Testing the Dotwatch.co.za app during the DC
This weekend was the OMWDC Old Mutual Wealth Double Century (previously the Coronation Double Century) team-of-a-dozen road bike race in Swellendam. It is a TTT (team time trial) format with 12 riders taking part over the 200m course. The route runs from Swellendam show grounds, through Suurbraak, up Tradouws & Op-de-Tradouws passes, down to Montagu, through Cogmanskloof, over the stunning arch suspension bridge in Ashton, then onto the neutral feed zone, then carries on to complete the loop by going south of Bonnievale and back to the route 60 for three final hills back to Swellendam.
I was fortunate to complete it with one of the two teams participating from Cycling Club Lenasia and we had tons of fun. Also cycling there and back with Heinrich on the mountain bikes to get in a full weekend’s cycling. But enough with the long introduction, and on to the new app that is dotwatch.co.za
What is the dotwatch.co.za app?
Track Your Race, Share Your Journey. In their own words: “Dot Watch is the ultimate app for athletes and their supporters. We make it easy for runners, cyclists, and race organisers to stay connected through live tracking, real-time updates, and interactive communication during races. Built by athletes, for athletes.”
For riders
How does the dotwatch app work? In my own words this time: “You download the app and select your race to start tracking and you can share updates with your followers while en route. They really made a super simple and intuitive and almost no instructions are needed. It’s a nifty app and a great way to interact with your friends and family during your next outing. Give it a go. Download available from their website.”
For race organisers
I see Joggie and his team have already uploaded a whole range of races onto the app so you can just select the event from a list. Or if you are a race organiser and want to add yours then you can register online and send them the GPX files to upload. For instance, I sent off the multi day route files for the TOURDEBOLAND week-long road bike tour during the week before the Argus (nee, Cape Town Cycle Tour) next year – and within minutes it was loaded onto the dotwatch.co.za platform.
Sidenote on battery life
Initially I was concerned about battery life. Because this required my phone’s mobile reception and GPS to be on all the time. So, I started with an almost full battery when we set off from Swellendam in the morning. And I was pleasantly surprised to see that is chowed less than 30% before I checked it again at the showgrounds 200kms later. Impressive. It looks like you’ll go 24hrs between charges at this rate, depending on your phone’s age battery capacity of course (or how many times you go OFF course :).
Go to https://dotwatch.co.za/
