GPS vs. Roadbook: When to Use What (And Why You Actually Need Both)

Hey rally maniacs-to-be! Scratching your head about whether to dive into roadbook navigation or stick with good ol’ GPS? Trust us, we see this question a lot at Cross Country ADV. Especially since more rally races are offering Adventure classes where GPS is totally cool. Let’s cut through the confusion and get you sorted!

The Navigation Showdown: Roadbook vs. GPS

First up – the roadbook. Yeah, it’s got that classic Dakar vibe, but there’s way more to it than just looking cool with your rally tower. Think of a roadbook as your crystal ball on steroids. It’s not just showing you where to go – it’s literally spelling out the adventure ahead.

Those little symbols? They’re basically your trail fortune teller. “Watch out, nasty rocks in 200 meters!” or “Heads up, that innocent-looking turn gets sketchy real quick!” It’s like having a pro rider whispering tips in your ear. Plus, when you’re prepping for a stage, scanning through your roadbook is like watching a movie of tomorrow’s ride. Dakar pros? They eat this stuff for breakfast, planning their attack for each section before their tires touch dirt.

Now, GPS – the stuff you already know. Let’s be real: it’s navigation on easy mode. Follow the line, don’t get lost, job done. No need to decode symbols or juggle paper rolls while wrestling your bike through sand. Sweet and simple, right?

But here’s the catch – GPS is like riding with blinders on. Sure, you know where to go, but what’s coming up? That’s a surprise party you might not want to attend! No heads-up about that sneaky ditch or that rock garden that eats bikes for lunch.

When to Use What?

Trust your GPS when:

• You’re still figuring out which end of the rally tower is up
• You’re rocking the Adventure class (it’s a great place to start!)
• You’re doing a training run and just want to nail the basic route
• Your brain needs to focus 100% on not eating dirt

Rock the roadbook when:

• You’re ready to try your mojo in a rally class that doesn’t allow GPS
• You want to channel your inner Dakar hero
• You need the full scoop on what’s ahead
• You’re training for the real deal

Here’s the Pro Move: Use Both!

Real talk? The smartest riders don’t pick sides – they run both. Here’s why that’s genius:

1. Baby steps: Start with GPS while you’re getting comfy, then slowly add roadbook skills to your toolkit
2. Run your GPS and your roadbook in parallel trying to use the roadbook only; that way, you’ll be learning – and if you get hopelessly lost, the GPS will get you back on track
3. Backup plan: When one system goes “nope,” the other’s got your back
4. Level up: Using both makes you a navigation ninja
5. Keep your options open: Race any class, any event, anywhere (almost)

Your Game Plan

Want our hot take on how to nail this?

1. Get comfortable with GPS – no shame in starting simple
2. Start playing with roadbook navigation during your chill rides
3. Mix and match both systems when you’re feeling confident
4. Hit up some roadbook navigation training

Look, even the seasoned pros aren’t too proud to use GPS sometimes. It’s not about being a purist – it’s about being smart and staying safe while pushing your limits.

Whether you’re dreaming of Dakar or just want to level up your adventure game, mastering both systems is your ticket to the rally world. Because let’s face it – half the fun is in knowing what’s coming and being ready to tackle it head-on!

Ready to up your navigation game?

Drop by our shop to check out our CARBONFOX rally towers and navigation equipment.  And hey – our team (including Tamas himself) has been through every navigation nightmare you can imagine, so we know exactly how to help you avoid them. Hit us up – let’s get you rally-ready!