Well, BIB numbers are these funny sheets of paper that people put on their chests when the run a marathon race.
Why am I asking you that? Because I am familiar with BIB numbers from both sides. As a runner who participates on running events (check the story Running My Fastest 10K Run In Last Few Years) and as a producer of them.
Yes, I print BIB numbers.
It is my second job after I get home from the 9 to 5 routine.
Preparation phase - designing the bib and blank sheets
To be honest this is a very season related work with the periods from May to June and from September to October being the most demanding. Both in order demand as in the amount of work.
Now the season is starting and there are already seven events in the next two weeks to print the numbers for. You can see some examples in the pictures.
So I am quite busy . Steemit is now becoming the fourth or fifth priority task. Not counting the family, of course :)
A finished product - aren't they just great?
Some safety ping to attach the numbers - in batches of four
Why is BIB number a bib?
To quote the Quora.com:
Bib is a usually a piece of cloth hung from the neck and hanging on the chest. Used to protect the basic clothing from spillage while eating (esp for babies) In marathon the chest number or running number used to identify the runners is attached on the chest and is similar to a bib. Hence the name running number BIB.
Bibs Have Many Benefits
They are a great tool for organisers and timing teams, a display for sponsors, can be personalized and are a great memory. They remind you on your achievement.
This last reason - the achievement - is probably my main reason why I am printing them.
To give the people a memento of their success.
Did you ever participate in a recreational event? Did you wear the BIB number?
This article is the first part of a longish introduction of who I am and what I do. The parts won't be in a chronological order. I don't want to bore you so I'll jump from here to then and back. Stick with me. Thanks!
Follow me @ervin-lemark. I will follow you back!
Photo credit: MMI
I've done a few races and worn a BIB. Some were just a simple number. Others had advertising and a form for emergency contact details on the back.
I haven't kept them. I just take a photo as a memento as I already have too much stored paper.
The safety pins are an annoyance. There should be a neater way to attach them. I did see something (possibly on Kickstarter) for sets of magnets to attach your number. That means less holes in your shirt.
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Yes, pins have issues. But they are still the best way to pin your bib. Magnets don't hold very well.
I am personally using a triathlon belt to attach a bib to it with two pins. This way I keep my running shirts without holes.
Appropos storing the bibs - I've seen a guy make a coat out of them. He stitched them together ;)
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I think these are the magnets I saw before http://www.racedots.com/ Not tried them yet
For souvenirs I have a couple of race shirts and a medal so far, but I'd be happy enough with pictures
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