Watch them go wild on the FR FB on this topic today! Think some of them must be sponsored by Garmin!
Watch them go wild on the FR FB on this topic today! Think some of them must be sponsored by Garmin!
Yes i couldn't help sticking in my two-penneth this evening!
I think it does illustrate the different demographic between the facebook page and the forum...
Obviously it's the more vocal who get noticed, but the facebook page is crammed with people still moaning about the decision (although i'd say the split is around 50/50, but it's those against who seem to be most abrasive and voiciferous), yet i've barely seen a negative post about banning gps on here.
I guess we are "luddites"
I don’t post much on here or FB, but will say here that having come to fell running from a mountaineering background I am all for banning GPS in races. GPS should be for emergency use only and as technology often fails, there is every reason that the FRA should expect competitors to be able to use a map and compass to get round a course. I don’t dare say this on FB for fear of being shouted down by park runners!
I've just read the FB thread. Seems pretty fair and balanced to be honest - far more reasonable than the countless other 'debates' on the same topic. Personally, I can still see merit on both sides of the argument, but good to see a healthy debate about without too many of the standard cheap shots about luddites / park runners from opposing viewpoints.
Would be good to be back to racing again where we can see it in action, as feeling pretty fcking blue this evening with prospect of sitting at home for another 4 months.
125 comments so far .....
I'm firmly in support of the decision and pleased it's gone against some recent trends - after metrication, a new logo and moves to charge non members extra I was beginning to wonder what would be next....
As a result I am now going to withdraw my application for the British biathlon team in the next winter Olympics. I had made it on the basis that I could have a big start and even bigger targets closer to the shooting line. After that I was going to install a series of bolts on Little Chamonix.
So am I.
But then as a former FRA Chairman has stated "using GPS in a fell race is about as ethical as using an electric bike in Le Tour". I was also FRA Chairman when the FRA metricated and it was the right thing to do although, in fact, because of external factors the FRA had no choice.
From my perspective, in a world which is relentlessly dumbing down, the campaign of the current FRA Secretary/ Chairman to return fell running to what it used to be is laudable and one I support.
In fact I would support banning anyone who posts on facebook from entering FRA races and the kit check including the carrying of SMOTS - but that may be slightly too reactionary for these feather-bedded times.
Last edited by Graham Breeze; 02-01-2021 at 12:04 PM.
"...as dry as the Atacama desert".
...eh!
Quick Google...SMOTS
Sevenoaks MOT station http://www.smots.co.uk/
Sustainable Modes of Travel https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/publ...of-travel.aspx
Scotia Medical Operations and Training System http://www.scotiauk.com/smots/
.....etc., etc... Must be something in Latin Graham B is posting again...
Jeeez, the world becomes more and more confusing every day.
Am Yisrael Chai