
Firstly, it is not a Subjective Notes book or a Pace Notes replacement.
When we drive, record and then write the road book, we write it as a form of Risk Assessment for the stages and event. Then as as a set of instructions to drive to the start of the stages, between the stages and to service, parc ferme etc.
Every line in the road book has a line number, they start at 1 at the beginning of every new stage. The start is number 1. Every line in the road book has a corresponding post in the ground, with a matching number, so the start flag is also number 1.
The physical posts in the ground are the same distances apart, as the instructions (Column 3) in the road book. They are on the RIGHT side of the track as you face forward, Iceland Navigator side.
HOWEVER if the instructions advice of a caution, the matching post number will be in the ground before the actual hazard, giving you additional warning.
Cautions are marked in fluorescent white as ! or !! or
They show in the road book like this.
!!! exclamations on a round red circle.
! we define as you are likely to feel this, you may come off but unlikely to have issues other than getting back on track
!! it is likely you will stop and need to carry out repairs.
!!! Please remember the SOS or OK boards, if you are able.
Of course what affects a beam axle vehicle and a fully independent buggy is different, we consider beam axles as the measure.
If you have an accurate distance meter (Trip Meter) go calibrate it on the measured distance we put out. That way you match the vehicle that was used to write the book.
For 2025 we have invested in an accurate GPS system from Brantz, so less likely to have errors due to wheel spins.
Your Navigator should at the start of each stages, zero your trip meter, have a pencil ready and the road book open.
As you pass each of posts and the subsequent line in the book, put a line through column 1 row/line number. Then you know where you are in the book and on the actual stage.
We incorporate in the road book some odd items as they can be easily seen and help you get back to the right line.
The 6th column (furthest to the right on the page) shows how much further you have to go. This is not to the stage end but to the next Time Control, frequently the Red Clock at the start of the next stage.
This is helpful for decisions like; shall we change a tyre, should we conserve fuel, when can I get a pee!
Be sure to read the instructions at the start of the road book as the following might apply or something else.
Columns 4 and 5 that give route instructions, have a line between the rows (as you would expect) however if there is no line, this is to remind you that the distances are very short a few metres and the instructions are therefore quick to read out.
If the rows are coloured, this can emphasise a QUITE Zone, or NO Service Zone, or special instructions.
Typically The Tulip diagram is all that is used, as our stages rarely cover bare ground with no track.
However some sand sections loose the track so we add arrows to posts and show them in the instruction line.