Discussion: Map handling tips during a race as a Solo
in: Adventure Racing; Training & Technique
May 8, 2012 5:25 PM
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This past weekend I did a 8 hr AR solo for which we were given two maps, 1 supplementary map, a passport & instruction sheet.I combined two maps into a map case back to back, passport & supplementary map onto second case and the instruction sheet in the third.
During the race main map case (two maps) was mostly on the bike map board or in my hand. But the other two were to be removed & put back into my pack (front) pocket. I could manage them on the trek section but the bike was difficult. Keeping all of them together was challenging & I feel I wasted a decent time juggling them.
I am trying to understand what would be the best/efficient way to handle the material when you are doing solo? Any advice & tips would be much appreciated.
During the race main map case (two maps) was mostly on the bike map board or in my hand. But the other two were to be removed & put back into my pack (front) pocket. I could manage them on the trek section but the bike was difficult. Keeping all of them together was challenging & I feel I wasted a decent time juggling them.
I am trying to understand what would be the best/efficient way to handle the material when you are doing solo? Any advice & tips would be much appreciated.
May 8, 2012 6:05 PM
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Bash:
I assume that the two main maps showed different parts of the race course so you could put the supplementary map in your main map case. This involves a little shuffling in that map case during the race but that's pretty quick.
I usually transfer any relevant notes from the instruction sheet onto my map, then stick the instruction sheet deep in a dry bag in my pack. It is very rare that I ever look at it - but I read it very, very carefully as I plan my route since there is usually important info there.
That just leaves the passport. After a disaster at a FAC race where our non-waterproof passport disintegrated from moisture, I always laminate it with Mactac, then place it into a small waterproof bag and zip it into a pack pocket. When I've felt really keen and had lots of time, I've sometimes attached it to my pack using some mix of duct tape, elastic cord, pins, carabiners, etc. I still keep it in a secure pack pocket regardless.
I usually transfer any relevant notes from the instruction sheet onto my map, then stick the instruction sheet deep in a dry bag in my pack. It is very rare that I ever look at it - but I read it very, very carefully as I plan my route since there is usually important info there.
That just leaves the passport. After a disaster at a FAC race where our non-waterproof passport disintegrated from moisture, I always laminate it with Mactac, then place it into a small waterproof bag and zip it into a pack pocket. When I've felt really keen and had lots of time, I've sometimes attached it to my pack using some mix of duct tape, elastic cord, pins, carabiners, etc. I still keep it in a secure pack pocket regardless.
May 9, 2012 11:08 AM
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I have used contact paper to laminate my passport. Then I punch a small hole, and hook it to one of the little retract a badge type clips. Our races are very cp intensive so passport handiness is prime. It has worked up to sixteen hours. I will test twenty four in a few months.
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