During this weekend’s ALA event and also on the Tierra Bella Bicycle Tour last April, position tracking was displayed on a laptop running APRS+SA.  While position information was available, there were not more than one or two motorcycles with position reporting capabilities.  Inadequate reporting from support vehicles diminishes the usefulness of the data.  When more motors and SAG vehicles begin using APRS trackers, net-control will be able to better direct resources.  Currently, event-control management calls out for a SAG-wagon and directs that responder to where a rider needs help.  Often, vehicles that are closer and could respond sooner are ignored unless the nearer vehicle notifies the net-control operator.

Another area where APRS could help events management is in front of the first and behind the last course participants.  Knowing where the first person is and where last person on the course are, communicates when a rest stop must be open and when they can safely close.  Currently, SAG-wagons and or motorcycles sweep routes hoping to find people.  If they miss anyone, or don’t cover the route correctly, a closing will happen before all the participants have passed through.  Early closings and late openings happen more than they should and people are left without support because of faulty information that could have been discovered if event management knew it was about to occur.

As a GPS user supporting events, I get a lot of use from my GPS.  During events, I primarily use the GPS to display street names and or planned routes and in areas where I’m not familiar, I also use the GPS to mark turns.  

Most routes have signs or road markings, but these are almost without an exception only seen at the point where you should already be turning.  These same marking are worthless when we need to turn around work the route backwards.  Before I started marking turns on the GPS, I found that when I entered a turning location where I didn't expect or forgot a turn to be, my turn would either be abrupt, wide or missed.  Having Marked-Turns stops missed turning locations and subsequent U-turns.  They also allow the motorcyclist to anticipate a turn and thus watch for participants going the wrong way.

Marked turns can also be used to create a programmed route that the GPS will follow.  When a GPS has a planned route running, it sends out visual turn instructions and warning beeps as route changes approach.  After a route is created the GPS will follow the route backwards.  Once again removing any guessing where a turn should be made.  Before I began marking turns, I made a lot of wrong guesses and saw more of the route than I intended.  I don't think a GPS will stop me from practicing a lot of U-turns, but it sure has helped me get the number down in an event.