Getting Lost

[Sam Kennedy]

I think its inevitable that at some point a cyclist will get lost

Lets just say I do get lost 20 miles from home, got any tips on what I should do?

I have a mobile, but nothing fancy like gps or anything. I guess printing out a map would help as well.

Anything else which would help in the event of getting lost?

 

[bonj2]

Prevention is better than cure. i.e. don't get lost.

 

[Riverman]

Road signs are your friends.

Also may be a good idea to ask people for directions.

Are you an offroader?

 

[Garz]

You should know the general area, if I miss a turning I lookout for the villages/towns that I know are in the right direction. Sometimes when this happens it unlocks a gem of a new route so it is a positive thing!

 

[Sam Kennedy]

I will stay off road for now, I have cyclecraft and I'm reading it, but there are too many "if this happens, do this, but if this happens but that is going this way then go that way, but if that thing thats going that way is also turning this way then go to tescos, buy 3 lemons and a sponge, then turn right"

I'm not trying to knock the book its excellent , there is just so much to absorb

I think I'll look for a club I could join just to apply what I've learned in the book, then I will feel more confident

So to answer your original questions, yeah I'll be offroading

 

[Banjo]

The "Explorer Maps " from ordnance Survey are usefull.They show all the roads tracks and paths and show the height contours so you can tell what the gradients will be like.

 

[summerdays]

I will stay off road for now, I have cyclecraft and I'm reading it, but there are too many "if this happens, do this, but if this happens but that is going this way then go that way, but if that thing thats going that way is also turning this way then go to tescos, buy 3 lemons and a sponge, then turn right"

I'm not trying to knock the book its excellent , there is just so much to absorb

I think I'll look for a club I could join just to apply what I've learned in the book, then I will feel more confident

So to answer your original questions, yeah I'll be offroading

Don't try to take in all of Cyclecraft in one go - its a book I go back to and reread sections every now and again. If you come across a problem such as a roundabout - then go and read that section and then go back to the roundabout to try that bit perhaps.

As for getting lost ... you can always stop and ask someone. But I would take a map with you so you can see possible new places to explore.

 

[SimonC]

Do you need to read a book to know how to ride a bike on a road?

Do you need to ask on a forum what to do if you get lost?

 

[caz]

Get an OS map of your area, then you will be able to take a photocopy (A4 or A3) of the area you are planning to ride in. It will be easier to fold up and stick in your back pocket than the bulky OS map and you have always got it to refer to at home and take other photocopies of different sections you want to ride in the future!

 

[numbnuts]

GPS

 

[bonj2]

You could also phone the Cyclist Way Loss Helpline on 0808 238 0000.

An alternative is to simply always carry one of those sachets of tomato ketchup with you, and phone an ambulance if you get lost, remembering to spread the ketchup over yourself and lie down before they arrive.
Alternatively simply phone the police, say you thought you may have seen a murder and can you have a lift home 'cos you're too shocked to continue. People in america do it all the time. The police haven't got much better to do than chasing chavs who have nicked a vauxhall nova and sit outside tescos eating doughnuts.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Print out maps of the unknown from http://www.streetmap.co.uk/
put them in a plastic sleeve, fold and put in jersey pocket.

 

[RabbitFood]

Getting lost is all part of the fun i never plan where I am going, ok to some degree i do and if i get lost then jsut turn back the way you have come easy.

 

[PaulSB]

I think its inevitable that at some point a cyclist will get lost

Lets just say I do get lost 20 miles from home, got any tips on what I should do?

I have a mobile, but nothing fancy like gps or anything. I guess printing out a map would help as well.

Anything else which would help in the event of getting lost?

I'd expect to be able to work my way home from anywhere within a 50 mile radius of our house. I can't really see what the problem is. If I'm unsure of where I am I check the large local landmarks, time, sun and head in the right direction till I pick up a road sign. it isn't difficult.

For example we live near a hill with TV transmission mast on it. So long as this is getting vaguely closer I'm heading home.

 

[wyno70]

Getting lost is half the fun, I just keep cycling until I end up somewhere I know!!

Soon enough you'll know everywhere within a good radius of your base.