Mapping Conventions for MTBO

Here are the latest conventions for MTBO maps. They show the "cyclability" and width of roads and tracks, in much the same way as maps for foot-orienteers show "runnability" of forest. These were obtained on 29 June 99 from the IOF MTBO Chairman, Jean-Paul Hosotte, of France. I have paraphrased J-P's English a bit.

Other aspects of MTBO maps are as for foot-orienteering, although the off-track details may be simplified as they are not relevant. Note that orienteering maps show open land as yellow and forest as white or green. The scale for MTBO is 1:20,000 or 25,000. But note that this is "early days" for MTBO in NZ, and you will get maps which don't conform to the ideal. Don't let it stop you enjoying your ride!!

Summary

(a) Riding: easy (continuous line), slow (dash line), difficult (short dash or dotted line)

(b) Width: more than 1.5m (thick line or dash line) vehicle track, can be used by four-wheeled vehicles, always possible to pass or cross other bikers.
Width less than 1.5m (thin line or dash line or dotted) too narrow for a four wheeled vehicle, hiking path.

The 6 Symbols

• Symbol 801, 0.6mm solid black line. An excellent track surface and large track. Track with stabilised surface at least 1.5m wide: forest road, well maintained track with no obstacles.
• Symbol 802, 0.35mm solid black line. A good path (easy riding). Well maintained path narrower than 1.5m. Smooth, clean path with no erosion or obstacles.
• Symbol 803, 0.6mm black line, 4mm dashes with 1.5mm gaps. A large track with slow riding. Track at least 1.5m wide, infrequently used, with ruts, grassy, wet, muddy or sandy, possibiity of rocky surfaces. Pedalling is more difficult, riding is slowed.
• Symbol 804, 0.35mm black line, dashes as in 803. A little path with slow riding. Path, narrower than 1.5m, through difficult terrain, with rocky or banked surface.
• Symbol 805, 0.6mm black line, 2mm dashes with 1.5mm gaps. A large track, but difficult to ride on. Rarely used track at least 1.5m wide, with obstacles such as roots or rocky steps. many obstacles, stones, rocks, ewrosion, mud, land slides or sand. Very slow or impossible riding. Could necessitate to carry bike.
• Symbol 806, 0.35mm black dots with 1mm spacing. A little path with difficulties to ride on. Path narrower than 1.5m through very difficult terrain, mountain paths with many obstacles. Other characteristics as in Symbol 805.