NAVIGATION IN NATURE
Finding your way is an essential skill for bicycle tourers riding in remote areas. Modern GPS devices have made navigation much easier, but traditional map and compass skills remain valuable as a backup.
GPS Devices and Smartphone Apps
Dedicated GPS bike computers (like Garmin, Wahoo) can store route files and display turn-by-turn navigation. Smartphone apps like Komoot, Strava, or Google Maps can also provide navigation. Ensure the device is charged and consider a battery pack for long tours. Download offline maps in areas with poor cellular coverage.
Paper Maps
Always carry a paper map of the area as a backup. A 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 scale topographic map provides excellent detail for planning and route-finding. A handlebar bag with a transparent map window is a convenient way to keep a map accessible.
Sun Navigation
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. At midday, the sun is in the south (in the Northern Hemisphere). These basic facts can help you maintain a general sense of direction when other tools fail.
Planning Your Route
Before setting off, study your route carefully. Note key waypoints, distances between towns with facilities, the day's total elevation gain, and potential bail-out points. Share your route plan with someone at home.
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