Roadbook Navigation on Cross Country Rally Raid Explained

Excerpt:

What is Roadbook Navigation?

Roadbook navigation is a type of navigation used in rally racing and other motorsports. It involves following a series of instructions contained in a “roadbook,” which is a booklet or document that provides detailed information about the course. The roadbook typically includes information such as distance, direction, and landmarks, and it is used to guide drivers through the course.

The Importance of Roadbook Navigation

Roadbook navigation is crucial in rally racing and other motorsports, as it allows drivers to navigate through challenging terrain and unfamiliar territory. It also helps to ensure safety, as drivers can be alerted to potential hazards and other obstacles that may be present on the course.

How Roadbook Navigation Works

Roadbook navigation involves following a series of instructions contained in the roadbook. These instructions typically include information such as distance, direction, and landmarks, and they are designed to guide drivers through the course. Drivers must carefully follow the instructions in the roadbook, as even a small mistake can result in a significant time penalty.

Types of Roadbook Navigation

There are several different types of roadbook navigation, each with its own unique set of challenges and requirements. Some of the most common types of roadbook navigation include tulip diagrams, narrative roadbooks, and GPS roadbooks.

Tulip Diagrams: Tulip diagrams are a type of graphical roadbook that uses symbols and arrows to indicate turns and other course information. Tulip diagrams type of Roadbook navigation is the one used in FIM and FIA Rally Raids, including the Dinaric Rally Raid
Narrative Roadbooks: Narrative roadbooks are written instructions that provide detailed information about the course, including landmarks, distances, and directions.
GPS Roadbooks: GPS roadbooks use GPS coordinates to guide drivers through the course, providing real-time updates and alerts about potential hazards and other obstacles.

Tips for Successful Roadbook Navigation

Successfully navigating a course using a roadbook requires a combination of skill, experience, and careful attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you navigate a course using a roadbook:

Familiarize yourself with the roadbook before the race begins.
Pay close attention to the instructions in the roadbook, and be sure to follow them carefully.
Use landmarks and other visual cues to help you navigate through the course.
Practice your navigation skills before the race, so you are prepared for any challenges that may arise.
Work closely with your co-driver to ensure that you are both on the same page and communicating effectively.

Roadbook navigation is an essential skill for rally racers and other motorsports enthusiasts. It requires careful attention to detail, strong navigation skills, and a deep understanding of the course. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can improve your roadbook navigation skills and compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Roadbook Navigation

Navigation is a crucial part of the Rally Race, 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 (GPS or magnet) 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.

For Rally Roadbook training on the Dinaric Rally stages, read more info here

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.

Paper roadbook in typical roadbook holderexample

Cross Country Rally Raid roadbook example

FIM Roadbook Symbols

Waypoints

In the W2RC (World Rally Raid Championships), there are several types of waypoints used to guide competitors through the course.

Waypoints are specific locations on the course that competitors must pass through. These locations are marked in the roadbook and are often identified by GPS coordinates. Waypoints are an important part of the rally raid because they help ensure that all competitors follow the same route and do not take shortcuts.

During the race, competitors must navigate through the course using only the information provided in the roadbook. They must find and pass through each waypoint in the correct order, or they will incur penalties. Waypoints can be placed in various locations, such as at the top of a hill, near a river crossing, or in a desert oasis.

Overall, roadbooks and waypoints are essential tools in rally raid competitions, providing competitors with the information they need to successfully navigate the course and complete the race.

one type of waypoint would have to be strongly emphasized here, and that is Safety Waypoints. These are locations on the course where competitors must reduce their speed due to potential hazards. Safety waypoints are marked in the roadbook but also signalized (audio – visually) by safety devices to ensure that all competitors are aware of the danger.

FIM / FIA Rally Raid standard waypoints:

Waypoint types explained, deep dive:

Control Zones (Terrain signs)

FIA / FIM Cross Country Rally Raid Control Signs

Dinaric Rally terrain signs

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.