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No map, no gps, just a compass.
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 8:33 pm
by Bearbonesnorm
Berlin to Prague.
http://8bar-bikes.com/8bar-adventures-berlin-2-prague/
I quite like the idea of A to B with limited navigation aids, it must certainly open up the prospect for adventure / suffering / misfortune.
Re: No map, no gps, just a compass.
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 9:00 pm
by rando nomad
They are given the option/choice to check their coordinates twice a day. I like the no gps option for some events as it does make navigation (a skill) more of a factor as compared to who can program a GPS with the waypoints
Re: No map, no gps, just a compass.
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 9:23 pm
by slarge
Goes back almost to the days before good maps, when the navigation was by the landmarks. Could be interesting......
Re: No map, no gps, just a compass.
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 9:27 pm
by Bearbonesnorm
Goes back almost to the days before good maps, when the navigation was by the landmarks. Could be interesting......
Many of the stands of Scots pine in Wales were used by the drovers for navigation. Usually planted in 3's or 5's and orientated to point the way. Many are situated at crossroads / junctions and often you can see the next from the present one.
Re: No map, no gps, just a compass.
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 9:40 pm
by slarge
That would be an interesting adventure - follow the clumps of Scots pine to see where they take you...
I imagine there would be some type 2 fun involved
Re: No map, no gps, just a compass.
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 9:45 pm
by voodoo_simon
Rarely use a GPS, keep it turned off in my bag and may use it once in a ride to confirm a position. This means
-my battery is dead the next day as I forget to turn it off
-I get lost (but not for long)
-progress can be slow, always stopping to check my map
Each to their own! I guess that trip would be better if the final destination wasn't known so people couldn't pre-plan a route in their head
Re: No map, no gps, just a compass.
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 10:07 pm
by Joshvegas
I am determined to learn how to navigate properly this year.
Rather than "downhill is always a safe option" when lost.
Re: No map, no gps, just a compass.
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 10:17 pm
by voodoo_simon
There's a great navigation book by Cicerone on navigation, used to browse through it on the quiet days when I worked in the climbing shop.
As with anything, the more you practice, the easier it is. Also, when out, I check the map quite often, thus avoiding getting completely lost (but does slow down speed). My motto is the complete opposite, if in doubt head up as if it's wrong, you get a nice downhill to make up for the frustration of making an error
Re: No map, no gps, just a compass.
Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2015 12:49 am
by Joshvegas
That cicerone arrived in the post a week ago ;-)
Re: No map, no gps, just a compass.
Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2015 7:16 pm
by Alpinum
Truly good idea.
It can be fun to get lost.