The chart on the left tells how much distance is between each marker, and how much total time will pass at each marker. On the map itself, it's hard to tell, but the dotted line is the trail. Most of it is black, which is common trail, both Novice, and open ride it. Then at the top you notice at marker D there is an orange line that makes a loop,and comes back at point E. Then the same thing happens further down. That is the Open riders trail, the Novice trail on the map turns to a blue dotted line. On the trail it self there are ribbons marking which trail you are on. Common trail is marked with red/white/blue, Open is marked red/white, and Novice is blue/white. Also on the trails there are signs that say A, B, C, so on, and one that is the 2 mile marker (2 miles from the finish). So when you come to a marker on the trail, you can see where you are at on the map, and check the chart to see how your time is. At the ride meetings they tell us where good water is, so you can mark that on your map, where the P&R's are, so you can mark that. Becky