Times-7 Timing system
Introduction
The Canberra Cycling Club (CCC) has been trialing the Times-7 RFID system that was purchased by the ACT Cycling Federation during the current 2009 winter road season. The system has proven itself to be highly reliable and is able to produce instant and accurate results as evidenced at the Canberra and Junior Tours as well as local Club races.
If you have attended a CCC road race this season you will already be familiar with the system and how it is used. For those members who have not used the system the link to the site can be found here: Times-7
Implementation
Last month, the CCC committee endorsed the use of the Times-7 system at all future Road races held by the Club. The use of the system for Club races will require a permanent race number and Wheel (RFID) tag that will need to be purchased or hired by anyone that races at CCC road races.
Why Permanent Tag and Race Numbers?
The biggest issue when using the Times-7 system has been the significant delays that have occurred registering on race day due to no permanent tags and race numbers.
With permanent numbers and RFID tags, the registration process will be very simple and quick:
- Pay your Race Entry Fee;
- Advise your Race number to the Registration Member;
- The registration member enters your race number on the system with your details displayed including current grade;
- Your name and grade is confirmed and if that’s correct;
- The Rego member presses “enter” and you’re entered and ready to race!
The Vikings Cycling Club (VCC) at this stage will continue to use the Rider Management System (RMS) for their local Club races but are also keen to implement permanent race numbers as this will also quicken up registrations when using that system.
The race numbers will be randomly allocated from the 200 to 400 range for both Clubs and will be able to be used at both VCC and CCC races. The Wheel Tags of course will only be required at CCC road races.
Costs
To purchase a permanent Race Number, Wheel Tag and Wheel Mount Holder will cost $15.00. These are yours to keep and you will need to bring them to each race.
Members who do not wish to purchase permanent tags/numbers will need to hire one if they wish to race. This will cost $15.00 with $5.00 being refunded on return of the Tag and Race number. In simple terms, it will COST you $10.00 to race instead of $5.00.
Replacement Wheel Tags will cost approximately $11.00. Additional Wheel Mount Holders for those members who race on more than one bike will be available for $1.00.
What Next?
The Club intends to start implementing this system at its next Road Race being held at Tidbinbilla Tracking Station on the 26th September 2009.
If you intend purchasing your own permanent Race Number and Wheel Tag please email me at jpparkes@three.com.au before your next race so that I can have you pre-loaded into the system with your Wheel Tag and Number ready for your collection on race day.
Hopefully most of our regular competitors will agree that the initial cost of $15.00 will be worth the many benefits that that system can provide.
Thanks,
Jason Parkes
President CCC
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