Getting Lost

[Bodhbh]

As well as an OS map, carrying a compass is handy. Even if you don't know exactly where you are, can generally get you heading in the right direction.

 

[youngoldbloke]

- ask a policeman.

 

[youngoldbloke]

(or policewoman, of course!)

 

[jethro10]

Recently I got a Nokia E71 phone with built in GPS and internet access.

With it I can use google maps which uses the GPS to pinpoint me on the map.

Used it several times last weekend when in Leeds to help me find where to go.
Wouldn't be without it now.

 

[Arch]

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!

My jersey pockets will all take a folded OS landranger, easily enough for me to get it out and put it back in, on the move. It helps if you remove the cardboard cover, or at least trim it - you have to do this to get them in some map holders. I fold it so that I can see the bit I'm on without opening it, then refold it when I reach the edge... If I'm wearing my jacket, I just tuck the map inside it.

Sam, if you're not used to map reading, take time to learn what all the symbols are, and how to read contours. There are lots of useful landmarks in the landscape - church towers or spires, and electricity pylons are especially helpful.

 

[arallsopp]

Learn the contours of your area, the landmarks, even the colours. I live in SE London, so if I'm lost in the countryside, I head towards the bright orange bit (night) or dark green ridge (day). There are telecom masts nearby that I also use, and handy things like the M25 (cross under it an even number of times).

There's also the road numbering. A23 is too far West, A3x even more so, A2 too far east, A1x even more so. After a while, it all comes easy. You learn the valleys, you learn the ridges, you find your way.

 

[I am Spartacus]

just have Bear Grylls number on your moby mate.. sorted

 

[HJ]

GPS

The thing about GPS is that it is very good at telling you exactly where abouts on the earths surface, but that doesn't mean that you are not still lost if you don't know where to go next. Getting lost and finding your way home are excellent ways of getting to know an area...

 

[xpc316e]

I'd advise you to get out and learn about your area by just taking random roads as you feel like it. That way you will develop a sort of mental jigsaw over a few months - eventually you will arrive back at a spot you know should you get lost.

Do not fret about getting lost - we live on a very small island after all, and you will always return to civilisation before long.

 

[summerdays]

To be fair some people have a much better sense of direction that others... Mr Summerdays could get lost within 2 turns - he just hasn't got a sense of direction. Whereas I can just follow my nose and inevitably find a route to where I want to get to - just sort of got an internal compass and know that eventually I will come across a road I already know. I was doing that today "exploring" - so now have a few more possible alternative routes that I can call on.

 

[zacklaws]

I had the same problem with loosing my way and on my own patch where I have lived for 54 years.

I solved the problem by buying a Garmin Edge 305 but if you want OS maps have a look at the following site and just print out what you need to whatever scale you want:-

http://www.maptasm.com/

 

[purplepolly]

Whereas I can just follow my nose and inevitably find a route to where I want to get to - just sort of got an internal compass

Exactly, all you have to do is go in the right direction to start with.

But if you can't do that, once you're lost try to keep heading in one direction rather than go round in circles.