Course Marking
Good course marking is absolutely crucial to the success of an Enduro or Hare Scrambles for two reasons.
- First, is the safety of the riders. The purpose of arrowing the course is not just simply to show the riders which way to go but also alert them to obstacles ahead.
- Second, is to provide for riders enjoyment. There is nothing more frustrating for a rider than trying to follow a poorly marked course.
There are a couple of things which contribute to a well marked course.
Visibility
Most important is the visibility of the materials to be used. Arrows, wrong way markers and ribbon should be different colors and highly visible.
Consistency
Course workers strive to maintain the same pattern and level of marking throughout the course.
Course marking tools
If the course is marked properly:
- Arrows should be placed just above the average riders eye level. This helps prevent them from being obscured by dust, or another rider in front of you.
- Arrows should be angled to match the sharpness of the turn.
- Down arrow signifies there is an obstacle ahead and you should take caution.
- Wrong way markers should be placed just above the average riders eye level whenever you approach a spot where the possibility exists of taking the wrong trail, riders should be able to see both an arrow and a wrong way marker.
