Rally navigation equipment
Roadbook (in general)
Navigation is a crucial part of the Dinaric Rally, and one of the most important tools for navigation is the roadbook. The roadbook is a document that contains detailed information on the terrain, obstacles, and hazards that the competitors will face during the race. It’s an essential tool that helps competitors navigate through the challenging terrain of the Dinaric mountain range.
The roadbook consists of a series of drawings, symbols, and instructions that guide competitors through the route. The drawings provide detailed information on the terrain, including the gradient, the type of terrain, and the location of potential hazards. The symbols used in the roadbook are standardised across different rally raid events and make it easier for competitors to understand the information provided.
The roadbook is also used to mark the route for competitors. The book contains instructions on where to turn, where to go straight, and where to avoid potential hazards. The instructions are provided in a format that is easy to follow, and competitors must be able to read and interpret the roadbook quickly and accurately to navigate through the route.
In addition to the roadbook, competitors also use a trip meter to measure distance and track their progress through the route. The trip meter helps competitors keep track of their position and distance from the next waypoint or hazard, allowing them to adjust their speed and direction accordingly.
To navigate effectively with the roadbook, competitors must have a deep understanding of the symbols and instructions used in the book. They must also be able to anticipate changes in the terrain and adjust their driving and navigation accordingly. Good communication between the driver and navigator is also essential, as they must work together to navigate through the challenging terrain and conditions.
In conclusion, the roadbook is a critical component of navigation in the Dinaric Rally. It provides competitors with detailed information on the terrain, obstacles, and hazards, and helps them navigate through the challenging conditions of the Dinaric mountain range. Competitors must have a deep understanding of the symbols and instructions used in the book and must be able to communicate effectively to navigate through the route successfully.
Dinaric Rally Roadbook
The roadbook navigation system used in the Dinaric Rally is renowned among the most experienced riders in the rally raid community. They hail our roadbooks as some of the best they have ever used, and our roadbook creators as some of the most detail-oriented, informative, and precise they have ever encountered. It’s no wonder that riders are increasingly saying, “This is the best day of my life” when they finish the race.
Our roadbooks are designed by experts in cartography and graphic design to ensure that they are accurate, informative, and safe. They are tailored specifically to the unique terrain of the Dinaric mountain range and include new symbols that are not found on other rally roadbook, like for example the Dakar rally roadbooks.
Our roadbooks have been praised by experienced Dakar riders who have competed in dozens of rallies. They have said that our roadbooks are among the best in the world. This is due to the fact that our roadbooks are created with great attention to detail and are designed to provide riders with the information they need to navigate through the challenging terrain of the Dinarides.
Our roadbooks are designed to be easy to read and interpret, even at high speeds, allowing riders to make quick decisions and adjust their speed and direction accordingly.
In conclusion, our roadbooks are among the most precise, detailed, informative, and safe in the rally raid community. They are specifically tailored to the unique terrain of the Dinaric mountain range and have been praised by experienced Dakar riders for their accuracy and quality. With our roadbooks, riders can navigate the Dinaric Rally with confidence, knowing that they have the information they need to tackle the challenges of the course.
For Rally Roadbook training on the Dinaric Rally stages, read more info here
FIM Roadbook Symbols
Standard Sign Boards
Waypoints Explained
Cross Country Rally Raid roadbook example
Roadbook Readers
A roadbook reader is a device that is used to display roadbooks so that rally riders can easily read them and navigate by them through complex and challenging routes.
There are, generally speaking two types of roadbooks – paper and digital. As a result, there are two types of roadbook readers – those that read paper roadbooks and those that read digital roadbooks.
Paper roadbook readers are simple devices that attach to the handlebars or to the rally tower of a motorcycle or a rally car. They consist of a holder for the paper roadbook, and a mechanism that advances the roll of paper the roadbook is printed on, as the rider progresses through the route. Paper roadbook readers are reliable and easy to use, and they are still widely used in many rallies and off-road races, including the Dakar Rally and even more more “affrodable” raliese like Hellas Rally, Abbania Rally or the Dinaric.
Digital roadbook readers, on the other hand, digital roadbook readers are a relatively new development in the world of rally navigation. They are designed specifically to read and display digital roadbooks, which are typically stored on a memory card or other digital storage device. Compared to their paper counterparts, digital roadbook readers offer several advantages. Firstly, they are much lighter and smaller, making them easier to carry and handle. Additionally, inserting the roadbook into a digital reader is a much simpler process. Furthermore, digital roadbook readers are more environmentally friendly as they eliminate the need for paper roadbooks.
However, the biggest disadvantage of digital roadbooks is that, as of yet, there is no affordable and rugged enough device that can withstand the harsh conditions and demands that rally riders face, particularly in challenging rallies like the Dinaric Rally. Carpe Iter solutions though, seam to be very close to perfect, affordable roadbook readers and we are looking forward to further developmentt of the their devices.
Another important part of the roadbook navigation system is the mounting brackets, which is used to secure the roadbook reader to the motorcycle. Handlebar clamps or rally tower adapter sets are typically used to attach the roadbook holder to the motorcycle’s handlebars.
