Ron Slott's Road Rally Navigation Guide
Lesson 2 - Tulips
Lesson 2 - Tulips
Well I hope you all now understand the basics of map references, as described in lesson 1. Don't forget that these 'instructionals' are really very basic. For example, we only touched on map references by explaining '6' figure refs. Often these refs can be made more precise by adding further characters. Ie: '8' and '10' figures. Don't be put off. The principle is exactly the same. Split the number in the middle and work it from there.
Another 'tip' comes to mind while we're still on references, and that is ........ if you look at your map, you will see that some of the grid line numbers are repeated all over the map. These are to help plotting when the map is folded and you can't see the edges, but, because they are in blue on a very busy and feature filled terrain, they are often difficult to see, particularly in a dark Rally Car and under artificial light. The solution is simple – Highlight them with a yellow highlighter :o) See the illustrations above. So there you have it – Tip of the week!
Another 'tip' comes to mind while we're still on references, and that is ........ if you look at your map, you will see that some of the grid line numbers are repeated all over the map. These are to help plotting when the map is folded and you can't see the edges, but, because they are in blue on a very busy and feature filled terrain, they are often difficult to see, particularly in a dark Rally Car and under artificial light. The solution is simple – Highlight them with a yellow highlighter :o) See the illustrations above. So there you have it – Tip of the week!
Now, at the end of the last instructional, I promised you a look at 'Tulips'! (and no, this is not a horticultural term when concerned with Rallying). So what is a 'Tulip'? A Tulip is basically a line diagram representation of a road junction .... Simples! Now, here is where you should note the term 'line diagram'. A line diagram is just what it says, a diagram of a junction constructed from 'lines' (Black on White). This means that there will not be any colours displayed, (as there is on the map). However, 'White Roads', which are colourless on the map are usually shown in a Tulip as a dotted line. A 'White' is often, but not always, a Private or unmade road (Dirt track). If you read the legend at the side of the map, you will note that 'Rights of Way' are designated with various dotted lines. The ones to note here are 'Road Used as a Public Path' (RUP) and 'Byway open to all traffic' (BOAT). Assume that any other white road is Private, or designated 'Footpath' or 'Bridleway', and hence not open to traffic. Always check your handout, before you start plotting, for the phrase 'C.R.O. or Coloured Roads Only'. If either of these are present, then the navigation will not take 'White Roads' into account. However, where a white is present at a junction to be represented as a Tulip (even in a 'CRO' section), it will often be shown in the Tulip as a dotted line (It is after all part of the junction).
In it's simplest form, a tulip will have a 'ball' denoting where the route comes from, and an 'arrow' showing where the route is going. So follow the road from where you are, to the next junction. Let's use our newly found map reference skills to see a 'Tulip in action'. Go to 'grid squares 6650 and 6750. In those squares there is one junction complex (Polecat Corner). Compare that junction with the single tulip shown above, and you will see what I mean by 'a line drawing of a junction'. Your route then, as explained earlier, enters the junction from the ball (in this case from the North), and departs with the arrow (to the East). Also consider, depending on who is 'setting' the Navigation, that the 'Polecat Corner' junction could be split (along Grid Line 67) into two separate junctions, and represented by two separate Tulips. As below:
Exercise:
Starting at an imaginary Time Control at 377476, and observing CRO, follow these tulips to the next TC. Note how whites are shown on some junctions, but not every white passed.
Starting at an imaginary Time Control at 377476, and observing CRO, follow these tulips to the next TC. Note how whites are shown on some junctions, but not every white passed.
To check that you have correctly plotted the route, 'click this link'.
Now as we know, nothing in life is always easy, and Rally organisers have a particular penchant for making life difficult. One of their favourite tricks is to remove the balls, and/or arrows from Tulips. However, as we mentioned earlier, a Tulip is just a line diagram representation of a junction. This means that we don't necessarily need the balls and arrows, just look for the next junction that looks like the next Tulip.
Exercise
Try these 'Arrowless' Tulips from 'another imaginary Time Control at 685304, Follow to the next TC.
Note: 'Tulip' no 12 - some maps show this as a 'Yellow'. Mine shows it as a 'White' so I have shown it as a white. Normally, as a white it would not be shown at all, as the route instruction is 'C.R.O'. But to allay any confusion for those with the yellow version, this will now work either way.
Check your route by 'clicking this link'.
At 'Expert' level, you are likely to be presented with Tulips without either 'balls' or 'arrows'. You may also have to contend with these out of order.
If you are having difficulty with any of this instruction, please feel free to e.mail me with your questions at [email protected] I will get back to you as soon as possible.
In our next lesson, we will be taking a look at 'Herringbones'. This is not an Angling term, neither is it cat food. Herringbones are a very popular form of Road Rally Navigation, and not without their hazards. Watch the site for the next installment, due in a couple of weeks time.
For this page in PDF Click HERE
Useful Links:
Don Barrow Rally Navigation http://www.donbarrow.co.uk
The Basic Roamer Company http://www.thebasicroamer.co.uk
Note: Before buying any equipment, check around your Motor Club Buddies first. You never know what is up for sale, or even available from the Club itself.
LINK TO NAV 3 - 'HERRINGBONES'
At 'Expert' level, you are likely to be presented with Tulips without either 'balls' or 'arrows'. You may also have to contend with these out of order.
If you are having difficulty with any of this instruction, please feel free to e.mail me with your questions at [email protected] I will get back to you as soon as possible.
In our next lesson, we will be taking a look at 'Herringbones'. This is not an Angling term, neither is it cat food. Herringbones are a very popular form of Road Rally Navigation, and not without their hazards. Watch the site for the next installment, due in a couple of weeks time.
For this page in PDF Click HERE
Useful Links:
Don Barrow Rally Navigation http://www.donbarrow.co.uk
The Basic Roamer Company http://www.thebasicroamer.co.uk
Note: Before buying any equipment, check around your Motor Club Buddies first. You never know what is up for sale, or even available from the Club itself.
LINK TO NAV 3 - 'HERRINGBONES'