Each racer carries a GPS tracker that broadcasts a signal. That data is collected and shown together as dots on a map. MAProgress is rich with ways to follow the data particularly on a desktop. Pro tip... practice using it before the race by viewing a previous year above. Explore the options by dragging a cursor over the different icons on the race page. Know that you can do such things as rewind and adjust the speed of the playback. During the race you can add a live weather overlay.
There are two colors of dots to watch. Orange is Solo. Black is Not Solo. Black dots can work together.
NSBR Dot Watchers are the best and most authentic Dot Watchers in all of self supported endurance racing! Why? Because they know that NOT offering support, handouts or information is a show of respect. They cheer, advocate our efforts, and support all road cyclists by giving them attention and space. They read the entire NSBR website. This is a serious self supported race and must not be taken lightly. Racers must fuel, maintain, navigate, shelter, inform and move themselves. Dot watchers can not give racers information such as other racers position/ speed/ past activity, resupply hours of operation or weather conditions/ forecasts. Support should only be given in an emergency situation declared by the racer.
NSBR Dot Watchers are the racers greatest ally! Your cheer begets safety for the racers and spreads the word to friends, strangers, and businesses that looking out for all road cyclists is happening and cool. Know that dot watching in private has been known to lead to dot watching in public. This is to be celebrated! Be careful and stay seen. Message, call or show up with motivation, encouragement and cheers. Chalk up the route, wave a sign, ring that bell because cheers from friends and strangers alike brighten and inspire any racers mood in a BIG BIG way. In a sport where the athletes expect no award...the reward is hearing cheers and inspiring others. Thank you for inspiring the racers! We love your cheers! Sorry that we must keep moving.
The NSBR has a Facebook page with photos, cheers and racer reports. www.facebook.com/groups/1950630075178051 Some racers have social media accounts linked to their MAProgress profile.