Map system

After talking to another org'er today, he found this useful, so maybe more folks might.

This system is aimed at finding your way (at least roughly) to somewhere you'd ordinarily need a map for, but should help save having to buy a waterproof map, or even turning pages!

I've used the system for years, but it's got a lot more strict since I've been riding the bike.

OK, so an example...


OK, now an explaination.

The first line, is basically what I do for an unmissable road. Tells me the road I want, which direction (this is only ever used for motorways).

The second line, is a round about. That perticular example means to take the 3rd exit, from the direction I've come, and it should be signposted as being the A38. If this is the result of me coming off a motorway for example, I'll put the motorway name & junction number to the left of the roundabout.

The next, is traffic lights. This time, I'm turning right at the lights, heading towards Sutton-in-Ashfield, on the B6201.

The last, is a slight variation of the roundabout. Only this time, it's a mini roundabout, turning right, onto Conwy Road (which should have a street sign somewhere near the roundabout).

I've used this system for so long, that I can happily fit the directions from my house to Excel (a good 7hours worth of riding) on a single piece of A5. This then goes in a plastic wallet (see through) and then in the top of my Oxford Sports Tankbag. The result is simple. I can glance down at the tank bag, and get all the information I need. As soon as I've completed one "symbol" on the map, look at the next one so I know what's coming up, and just keep that in mind until you get past that point. Minimal time looking away from the road, and your brain actually processes the directions whlst you're looking at the road, instead of whilst your busy studying a map.

About the only symbols I can think of that I haven't given an example for, are T junctions & cross roads. I think you can imagine what I use for them.

If this is of any use to anyone, feel free to use it, modify it to your hearts content etc. If it's not of use, well, don't use it

[rictus01]

So a tank list then.

Only thing different that I do is "navigate by Town" i.e. At any junction, give the name of the town/village that the road leads to, so it's like saying:

"3rd exit towards Cardiff"

Other than that, my tank lists are very similar. Trying to read a map while riding is dangerous...

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