Time Keeping W/ Roll Chart and Spedo/Odo

[dp400]

I'm going to run my first enduro (piglet) and would like to know how to keep time. I have a Trailtech (? spelling) computer that has odo, spedo. average speed,top speed. How do I use all this stuff plus a roll chart. Do you try to run an average speed from point A to point B. I'm not even really sure what info is on a roll chart. I would like to figure it all out before the race starts so I can practice time keeping during the race.

 

[MCassle]

I have a real hard time explaining the concept (it took me a few enduros just to figure out what I was doing, or rather, just how late I was ;) ), so I'll just point you in the direction of a few webpages that will perhaps answer some of the questions you have:

http://www.ama-d36.org/Blurbs/enduro_basics.html
http://sera.dirtrider.net/EBMenu.html
http://www.nmaoffroad.org/endurobasics.htm
http://www.tscec.org/basics.htm

These are some great articles & stories on the subject, and I still reread these today from time to time:
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/2time1.html
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/3time2.html
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/4time3.html
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/5time-4.html

Btw, I'll be at the piglet too ... email me @ MCassle@attbi.com if you have any specific questions about the Piglet :)

HTH,
Matt

 

[CERAChris]

To go with the timekeeping concept from the articles above, you can use your Trailtech computer as your odometer (make sure you know how to bump up the mileage for resets), a cheap Casio digital watch attached to your bars, and a roll chart.

The roll chart will display the mileage for each possible checkpoint location, with the time that you're supposed to be there (assuming you have set your watch correctly, see the articles on that). Simply look at your odo, find the next corresponding mileage/time on roll chart, and see if you are close on time. When in doubt, DO NOT pass the folks on the minute in front of you.

 

[D36-108A]

There are a whole bunch of different roll charts to choose from. Only some of them show only the possible checks. Most show what your mileage is supposed to be at each minute or vice versa. If you don't get a "possibles only" JART chart (#4, #7?), and even if you do, it's a good idea to learn the possible check interval for each speed average.

A roll chart, clock or stopwatch, and a resettable odometer are every bit as effective as a computer, possibly more so. But you do have to learn when to stop looking at them and just ride like your hair is on fire.

 

[NVR FNSH]

I highly recommend the Talking Homer Simpson Watch from Burger King:) I used a wrist watch & Trailtech at the Training Wheels in December and won my class with 5 pts. It was a family enduro so take that info for what it's worth. Just put the trailtech in the speed/odo screen and leave it there. You'll need to bump the odo for resets.

DO NOT try to wear the watch on your wrist - put it on the bars. Trust me on this one. The clock on the trail tech is too hard to set and too small to be of any use so get the watch.

I run my mechanical odo as a backup since people (Mick) have lost the magnet/pick-up during a race.

Brian

 

[AKCPlumb]

D36-108A Right on the money "A roll chart, clock or stopwatch, and a resettable odometer are every bit as effective as a computer, possibly more so. But you do have to learn when to stop looking at them and just ride like your hair is on fire."
DP400
If you get a chance this coming weekend go to your local riding area, find the tightest trails you can and set up a course that is at least a mile long. time yourself throuh it a few times and figure out what your speed average is. When you get the roll cart mark those speed averages in green that are above what you can maintain, these are thae areas you do not need to timekeep in as 108A has said. If you hit one of the "green" areas and it is wide open road you will knwo that this section is eaiser than the single track you figured out your average and may need to keep time.