We have a "system" that will allow you to confirm that you have reached a roadbook "waypoint" in the dunes. Once the "system" indicates you have arrived, you can adjust your odometer to the correct km to match the roadbook at that point. We will explain the very simple "system" a day or two before the race. Like Dakar WPM's, you have to get close (like maybe a kilometer or a few hundred meters) before you'll know exactly where the point is. In many cases you'll know where it is before you can even see the location. There's no need for any flag or physical item there, though we MIGHT put flags at SOME of those points just to give you that warm and fuzzy feeling. And we'll load a couple of true waypoints into your GPS so you can find your way out and back onto the course in case you get totally lost. I know this is a bit vague. It all sounds trickier than it actually is. You've experienced enough of my roadbooks to know I try to create interesting challenges that give you maximum satisfaction at the end of the day. This rally should be possible for a near beginner navigator who rides fairly well, yet challenging for the experts at top speed. Stage 1 is short and simple so everyone can get it figured out before getting into the monster dunes and long days. And the first 100 miles of Stage 2 has relatively simple navigation, so again, you're not thrown into the tougher stuff until you're well warmed up.
Thanks for explaining that Scott. I think a few folks have been hesitant about the navigation being to hard or tricky, especially in the dunes. I think this post clears that up. I like how you're planning a nice ramp with easier stuff early on. Plus it's always nice to remember you can race every day, even if you have to bail out on a stage. Also remember that there will be a short "official" nav session as part of registration on Tuesday afternoon. We'll go over the GPS "system" there too. The purpose of the waypoints is to ensure that you stay on course and don't get lost. It's a benefit.
Sounds completely awesome, and I'm sure I'll be delighted about bike choice, provided the thing keeps running all the way to the end. Hard to tell with the kids these days.
A Harley has been on the route. Sweet when we are lost we can just follow the oil slick. I really hope I can make this and the training before hand. Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk 2
Team: Any of you guys planning on racing the Diabolico? It's going to be a blast. Get yourselves signed up ASAP so we can go have some fun!
I am 99% in, pending one minor issue that has to clear up before I can send the $$. My reasoning for going: 1) Scott has proven himself the master of great routes over many years. This is not a thrown together event with a lot of promotion but less follow through. It is carefully constructed and will have all the elements we could hope for to have a truly awesome event, including terrain, safety, organization, routes, etc. 2) The other folks involved- who has ever had more fun than spending time with the folks putting it on and going? 3) The location looks amazing. Not so remote we can't get there, but basically brand new to all of us. And jeebus, have you looked at the terrain? 4) I really like riding rallies. How could I miss this one?
Just back from a couple of days scouting, meeting with one of our new big new sponsors, and working with the guys doing the environmental impact study. All those things are falling into place better than expected. Here are a couple of photos from the scouting... Pit stop for enviro study: A very cool place along the course: There's a good amount of hard-pack roads: Some "locals" out enjoying the dunes. They had heard of Rally Diabolico, and all wanted to volunteer to help at the event. We may take them up on that to help pickup any broken bikes in the remote areas. A simple spelling mistake: More of the super fun stuff:
Man I wish I could swing this and norra but i am commited to norra this year but will be all over this next year !
Yeah, I committed early when the Baja Rally was originally going to be in May. Could only swing 2 out of the 3 so opted for the NORRA 1000 and the Baja Rally (I was just going to stay in Mexico in between the two events). Already made other commitments for business on the dates of Diabolical. Had I known earlier about the postponement of the Baja Rally, I probably would have planned for Diabolical. But as you said - there's next year!
I posted this on RDC where there was a question about difficulty... We're trying to make it so a moderately experienced racer with a capable vehicle can do it. The navigation will be challenging, but mainly because of the terrain, not any tricks or complicated concepts. It's pretty much the same as in Dakar or any quality cross-country rally. Take a NORRA Roadbook, step it up a notch for the "HP" roadless sections (i.e. dunes), and you'll have a Diabolico roadbook. You WILL have to be on your toes in watching your odometer and compass headings. Much of the "extreme" verbiage on the website is oriented towards those who have never navigated with a roadbook, and/or never been in enormous dunes. This rally is quite different from anything most North American off-roaders have experienced. We understand the concerns many have over the difficulty of the navigation. Here are 10 things at Rally Diabolico that should relieve those concerns: 1) We want this to be challenging, but achievable by everyone who enters. 2) We will have a navigation class just before the race. 3) Everyone will have a SPOT tracker so we can see where you are. 4) We will have crews around the course who can go get you if you're lost or stranded. 5) Unless you're leading the race, the tracks from those ahead of you can help you find your way. 6) There will be a handful of waypoints loaded into your GPS to help you find your way back to a known point on the course or back to the bivouac if you get lost. 7) In the dunes, many of the "waypoints" will have a flag marker so you know when you're in the right place. Your GPS will also help with that. 8) The first day is easy navigation, so you can ease into it without being overwhelmed. 9) The first 150 miles of the second day are easy navigation. 10) The hardest navigation is on the last day. If you can follow a compass heading and your odometer, it's fairly easy. The challenge is sticking on that compass heading in the terrain you're faced with. By that 4th day, you should be getting pretty good at this!
This looks so fantastic....!!! Although I am intimidated by the dunes and my lack of nav experience, those points made by HogWild above are pushing me to throw caution to the wind! I think the RMS course pre-rally would be a terrific addition as well. Where else could we get a Dakar like experience, like we all dream about? Gotta make some calls. I'll kick myself if I miss this. Not sure if I can reorganize work but damned if I don't try. dc
Shorter gas range! We have modified the course to allow for two gas stops on the long stages for motos/quads. The longest range needed is now 85 miles. One stop will be neutralized, while the other is "on the clock". Those with a range of 150 miles can skip the "on the clock" stop and only utilize the neutralized stop. Entry includes 5 gallons of pit gas for each moto/quad for each of the two long days. We are also allowing one "on the clock" stop for cars/trucks/UTVs on the long stages. The Driver / Navigator must shut down and exit the vehicle, and pour their own gas from cans they supply. No race crews are allowed in or near the gas pit. Each car/truck/UTV wishing to utilize the gas pit must supply their own gas in their own cans to race officials the day before the long stages (Stage 2 & 3). Diabolico officials will deliver those gas cans to the gas pit. The longest stage is approximately 225 miles. The pit will allow a car/truck/UTV with 150 mile range to complete the course.