Tour Divide and Technology (rules, lack of, and such)

[rhino]

Spot stalkers are people who use Trackleaders, Blue Dot, or shared Spot pages to locate riders and then either show up unannounced to meet them, or tell other riders where they are.

oh. ok. thanks.

[Done]

Having received a few offline comments about this thread, I'd like to clarify a few points:
1. I personally like Trackleaders and BlueDot. They make it fun for friends and family to watch races.
2. I have never had a problem with a Spot stalker. I think it's fun when strangers cheer! But I can also see how this could be a problem in certain areas of the country or in other circumstances.
3. Those who don't like Spot stalkers can turn off their Spots or stay off of Trackleaders. Easy enough.
4. I think that Dave's idea to put a note on Blue Dot and Trackleaders asking Spot stalkers to "look but don't touch" is great.
5. I think that all available information, including Spot data, can and should be used to enforce the rules.
6. I think that riders should be able to prove route compliance if questions are raised about their ride. Spot data, GPS logs, photos, other riders, etc. are all fair and good ways to prove that one rode a complete route. Turning off a Spot limits the data available, but if other methods of verification are available, then it doesn't matter so much.

#5 is based on my experience with the 2010 CTR, where a rider willfully turned off his Spot and took a car ride around a tough part of the trail. Cheaters will always try to break the rules, and I think it's worthwhile expend some extra effort to nail them!

[DaveH]

In light of the comments in the TD Racing thread, a message along the lines of "please do not search out a rider" sure sounds a bit harsh.  Honestly, I don't know exactly how the TD rules read regarding fan interactions...but I would be more inclined to have that initial message be a bit softer,  "Please read these guidelines before cheering on riders on route" and then link to the details.

Saying that cheering riders on in person is discouraged just doesn't seem like the right approach...we certainly don't want to squelch enthusiasm for the sport.  The enthusiasm grows every year...its infectious.

Food for thought for Matthew, primarily.

[wookieone]

I Like the fact that folks get to watch, it is soooo cool to hear folks come up to me and say " I watched you everyday" I mean that's really neat. But I think it can allow folks that could be a pain to find you, and or your expensive and extra valuable bike. Not so cool.   

My primary issue was that I live in a small community where everyone knows everyone, esp. in the cycling community. Yet is it "MY" responsibility as a racer to warn everyone in town not to visit me on course? I mean folks came out that I hardly even talk to, would never think they would bother to come out and cheer me on! But with all the tech, trackleaders, facebook, etc everyone knew and was very excited about it. I just think there needs to be some clarification as to the whose responsible for what.
That is why this is a slippery slope, I want folks to watch me, it's one reason I do this stuff, to Inspire others. But with that little orange box telling everyone with an internet connection where you are and no way of sifting out who knows the rules, etc. I mean there are some racers that don't know the rules, how can we expect the GP to know. Most folks I told not to visit me thought it was draconian to keep folks away. Good to be talking it out.....Jefe