CHASING THE PINK RIBBON - Jeff Phillips

Chasing the Pink Ribbon

Understanding BITD Markings

One of the most important carryovers from Casey is “Course Marking”. Casey always believed in marking the race course so anyone, and he meant anyone, could follow the race course, not get lost and be as safe as he could make it possible! From a seasoned pro to a fi rst-time rookie racer, he wanted all participants to have an equal chance to navigate the racecourse. Obviously with the advent of GPS, navigating the direction and danger factor has changed how racers follow a race course. The GPS has made getting lost nearly a thing of the past, and knowing a danger is coming is a huge benefi t. However, what if the GPS fails, your communication system (COMS) goes down, or you’re on a motorcycle and don’t have a GPS? Read on and I will fi ll you in on what, how and why we (BITD) mark the way we do. First are our colors: Florescent pink - indicates general direction, Orange will indicate danger, Yellow is DO NOT GO that direction, Green is a sharp turn! Second, types of markings: Pink ribbon tied on a bush or other is for direction. White arrows with a black outline on pink background plate are also direction and will be placed for the racers to better follow the race course. Arrows may be in a straight line or “ON A TURN” with 1, 2, or 3 plates to indicate the sharpness of the turn. Another thing to note; the arrow will be tilted on the lath to indicate the degree of the turn. Yellow with black lettering banner tape indicates do not go there! Banners may be placed across the wrong road at a turn or on a fence/ object near the race course to avoid hitting. Black “W” with WRONG on white plate simply means, wrong direction. We will generally place 2 or 3 sets past a turn on the road or trail you do not race on. Black lettering “Danger” on Orange plate indicates a dangerous obstacle. BITD marks ON THE DANGEROUS location, not before. This could be a wash, ditch, rock or other obstacle. BITD will use 1, 2 or 3 plates to indicate the severity of the danger – if you see 1 danger, take notice, if you see 3 dangers, it is something you really need to slow down for. Black lettering “Danger Ahead” on Light Orange plate will be located prior to a high-speed danger and placed generally at 500 and 250 feet before a danger. Note, if we feel the speed warrants, they may be placed further ahead. Black Arrow with Green background plate will be placed with a pink arrow on an extremely sharp turn. Black arrow and black lettering “Turn Ahead” on Florescent Yellow

Countless hours by Best In The Desert personnel go into marking the courses to ensure they can be navigated by anyone racing.

plate will be used the same as danger ahead, 500 and 250 feet before a hard turn. It takes time to become a true desert racer. Most of the top off -road racers have spent many years and miles honing their talents learning to read the desert. I hear many of you at the fi nish stating “it was so dusty, I just followed the magenta line”, meaning you pinned it in the dust following the GPS track and hoping you didn’t hit that “big ditch”! I understand that a good GPS fi le with dangers and turns is hard to beat or replace, but I am sure if you talk to all the “top drivers”, they will tell you having the ability to read the desert is key to becoming top level. I hope to hear from some of you at the next fi nish line about how you fi nally realized how cool a danger ahead at 500 and 250 feet and a green arrow on a turn are.

See you at the races, Jeff e