Navigation Training – Choose Your Class
Let’s briefly explore each class. Choose the class that suits your style and let’s dive into the exciting world of off-road navigation!
CLASS 1
Mobile Device Digital Roadbook & GPX – RoadbookRally App
This class is perfect for riders who prefer to use their mobile devices for navigation. We’ll guide you through the RoadbookRally app, which allows you to navigate using digital roadbooks or GPX routes.
CLASS 2
Mobile Device GPX Files – Locus Maps App Etc
If you’re comfortable with GPX files and want to explore different mobile apps, this class is for you. We primarily focus on the Locus Maps app but also touch on alternatives like Osmand Maps and GPX Viewer Pro.
CLASS 3
Garmin Device GPX Files – Garmin & other GPS Devices
For those who prefer dedicated GPS devices, we offer a comprehensive guide on using Garmin devices for navigation. You’ll learn how to use the BaseCamp software to manage your maps and routes.
CLASS 4
Class 4: Group Riding – Following the Pack
For riders who prefer the camaraderie of group rides, this class will provide tips on how to safely follow other riders and enjoy the shared adventure. This class offers a sense of community and the assurance of never riding alone.
CLASS 1: Mobile Device Digital Roadbook & GPX – RoadbookRally App
RoadbookRally App - Introduction
Discover the power of navigation right at your fingertips with the RoadbookRally mobile app. Compatible with both Android and Apple devices, this innovative app allows you to navigate your journey using a digital roadbook or a GPX version of your chosen route. There’s no need to load any files directly onto the app. Instead, the route builder provides you with a unique PIN. Simply input this PIN into the app, and it swiftly downloads your roadbook or GPX route onto your device for convenient navigation. Plus, once your route is downloaded, the app operates offline, eliminating the need for a constant internet connection. Enjoy the freedom of the open road with RoadbookRally.
Step 1 - Download & install the RoadbookRally App
- Navigate to your device’s app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iPhones) and search for ‘RoadbookRally’.
Here is a shortcut link for Android Play Store for the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roadbookrally.rbrr - Tap on the ‘Install’ button to initiate the download process. Allow the app to download and install completely onto your device.
- Open the RoadbookRally app from your device’s home screen or app drawer to begin exploring your navigation options.
- Upon launching the app, you’re not required to register an account. Instead, you can simply input a PIN provided by your route designer and start your journey immediately with the ‘Click and Ride’ feature.
- Alternatively, you have the option to set up an account, giving you access to a wide range of public routes to browse and select for your next adventure.
- The RoadbookRally app supports both digital roadbook and typical GPX line format for route navigation. When you enter a PIN, it will load either a roadbook or a GPX navigation route depending on how the route was designed. Please note, even for the same route, roadbook and GPX navigation will have distinct PINs.
Step 2 - Change setting to help learn roadbook navigation
If you’re already comfortable with setting up apps, you may not need these instructions. However, if you’re new to roadbook navigation, we recommend following these steps:
- Start by opening the RoadbookRally app and navigating to the settings tab from the home screen. The first key setting we’re going to adjust involves the ‘tulip’ distance countdown feature.
- Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Roadbook’ > ‘Other’. Here, find the ‘Distance to Waypoint’ option and select ‘Countdown Modern’. This will ensure the distance to each tulip counts down as you approach it.
- The second key setting to adjust is the autoscroll feature. Unique to this app, autoscroll automatically moves through your roadbook as you approach and leave the ‘tulip’ waypoints. This removes the need for rally buttons, making your adventure ride smoother.
- Autoscroll can be adjusted directly on the roadbook, but for ease of use, it’s best to set it to start automatically, even if you manually scroll the roadbook. To do this, navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Roadbook’ > ‘Autoscroll’ and make sure the toggle is deselected.
With these settings in place, you’re all set to start your training and take on the open road with confidence!
Step 3 - Opening your digital roadbook
Now, let’s load a demo roadbook to familiarize you with its features. Remember, a roadbook is designed with a specific starting point and route in mind, so testing one might not provide an immediately rideable experience if you’re not near the designated route or starting point. However, you can still explore a demo roadbook to get comfortable with how it functions.
Follow these steps to load our demo roadbook:
- We provide a demo local roadbook with the PIN ‘G7LQ‘. To load this roadbook, open the RoadbookRally app and enter the PIN on the home screen.
- Click on ‘Load & Ride’. This action downloads the roadbook and takes you to a summary page before opening the actual roadbook. The summary page also includes the starting point for the route.
- Click on ‘Start/Restart Ride’. This will open the roadbook, allowing you to interact with and explore it.
By exploring this demo roadbook, you’ll get a feel for how they look and operate, setting you up for a successful ride when it’s time to use a real one.
Step 4 - Working with adigital roadbook
Great, now let’s move on to manipulating the digital roadbook. If you’re not using rally buttons on your adventure bike, you have a range of options to interact with the roadbook.
A digital roadbook provides step-by-step instructions, meant to be read from left to right. It consists of visual cues known as ‘tulips’ – these are stylized diagrams that depict the route, including distances, obstacles, and directions.
