Hi ZHQ,
Something that has bothered me about the XP awarded for first time rides ok a course.
I’ve done some maths. I may be wrong and check out my calculation for the new Temples route. You are awarding 750 XP and I get the impression that some shorter courses are over awarded.
Check this out:
Example 1: The Glyph Heights
• Distance: 34 km
• Elevation: 618 m
• XP awarded: 510
Example 2: Elevation Evaluation
• Distance: 27.7 km
• Elevation: 410 m
• XP awarded: 492
Step 1: Establish Variables and Formulas
Let’s denote:
• D as the distance in kilometres (km)
• E as the elevation in metres (m)
• XP as the experience points awarded
We need to derive a formula of the form:
XP = aD + bE + c
where a , b , and c are constants to be determined.
Step 2: Set Up Equations
Using the two provided examples, we can set up a system of linear equations:
1. 510 = 34a + 618b + c
2. 492 = 27.7a + 410b + c
Step 3: Solve for a , b , and c
To solve this system, we need another equation or make assumptions. Let’s assume c (a fixed base XP for completing any course) might be negligible or zero since it simplifies our calculations.
First, subtract the second equation from the first to eliminate c :
510 - 492 = (34a + 618b) - (27.7a + 410b)
18 = 6.3a + 208b
6.3a + 208b = 18
a = \frac{18 - 208b}{6.3}
This gives us a relation between a and b . We can now test some reasonable values for b and check if they fit the examples:
Step 4: Trial and Error for a and b
Let’s consider different values for b :
• Suppose b = 0.05 :
a = \frac{18 - 208 \times 0.05}{6.3} = \frac{18 - 10.4}{6.3} = \frac{7.6}{6.3} \approx 1.21
We can verify by plugging a = 1.21 and b = 0.05 back into the original equations:
1. 510 = 34 \times 1.21 + 618 \times 0.05 + c
510 = 34 \times 1.21 + 30.9 + c
510 = 41.14 + 30.9 + c
c = 510 - 72.04
c = 437.96
2. 492 = 27.7 \times 1.21 + 410 \times 0.05 + c
492 = 33.517 + 20.5 + c
492 = 54.017 + c
c = 492 - 54.017
c = 437.983
These values for c are very close, which implies our assumption a \approx 1.21 , b \approx 0.05 , and c \approx 438 is reasonable.
Step 5: Apply the Formula to the New Course
Using the derived formula:
XP = 1.21D + 0.05E + 438
For a course with 39.1 km and 470 m of elevation:
XP = 1.21 \times 39.1 + 0.05 \times 470 + 438
XP = 47.311 + 23.5 + 438
XP = 508.811
Thus, for a course with 39.1 km and 470 m of elevation, the expected XP awarded would be approximately 509.
So…how do you really calculate the XP for any given route?
Ride on,
Dave.
