Bob Thurston wrote the following, which I posted on MNF. I'm reposting it here, w/ my reply, because I think it might be a really useful project.

MEASURING VEST

I have a question for folks to consider: what words, if any, will fit on and be effective on the back of a measuring vest? I remember seeing something years ago in Measurement News. Obviously the shorter the better because the letters can be large. But I don't want something so cryptic that I'll get rear-ended by people racking their brains to figure out what that means (like some licence plates!).
Anyway, my brother came up with "Don't curse the course official". Any other ideas?

Bob Thurston
thurret@aol.com

I'll work on that one a bit, Doug. It would be good to have something on the front, too. I get cursed out by other cyclists way more than motorists - "wrong side of the road, idiot!" I think drivers don't think about which side of the road cyclists should ride on (in fact they're probably used to seeing them on both) but most cyclists sure are.

If we come up with a good slogan, I think I have a source for inexpensive safety yellow vests, and would be willing to silkscreen them for anyone who wants one. This might be a really useful project.

Jim Gerweck
zgerweck@optonline.net

I spoke with a representative from the Leslie Jordan company at the Road Race Management meeting in Ft. Lauderdale this weekend. In the course of our discussion I learned she is having a batch of vests made for a triathlon group that will have multiple front & rear pockets. Theirs will be a dark grey, but she said it is easy enough to batch cut and sew from a bolt of fabric of another color.

I asked if it would be possible to get these in a bright neon yellow (I saw some from this company several years ago), and she replied it would be no problem.

The estimated cost for these would be around $25, but could be less if the quantity approached 50 (she could then source them to an offshore manufacturer. The material would be a nylon supplex. I would be willing to silkscreen "COURSE MEASURER" or similar across the back for no charge.

What I need to do now is find out how many measurers would be interested in purchasing one. I'd need to get her an order by the end of the year.

If you think you'd like to order one, please email me at

zgerweck@optonline.net

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jim Gerweck,

While I understand and appreciate the desire to communicate with others (I was honked at, flipped-off, and yelled at on a Marathon course this weekend), I haven't figured out a way for drivers or riders to see a sign.

On the front, I am hunched on my handlebars, so nothing can be read. On the back, I wear a backpack with supplies, so that is not visible.

I think we just have to accept that people think we are morons, and get on with life. For the few who try to run me off the road because I am "going the wrong direction", I just watch for them and bail as needed. I care what some people think of me, but for people who I never meet, and they don't know my name, who cares?

I wear neon green all the time, so at least they see me.

Jim,
I think it's a great idea. I understand the uncertainty as to whether drivers would see/understand-- but at least in some cases, you can sit up straight and let a few folks in on what's up. I would definitely want a vest if you go ahead with this.
I've not been checking in to the forum for a while . . . Bob Thurston

From IAAF/AIMS:

quote:

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to advise you that the IAAF has produced reflective safety vests for all official IAAF/AIMS measurers. These have now been received at IAAF headquarters and will be despatched to all IAAF/AIMS certified A and B Measurers during the course of next week. The vests are ‘one size’ in fluo yellow with reflective bands, with the IAAF and AIMS logos on the front and OFFICIAL MEASURER on the back of the vest and are designed to increase your safety and recognition of your important role in road running. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipping depending on your location.

Wishing you all good health, happiness and success in 2008!

Sean Wallace-Jones
Road Running Coordinator
IAAF Monaco

I assume all state certifiers and FS will receive one. Good news, as the woman from the production company I was dealing with just informed me they are have trouble finding the correct fabric. I'll keep trying on that front as well.

The only ones receiving the Vest will be Grade A/B IAAF/AIMS measurers.

Gene

Can some one post a picture of what they look like?

Might be nice if others can order them too. I may not be a rated measurer but since I don't have any health insurance I do try to do whatever I can to insure that I don't end up in hospital. The vest is a logical move.

My vest arrived this morning. It is a good size and will fit over thick clothing. There is a neat pouch into which it fits tidily. The picture shows the back view and the front sides spread out....

After using the measuring vest for a lot of rides I am still delighted with it, also still alive so I have to say it works! This does seem like something we should find a way to make available to more measurers. Maybe someone is in the clothing design business?
Bob Thurston

I spoke w/ my contact at the clothing manufacturer today (the one who was going to make the neon yellow vests for me last autumn) and she is going to check on price and fabric availability and get back to me ASAP.

Might I suggest having the text low on the back? If the measurer is on his handlebars, unless he is riding completely upright, the text is over his shoulders, and can't be seen from behind. And, if one is wearing a backpack, the high letters will be covered by the pack.

Just my observation,

Duane

Good thought Duane. Of course, some of us ride mountain/hybrid bikes and sit a bit more upright - I guess there's no perfect solution.

I spoke w/ my contact at the Leslie Jordan yesterday. They have a good quantity of RED vests, 2 side pockets, reflective tape, lower half of mack mesh (so we couldn't print there) that they'll sell for $12. I figure w/ printing and shipping I could let them go for $15 (a nice round figure, too). They can also make up vests in solid fabric for about $10-15 more. I've asked them to send me a sample, to see how bright the red is, as well as a swatch of the neon yellow I had requested. I was told they can't get that color in the lightweight fabric, but maybe the heavier weight will work for our purposes - after all, we're not running in them. Stay tuned.

Got a reply from Leslie Jordan today, and they indeed have the neon yellow material in stock, in light and heavier weights (IMO the heavier is a bit nicer, and no more expensive). The cost for the vests will be approx. $25. Sizing seems to run pretty true (similar to what you'd wear in a T-shirt). I intend to place an order for 50-75 of them, and screenprint "OFFICIAL MEASURER" across the back and maybe the USATF logo RRTC on the beast. I'll look back at those who have expressed an interest in them previously; if you haven't, please drop me a line at jim@runningtimes.com

I think it is better to work with professional high visibility vests that already have the wide reflective stripes. We also use them on the road at night when doing things like laying cones.
I keep five in my car at all times, just so I can use them or stick them on a volunteer road marshal if needed. Mine came from the UK and are better than average.
They look similar to the ones used by the local police, so I have been addressed as 'officer' before.
I think it better to just ask your local t-shirt company to put the letters on a standard commercial vest, that already has the 3M reflective, instead of getting them made up custom. You can get an ANSI class 2 high visibility vest on ebay for about $25 including shipping.