Elk River Road Markings

Have you noticed the road markings Jack n Back used? Just got back from a ride and noticed all the hot pink markings. Can’t miss ‘em and there are a lot of ‘em too. Maybe we should consider using them as an example of how we can improve the Elk River Valley 100 road markings?

What do you think?

good topic! I like our markings but they are a little confusing with the E incorporated. I think the standard circle with a direction is the simplest. I also think more is better! I agree with Tim about the color pink… wow you can notice those!

The standard circle with direction bar IS definitely easier to paint. No template is required and you simply freehand the design. Either spray can or paint brush can be used. I have used this for non-ERV100 purposes.
I also agree with using wrong way arrows. This is essential on non-forced intersections.
The E arrow design simply respects tradition–it was used on the very first ERV in 1974 and we have continued ever since. If going to simple circles would be less confusing, probably neater and more economical, I would have no problem in changing from the “E”.

Ok, it sounds like we’re reaching a decision on at least one aspect of this discussion. Can we all agree we would like to use hand painted directional circles for the 2012 ERV100? Upon hearing no objections, I’ll update the original topic post to reflect new markings will be hand painted in the form of a circle with a slash indicating direction.

How about discussing how many, how far apart, how far from the turn, etc.

For the benefit of those that might have missed it here is a summary of the article Bob mentioned:

Think like a rider at speed. Think about what it feels like to be there. Be considerate and thoughtful.

Put your LAST warning mark at least 50-60 feet (20-25 long paces) before any feature that requires riders to make a decision (intersections, mainly).

Give riders AT LEAST two warnings before an intersection, three or more if there’s something unusual about it like highways, turns at the bottom of hills, blind corners, etc. Give them one mark on the other side so they know they’re on the right path.

Make your marks at least 150 feet apart (50 long paces).

Use the same color, style, and size for every single mark you put on the road.

If you must hide them discretely on the edge of the pavement, put ALL of them there so your riders get used to looking in the same place.

There should be at least two or three marks, placed well apart and well before any place there’s an unknown hazard ahead or anywhere you have to do something different than just cruising along. We always try to start warning you way farther in advance than most people might think is necessary.

Be consistent. Decide how you’re going to make your arrows and make them the same way every time. Decide what you’re going to write, if anything, and write it the same way every time. Decide where your arrows are going be in relation to what you write and put them the same place every time. Put your marks in the same basic position on the road and always put them where your riders are likely to be looking. Always use the same color of paint…every time.

He later states he prefers to use inverted marking paint made by Rustoleum because It’s permanent but fades in 2-3 years. He has used chalk to mark parking lots and small local areas because it comes off easily lasting only a few days.

Re’ Julia’s points. The unique “E” was done to identify WHICH ride as well as which way to go. Similar arrows are indeed a problem in areas with many events. In Dayton, OH, for instance, there are so many arrows at certain intersections that they have to color code them and generally to write a code for the event. This is a real pain both for the painters and the riders. I once spent 15 minutes at one of their intersections which was festooned with multiple confusing arrows, trying to figure out which way to go. In our area we don’t have that much event duplication and probably would only have to specifically identify certain arrows in just a few locations. For instance, our arrows, if the same color as Jack’n Back’s, would have to be differentiated at Raus, where we turn left and they go straight. After that it’s clear sailing.

Speaking of arrow color, it’s obvious that we hold diverging opinions as to the conspicuity of hot pink vs yellow or white. I suggest a “paint off” to settle the issue. Using the nice fresh J’n'B arrows as a reference, paint an identically sized and styled arrow in white and yellow along-side. Then take a couple of folks with no dog in the fight and see which color arrow is spotted first as the arrows are approached. No clue of course would be given to the judges. Science vs opinion, winner take all!