Are GPS receivers "legal" under the Polaris rules? If so are they used by many entrants?
Yes they are okay to use but not very popular - a compass is easier, quicker and does not need a mountain of batteries!
I didn't use one myself, but I noticed quite a few with them fixed to their handlebars.
I think they should be banned before they become really useful. One day you'll be able to get a decent sized screen which will show a moving map with your position and all checkpoints marked on (already possible for road-only maps). It'll be a significant advantage and substantial expense. Ban them now before everyone thinks that they 'have' to buy one.
It won't be much of an advantage. The top contenders win because they can read the relief and take a good estimate of conditions under tyre (as well as being v. fit). GPS doesn't give you any of this. You'll know where you are on the screen but how do you plan your overall route, as you can by just flipping a map over. I'm happy about them being allowed, because I see them as a disadvantage. The check points (as far as I know) are set out using the map and good old grid refs, and maps have innaccuracies. I've seen teams running around 100m from a CP with a GPS. I'm sure they were 'satellite located', but the CP wasn't and needed a bit common sense to find. Good luck to 'em. Save the cash for a decent waterproof!
The only purpose I think they may serve is resolving arguments as to whether the checkpoint is in the same place as the grid reference says it should be. Or telling you where you are when you are completely lost. Which shouldn't happen in a navigation event - should it.
By rog on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 11:07 pm:
By lloyd on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 12:12 pm:
Probably pretty handy if its clagged in.
By James on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 01:02 pm:
Just my opinion...
By Andy Will on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 04:28 pm:
By Geoff on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 10:32 pm: