Mandatory Gear Check

Site Admin Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 26

I would like to use the forum to get some opinions as to when best to make the gear check. For those of you who don't know, in the past we have always checked sleepings bags, stoves and head torches at the first checkpoint.

A few people have suggested to me to check these gear items already before the start. Now I would like to know from you what you think about that? And it is not a decision for or against the mandatory 4 hour stop at CP 1! The question is just if we should check gear before the race or not. The mandatory stop will stay for sure (except for the athletes for the 460 mile race).

I look forward to your feedback.

Robert

Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Scotland

Having the kit check before the start of the race would be a good idea, I discussed it with Jim Groark(fellow skier in 460 event) and we both agree that it is less hassle for the competitor. Hopefully competitors will not be naive enough to cut corners on safety as the climate is not exactly "sit on the roadside and wait for the next bus". If there is a system whereby the marshal confirms the relevant kit is present before the start of the race, then it is the responsibility of the individual to take it with them, placing all responsibility on their own shoulders. Could it be fairer than that??

Joined: 15 Aug 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Hudson - Canada

Site Admin Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 26

I was going to wait to get some more comments but I will give you guys an in between statement.

Of course racers with prior cold weather experience or athletes who feel 100% confident about their gear don't really care about a gear check. I would not either. However, there some times are athletes who are not so sure if they have the right gear. And then there is the problem of people being over confident. Also, part of the gear check is to see if you can operate your stove - and I guarantee you we have seen some "funny" things.

As far as I am concerned there are the following pros and cons for checking gear at CP 1:

PROs
1) I will be sure that you do have the right gear (and did not leave something at the hotel).
2) We check to see if you can operate your stove. Looking at your sleeping bag and head torch only takes one more minute.

CONs
1) If an athlete is at CP 1 and he has got the wrong gear then really I would have to disqualify him or give him a significant time penalty and equip him with the right gear. If the check is before the race, the athlete has the chance to get his gear right.
2) If we check gear before the race, we have most of the administration done already. Something less to deal with at CP 1.
3) In 4 editions of the YAU we only had a couple of cases where the right gear was a problem. It would have been easier to deal with it before the race.
4) There is no price money at the YAU and experience has shown that our athletes are not really keen on cheating.

If I hear some more feedback, I may come up with some more pros and cons.

Regarding the 4 hour mandatory stop I have been asked many times in the past why it is necessary? Usually, the question comes from people who have extreme cold weather experience. And again, I can see their point. However, for me it is a very good way to find out who already is in trouble and who may be in trouble over the following days. It helps us to monitor the field of athletes better. If somebody is totally in the wrong place, it also is an opportunity to have a serious discussion or even pull the person out of the race. It gives the weaker athletes an opportunity to think. And we have had people pull out there a couple of times.

Robert

Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Scotland

If there is to be a kit check, I for one would rather have it done in Whitehorse, once the race starts, the last thing I want to do is demonstrate my kit and show I am able to use it. I know that the 460'ers dont have to stop for 4 hrs@CP1, but I dont want to have to unload my pulk other than for a meal/drink/bivi. If it were done before the start, there could be a time window allowing all to show their kit, therefore assuring all are prepared. If anybody has enterd the race with any misconceptions, surely the route to CP1 will clarify any "grey areas" they may have as to the difficulty of the event, not the 4 hours they have to think about it whilst waiting to move on.

Joined: 14 Apr 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Wirral

I definately think it is a better idea to do the madatory gear check before the start. When racers get to Sir North I think most just want to get some food and get their head down. I think it is a hinderance to their Psyche.

Site Admin Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 26

Those of you who followed the news updates know that in the end we decided to check the gear prior to the race. For those who did the training course in the Yukon, it was part of the outdoor session. Everyone else had a chance to get this done at the High Country Inn the day before the start. It worked out fine and made checkpoint a bit more relaxed for the athletes and staff. Therefore, in 2008 we will check the gear prior to the race again.