by Frozen Chosen » Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:29 pm
Let's separate fact from fiction:
Fact: 2008 Iditarod Rules regarding com/nav devices.
Rule 34 – Two-Way Communication Device, ELT or Satellite Tracking Device: No two-way
communication device shall be allowed unless provided by ITC. Use of any electronic communication or
tracking device shall not be permitted unless provided by the ITC.
My opinion: ITC rules! They've fought every individual/org. that attempts to influence them. Some of the best fights though were with Nome Kennel Club in the early years!
Rule 35 Navigation: Mushers are restricted to the use of traditional forms of navigation. This includes time,
distance as known or measured on a map, speed as is computed with simple arithmetic and direction as
indicated by magnetic compass. Electronic or mechanical devices that measure speed and direction are
prohibited, i.e. Loran, night vision goggles and GPS’.
Fact: 20 mushers will be fitted with a tracking device. Officials at checkpoints will be extra vigilant in making sure mushers do not obtain computer information.
Anch Daily News quote Feb 26, 2008 ed. (same as John's link attached above):
Race personnel equipped with similar devices and working in remote locations will be able to monitor the mushers. Fans will see where the dog teams - symbolized by a tiny person on a sled - are along the trail. Also posted will be speed, direction, altitude and temperature, as well as supplementary musher bios. Fans can choose various views, including three-dimensional and aerial modes, which show past images of the actual terrain. Viewers can zoom in or out.
"For race fans, having that visible ability to track where the teams are in relationship to each other is something that will bring the race to life in a way they just haven't been able to do before," said Stan Hooley, executive director of the Iditarod Trail Committee.
Fiction: Mushers will have this tracking data available, by race officials that is, for use.
Anch. Daily News cont: Iditarod officials said the concerns being voiced are valid and they're instructing checkpoint workers to be extra-vigilant about keeping mushers from tracking information.
(Yeah right).
Well, it's been coming for years, and this just nudges things up closer to THAT day. On the other hand, who's to stop a musher from carrying a palm sized device in a parka pouch? I wouldn't be surprised that it's been in use already. There is no way to stop this progression.
These things are always done in the name of safety (which hardly any of us can argue against); in the name of fairness; or in the name of "improving" something, in this case, improving the fans ability to follow the race.
Anch Daily News (same article) : "For race fans, having that visible ability to track where the teams are in relationship to each other is something that will bring the race to life in a way they just haven't been able to do before," said Stan Hooley, executive director of the Iditarod Trail Committee.
Well, I say they should build a chute to Nome! We have the technology! We have the resources! Build a 15 foot wide, 10 foot high chute (using aluminum U-shaped poles and kevlar or some thick nylon (petroleum based of course so Exxon can make a few more)!! The width has to be enough so a team can pass another, of course.
I take that back, the chute should be built only to NO Man's Land (Between Fort Davis, about 3 miles down the coast from the Burled ARch, and the finish).
We have the technology! Post video cameras and computer stations every mile or so, so the fans can keep track of the progression and also post private messages to the mushers to encourage them when ever one feels like quitting, etc. A bill board will light up whenever a certain musher approaches it (it will "recognize" the musher using bar code), and the fans messages will atomatically load up to cheer em' on!
Frozen
Last edited by
Frozen Chosen on Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Whaz zup...