2012 Rules -- Instructions

[Jeff Alperin]

Hi Lonnie,

Do I understand correctly that for stages after stage one the instructions won't be available until 20 minutes before the start of the stage (VII-B-2-c)?

My experiments with loading instructions into my roadbook holder (the Acerbis) indicate that 20 minutes may not be sufficient to trim, tape, and load them.

[jurassic]

we are considering that rule ,and will let you know if we can adjust that time schedule. John Classen does offer a service in which his staff will trim ,tape and roll all stages of your course instructions for a fee. the only problem with that is you cant easily check out the course instructions before leaving. the reason for handing them out in the morning is so we can control when each rider leaves.

[Jeff Alperin]

It sounds like you are already considering other ways to control when a rider begins a stage. How about an arrangement using a timeclock and a timecard for each team? Stamp the team out and in for each stage?

[Jeff Alperin]

Hi again, Lonnie,

I just experimented with trimming, taping, and loading instructions into my Acerbis unit. I printed the seven page example instructions twice. I used ten pages plus a half page leader and half page trailer (necessary to avoid hiding instructions). I taped on both sides since I had previously found problems winding either forward or backward if I didn't tape both sides. I started with the RoadBook Holder empty and open (presumably from unloading the prior evening). I have a paper trimmer, and was able to do three sheets at a time. I used a scissors only to cut notches on both ends of the roll to help loading. I timed myself with a stopwatch.

The trim, tape and notch time was 20:13. The load time was 7:19. Total 27:32.

Maybe I will get faster with practice, but I've already done it a few times and know what to expect. I could switch to the larger, recommended version of the RoadBook Holder to save the trimming time (damn it, should have measured that separately), but I suspect that the process will still take me the full 20 minutes or more. I bought the Acerbis because I thought the larger model would be difficult to mount on my bars or tank.

Please note, I did not annotate or even read the instructtions. Had I completed the process in 15 minutes, I would still be going to the start line without much sense of the day's journey.

If I had my 'druthers, a mad dash to prepare the RoadBook is not how I would spend the 20 minutes just before the start of a stage. I might hit the head, check my motorcycle, put on my riding suit, and warm up the engine.

Seems to me that the RoadBook should be an issue for the night before. If that is not possible, at least an hour should be allotted.

But, that said, I will do whatever I have to do.

Regards, Jeff Alperin
The Cannonball and The Beast

[jurassic]

these are all valid concerns, i'll pass them on to John Classen and discuss it.

[Kris Thompson]

As a 2010 Cannonballer, here are my 2 cents worth....(worth about a penny) I made my own very poor quality map holder with the same basic design as the road book. I felt rather rushed every morning with just getting the bike ready, clothing, gas, supplies etc that an added job of rolling is not a pleasant thought. At some point last time we were in fact given the maps the night before an I loved that idea. I did not look at the course the night before. I never had time to do anything but wrench. I feel that the a timing device or plan in the morning to prevent a guy from starting early would be a better solution. Looking at the pages you really don't get a real good sense where your going anyway. Just follow the instructions and enjoy every turn.




Hi again, Lonnie,

I just experimented with trimming, taping, and loading instructions into my Acerbis unit. I printed the seven page example instructions twice. I used ten pages plus a half page leader and half page trailer (necessary to avoid hiding instructions). I taped on both sides since I had previously found problems winding either forward or backward if I didn't tape both sides. I started with the RoadBook Holder empty and open (presumably from unloading the prior evening). I have a paper trimmer, and was able to do three sheets at a time. I used a scissors only to cut notches on both ends of the roll to help loading. I timed myself with a stopwatch.

The trim, tape and notch time was 20:13. The load time was 7:19. Total 27:32.

Maybe I will get faster with practice, but I've already done it a few times and know what to expect. I could switch to the larger, recommended version of the RoadBook Holder to save the trimming time (damn it, should have measured that separately), but I suspect that the process will still take me the full 20 minutes or more. I bought the Acerbis because I thought the larger model would be difficult to mount on my bars or tank.

Please note, I did not annotate or even read the instructtions. Had I completed the process in 15 minutes, I would still be going to the start line without much sense of the day's journey.

If I had my 'druthers, a mad dash to prepare the RoadBook is not how I would spend the 20 minutes just before the start of a stage. I might hit the head, check my motorcycle, put on my riding suit, and warm up the engine.

Seems to me that the RoadBook should be an issue for the night before. If that is not possible, at least an hour should be allotted.

But, that said, I will do whatever I have to do.

Regards, Jeff Alperin
The Cannonball and The Beast


[/quote]

[Jeff Alperin]

Hello again, Lonnie.

Will there be changes to the rules before the riders converge on Newburgh? In particular, have you reconsidered when you will make the roadbook pages available?

Thanks for making The Cannonball possible.

Regards,
Jeff Alperin

[jurassic]

Hi Jeff, if there are any changes to the rules , we will send out an email to let you know. No decisions have been made concerning the course instructions.