One of things that I constantly write as a comment to clubs when reviewing
premiums and confirmations is that their directions are not very concise or
understandable. There are a lot of people that travel long distances to trials
now days. Many of them may not be familiar with the area they're
going to. Also don't forget that usually there are a couple people that are
going to their first trial. They have never been to that site most likely.
Imagine adding the stress of not being able to find a site to the stress of your
first trial and you have stress overload.
I have to use the directions to trials that are in the premium since I try to
emulate the Novice person going to their first trial that forgot their
confirmation at home (they were nervous and forgot it or didn't know they should
bring it or never got it in time) and so they are driving off the directions in
the premium. There have been at least a couple of instances that I just couldn't
find the site using the club's directions...or....I had to drive 20 miles an
hour for miles since I couldn't tell from the directions how far to the next
turn. I always make sure that I have a cell phone number now or I print out some
Map Blast directions or something because in so many cases the directions are
inadequate. Having both a picture map and written directions is a plus. Some
helpful things that clubs
can do when writing directions are.....give directions from the N/S/E/W not just
one way or two. Even if that means that eventually the directions are the same
when you get within a certain distance from the site. Giving things such as the
distance to the next turn or intersection is EXTREMELY helpful for people not
familiar with an area. One time I can remember going about 10 miles past the
proper turn (when it was really only 2.4 miles to the turn) before getting to
the next little town before realizing that I must of missed my turn (and I had
been driving 30 miles an hour since I didn't know
how long before the turn was coming and there was no road name sign, it was
missing). They got an F as a grade on their directions.
As someone that goes to a new site lots of times every year, here's what I find
helpful.
Please include exit #'s and names (exit #67, Wilson Rd. south), road numbers and
names if both are available (IL US 26, Galena Ave.) and how far to the next turn
(2.7 miles & turn left (east) onto Smith Lane). Also giving landmarks if
appropriate is a really nice touch. Clubs should designate
people to go out and get this information and relay it back to the person in
charge of their premiums. It sure would be nice if none of us were ever feeling
lost again on our way to a trial. It's bad enough to feel lost on a course
that weekend with feeling lost on the road. Besides the fact that I think
it's much safer if people are more sure about where they're going. They get in
the correct lane early enough and don't try things in traffic that they
shouldn't.
Gail Storm
Another thing I find helpful - in the list of motels, please give the exit
number (if appropriate), as well as the street address and phone number. That is
helpful in my decision where to stay for how much money; otherwise, I usually
have no clue where the motel is in relation to the trial site until I call them.
I may be willing to spend a few extra dollars if the motel is several exits
closer.
Kim Anderson
Having a list of motels (and arranging ahead of time with the motel) is
important. Believe it or not, everyone on the planet doesn't have internet
access or even a computer. To those without,
finding a hotel can be difficult at best. It's not that much extra work and it's
a good service to those who are spending money to come to your trial.
I use MS Streets and Trips and find it an essential. It gives much
"tighter" directions than MapQuest, and it also shows hotels. Enlarge
the map and hotels are shown with small blue icons. Click on the icon and you
get an address and phone number. Streets and Trips has helped me find many a
trial location.
Robin Nuttall and the Doberman Crew...
For the directionally impaired among us, left/right turns (as opposed to
N/S/E/W) is very helpful. I am easily turned around, and I am sure I'm not the
only one, so being told to turn left off of an exit is much simpler than being
told to go north.
Alternate road names: i.e. if Fisher Blvd is also called County Road NN, it
really helps to know that.
Nora (if it's possible to get lost, I will!)
This is a major pet peeve with me. While I traveled on the Wagon Train (hence
my kennel name) for 3 yrs., part of my job was to give directions and info to
each camp site (5 a week) I have state atlas's as well as a National Atlas to
aid me, and still some of the directions are awefull. I think you should make
sure the person giving directions drives, and has a basic knowledge of road
names and exit #'s!!! All of Gail's advise should be used, especially how many
miles to each turn. To those giving directions, remember you are telling lots of
people that have never been there before, so EXACT directions are needed. Don't
think like someone that lives in the area!!!
Eileen Madrigale
When giving directions I always provide both. So, for instance, it will be
"Turn Left (N) on XXX road."
Robin Nuttall
Down here in Florida (where it's so cold today, we won't get out of the 60's, oh my!) I believe we're a bit behind the times, because our Interstate exit numbers have just been changed in the past year to the system which uses the mile marker # as the exit #. For instance, our trial site exit used to be #43, and now is #224. The problem is that the Florida maps which are being distributed by AAA still use the old exit #s. I guess AAA is using up a warehouse full of old maps before it prints new ones. So one more suggestion: if the maps for your part of the country are in the same situation, you might need to give both "old" and "new" exit numbers. I just picked up a "new" "old" state map from AAA this month, and until I see the new exit numbers on maps, I'll continue to use both designations in my trial directions. Sure don't want to lose any exhibitors! (And our trial for next weekend is FULL, with exhibitors representing 15 "foreign" states plus Puerto Rico! If they can get here for a regular trial, I think they'll do fine for Nationals next year.)
