, compass and altimeter(a vital tool). I have personally organised 6/7 long distance adventure races and with that comes training of competitors in mapwork navigation.

 

 

 

Rider disqualified for having GPS

Today saw the unfortunate disqualification and exit from the trail of a Race to Rhodes rider, Frank Bradford, for having a GPS with him - a clear violation of Golden Rule #5. The Race Rules are sent to riders prior to the event, so that any questions can be dealt with in advance. The rules are also covered again during the race briefing for each batch, so a rider has no excuse for not have read and understood the Race Rules. The debate about the use of GPS devices on Freedom Challenge events has evolved over the last few years and there are many strong opinions about the topic. The Race Office does not act on opinion but rather on the Race Rules. The Race Director has to ensure a fair and even contest for all participants and the only way to do so is by having one clear set of rules by which all participants must abide. The rules clearly state that you may not have a GPS.

An appeal on the grounds of ‘not using it for navigation,’ would be moot, since the violation is for having it in the first place - having the device makes it possible to use it for navigation and even though this rider may not have used it for navigation, another rider with the same or similar device might well attempt to do so if he was allowed to carry it. Allowing such devices onto the trail opens up the possibility of them being used for navigation. On a route of 500km length (over 2000km in the case of RASA), it is virtually impossible to check every rider’s device every day to ensure compliance, so it is left up to spot checks and the integrity of the riders themselves. 

But what’s the big fuss over GPS anyway? Most other events are actively promoting their use, as an alternative to route marking, so why not the Freedom Challenge too? The answer should be self evident from the previous statement - following an arrow on a GPS screen is a lot like following an arrow on a signboard or an orange sticker on a fencepost - in other words it is easy and does not require the skill, effort, judgement and decision making needed when navigating by map, compass and narratives. Bear in mind the Freedom Trail is intended to be ridden as an unmarked route - riders need to find their way along the route each day. Using a GPS eliminates most of the challenge that is the ‘essence’ of events like the Freedom Challenge - it takes out the adventure and practically guarantees success. What makes the Freedom Challenge what it is, is precisely that element of the unknown, success is not guaranteed. So preparation needs to be thorough and riders need to take responsibility for themselves and make good decisions out on the trail - firstly to give themselves a better chance of success but also to avoid getting themselves into potentially dangerous situations. Engaging with your surroundings by navigating means paying attention to where you are and being more aware - the right attitude to have in a self-supported event. Using a GPS makes one totally dependant on the device - should it fail, you are left stranded, since you don’t know where you are on the map. 

There is another argument that those ‘not racing’ or ‘touring’ should be given more leeway with regard to the rules, since they are not in any contention for line honours. The fact remains that all participants who willingly enter either the Race to Rhodes or Race Across South Africa sign up as solo entries for a race - and that race can only have one set of rules to keep it fair to those that are in fact racing. With all finishers receiving the same finisher’s item (a Blanket for RASA, a Whip for RTR), it is only reasonable to expect them to all earn it the same way and thus benchmark the value of that item - there are no ‘cheap’ blankets or whips. 

The other issue with the use of GPS is a more recent development - that of saving track files and sharing them afterwards. Some background to this - more than half of the Freedom Trail currently goes through private land and managed conservation areas - traversing through these areas is governed by specific access agreements between the Freedom Challenge and the affected parties. The perception that it is a public route that follows public roads and public rights of way is outdated - it started out that way but has evolved away from that as the route has developed. Many landowners require prior notification of any riders wanting to come through and some parts of the trail are subject to seasonal closure (e.g. during hunting, fire season) or closed year round, with access only being granted during Freedom Challenge events. So how does track recording and sharing relate to this? It makes it very easy for someone to access the route - they simply download a .gpx file from a public platform like Strava, Endomondo and go out and ride the trail with no respect for the access agreements that are in place - instances of trespassing on private land and leaving gates open on farms are becoming more common and this puts strain on the relations between the Freedom Challenge and the landowners, since any cyclist seen on the trail is assumed to be a Freedom Challenge rider. It has also led to permanent closure of a part of the trail in the Western Cape and the Freedom Trail is definitely poorer for it. Once again it is left up to the integrity of the individual person when it comes to accessing the trail, since it cannot be effectively policed. Currently the only practical course of action to follow is to discourage riders from recording and sharing tracks as it only makes the problem worse. Apart from the already mentioned use for navigation, GPS devices are also banned from events in an attempt to minimise the negative impacts of track recording and sharing. 

The GPS debate will no doubt rage on and there will always be strong opinions for or against the use of them. As far as the Freedom Challenge goes, there is no debate - the rules are very clear that GPS devices are not allowed.

 

I've been a part of this debate for a while, and would look to the now defunct FC forum on the old website to see how and if my views have changed over the years. For me it is not in black and white, no GPS means no GPS, but smartphones open up a grey area (that was discussed way back then in anticipation of it being a problem!).

