I won't get into the problems with the chip timing systems. I think that
has been covered.

I'll just say that I would think if racers are willing to spend an extra
50-$1000 bucks for a license, it seems that we should be willing to simply
pin a number on so it can be read. Racers are not DNFed for having a number
that "somebody" can't read. They could be DNFed for having a number that
NOBODY could possibly read.

With the new photo finish camera, there are extremely clear pictures of the
finishes and tight sprints can easily be called. However, sometimes
officials still have to go back to the video camera and try to get another
shot of a number that is poorly placed. As stated earlier, 90% of the time
getting results is from trying to figure out loosely pinned or poorly placed
numbers. There is an extreme amount of effort given to figuring those
numbers out. However, sometimes it seems that some riders just don't care
if anyone can read their number.

If we all just take a little time to look at Mike's picture he posted
earlier, it should be clear where to best pin numbers. (For example, I
realized that I wasn't pinning my number high enough on my back.) Or maybe
the promoters should charge a nominal fee to pin numbers on for us?
(seriously, I'm not being sarcastic). If it is a popular service then maybe
some should start a business. I'm sure after pinning on 100 numbers you'd
get pretty good at it!

-brian

-----Original Message-----
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On
Behalf Of James
Sent: Sunday, April 09, 2006 12:17 PM
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: [OBRA Chat] better timing devices for races?

I know Obra membership is very inexpensive for all the things the
organization does, but what if racers were allowed an "upgrade" fee for a
season that helped to cover the cost of a transponder or chip timing system?
I know there's nothing more disappointing then finishing a race only to find
out you were a DNF because somebody couldn't read your Obra number.