For many newcomers to historic rallying, navigation can seem like one of the most daunting aspects of an event. Terms such as roadbooks, tulips, regularities and marked maps are often unfamiliar, yet they form the foundation of many HERO-ERA events.
The good news is that HERO-ERA's Green (Introductory) and Blue (Intermediate) events use navigation systems designed to guide competitors around the route using clear instructions and established navigation formats.
This guide explains some of the most common navigation methods used on HERO-ERA events.
The Route Book
The route book contains the information needed to complete the event in the correct order.
It provides route instructions for link sections, regularities, tests and halts throughout the event. On Green and Blue events, the route information is presented using a variety of navigation techniques including tulip diagrams, jogularities and marked maps.
The route book is used throughout the event and provides competitors with the information required to follow the correct route.
Do I Need Maps?
One common misconception is that competitors need to spend hours plotting routes onto maps before an event.
On HERO-ERA Green and Blue events, this is generally not necessary. The route information provided is sufficiently detailed that competitors can follow the instructions directly from the route book without needing additional maps.
As competitors progress to more advanced navigation formats on other events, maps may become a more significant part of the navigation process.
What Is a Tulip Diagram?
Tulips are one of the most widely used forms of navigation on HERO-ERA events.
A tulip diagram provides a simple representation of a junction. A ball indicates where the competitor approaches the junction from, while an arrow indicates the direction of travel through the junction.
Additional information may also be included to assist competitors in confirming they are following the correct route.
One of the key principles of tulip navigation is:
"Unless you have been told to turn at a junction, don't."
Not every junction is shown in the route instructions. If a junction does not appear in the route book, competitors should normally continue along the road they are already travelling on.
Regularities
Regularities are timed sections where competitors follow a specified route and are assessed at timing points located along that route.
Timing points are positioned at unknown locations and competitors are required to maintain the prescribed average speed.
On UK events there will normally be at least two miles between timing points, while on European events there will generally be at least two kilometres between timing points.
What Is a Jogularity?
A jogularity combines route information and timing information into a single table.
On Green and Blue events this may be presented using tulip diagrams or descriptive instructions alongside timing information.
The format allows competitors to follow the route and reference the required timing information within the same set of instructions.
Blind Tulips
Blind tulips are similar to standard tulip diagrams but do not include an arrow showing the direction of travel.
Instead, competitors use the accompanying instructions provided in the route book to determine the correct route through the junction.
Marked Maps
Marked maps are commonly used on Blue events.
In this format, the correct route is shown directly on a map extract. The route may be indicated using coloured lines, tramlines or point-to-point instructions.
Marked maps may also include supporting information such as distances and junction details to assist competitors in following the route accurately.
Cumulative Speed Tables
Cumulative Speed Tables are used on some regularities.
These tables provide the timing calculations required throughout the regularity section and allow competitors to leave their stopwatch running while following the route.
They are commonly used alongside marked maps and tulip regularities.
Test Diagrams
Driving tests are presented using test diagrams.
These diagrams show the route competitors must follow and include key information such as the bogey time, maximum time and any additional instructions required to complete the test correctly.
Competitors should study the diagram carefully before attempting the test.
Final Thoughts
Roadbooks, tulips, regularities and marked maps are all designed to help competitors navigate a HERO-ERA event accurately.
While the terminology may appear unfamiliar at first, understanding these navigation formats becomes much easier once they are seen in practice.
By learning how route books, tulips, jogularities, marked maps and cumulative speed tables work together, competitors can approach their next event with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of the navigation systems used throughout historic rallying.
If you'd like to learn more about historic rallying and navigation, you may find these resources useful:
- Navigation Aids Collection
- Rally Essentials Collection
- What Equipment Do I Need for My First Historic Rally?
- HERO Membership
Share:
What Equipment Do I Need for My First Historic Rally?
The Essential Rally Equipment Checklist