Skip to main content

We see requests for certification of courses that use trails. Presently we generally say no, as map documentation is difficult. However, there are trails and trails. A trail that is just a narrow and irregular footpath through the woods is tough to document. Also extremely hard to ride on a bike. On the other hand there are trails that may be graveled and on which the route can be considered sort of permanent, such as those that are routinely shown on maps of state parks. I think this kind could legitimately be certified, since the route doesn't change and can be documented so a validator could follow the proper route with no help.

I believe this could be done if we figure out how to do it. One way could be to specify on the certificate that trail courses are not suitable for records.

We already have a "gravel" box that can be checked - could this be a synonym for "trail?"

Any ideas on this?
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Ditto around here. Many of the paths in Chicago's Lincoln Park are surfaced only with cinders or crushed limestone, as are a number of suburban trails that are quite often used for races and on which courses have been certified.

I think the key point here is that you have to be able to define the course, measure and document it accurately, and be able to re-create it if asked, and I see no reason why courses on well-defined trails cannot meet that standard. And if they meet the standard, why wouldn't they be eligible for records?

Add Reply

Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×