Re: AERC rules and radios

[Truman Prevatt <truman.prevatt@netsrq.com>]

It doesn't make much sense to address this before it is a problem.  In general I
don't think it is a problem.  But, technology has come a long way in the past 5
years and radios have become much smaller and much easier to use.  Many now are
encrypted so that other parties can't ease drop.  There are units that simply will
go beneth a helmet with an ear piece firmly in place and a voice small voice
activated mouthpiece.  This would allow hands off operations and allow continuous
communications.

While most riders won't use it or will have the crew to even take advantage of it,
the technology is there to provide very timely data on the progress of other
riders.

These ain't your granddaddy's radios.  The next generation coming down the line are
even smaller and lighter.

Truman

Joe Long wrote:

> On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 09:14:56 -0400, Truman Prevatt
> <truman.prevatt@netsrq.com> wrote:
>
> >By using radios a rider can collect valuable intelligence on the other riders
> >from observers stationed along the course. .  Which this could be data could be
> >attained by talking to the crew at vet checks, the radio link provides it much
> >more timely.  I would agree that this would be a definite advantage and would
> >asist and cue the rider
>
> I must say, Truman, this goes against my own personal experience.
> I've been a licensed ham radio operator since before I saw my first
> endurance ride ... in fact, that's how I discovered endurance riding,
> as a volunteer providing communications for ride management.
>
> In some of my early rides, I carried a radio.  But as I became more
> competitive and began running hard for First Place, I stopped carrying
> a radio.  Because the extra encumberance was more trouble than it was
> worth!  The earlier information I could gain by it wasn't worth the
> trouble of carrying it, getting it out, talking over it, all while
> trying to ride.  I haven't carried one on a ride for many years.
>
> I seems to me that too many people are afraid that someone else is
> getting an edge -- and take the view that "If I don't use it, ban it!"
> No radio can make a horse go faster than he's able.  I say it's a
> non-problem, let it alone.
>
> --
>
> Joe Long
> jlong@mti.net
> Business Page  http://www.mti.net
> Personal Page  http://www.rnbw.com

--
Truman Prevatt
Brooksville, FL

Mystic "The Horse from Hell" Storm with one on the way
Rocket a.k.a. Mr. Misty
Jordy a.k.a. Bridger (when he is good)
Danson Flame - Hot Dog I'm healed and ready to go.