November 3
Hi Pete,
Can you take a look at the attached maps and let me know if they could be measured during the week in the early morning hours OR would it be necessary to do a Saturday or even a Sunday morning ride to avoid traffic?
Looks like I might be using Kirkham rd calibration.
Thanks,
Mike Wickiser
Hi Pete,
I am thinking about Saturday early AM, possibly before dawn. That leaves Sunday morning for changes, adjustments, etc.
Thanks for the advice on Olentangy. I will discuss with the RD.
I will still ride in traffic but must admit I don't have the stones to ride directly into traffic like I once did.
One benefit is using a motor powered bike. I can ride at 20 mph all day long and don't poop out.
I warned the RD my $45.00 per km rate doubled below 40 degrees and it looks like that will apply.
If this works out & it looks likely, are you & Joan "in shape" for a lunch or supper meeting. It would be a business expense so we don't need to argue over picking up the tab.
Best,
Mike
________________________________________
From: Riegelpete@aol.com
To: mike@coursemeasurement.comhonhasasimilarroute
CC: heithausd@kenyon.edu
Sent: 11/3/2014 4:41:34 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: Re: Course Measure
Dear Mike,
If I was in riding shape I could do it. I have the local knowledge of the roads. I've already measured the part on Olentangy River Road. But that's academic. It's easier for you or me to do it because we are both final signatories. Dave is not, although he is certainly capable.
The only tricky part is the southbound Olentangy River Road part. Their course description does not mention whether they will use the northbound or southbound lanes. When I measured it I rode with traffic, and kept an eye behind me. It was not difficult.
The other roads can be ridden with care.
Given the short time I would be reluctant to take on the job unless they really paid big.
To answer your question, you could do it on a weekday as long as you keep an eye out.
Before you start, You would be well advised to decide on road restrictions and get the RD to agree to them. Whole-road is not advisable on Olentangy River Road.
The Cap City Half Marathon has a similar route. I am attaching what I sent to the RD when I was done. Took me several days.
Best, Pete
In a message dated 11/3/2014 2:53:15 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, mike@coursemeasurement.com writes:
Hi Pete,
Can you take a look at the attached maps and let me know if they could be measured during the week in the early morning hours OR would it be necessary to do a Saturday or even a Sunday morning ride to avoid traffic?
Looks like I might be using Kirkham rd calibration.
Thanks,
Mike
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Race Director>
Date: Mon, Nov 3, 2014 at 2:34 PM
Subject: RE: Course Measure
To: Mike Wickiser <mike@coursemeasurement.com>
Alright, let’s move forward with this. Is the double fee below 40 degrees and equipment issue?? I have attached the proposed 2014 courses. I will reach out to our local contacts on the ground and see if we can’t get someone to accompany you on the ride. I will put you in touch once I speak with them.
Thanks Mike.
From: Mike Wickiser [mailto:mike@coursemeasurement.com]
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2014 12:50 PM
To: Rce Director
Cc: David Heithaus
Subject: Re: Course Measure
Tim,
I spoke with David. He is sending me the 2012 courses that were measured but not certified.
Can you send me the proposed 2015 courses?
As a rough estimate I generally charge $XX per measured kilometer. For measurements below 40 degrees the per kilometer rate is doubled.
Adjustments after the initial measurement would be $XX per hour. Minor adjustments to achieve proper length such as moving a Start, Finish, or turnaround would be considered part of the initial measurement. I strongly urge you to anticipate where and how the courses could be lengthened or shortened as may be necessary.
Additionally, travel @ 60 cents per mile. From my door to an existing calibration course in Columbus is 133 miles. I would anticipate travel would be in the 300 mile range and would cost roughly $180.00.The exact travel expense would be calculated upon my return home.
It would also be necessary for lodging while measuring, and someone familiar with the courses to drive along and guide me over the routes both to familiarize me with the route and while I am measuring the courses. That person will need to be able to make adjustment decisions for the course lengths.
I understand the roads utilized are twisting and heavily traveled. I would expect to ride the courses in the early morning hours to avoid traffic problems and aid safety.
Best regards,
Mike
On Mon, Nov 3, 2014 at 10:57 AM, Race Director wrote:
Dave, thank you for your assessment of what we can do at this point. I appreciate your assistance in trying to make this work.
Mike, are you able to send me an estimate for what the cost to measure/certify would be?
From: Mike Wickiser [mailto:mike@coursemeasurement.com]
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2014 8:28 AM
To: David Heithaus
Cc: Race Director
Subject: Re: Course Measure
Hi Dave and Tim,
Your assessment of the options is spot on.
I could be available to measure, but as you point out it would be costly to cover my travel and the possibility that in cold (below 40 F) the cost to measure doubles. I am retired so my schedule is flexible.
There is one possibility that should be pointed out. If the state certifier (that's me) receives measurement data supporting proper distance before the race takes place, the course certification would be effective for the race. It is also necessary to have a completed application and course map within one week. I hope this helps out.
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help get these courses certified by race day.
Best regards,
Mike
On Mon, Nov 3, 2014 at 8:55 AM, David Heithaus <heithausd@kenyon.edu> wrote:
Hi Tim,
I looked at the 2012 courses I measured for you to see if we could cut some corners by using that data for pieces but there are too many changes to make that very practical. If I'd gotten your email on Saturday I could have made it down yesterday but we're needing to look forward now.
With me headed out of town this late date I would say you have five options.
1. Measure the course to the best of your ability with a GPS or Bike computer always traveling the shortest possible distance on course. This is free but for the time but would not pass for certification. I would call this the least desirable option for accuracy.
