That's great, thanks man. I'll keep my distance/mask up when I don't have my helmet on, but it's good to know in case of trouble I don't have to solely rely on my gf who is in DC without a car. And vice versa happy to help out when needed of course.
I'll PM you later to make proper introductions
The organisation mentions navigation with roll charts, but also 'arrowed course'. So not sure what to make of it. Any insights? I don't have any experience with the old ways but happy to learn if needed.
I'll be at the event as well as SJ, so there will be a couple of guys for you to ride with.
The roll chart is very similar to what you would get in an enduro, It will give you directions based on mileage. So alway set your Tripmeter to zero (if you can) at the start. It will say example "at 1.6 miles LT" (Left Turn) or maybe at 2.7 miles, RT right turn etc. It depends on the club but most use the same format. Also, the mileage is laid out by the club using their bikes and odometers, so your mileage could maybe match theirs closely or be off by tenths of a mile, so it it not uncommon to see mileage markers at turns and such, ALWAYS reset your tripmeter to what they list at signs and course markings etc. so you can try and stay close to their mileage.
more info here:
http://www.rollcharts.org/rollchartdef.html
As far as the course being arrowed, 99% of the time that is more than enough to stay on the course, but sometimes they get torn down or even moved by people who don't want the event, so that is where the roll chart is the answer. example, If you get to a intersection where the roll charts says go right but the arrows are set for a left, I would defer to the roll chart and turn right.
This is a cruise kinda event so, we will have fun and not try and run at a race pace. you won't hold anyone up. You'll need to pick up a roll chart holder if you want to run the roll chart. I'll have it loaded on my bike.
Here are some typical meanings for the stuff you'll see on the roll chart:
S = straight
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 to xx.x= roll your trip meter until it's reset
to match the provided mileage at the given sign or marker
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.