The RouteArrows Method

My dad has 40+ years of route marking experience, produced many events, and wrote 3 cycling guide books.

Visit the dropdown menus below for route marking instructions for Road Cycling and Road Running Events as well as Removal and Storage information!

Pro Tip: "Tab to Grab"

Read our Removal Instructions to learn the "Tab to Grab" method for easy RouteArrow removal after your event!

Removal Instructions

RouteArrows Removal Info & Instructions

Removal Methods

Removing RouteArrows

RouteArrows Removal Instructions PDF

Like the Label on Every Roll of RouteArrows Says, “Please Remove RouteArrows from Trails, Paths and Pedestrian Areas After Your Event, Thank You!”

Removing RouteArrows in those areas is seen as being considerate of the local community, which will have a positive impact. Use these easy removal methods to simplify and speed up the process, and have your event welcomed back!

  • INTACT RouteArrows: are undamaged, only exposed to little, if any, traffic. 
  • WORN RouteArrows: are well pressed into pavement, damaged by traffic, etc.

Pro Tip: Do This While Route Marking / Removing RouteArrows Right After Event!*

  • Fold under ¼ inch of the RouteArrow tip creating a “Tab to Grab” to make it easier to peel them off the pavement after your event. 
  • *Do this when removing INTACT RouteArrows immediately after your event. This method won’t work well with WORN / OLD (2+ days) RouteArrows.

RouteArrows Removal Methods: The Removal Team should prepare for removing both INTACT and WORN RouteArrows.

Method 1: Best when removing INTACT RouteArrows immediately after your event, and when you only have a FEW (<15?) RouteArrows to remove.

  • Use fingers and/or a metal tool to peel/lift them off, from tip to tail.
  • Easier when RouteArrows have “Tab to Grab”! (See Pro Tip Above) 

Method 2: Best when removing MANY (15+) RouteArrows - especially WORN, OLD (2+ days), well-stuck, damaged RouteArrows. (See our YouTube video)

  • Use water and a wire brush to easily dissolve and destroy them. Get the arrow wet, then brush it into mush, and rinse away residue.

Bring refillable 1-5 gal jugs (Est. 25+ Arrows/gal) & squeezable bike water bottles are great for wetting the arrows!

Method 3: Best when you only need to remove a FEW (<15?) RouteArrows

  • Use 3in wide Gorilla brand tape / strong adhesive tape to lift arrows off.
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Storage of Unused RouteArrows:

After your event(s), you might have leftover partially used rolls of RouteArrows that you want to use at your next event!

The RouteArrows adhesive may weaken slightly over time if left out in the open.

Therefore it's a good idea to store your RouteArrows in a 1 gallon Zip-Loc™ bag to help maintain the adhesive for your next event.

Calculating Partial Rolls of "Leftover" RouteArrows

If you have a Gram Scale

A full / unused roll of RouteArrows weigh 845 grams.

The 3” cardboard core weighs 45 grams.

So, the 250 RouteArrows weigh 800 grams!

Therefore, each RouteArrow (plus its backing paper) weighs 3.2 grams! 

Use this equation to find the number of RouteArrows remaining on your roll:

X (your partial roll of RouteArrows weight in grams) minus 45 (weight of core) equals Y (weight of your Arrows without core)

X – 45 = Y

Y ÷ 3.2 grams = Z (# of Arrows remaining)

Example:

If your partial roll weighs 253 grams, subtract 45 grams = 208 grams.

Divide 208 by 3.2 = 65 RouteArrows left for your next event! 

If you have an Ounce Scale

If you have an Ounce Scale:

A full roll of RouteArrows weigh about 29.5 oz.

The 3” cardboard core weighs 1.5 oz, so 250 RouteArrows weigh 28 oz!

Therefore, each RouteArrow (plus its backing paper) weighs 0.112 oz.

Use this equation to find the number of RouteArrows remaining on your roll:

X (your partial roll of RouteArrows weight in ounces) minus 1.5 (weight of core) equals Y (weight of your Arrows without core)

X – 1.5 = Y

Y ÷ 0.112 = Z (the number of remaining RouteArrows!)