Deciphering a note.
Let’s break it down. A roadbook is a long scroll of individual notes to tell you what to do. A note in the roadbook is composed of 3 boxes going across the page. Each box holds information to help you. We call them the Distance box, the Tulip box and the After box.
Looking at the Distance box, in the upper left corner in large numbers you will see the accumulated distance in kilometers since the last reset (typically the start point). Along the lower edge of the Distance box are the interval distance since the previous note, a space where Waypoint symbols show up and the Note number. Every note in the roadbook is numbered from the first to the last. Sometimes the Distance box will be shaded. If it is shaded green, that means this note is very close to the last and is one to pay attention to. These close notes can be very easy to ride right past. Pay attention. If it is shaded blue, the note contains a WPM (Waypoint Masked). If it is shaded red, there is a WPS (Waypoint Safety). If the accumulated distance has a Red line under it, there is a !! in the note.
In the Tulip box, you will see a graphic illustration of the intersection or navigational reference point. The accumulated distance is correct at the Tic Mark. Any notes or symbols in the center box are related to the location of the Tic Mark. Sometimes you may see the CAP in the Tulip Box. We call these a Floating CAP. A Floating CAP is describing the heading you will be on at the Arrowhead of the tulip drawing.
The After box is used to give you information for the section between the current note and the next one. There may be symbols or words to let you know the next section is curvy or rocky or uphill. In the lower left corner of the After box may be a CAP heading in with a yellow background. We call this the Standard CAP. The Standard CAP is correct leaving the Tic mark on the Tulip. In the lower right hand corner of the After box, there may be the word GPS. If you make a long press on GPS, your device will open your mapping software with a waypoint for that Note on it. This can be useful for getting yourself back on track. CAP and GPS information is only available if the roadbook author chose to share it with you.
Once you have completed the directions provided to you in the note, you scroll to the next one, follow the road/2-track/trail to the next location and do it again.
These are the basics you need to know to follow a Roadbook Tour. Take a look at our other posts to learn more about things like waypoints and CAP. Then get out and give it a try!