Waypoints when following a roadbook
There are several different types of waypoints used in roadbooks. In general, a waypoint is a specific location on the earth which is shown in your roadbook. Like a pin in Google Maps. In general, a waypoint has 2 imaginary circles around it. The size of the two circles are indicated in the roadbook near the waypoint symbol.
A common example in our roadbooks is 300-30m which means the big outside opening radius around the waypoint is 300 meters and the smaller inside waypoint validation radius is 30 meters. As you enter the outer Waypoint Opening circle, an arrow (along with other info like distance and direction to the waypoint) will appear on your device to guide you right to the waypoint and your device will beep. When you enter the smaller Waypoint Validation circle, you will have Validated or Acquired the waypoint. You will feel a bit of joy as it always feels good to know you are where you are supposed to be. The waypoint number in the After Box will turn green and your device will beep. This will also be reflected in the waypoint list you can access with a long press of the waypoint info at the bottom left of your screen. Your tripmeter will automatically adjust to the correct distance when you validate a waypoint.
Types of Waypoints
WPS – Security Waypoint – These are waypoints to warn you of dangerous situations. You are riding on public roads and are responsible for your own safety. Remember it is up to you to ride within your range of vision. Not all hazards are marked in the roadbook. And if you made a wrong turn and are off track, there are no hazards marked off the intended path. A WPS behaves similarly to a WPM.
WPM – Masked Waypoint – The Masked Waypoint is our most commonly used waypoint type. The WPM may not be visible on the ground. The arrow to guide you to validate does not show until you enter the larger circle around the waypoint. Once you do, the arrow will pop up along with distance and direction to the waypoint. When you enter the smaller circle around the waypoint, you will validate the waypoint.
WPE – Eclipse Waypoint – The Eclipse Waypoint may not be visible on the ground. With a WPE, the arrow pops up after you have acquired the previous waypoint. From that point, the arrow will be visible. This can be misleading (especially if it is far away from where you are). Make sure you continue to follow the roadbook instructions on your way to the WPE. It could be several notes away. Or there may be an obstacle between you and the WPE. Don’t just blindly follow the arrow. We use a WPE to guide you to the start location in the first note of the roadbook.
DSS – Depart Special Stage – The DSS is used to start a timed special stage section. The DSS will behave like a WPE. It is important to follow the roadbook (not the arrow) to get to the DSS just the same as a WPE discussed above. When you validate the DSS, the stopwatch at the bottom of your screen will start.
ASS – Arrive Special Stage – The ASS is used to end a timed special stage section. The ASS will behave like a WPM. When you validate the ASS, the stopwatch at the bottom of your screen will stop. A message will pop up asking if you want to send in your timing info to the organizer. It can be a surprise and covers your roadbook on TP. Pull over to the side and deal with the pop-up in a safe location. Write down your time (or take a picture of it) if you want to compare with your buddies. There is no way for you to see your time later. Then finish up the route.
DZ/FZ – Begin Speed Zone / Finish Speed Zone – These waypoints mark the beginning and end of speed zones. The DZ note will show the speed limit inside of an Orange Circle. The notes associated with a Speed Zone will have an orange border going around the group of them. Remember it is up to you to ride within the “rules of the road”.
Waypoints are helpful and lots of fun to find. It is great to have a validation that you are in the right place from time to time. There will be times where they really boost your confidence.
Are you ready hit some waypoints now? Head over to the Northwest Roadbooks Store and get a Roadbook Tour to ride today!