Electronic 'check-in' for bike rides
- Thread starter dellzeqq
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
You could have a text to email system although that presumes everyone has a mobile phone. They text a code made available on the evening to a number which gets converted and sent via email to another system which parses the incoming emails into an easily readable format.
We did a few things similar at my old company. Texting of pictures taken with mobiles to a number which was then parsed and displayed on screens around the venue. Although this inevitably led to some "amuzing" shots being displayed so the next time we inserted a human vetting system into the equation.
The main issue is when do you want the data to be available? If it's immediately then you'll either need a machine with internet access or you leave a machine on somewhere else that does the parsing to a location that is easily accessable and readable on your mobile device.
Abs
Another method could be to create a spreadsheet with a bit of background code and issue each participant with a unique number. That number is then given in at the check in desk, entered into a form on part of the spreadsheet on your device which then adds the data to an easily readable list.
Abs
Abs
Alien8
Senior Moment
- Location
- (A little bit north of) Cambridge
I did a Kilo-To-Go ride this year where they were using RFID.
They sent out the tags to entrants beforehand with instructions to stick in on your helmet - so potentially minimal faffing at the start.
[Note this is not a precursor to another helmet wearing debate!]
They sent out the tags to entrants beforehand with instructions to stick in on your helmet - so potentially minimal faffing at the start.
[Note this is not a precursor to another helmet wearing debate!]
I think RFID chips are essentially what you use when you are on a timed event. You attach the chip to either your ankle or your front skewer. Crossing timing mats registers your visit to that mat and from that it is possible to monitor progress and time.
The timing chips I have used are weather proof and actually quite expensive (10-15 Euro). In Italy, most riders buy them rather than rent them for each event. My racing details are recorded centrally and are accessible through my RFID (chip) number. I still have to register at a desk, prove I have paid (online) and collect my race number together with whatever goodies the sponsor has dediced to give to each competitor (usually something good in the bag).
HLaB
Marie Attoinette Fan
On the Etape Caledonia and I assume other rides will be the same, riders collect a timing chip prior to the event, there's no sign in on the day of the event riders are just recorded electronically when they pass the line.
They're expensive, Dell, particularly the readers. Some event organisers hire them out as a package when they aren't using them - I'm fairly sure the Trailquest lads do, for instance.