 

So here's rule #5 (I'm sorry, but this is the original rule #5 and quite valid here really)

 

 

Golden Rule 5
During the Freedom Challenge, Challengers are restricted to the use of traditional forms of navigation. This includes the use of the official race narratives and race maps, a magnetic compass and any device which measures time, distance and speed without the use of GPS technology (i.e. a simple bike computer). Any device onto which a GPS track or route can be loaded and followed is prohibited. Use of such devices for navigation will result in immediate disqualification. 

 

My take is that this leaves GPS enabled smartphones in the grey area. Phones are required for the race in order to communicate with race control by sms/voice (but a standard feature phone can do that).

 

Some will say that smartphones are inaccurate, not useful for navigation and that battery life is an issue. I disagree on all counts.

*hardware. top of the range GPS enabled smartphones come with class leading gps chipsets, include both GPS and Glonass capability and have much improved antennaes due to the size of the units nowadays.

* navigation Apps. There are incredibly functional, and can be used without a data connection(or even a simcard). There are several free ones , and importantly can be preloaded with routes/tracks to follow. Here's just an example of many - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.orux.oruxmaps&hl=en

*battery life. It wouldn't be easy to run full time, but the possibility exists for the tough navigation sections to be preloaded and done at night with incredibly help using a smartphone.

 

My take is that a call needs to be made on smartphone usage. The capability exists for them to be incredibly useful in navigation which I'm totally against in this race.

 

First prize - no smartphones allowed. only feature phones ring ring/voice. if you want to take pictures, then take a standalone camera

Second prize - smartphones allowed but no mapping software allowed to be installed

Third prize - well that's up to debate really.

 

[Moriarty]

My suggestion would simply be this:

 

If you enter and ride you need to do so with a non-smart phone, they only cost about R500 max which in the greater scheme of other costs is trivial.

[Shebeen]

My suggestion would simply be this:

 

If you enter and ride you need to do so with a non-smart phone, they only cost about R500 max which in the greater scheme of other costs is trivial.

that's first prize. ring ring.

 

problem is that you would miss out on all twitter stuff that does make it's way into our feeds

[Slowbee]

that's first prize. ring ring.

 

problem is that you would miss out on all twitter stuff that does make it's way into our feeds

but that is the grey cake area.

 

seems like everyone wants their cake and the entire cake. They want the idea of isolation, no outside help, old school map, compass and narratives. But they also want people to communicate and be up to date with trials and trails and tribulations of riders. They want motivation from their feeds. They want comms from family and friends (how is that not outside help ?) That is alot of cake. Somewhere a compromise needs to be made.

 

Like all great races, perhaps it is time for the race snakes who are not interested in twittering along the route to be at the cutting edge. The rest can have more lax rules ..... groups already in batches.

[Nancy Drew]

Even with a normal phone, what's to stop a spectator that's following the live tracking from phoning their rider to tell them they're going off course (apart from having limited phone signal). Doesn't it all amount to the same thing? Or does the race office do this anyway?

 

IMO a smartphone brings the trail alive to spectators via Twitter feeds, Facebook posts, Instagram etc. There's nothing like seeing the conditions of the trail and riders by way of instant picture uploads

 

I think it would be a disservice to the event to ban smartphones

[Slowbee]

this is also pertinent

 

Might be a simple question, as in "no, that will never work" but with each rider having a tracking device and the public being able to follow a rider is it possible for a support team at home to watch a riders tracking and guide said rider by phone? Perhaps the tracking device is not that accurate but I ask the question because I don't know much about the tracking devices accuracy.

Edit: Nancy beat me to it...

[Moriarty]

Yup, lot's of grey in this discussion...............

[Pure Savage]

that's first prize. ring ring.

 

problem is that you would miss out on all twitter stuff that does make it's way into our feeds

 

Is that not also not in the spirit of the event? Its turning into a bit of a #blessed event with all the stuff on twitter, they tweet more than pro teams during a race.

 

If they spent more time riding and less time tweeting they would have finished days ago

[Slowbee]

Is that not also not in the spirit of the event? Its turning into a bit of a #blessed event with all the stuff on twitter, they tweet more than pro teams during a race.

 

If they spent more time riding and less time tweeting they would have finished days ago

spirit of the event went out the window with the news that the pro peleton rides clean.

 

challenge yourself, but have a plan B in case you get lost. At least with the Munga, you can use a GPS. Still might get lost - but then I will have my phone on so someone can call me and say I'm lost.

[Shebeen]

Even with a normal phone, what's to stop a spectator that's following the live tracking from phoning their rider to tell them they're going off course (apart from having limited phone signal). Doesn't it all amount to the same thing? Or does the race office do this anyway?

 

IMO a smartphone brings the trail alive to spectators via Twitter feeds, Facebook posts, Instagram etc. There's nothing like seeing the conditions of the trail and riders by way of instant picture uploads

 

I think it would be a disservice to the event to ban smartphones

exactly...that's always been possible - you can't monitor 2200km of race course, and just like ocean racing the onus is on the rider to remain true to the event.

