Transponder
About the Transponder - The transponders are very durable and require virtually zero maintenance, no batteries, and have an indefinite life. They can be covered with mud or completely hidden with layers on layers of duct tape and still have full reliability at the checkpoint. When issued, they will already be programmed with your rider Information and will not need to be programmed again.
Scoring – Please remember that with implementation of transponders, it’s the rider’s responsibility to ensure they have been scored. A remote display is available at all events, displaying the rider number, the rider class, current standing, and how far behind the nearest rider in the class. You’ll know you’ve been scored when you see your information on the display.
The Checkpoint - The transponder is detected when the rider passes the antenna at the finish line. You will be disqualified if you run into the antenna. The system isn’t cheap, so we expect riders to do their part in helping us keep a quality, reliable system. Time will be allocated prior to the race where you can make some practice passes through the checkpoint to confirm the readability of the transponder. All riders must conduct this self-test at every event, to ensure the transponder is mounted properly. It is far better to find out before the race than it is to discover problems at race time.
Checkpoint Speed - If properly mounted, the system will detect riders at almost any speed. Even so, riders need to slow down when passing through the checkpoint. Speed at the checkpoint will be controlled with a 180 turn to eliminate any possibility of passing through faster than the backup scoring person can read your number. The “U” turn also takes you back past the antenna just in case it doesn’t read on the way in.
Does the transponder differentiate between me and another rider?
The system is easily able to differentiate between riders at the checkpoint – regardless how close they are together. Riders will go through the checkpoint single file, so there’s no problem with proximity between riders.
What happens if I forget my transponder at home?
You will need to buy a new on to race. There will be a $10 charge.
Where should I mount my transponder?
The transponder simply sticks under the visor. This location protects the transponder and allows it to read the best. Make sure the surface is completely clean. The transponder WILL NOT WORK if it’s mounted on metal or is touching metal in any way. Remember, the transponder is YOURS, so take the extra time to ensure you don’t lose it or damage it. Be sure to make some passes through the checkpoint prior to race time to confirm readability.
Once all the riders are in (usually about 30 minutes after the race ends), the results are calculated. The results are posted and there is a fifteen minute protest period. This allows riders to look for mistakes in the scoring or possibly a competitor that did not choose to ride the entire course. After the protest period, awards are presented to one third of each class. This will occur just after the 2nd race starts and again about one hour after the 2nd race ends.
If you have any questions you can ask just about anyone you see. This is just one big family and everyone loves to help others.
