The participation ride 2006 - post-ride analysis and comment

Vertical profile tool finalised

This is an update to the Excel spreadsheet discussed previously here.

The spreadsheet takes 'Track Log' files created by the Magellan eXplorist 600, derives 'distance covered' data and then generates a vertical profile chart. The spreadsheet contains instructions and a sample set of data. It can be downloaded here. If you download the file and find it useful please consider making a donation to the good cause here. Many thanks.

If you have any questions about the use of the spreadsheet please leave a comment.

Fruits of the puzzle

Joe (of Rob & Joe fame) and I have been bouncing an Excel spreadsheet between us since Joe sent a solution to the challenge to produce a verticle profile chart from the data generated by my GPS. Here is the result! This exercise has led to a recalibration of my bike computer and revealed that I was not cycling as far or as fast as I thought I was :-| See my training log. This spreadsheet will be used to post the profile data to this blog as the actual ride progresses.

If you like a copy of this spreadsheet. Please leave a comment by clicking on the 'Comments' link below.

New PUZZLES section

I am facing various challenges during the preparation of this ride so I have started a puzzles section to see if I can get some help. The first puzzle to solve will require a Navigator with Excel skills >more

Wanted: Navigator with Excel Expertise

The challenge is: During the ride I want to be able to publish stage-by-stage data on the ride. I want this to include a chart showing the contours of the ride so people can see how hilly it actually was.

My GPS stores data as you travel along into a 'Track Log' file. Everytime you change direction the GPS writes a line of data to the Track Log file. This data is separated by commas which makes it easy to load into Excel. This is a typical Track Log file imported into Excel. To this file I have added the field names from the information provided by the GPS manufacturer in this document.

Can anyone help me by using the data in each line of the spreadsheet to: 1) calculate the distance between each set of data and then 2) produce a chart showing the contours. Thanks in anticipation.

*STOP PRESS* I have received a solution to this from a supporter - >more

[This is a back-dated post. Actual posting date was 11/5/06]