Despite being part of the tech-savvy Generation Y, I've not yet allowed myself to be completely swallowed by the digital monster. Case in point: Land navigation. From the time I was a tenderfoot, I was taught how to properly read a map and operate a compass, and my trail navigation has typically followed this simple knowledge. However, with GPS technology so sophisticated that you can pinpoint your location down to the meter while simultaneously finding the nearest Starbucks, I knew that I had to embrace the future. My catalyst came in the form of the Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro, which served as the proverbial Lion's Den of satellite navigation for off-road racing where the course was only marked by a cookie crumb track log on the screen of my GPS. For four long days I stayed glued to the Garmin on my handlebar, acquiring a solid foundation of basic GPS skills along the way. After the race, I jotted down a list of the key tips, tricks and tidbits of information that I picked up throughout the ride, and we've decided to print them below. If you consider yourself an experienced GPS user, these tips may seem a bit basic. But for all you old school, non-tech navigators out there without a clue where to start, I hope this helps expand your knowledge of two-wheeled digital navigation:
Get A Good Unit.
The difference between a high-quality GPS unit and a cheap knock-off is like comparing a Mil-Spec tritium compass to one you'd find in the bottom of a Cracker Jack box. This distinction is even more important for us trail riders, since clear reception and durability are critical to finding your way off-road. As such, recognize the technology you'll need and be sure to buy a good GPS. In Romania, we used the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx and eTrex Summit HC, both of which are more than capable when it comes to demanding two-wheeled use. Serious riders know that battery life is a limiting factor and vibration will, over time, cause the contacts to dirty-up. Having a unit that can accept 12-volt power from the bike is the most secure way to power the GPS.
Master the functions.
Most GPS units feature a wealth of functions, buttons and features, and you're not going to master these from simply reading the user manual. The best way to become familiar with your GPS is to go for a hike and play with every single function along the way. Doing this at a walking speed is much more practical than trying to master your GPS on a trail ride, and you'll learn more than you think by simply playing around with the thing in your living room.
Mount it:
Of course, it isn't practical to ride with a GPS in your pocket and pull it out when you need to navigate. The best method is obviously the handlebar mount, and the best handlebar mount is one that is going to stay put while still being accessible. We had a lot of success with the RAM high strength composite cradles and mounts (www.ram-mount.com) that attach to the handlebar with a U-bolt base. Wherever you mount your GPS, you want to make sure that the unit itself is tucked away enough to provide adequate protection without making it too tough to access the buttons.
Find a good angle.
Finding a decent mounting angle and position for a GPS on your handlebar is simply a matter of trial and error. You want to be able to see the screen when you're either sitting or standing. A good rule of thumb is this: If you aim the GPS so you're looking dead-on at the screen when you're halfway between sitting and standing, it's close to being in the right spot. You'll also want to make sure that the screen isn't angled too far to the left or right, which it almost certainly will be if the arm of the handlebar mount is pushed low and tight against the bar itself (for protection). A good way around this is to file the stops on the GPS-side socket so that the rubber ball has a bit more clearance. Going too far will compromise mounting solidity, but some delicate filing can help you reach the perfect spot.
Set up your display.
Modern GPS units like the Garmin eTrex have several different displays with countless options, and we'd need this entire magazine to describe them all to you. Here are the basics: For most off-road applications, the 'map' page is the most useful and the one you'll be looking at repeatedly. Pick this page, turn the auto zoom off and set the text size to medium. Be sure to set the display mode to 'Auto' so that it isn't switching colors twice a day. Then, choose a nice, bright background color scheme-diamond is great on the Garmin-and find a contrasting routing color (pink works really well). Oh, and unless you've spent some serious time across the pond or are unnaturally gifted with math, be sure that your distance/ speed units are set to 'Statute' or you'll be converting kilometers all day.
Dial in your data fields:
Once your display is set up, you'll want to get your data fields dialed in. As a general rule, more than two data fields on your map page will make it crowded (unless your GPS has a huge screen), so stick with the most important. For Romaniacs, we used 'Speed' as one data field (because there were maximum speeds in certain town sections that we had to adhere to) and 'Course' (the direction you are moving in). There are a wealth of data fields available including elevation, distance to next, overall average and accuracy. Play with them all and decide what you like.
Determine 'up.'
Most GPS map displays give you two options: 'Track Up' or 'North Up'. In 'Track Up' mode, the route you are following is laid out directly in front of you; conversely, 'North Up' provides an overhead view of your route with north at the top, just like a topographical map. It's commonly easier to follow a route in 'Track Up' because you just have to keep the little arrow (you) on the colored line (your track). If this view just doesn't make sense you can use 'North Up', but beware of getting turned around if you're just glancing at the screen. And remember, the GPS needs to be in motion to know which way it is going. It can get confusing when the screen flops if you are not moving (or going slowly).