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Reply to "Expected Longer Recal Tactics"

Laying down a new cal course near the course to be measured just isn't always practical, which is how Duane came up with his innovative solution. He often travels long distances from home to measure.

I once posted here about a measurement I did on a hot summer afternoon when I barely finished my second ride as a big T-storm rolled in. The cal course was only about a half mile away, but I had no thought of re-calibrating in a violent storm. When the storm finally passed, I did the post cal in temps that had dropped more than 25° F. The numbers were shockingly different. I would have had to re-measure and move the timing points. Surely most of us have experienced a situation like Oscar's, when the temperature has fallen significantly by the time we arrive at a cal course after measuring.

When I considered that the temperature had varied only a couple of degrees or so during this measurement, before the storm, I decided that I would stick with my pre-cal numbers and discard the post-cal numbers - and not even use the average. My pre-cal was done in the less-hot midday. My two measurements for this 8K were within a few counts. I aver that this course would stand up to the strict protocols of a validation measurement.

I am not bragging about this. I only started getting deltas this close after many years of measuring. I think the relevant point is how much the temperature varies during the measurement. Duane's solution make great sense to me. I would go so far as to say that, unless we believe we have every technical consideration all noodled out and forever settled, we should further analyze Duane's technique. If we can establish appropriate criteria for using his technique, I think we could all but do away with our traditional post-cal requirement. Being a realist as well as a dreamer, I do not expect many of us will agree with this.

 

Last edited by Race Resources LLC
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