The times on the calibration course data sheet were off. That makes me nervous. But, I did the usual quick scan, and moved on to the Course Measurement Data Sheet. Once again, this particular measurer used counts instead of distance when Calculating the Difference in the measurements. I moved quickly on to the calculated final distance and noted that he made no effort to change the measurement, even though it was 20 meters long (according to his calculation). And then I look over the application. He is still using an old one, but it seemed filled out. Then on to the map. I would need to print a copy, just to make sure the margins were good, I noticed he was using GPS points for key points, with very little detail, and the turnaround detail map had NO detail whatsoever. I scroll down further in the document to see that he once again added the map and application of a calibration course (10 years old now), but no certificate. I've tried looking this one up, but it appears it may have never been submitted. Since the original application is all here, I think I can let it slide, but once again remind him to re-measure and submit a new application.
So, now, many of you are ready to throw this back at the guy, me too. But I persisted. I went back to dig out some details to chat with him about. I realized that no mere email would be enough. I was either going to sound critical, or too picky. I promise, that is not the case. I want to help these measurers do a better job. And as I said, it was a quick look through, just to get a starting point on this application, before I found what needed to be done.
Error 1: When calculating the working constant per km, he rounded up his counts per mile and calculated the metric constant and rounded up again.
Error 2: He used the lower constant (Finish Constant) as his constant for the day
Error 3: He used the lower constant (Finish Constant) to calculate all of his distances on the Measurement Data Sheet
Error 4: He calculated the difference
in counts for each ride and divided it by the total counts of the first ride (while this works in this instance, it does not work for two riders or multiple day rides)Error 5: He stated the course length in total counts (not distance) for the measured length of the course as well as the desired length of the course. He added no distance due to these numbers.
Using all the errors above, the measurement came out to be correct! Yes, I did all of the calculations, using his count numbers, and the measurement was less than one inch long. Saved by some miracle of fate, no re-measurement needed to be done.
With that, I close my tale. The moral of this story, even a broken clock is correct twice a day?