DrWJODonnell

Ok, I will try not to be TOO long winded. I am piecing together google earth files of a number of the major races and TTs in my area. These will be put up on the team website and we will give the promotors the option to offer the link. The purpose is to provide racers with just about every bit of info they need - the important "areas" of the race - that is to say: Start and finish lines, registration location, Restroom location, Parking location, elevation profiles, and significant course marks (turns, perhaps significant climbs, caution areas etc.).

I am recommending checking out the Google earth of the high point hill climb found here for reference. There are others, but High point is probably the shortest to check out the features. Just open the file and you can click into the folder to see the various points of interest. Not yet inserted is the topo link here . If you do not have Google earth, it is available for a free download at https://earth.Google.com/ Below, I am including recommended settings to get the most from the Google earth "fly over" so the race can be previewed.

Set up the 'driving directions tour options' in Google earth (Tools-->Options-->"touring" tab) to the following:
Camera tilt angle 75 degrees
Camera range 200 meters
Speed 75

After this is done click 'apply' or 'ok' and then look at the folders. Clicking any of these icons shows where the named items are found. You can also get driving directions to any of these points by clicking on them and entering your location (or zip code).

The BEST feature I have been able to include is the Course link. Double clicking gives you a course overview and once clicked on (single or double) you can then click on the 'play' button or go to Tools-->Play tour. This will use the settings entered above to "Fly" along the route. The route profile is obtained by clicking the web link in the course folder. Make sure that geographic features is selected in the lower right (this is a default setting).

I would be most appreciative if you have any input as to 1) Would this be useful to you at all for your races? 2) What (if any) additional information should be included? 3) Are there any other general recommendations you might have?

Thanks for your help guys (and Gals...Snicklefritz)

3MTA3

1. no.
2. none.
3. nope.

Vinokurtov

It would be very useful for me. I try to pre ride courses when possible, and the stories of getting lost on dead end farm roads as the sun goes down I could tell...

Nice.

Kris Flatlander

I would find this interesting, as a new road cyclist I don't know many of the routes etc and the "decisive" points throughout. This would be really good for racers like me who are just getting into the sport and don't want to be quite literally lost when coming in.