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What Are They?
First, let's just agree that dual sporting is a great way to ride. Why, because you
get to go to new places, see new things. You're not fenced in to some ORV area
where you know the boundaries and can't get lost. The fun part about dual sport
is navigation. Finding your way via written instructions. And a roll chart is the
most common way to participate in an organized dual sport event.
A roll chart (also known as a "route sheet") is a scroll that has directions on it.
Plain and simple. They take you from turn "A" to turn "B" and you use your trip
meter to follow the chart.
How Do They Work?
First off, you need to buy a roll chart holder (route sheet holder). They're
available at most dealers, some will have to order them. They'll run from $20 up
to $35. We've heard many people complain about the one that magnifies
because you can only see one direction at a time on it. Moose Off-Road and MSR
both have a wide selection. Don't go overboard, just find one that will be useful
for you. They're a little box that attatches to your handlebar.
Don't confuse these with a Map Book,which is what they use in Rally's like Dakar,
Incas, or the Nile rally. You don't want one of those.
What Goes Into The Holder?
At an event, you'll get your route sheet in a rider packet. It will be a sheet or 2 or
3 of paper (8 1/2 x 11 or 8 1/2 x 14 are both commonly used). The best ones will
have 4 columns to a sheet. The 4 column spacing makes the scrolls a perfect
width for any roll chart holder (we'll get there in a minute). Some promoters use
a 3 column spacing. If this is the case, you have a 90% chance of having to trim
your route sheet to make it fit.
What Do I Do Next?
You will need to cut the sheets into columns and tape them together, and there
is a science to this!
1. Take your first column and lay it down face up. Take your next column and
tape it so that the beginning edge of the second column is on top (with a slight
overlap) of the bottom edge of the first column. Put tape across this edge on
front and on back (Remember you're rolling this thing up in a box as you're riding.
You'll thank me later!)
2. After all your columns have been taped together, your route sheet (roll chart)
should look like a long skinny paper snake. Turn it over so the print side is facing
down. Now run a length of tape from one end to the other (it can be a series of
pieces of tape. What you are doing is reinforcing the strength of the paper so it
won't rip on you out on the trail! If you don't do this and it get's wet...forget
about finding your way!)
3. Now it's time to put it in the roll chart holder! Start with the end of the route,
and tape it to the bottom spindle of the roll chart holder. Now wind it until the
beginning is the only part not spooled. Now tape the beginning to the top spool
and you'r ready to go!
How Do I Use One?
Simple. Follow the directions on the roll chart. But first you need to understand
the system of abbreviations and instructions:
Assemble their route sheets.
There is a science to a good
route sheet!
We've been trying to get these
guys lost for years, but they keep
finding their way back!
Should work for these guys but
usually doesn't. Never, never
follow these guys, and whatever
you do, don't let Rick (red) lead!
R = right turn
L = left turn
BR = bear right (like at a fork in the road)
BL = bear left
X = cross
DR = dirt road (well maintained local dirt
roads)
FR = forest road (a...forest road, could be
paved, could be dirt)
JT = jeep trail (a FR that's a bit more "wild")
PR = paved road
GR = gravel or graded road
RR = railroad
STOP = stop (go figure, huh!)
RESET = roll your trip meter until it's reset
to all zeros
Gas Avail = means there's gas available at
this point or where the directions tell you to
go. It may be directly on the route or a
little ways off it.
Next, what we do is add mileage to the equation.
to 0.0, turn right onto paved
road, Smith Road and start riding.
0.3 L DR Hixon Rd = when your odometer hits 0.3
miles (or thereabouts) turn Left
on dirt road: Hixon Rd., and
keep riding.
1.3 PR SR567
STOP-RESET = when your tripmeter is at 1.3 you
should be at a paved road, which is
State Road 567. At this point you
would stop and turn your trip meter
back to zero and start the next
section. Pretty easy isn't it!
Read this out loud. Anyone in the room with you will think you're nuts, but you'll
get a better understanding of how it all works out!
- Section A
0.0 R PR Hurley St
0.3 S X RR Trax
0.8 R DR Otis Ave
2.3 BL Otis Ave
3.2 BR DR FR654
4.0 S DR FR654
4.3 R PR Allan Rd
5.2 Gas Available
6.0 PR Brutus Rd
STOP - RESET
Route sheets are not accurate, but they are close if someone puts the
time into them. Each bike is different and measures differently. A
DR350 tracks differently than an XRL650. You will find that a route
sheet may be 0.1 off. You need to be aware of your surroundings and
look for the appropriate turn, markings and road signs.
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