In conclusion, roadbook readers are an essential tool for navigating through complex routes in rallies and off-road races. They come in two types – those that read paper roadbooks and those that read digital roadbooks. While paper roadbook readers are simple and reliable, digital roadbook readers offer more versatility and convenience. Regardless of the type of roadbook reader used, the goal is the same – to provide the rider with accurate and detailed information to help them navigate through the racecourse safely and efficiently.
Additional equipment
Roadbook navigation requires a range of devices to ensure that riders can navigate the course safely and accurately. Here are some of the key devices used in roadbook navigation:
- Rally Tower : an essential component of the setup. It is a device that is used to attach various navigation instruments, such as GPS and tripmeters, to the motorcycle’s handlebars. The rally tower provides a stable mounting point that keeps the navigation equipment in view of the rider and easily accessibl
Handlebar clamps adapter set: These devices are used to attach the roadbook holder to the motorcycle’s handlebars or Rally Tower. They come in a range of sizes and styles to fit different types of motorcycles.
Reliable odometer with wheel sensor and magnet: An odometer is used to measure distance and speed, and it is essential for keeping track of progress during the race. A reliable odometer with a wheel sensor and magnet is necessary for accurate measurement.
GPS-based compass repeater and rally odometer: These devices provide additional navigation information, including location and direction. They are useful for staying on course and avoiding getting lost.
Support bracket Roadbook Holders: These are essential for keeping the roadbook holder in place on the motorcycle. They come in various styles to fit different types of motorcycles.
Remotes for roadbook holder and tripmaster: These allow the rider to operate the roadbook holder and tripmaster without having to take their hands off the handlebars.
Solution to easily supply power to all your navigation equipment: This is essential for ensuring that all devices have a steady and reliable power source. There are various power supply solutions available to meet different needs.
Power extension and other cables: These are necessary for connecting all of the navigation devices together and ensuring that they are powered correctly.
Overall, roadbook navigation requires a range of devices and accessories to ensure that riders can navigate the course effectively. By using these devices, riders can stay on course, monitor progress, and successfully complete the rally race.
Rally Tower
In roadbook rally navigation, a rally tower is an essential component of the setup. It is a device that is used to attach various navigation instruments, such as GPS and tripmeters, to the motorcycle’s handlebars. The rally tower provides a stable mounting point that keeps the navigation equipment in view of the rider and easily accessible.
The rally tower is typically made of lightweight but sturdy materials, such as aluminum or carbon fiber, and it can be adjusted to fit different types of motorcycles. The tower is usually attached to the handlebars with clamps, and it provides a secure mounting point for the roadbook holder, which is used to display the route instructions.
One of the main advantages of using a rally tower is that it allows the rider to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the handlebars, rather than having to look down at a separate GPS or tripmeter. This is particularly important in off-road rally racing, where the terrain can be challenging and unpredictable.
The rally tower also provides a clean and organized setup, with all of the navigation instruments mounted in one place. This reduces clutter on the motorcycle and makes it easier for the rider to operate the equipment.
Overall, the rally tower plays a crucial role in roadbook rally navigation, providing a stable and secure mounting point for the navigation equipment and allowing the rider to focus on the road ahead.
GPS device
The role of GPS devices in the Dinaric Rally is very important, but there are some restrictions when it comes to using them in rally classes. While GPS devices are not permitted for navigation during the rally stages, their use is highly recommended and allowed for returning to the trek or navigating back to the bivouac.
GPS devices are useful for tracking the progress of the competitors and ensuring their safety during the race. The organizers of the Dinaric Rally recommend that all participants carry a GPS device as a precautionary measure. In case of an emergency or getting lost, the device can help the rescue teams locate the competitors quickly.
However, the use of GPS devices for navigation during the race is strictly prohibited in the rally classes. This is to ensure a level playing field for all participants and to test their skills in navigating the difficult terrain without relying on technology. Instead, participants in the rally classes must rely on traditional navigation methods such as roadbooks, maps, and compasses.
In summary, GPS devices play an essential role in the Dinaric Rally by providing safety and tracking features. While the use of GPS devices for navigation during the rally stages is not permitted in the rally classes, their use is recommended and allowed for returning to the trek or navigating back to the bivouac.
Garmin Montana 700
This device has demonstrated its durability, precision, simplicity, and practicality millions of times across various terrains around the world. When paired with its original holder, the Garmin 700 transforms into the ultimate device for GPS Rally and any other off-road riding. The Dinaric Rally team, responsible for GPS navigation at the Dinaric Rally, confidently recommends the Garmin Montana as the best device choice for demanding rally racing conditions.
Garmin Tread
Garmin has announced its foray into the motorized sports market with a range of products designed to empower recreational off-road riders, enabling them to venture confidently into the unknown. With the introduction of the rugged Tread satellite navigation device with Group Ride Tracker, the Garmin PowerSwitch digital switch, and the BC 40 wireless camera with mounting bracket, riders can jump into their off-road vehicles or snowmobiles and explore wild forest trails, even in the rain or cold, with a sense of security in snowy mountain landscapes.