2. Find another measurer in the Columbus area who will be in town and cross your fingers they can work fast!
3. Contact Mike Wickiser. He is the state certifier and the best measurer in the state. If he can make it down he can have your
4. See if you can get a police escort for me on the 11th, 12th 13th or 14th. He'd have to be willing to pretty much shut down Olentangy River Road and any other curvy sections on the course. That would get you at least measured. Probably also very expensive and maybe not even possible depending on what the police would be willing to do.
5. Hire me or someone else familiar with measurement protocols to do a VERY detailed measurement in Google Earth. This is always a part of the process before the ride anyway. If someone good does it, you can get VERY close to real data. I've never had a 5k more than 2-3 meters off of my GE assessment. I would call this your most economical/practical option.
Sorry I don't have better news. If we can get an earlier start next year, we can get you certified. Let me know how you'd like to proceed.
Best, Dave
Hi Pete,
I am using one of the JO counters with the counter wired on. Last year I lost a JO counter when the adhesive failed and I never did find the darned thing. Just looked down and it was gone.
Any way I generally ride at about 25 mph and check the counter regularly. I worry about destroying the works but it hasn't happened yet. I have been using it like that for the past year, and so far I have measured a lot with no problems.
Now that I have bragged on it, I need to keep an extra with me in the bike bag. Probably not a bad idea even though I have only had the two counter problems in 28 years.The first was due to lack of lube on the drive and I was able to fix it and continue measuring.
I will let you know as a schedule shapes up. Hey, you could calibrate the bike while Joan & I have tea and crumpets!! LOL
Best,Mike
November 4:
From Dave: Thanks, Pete. I was sorry to have to pass on this one but I have a trip tomorrow through Next Monday and they only contacted me last Friday and didn't respond to my response until Monday. If I'd heard back Saturday, I could have done it but there's just no way now. VERY short turnaround.
Mike is the man for this job!
Hi Pete,
I offered all possible assistance to Dave & Race Director. I pointed out that as long as I received measurement data before the race took place and a map & application within a week, the race could be considered certified for this year.
After Tim asked me for a cost estimate I called Dave and discussed it with him. The last thing I want to do is use the certifier's position to take measurements from other people, especially Dave since he is an accomplished measurer and a great guy. Besides if I am going to travel for a measurement in November I want the course to be in Key West.
Best, Mike
November 7
Hi Pete,
The whole schedule has changed. The local guy for the race is out of town and won't be available until Wednesday.
Mary has a show Wednesday and David will be back in town by then.
As it now stands, Dave, Race Director, and I are meeting Thursday at 4:00PM.
Driving the courses, determining a firm Start or Finish and then riding the 5k are planned for Thursday afternoon and evening. 15k ride will likely be pre-dawn Friday.
With two riders I am hoping adjustments won't be too burdensome.
We can meet for a late lunch Thursday or Friday for lunch or supper if I need to hang around for a Saturday AM ride.
It has been wild with this race. I am happy David gets to be a part of the measurement. He is good guy and I felt bad taking this one on. David wasn't comfortable trying to get this one done alone, so it all seems to be working out for everyone.
Best regards,
Mike
On Fri, Nov 7, 2014 at 6:03 AM, <Riegelpete@aol.com> wrote:
Dear Mike,
When you come here tomorrow you are going to have a lot on your plate, and predicting your day may be difficult.
We don't feel like you owe us a feed, and would like any visit to fit within your scope of activity without adding time to your day, which will be full enough.
May I suggest that any visit occur at a time when you will be post-calibrating. Time of day will not matter, as we will be home, or at least one of us will be, and the other no more than 15 minutes away.
At the end of a long day it may be that your big wish is to hit the road and get home. This would be OK with us. You can just say hello and scamper on. Or you can come in for a turkey and cheese sandwich. Or we can get a pizza, or go to a restaurant.
I'd like to admire your motorized bike.
The food isn't the main thing, so pick the time at the last minute and give us a call.
Best, Pete
Hi Pete,
I will be driving to Columbus Thursday and meeting up with David & Tim at 4pm.
Do you and Joan feel up for a late lunch? Say around 2:00.
Best, Mike
On Fri, Nov 7, 2014 at 8:58 AM, <Riegelpete@aol.com> wrote:
Dear Mike & Dave,
Planning on this last-minute job is complicated enough without having to factor in a Riegel visit. You are hereby released from any promises, made or implied.
That said, should you be in the vicinity of Kirkham Road, I hope you will be able to call and let us know. We can have a short visit, or a short visit with some food. We can figure this out when and if you call.
I'm glad you have Dave to help. It would be a bit wearying as a based-in-Peninsula one-man show. I remember measuring the Cleveland Marathon many years ago.
Best, Pete
November 13, 3 PM – Mike and Dave arrived at my house on Kirkham Road. We had a snack and talked about the measurement. They are meeting with the race director at 4 PM to finalize last-minute details.
Dave Heithaus (left) and Mike Wickiser at Pete's house by the cal course
November 13, 5 PM – They are back at Kirkham Road and plan to go downtown at 3 AM to do the measuring.
November 14, 4 AM - It is now 18 F outside.
November 14, 9:30 AM. - No word yet. 20F outside, snow flurries beginning.
November 14, 2 PM - I had expected to see some calibration action at some time today, but have seen nothing. Could be it happened when I wasn't looking, or could be they are still out on the course? Nobody parked in the driveway that I noticed. Nothing to do but await word.
November 14, 4 PM Called Mike's hotel. Woke him up. Measurement is done, recal was at 5:45 AM, Paperwork to finish the job. Mike will add a bit to this later with his comments.