Follow these tips to navigate through your digital roadbook:
- You can enable the autoscroll toggle if you’re riding, and the roadbook will scroll automatically.
- Alternatively, you can manually scroll through your roadbook by tapping on the top or bottom tulip. Please note, swiping doesn’t work for this function – only tapping.
- If you’re on the first tulip and tap to scroll up, you’ll be taken back to the summary screen.
- Tapping down will scroll through your roadbook one tulip at a time.
- If you tap on the odometer (odo) on a tulip, it will sync your overall odometer to match it.
- Activating autoscroll is as simple as clicking on it.
- A default feature of the app is the automatic recording of your route. This starts as soon as your roadbook opens and will upload your ride once your roadbook is completed.
With these steps in mind, the next step is to familiarize yourself with the different tulips and indicators. Once you have a good understanding of these, you’ll be ready to hit the road. Good luck on your adventure!
CLASS 2: Mobile Device GPX Files – Locus Maps App Etc
Locus Maps and other apps - Introduction
Welcome to Class 2, where we dive into the world of GPX file navigation using mobile apps like Locus Maps and others. These applications allow you to load and navigate routes using GPX or KMZ format files, offering a versatile navigation experience.
Here at Rally Rampage, we hold a particular fondness for Locus Maps, but we also strongly support other options such as OsmAnd Maps and GPX File Viewer Pro. In the following sections, we’ll guide you on how to download these apps and load the necessary navigation files, whether they’re in GPX or KMZ format, setting you up for a seamless navigation experience.
Step 1 - Installing Locus Maps or Similar Navigation Apps
Follow these simple steps to download and install Locus Maps or other similar navigation apps on your mobile phone or tablet:
- Open your device’s app store – Google Play Store for Android devices, or the Apple App Store for iOS devices.
- In the search bar, type the name of the navigation app you wish to install, such as ‘Locus Maps’, ‘OsmAnd Maps’, or ‘GPX File Viewer Pro’.
- From the search results, select the appropriate app.
- Tap on the ‘Install’ button to begin the download process. Allow the app to download and install completely onto your device.
- Once installed, locate the app on your device’s home screen or app drawer and open it to start setting up for navigation.
Remember, each of these apps will have a slightly different setup process and user interface, so take some time to familiarize yourself with the app of your choice.
Step 2 - Setting Up and Understanding Basic Functionality of the App
Once you’ve installed your chosen navigation app, it’s crucial to understand its basic functionality and set it up correctly for offline use. Many navigation apps share common features, and getting acquainted with these will make your navigation experiences smoother.
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Load Offline Base Map: To ensure you can navigate when you’re out in remote areas without internet connection, you need to load an offline version of the base map on your device. This is typically done within the app’s settings or map download section.
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Understanding Home Screen Features: The home screen of most navigation apps will have three key features:
- Zoom Function: You can zoom in and out on the map by pinching the screen. This allows you to see details or get a broader view of your route.
- Center Map: There’s usually a button or feature that enables you to center the map on your current location, ensuring you’re always aware of where you are.
- Map Rotation: The map can usually be rotated to either have north at the top, or to align with your current riding direction.
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Exploring the App: After installing the base map and understanding the home screen features, take some time to explore the rest of the app. Dive into the settings, experiment with different features, and get comfortable navigating the app’s interface. This hands-on exploration will make it easier when it’s time to load your navigation file and start using the app for actual navigation.
Remember, the more familiar you are with your navigation app, the easier and more enjoyable your riding experiences will be.
Step 3 - Loading a Navigation or Route File
After setting up your app and becoming familiar with its features, the next step is to load a navigation or route file. This file will display your route as a line on your map. Here’s how to do it:
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Obtain a Route File: Routes are typically provided in GPX or KMZ file formats. You can either create a route yourself (at Rampage, we use Google My Maps for this) or obtain one from someone else. Make sure your navigation app supports the file format of your route.
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Receive the File: There are various ways to receive your route file. It could be sent to you via email or instant messaging apps like WhatsApp. Another common method is sharing the file on a cloud service like Google Drive. The ultimate goal is to get the GPX or KMZ file onto your device.
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Open the File: Once the file is on your device, you need to open it. If your navigation app is properly installed, clicking on a GPX or KMZ/KML file should prompt your device to ask if you want to open the file using your navigation app.
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Load the Route: Select your navigation app to open the file. The app should then load the file, displaying the route on your map.
Remember, the idea is to get the navigation file onto your device and open it in your chosen app, which will allow you to see and follow the route during your journey.
Step 4 - Actual Navigation – Following Your Route
Many of us have grown accustomed to the convenience of Google Maps, with its detailed verbal and visual instructions. However, when navigating off-road, this approach isn’t typically possible, even though you have a route file and a line showing on your device. Here’s how to navigate using your chosen app:
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Set Your Device to Follow You: On your app screen, activate the feature that enables the device to track and follow your movement. You can choose to have the map oriented with north at the top, or in the direction you’re riding (track-up mode).
