Impressive article. I would not want to be out steel-taping for 4 hours in some of the conditions I have measured from the bike, but Mr. Tucker makes his point.
I could suggest a related, less technical article titled "Why Not Measure Cross County Courses With a Calibrated Counter On a Hybrid or Mountain Bike?" Not for certification, of course. But for XC RDs who won't go to the trouble of steel taping. After all, how many will, even after reading this article? I feel confident that the results will usually be better - possibly much better than the click-wheel measurements one sees that sometimes appear to be little more than rough guesses based on the finish times one sees.
I measured a cross-country course in Virginia last July during a drought. A 10-year old race finally decided to get an "accurate" measurement and a good map of their course. Other than a short stretch on a paved path, the entire historical course was on short grass on smooth, hard-packed dirt. To mark the old route, I had to hammer a steel punch into the dry ground every several yards in order to insert an engineer's flag.
The first measurement showed that this "5K" race had been run for years on a course that was closer to 2.85 miles. After finding and adding in ~ another 1/4 mile and moving the flags, I ran out of time and I had to come back the next day. I pre-calibrated both days. My mile constants differed by 2 counts from the first day to the second. When I done, I had gone over and over that course numerous times, within 12 inches of those flags.
I understand this course is less accurate than a steel-taped course. But, riding the bike in the 100-degree sun on this unshaded course was hard enough. I left with a feeling that this carefully laid out route was darn close. Certainly the race is now much closer to 5K than it was before my measurement and re-design.
If more XC RDs at least take the trouble - where the terrain permits - to use this method - I feel that they will get a better result than possible with a "click wheel". Even on lumpy ground, crossing a small stream, or going over a log or two - I am guessing that a Jones Counter on a mountain bike is the best method after taping. Deep wet grass and mud are a totally different story, it seems. However, where I live there are reliably dry times every summer that I would guess make more than reasonably accurate bike measurements of XC courses feasible.
I am eager to hear more from the experts on this subject.