Recently, I was one of a team of four who organised the Observation Run for the Triumph National Meeting in NSW. We received varied feedback from the run but nevertheless we contribute the following ...

We learnt a lot from the experience and we share it here with you.

You may be told that you should position questions so that ...

• The driver does not have to get out of the car!
• The driver should only travel at the designated speed limit!
• The driver should not need to stop in order to read an answer!
• You should not detour from the direction being travelled!
• You should not have to travel on unsealed road!
• It should be challenging!
• They are all on the same side of the road - left or right!
• Local knowledge is not important

There is one school-of-thought that suggests that, the questions should be placed in such as a way as to reassure drivers and navigators that they have made a correct directional decision.

So obviously, compromise is essential! You cannot hope to suit all these conditions.

What have you experienced, what have you enjoyed? I am sure it will include a variety of what is listed above and more!

When selecting the route for an observation run, one thing is important.
Establish the route with the observation run in mind. Do not try to construct an observation run around a route selected for another purpose - destination, convenience, time, and scenic value. That route may be unsuitable due to boredom, traffic, roadwork, length or other local conditions.

Anticipate doing the run at least four times:

• initially to establish a suitable route;
• find locations for possible questions (we photographed signage as backup);
• having set the questions, check they are in correct order and fit in with the navigation commands; and
• finally, as close as possible to the event, check that signs have not been changed, and there is no roadwork or detours.

When you have established the observation run - have it checked by a third party - another committee member, an unbiased participant, or a willing helper.

Consider using only part of the entire route - perhaps the section that is less challenging driving wise or less scenic - allow time for a tie-breaker or driving enjoyment.

Allow for changing weather conditions - what appear obvious in good weather may be problematic in overcast, rain or heavy mist.

And finally, use technology to check mileage - use GoogleMaps or a GPS to check the mileage - do not trust Triumph miles or kilometres!

And our final advise - thiunk hard before you put your hand up in the first place!

But that is the learning process!!!

Kaye (on behalf of Kaye & Lawrie Placing, Fran and Laurie Bromley)

October 2010