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Follow the Line: With your device tracking your movement, you’ll see the map scrolling as you progress along your route. Your task is to follow the line displayed on the map. This line represents your route, and you should aim to keep your position marker on it.
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Make Your Own Decisions: Unlike automated navigation systems, off-road navigation requires you to make decisions. If you encounter an unexpected obstacle, you might need to deviate from your planned route to bypass it. However, with your route line still visible, you can easily navigate back onto your intended path once you’ve passed the obstacle.
Remember, off-road navigation can be more challenging than traditional on-road navigation, but it also offers more freedom and adventure. With practice, you’ll get the hang of following the route line and making decisions on the fly. Enjoy the journey!
CLASS 3: Garmin Device GPX Files – Garmin & other GPS Devices
Garmin and GPS Devices Introduction
Welcome to the third class of our series, where we explore navigation using Garmin GPS devices. Garmin offers a specialized solution for off-road exploration, combining robust features and dedicated navigation tools.
In this section, we’ll guide you through installing base maps, importing GPX route files, and setting up your device for effective navigation. We’ll be using Garmin’s BaseCamp software, a comprehensive tool for managing maps and routes.
Let’s get started on enhancing your off-road navigation skills!
Step 1: Installing Base Map on Your Garmin Device
To get started with your Garmin GPS device, you first need to ensure that you have a base map installed for offline use. This is especially important for off-road navigation where internet connection might not be available. Here’s how:
- Connect Your Garmin Device: Connect your Garmin GPS device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open Garmin BaseCamp: Download and install Garmin BaseCamp on your computer if you haven’t done so already. Launch the application.
- Install Base Map: Follow the instructions provided by BaseCamp to install the base map onto your Garmin device.
Step 2: Understanding Basic Functionality of Your Garmin GPS
Once your base map is installed, it’s crucial to understand the basic functionality of your Garmin GPS device.
- Zoom Function: Use the zoom buttons or touch-screen function (depending on your model) to zoom in and out on the map. This allows you to see details or get a broader view of your route.
- Center Map: There’s usually a button or feature that enables you to center the map on your current location.
- Map Rotation: The map can be rotated to either have north at the top, or to align with your current riding direction.
Step 3: Loading a GPX Route File
After setting up your device and understanding its functions, the next step is to load a navigation or route file. Here’s how:
- Obtain a Route File: Routes for Garmin devices are typically provided in GPX format. You can either create a route yourself or obtain one from someone else.
- Connect Your Device: Connect your Garmin device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open Garmin BaseCamp: Launch the BaseCamp application on your computer.
- Import the GPX File: In BaseCamp, import the GPX file that you want to use.
- Transfer the Route: After the GPX file is imported into BaseCamp, you can then transfer it to your Garmin device.
Step 4 - Actual Navigation – Following Your Route
- Set Your Device to Follow You: On your device, activate the feature that enables it to track and follow your movement. You can choose to have the map oriented with north at the top, or in the direction you’re riding.
- Follow the Line: With your device tracking your movement, you’ll see the map updating as you progress along your route. Your task is to follow the line displayed on the map. This line represents your route, and you should aim to keep your position marker on it.
- Make Your Own Decisions: Unlike automated navigation systems, off-road navigation with a Garmin GPS requires you to make decisions. If you encounter an unexpected obstacle, you might need to deviate from your planned route. However, with your route line still visible, you can easily navigate back onto your intended path once you’ve passed the obstacle.
Remember, off-road navigation can be more challenging than traditional on-road navigation, but it also offers more freedom and adventure. With practice, you’ll get the hang of following the route line and making decisions on the fly. Enjoy the journey!
Class 4: Group Riding – Following the Pack
If you’re new to off-road biking or simply prefer the camaraderie of group riding, this final class is for you. Group riding allows you to navigate trails without the need for any specific navigation devices. Instead, you rely on following the rider in front of you.
While this method of navigation might seem straightforward, it’s crucial to remember a few things to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. Always maintain a safe distance from the rider in front of you to allow for unexpected stops or changes in direction. Keep an eye on the rider behind you and stop if they fall out of sight to ensure no one gets left behind.
Also, even though you are following the pack, it’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with the general route or area. This way, if you do get separated from the group, you have some sense of direction.
Group riding is not just about following others – it’s about teamwork, communication, and enjoying the journey together. So saddle up, rev those engines, and get ready for a shared adventure like no other!
Here are some relevant videos explaining what is a Rampage Rally One-Day Challenge, Rampage Training, How to setup mobile navigation and what is a handlebar controller.
What is a Rampage Rally One-Day Challenge?
Rampage Navigation Training Explained
Advice for using your mobile device and mounting options.
Why is navigation important?
Testing the tablet and bluetooth controller and showing how it is setup
Navigation Handlebar Controller explained
Using a mobile device for navigation has many benefits over traditional GPS devices!
A short video about Rampage Rally Events
Why is navigation important?
PREPARING FOR YOUR EVENT AND NAVIGATION
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