Other cyclists

Oh boy, I wish I had a good answer to this! I haven't figured out why bikers and walkers are such hard-line scolders, worse than drivers-- but there it is.

A long time ago I tried continuing my ride with "excuse me", or "sorry, I'm measuring a course", etc. What was I thinking? That they would immediately understand and move over or whatever? It ain't happening. Now I have 2 approaches: 1, try to measure when they're not out there, like super-early maybe; 2, when I'm on the wrong side and approaching someone, I pretty much come to a stop and try to stay out of the way, wait until they go past. Often I'm lucky and folks will notice that I'm waiting and just move over to their left if there is room, so I get going and I thank them. The more people on a bike path, the more time I have to figure on for the measurement.

No more explaining for me. Except that "Official Measurer" on my back sometimes starts some more positive conversations, that's a good thing.

Bob, I tend to use the pull over and stop method most of the time myself.

I once saw a bike setup that someone used in the early years of measuring with a large sign on the handlebars reading "Course Measurement." Not very aerodynamic, I'd guess.

Bob is right about the "Official Measurer" on the back of the vests (provided by Bernie Conway, I believe). This vest marking, even though small, pretty much solves the problem from behind.

Usually the scolding from bikers is from bikers approaching from the front. I've been trying to come up with a similar warning marking for a vest, readable from the front when the wearer is bent over, pedaling. So far, I'm stumped.

The sign on the bike might be the answer. I certainly don't care about aerodynamics while measuring. A bright yellow sign the size of a half sheet of paper (5.5 high x 8.5 wide) might work. A little pouch on the back might be handy as well.

Using the corrugated plastic that election signs are made of might be just the thing. I have a sign company owner friend who might be able to help. I'll keep posting here if I make any progress.

A sign in the front is a promising idea. When I ride in front of the Marine Corps Marathon I mount a brightly colored sign in front of my handlebars. Usually the officers who step out to stop me can read it in time to wave me on. But the words on it are not challenging, something like "ALL ACCESS".

I should have photos of a vest that will be offered to measurers shortly. Bob Thurston and I each purchased one and I will print front & back and post photos. Price should be around $20. We'll give everyone a week or so to order, then I will place the order in bulk to save shipping costs from the manufacturer, will print and mail individual orders out. Stay tuned, and thanks to Bob for finding a reasonably-priced high quality vest.

Jim,
That was probably my bike. I have one of those triangles that you see on the back of a farm tractor mounted on the front of my bike. On it is printed in big bold letters: "Road Race Course Measurement." It does help to reduce the number of comments from other cyclists.

Aerodynamics isn't that big an issue. I typically measure at less than 10 mph, however riding into a headwind is a bit more difficult. Even with the sign on front, I still stop for oncoming riders and wait till they've passed.

Ron

Correction: Text is "Race Course Measuring."

I found the original post here: https://measure.infopop.cc/eve/...234092397#2234092397

That's my hill climber. I move the sign to my non-electric for flatter course measuring.

Ron

I like that sign, Ron. Where should I look for one? I can take it to a local shop for painting the inscription.

Lyman,
I got the triangle at the local Blue Seal grain store. (We're kinda out here, where the bus doesn't run.) I have one just like it on the back of my tractor, but without the signage.

I cobbled it together using parts from an old handlebar bag that I took apart. I used the frame/handlebar clamp to attach the triangle. The lettering started out as "press-apply" from Staples, but later needed to be supplemented with permanent marker.

You could probably fabricate some clamps with aluminum strapping, available from Home Depot and just bolt the triangle to the clamps.

Ron

Thanks, Ron.

I see you have your counter mounted to your handlebar. How did you do this? I assume it works well for you.

Lyman,
This setup is no longer available. It's a Jones/Laurent, built in Canada. Paul Oerth also put some handlebar-mounted counters together for awhile, but I don't think you can get any from him anymore either. (I have one of the Paul Oerth versions as well, but the gear mechanism was very poor quality and couldn't be used.) The design was approved for measuring and I treasure this one and rue the day that it finally fails. It uses a flexible speedometer cable (like the ones used on old bike speedometers) between the gears at the axle and the counter. As I understand it, the design/production was abandoned because the cables became unavailable.

Ron

Correction: It's a JOL (Jones/Oerth/Lacroix) counter, produced by Laurent Lacroix in Canada.