Transponder System and Chip Location
This is a bit long, but please read this in its entirety.
The first races with our new timing system are only 10 days away!
We are using a state-of-the-art system that combines tested components with sophisticated software.
This is a very exciting time for the ACA, but as with any significant endeavor, we ask for your patience as the system is implemented. Please be ready to provide feedback as we work out any implementation issues, and be prepared to cooperate with officials, promoters and ACA staff as we work to improve the racer experience. This is not a top-down effort from the ACA, but rather a cooperative effort by all of us in the ACA cycling community.
Please know - you are strongly encouraged to pre-register for events that require the timing system (BAR/BAT). Some races will be pre-registation only. Please know that race-day registration will close 20 minutes before each event in order to get complete start lists to our great officials. In the past, promoters have been lenient about late registration. This will not work in the future.
Please take the time to mount your chip correctly on your bicycle. After testing at a Boulder Racing cross race last fall, and with input from the timing company, it has been determined that the best location is the headtube, much like a head badge logo. This location has provided the best signal transmission and is the most visible location on the bicycle, which will help our officials to quickly scan the group for missing chips. The headtube is the best location for the chips to interact with the finish line cameras (which will be on both sides of the road). Most events have done away with fork mounted chips, as they are too susceptible to being knocked off during crashes or contact in the race. ACA members may want the chip on the fork for aesthetic reasons, but we have chosen the headtube for practical concerns.
You may have to combine zip-ties to get around your headtube - that is fine. The black padded foam will compress and make your chip fit more securely on your bike. One note: the best way to cut a tight zip-tie is with nail clippers (this also keeps any sharp edged tools away from your frame). Chips that are not mounted correctly will cause scoring problems (ie, you won't get a placing). So please get it right!
Please note: Cyclocross will use an ankle strap and we will have more information when that season approaches.
Please note: At the first few events that use the timing system, PLEASE DO NOT cross the finish line except as your race is starting or finishing. Any other time you cross the line, your chip will communicate with the system and register that you crossed the line. This will cause scoring probems (ie, you won't get a proper placing). So please pay attention!
This is a great time to race in Colorado! We've got great courses, great racers, the best officials, the best promoters, and our secret weapon - Yvonne. This timing system will complement what we already do so well.