 

All I'm saying is that, it is damn easy to preload a gps track onto your smartphone and follow it blindly in one of the 'scratchy' sections. 

 

here's an example - Tim James pretty much perfected 'studying' the route (he has a plane and pilots get blocks of leave!). This is him kafoefling around the Tina river last year in the dark. A rank amateur could whip out his samsung and see where he is on the track, even find out where vuvu mast is and follow a compass from there. It would be a pity if that happens, as there are few greater joys than successfuly getting through tricky night nav with no moon!

 

https://twitter.com/sburnettza/status/611653982440804352 

[Shebeen]

spirit of the event went out the window with the news that the pro peleton rides clean.

 

challenge yourself, but have a plan B in case you get lost. At least with the Munga, you can use a GPS. Still might get lost - but then I will have my phone on so someone can call me and say I'm lost.

Shouldn't really be an issue - tracker has SOS button.

 

David waddilove was also legendary in being able to help lost riders get unlost over the phone using his memory and little else (where you? Ok, what can you see? Ok, can you see a triangular pointy mountain in the north? Etc. etc.!). this service was more for the lizards who would be painting snakes all over the country and , needed the help!

[V12man]

spirit of the event went out the window with the news that the pro peleton rides clean.

 

challenge yourself, but have a plan B in case you get lost. At least with the Munga, you can use a GPS. Still might get lost - but then I will have my phone on so someone can call me and say I'm lost.

This has happened before... a FC contender has been called to be told they are going wrong.... didn't see a DQ after that....

 

Not having a GPS capable device along for the ride does make emergency extraction difficult - so having to look for an injured/lost person is a lot easier with a set of GPS co-ordinates - yes -  I know they have trackers along - but these don't always work - especially in remote areas - just as voice comms is not always possible, having alternatives can be extremely useful.

 

That said - actually using a GPS device to navigate is clearly against the spirit of the event - I don't believe that using a GPS based cycle computer (without using routes) is of much concern - it's not as if there is any money at stake on the race that you could cheat someone out of.....

 

Losing the twitter/facebook/blogs etc would really detract from the spectator value of the race - so I think smartphones need to be a part of it - and if you can trust a rider to not use the nav features on the phone, then you should trust them to not use the nav features on any device.

[Moriarty]

This has happened before... a FC contender has been called to be told they are going wrong.... didn't see a DQ after that....

 

Not having a GPS capable device along for the ride does make emergency extraction difficult - so having to look for an injured/lost person is a lot easier with a set of GPS co-ordinates - yes -  I know they have trackers along - but these don't always work - especially in remote areas - just as voice comms is not always possible, having alternatives can be extremely useful.

 

That said - actually using a GPS device to navigate is clearly against the spirit of the event - I don't believe that using a GPS based cycle computer (without using routes) is of much concern - it's not as if there is any money at stake on the race that you could cheat someone out of.....

 

Losing the twitter/facebook/blogs etc would really detract from the spectator value of the race - so I think smartphones need to be a part of it - and if you can trust a rider to not use the nav features on the phone, then you should trust them to not use the nav features on any device.

Yes that was sort of the point I was trying to make, if you're going to trust everyone then do so, if you're going to stick to rules then do so, in between these two options lies an infinite shade of compromise.............

[V12man]

Yes that was sort of the point I was trying to make, if you're going to trust everyone then do so, if you're going to stick to rules then do so, in between these two options lies an infinite shade of compromise.............

And the risk of playing favorites on the DQ's...

 

Perhaps they should have 2 classes of entry - with and without GPS.....

[Moriarty]

I haven't done the event so am not speaking from experience but it seems to me that riders should be as self sufficient as possible, in my book that would mean no gps.

 

Another spanner in the works would be the recent replacement of a bike frame while waiting at the support station. I am a little puzzled as to how this flies with either the rules or the spirit, surely the rider would have to either fix the bike himself or get a frame from a local.

The supplier driving out with a new frame seems a bit much. You could maybe make the argument that without that service the rider would not be able to continue but surely if you take on such an event with a carbon bike then you have to take the chance that it breaks? 

[johannrissik]

I haven't done the event so am not speaking from experience but it seems to me that riders should be as self sufficient as possible, in my book that would mean no gps.

 

Another spanner in the works would be the recent replacement of a bike frame while waiting at the support station. I am a little puzzled as to how this flies with either the rules or the spirit, surely the rider would have to either fix the bike himself or get a frame from a local.

The supplier driving out with a new frame seems a bit much. You could maybe make the argument that without that service the rider would not be able to continue but surely if you take on such an event with a carbon bike then you have to take the chance that it breaks? 

Werner Nienaber acted strictly according to the rules by contacting the Race Director when his frame broke (aluminium, not carbon). After discussing various options, we set a process in motion  to get a new frame to him while he effected an emergency repair and rode through the night to Glen Edward. 

The supplier took the frame to him at Glen Edward.

Werner received a 6hr time penalty which he served at the next support station. 

QED