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hammy7272

Hi,

I am still quite new to mtbing but of course love it. I have enjoyed Dalby, Gisburn and Stainburn many times. (Safety of trail centres!)

As any bloke I hate getting lost I can't even blame the Mrs for having the map upside down

I live in Harrogate and feel like I am missing out on the surrounding moors etc. I am a bit of techno-phobe :roll: but I understand that GPS gadgets are useful. How much are they? Where would I get co-ordinates from. Also do Iphones have such aps that could double up as an effective system?

Thanks in advance I feel I can't see the wood for the trees!

I look forward to some natural trails :P

nbr_uk

The devices vary in price depending on brand/features/accessories etc.

You could try sites like www.bikely.com and http://www.mapmyride.com/

You can also plot your own routes using satellite photos/maps at sites like http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/ then download them to your device (as long as they're in the correct format and the device supports it).

Hope this helps.

hoochylala

www.bikehike.co.uk - site for plotting routes over an OS map, then export to GPX and upload to your chosen GPS unit.

Depending on what type of GPS unit you choose, they can range from £80-£400 apx. Base models will generally just show a line on screen that you follow when your out and about, with higher models showing detailed OS maps or similar with the route superimposed over the top.

Bear in mind that if you go for a higher end model that displays visual maps, then you will need to factor in the cost of buying these maps for the units. This could be up to £150 for your area for example.

Quick explanation, but hope you get the jist!

There have been many topics on this - have a little search

Radioactiveman

Something the other chaps have failed to mention. A gps is no substitute for having a map and being able to navigate traditionally. If you crash and break it or it malfunctions you could end up lost without a clue.

I use a garmin60csx in conjunction with memory map and always take an OS map of the are and a compass. The map and compass stay in the bag unless required.

Might seem OTT but plenty of ppl go up the lakeland fells with a gps the cloud comes down and they dont know how to use it or batteries die and they end up calling out Mountain rescue to hold their hand back down the hill.

hammy7272

super, thanks for the swift response guys

hoochylala

Radioactiveman wrote:

Something the other chaps have failed to mention. A gps is no substitute for having a map and being able to navigate traditionally. If you crash and break it or it malfunctions you could end up lost without a clue.

I'm glad you highlighted this as quite rightly I forgot to mention it :oops: a GPS is no substitute for good map reading skills and should be used in conjunction with a GPS not instead of it.

ExeterSimon

hoochylala wrote:

Radioactiveman wrote:

Something the other chaps have failed to mention. A gps is no substitute for having a map and being able to navigate traditionally. If you crash and break it or it malfunctions you could end up lost without a clue.

I'm glad you highlighted this as quite rightly I forgot to mention it :oops: a GPS is no substitute for good map reading skills and should be used in conjunction with a GPS not instead of it.

+1.

This is something very rarely mentioned on GPS threads.

To the OP....have a search on the forums for GPS unit advice as there's plenty around. You'll get loads of it and everyone will have an opinion but at the end of the day the only words you'll need are: Garmin, Oregon, Openstreetmap.

paul.skibum

I use a folded piece of paper provided by the Ordnance Survey. Works pretty well.

If I am on a new route I pencil the planned loop on and if I am checking the route I try and visualise two to three turns ahead and pick landmarks to work out where I am going so I dont have to stop and check too often.