Navigating

[Thelma]

There are these wonderful things called maps; Britain has the best maps in the world. They don't need batteries, instructions or good satellite reception and they fit snugly in a jersey pocket: http://leisure.ordna...s_icmp=t46Ph56C

Gosh! Maps! Who knew?

 

[Fab Foodie]

Gosh! Maps! Who knew?

You may scoff, but increasingly few people know how to use or understand maps, nor appreciate the value and sheer joy of them. Add a compass and the world's your pearl-bearing bivalve.

 

[Thelma]

You may scoff, but increasingly few people know how to use or understand maps, nor appreciate the value and sheer joy of them. Add a compass and the world's your pearl-bearing bivalve.

I love maps, and I can read them, but I don't have anywhere to put them when I'm on my bike. My trousers don't have pockets and the tiny bag on the bike is big enough only for water, key, phone and a fiver. Hence the scribbled note: if I had room for an OS map, I wouldn't have had a problem. Maybe I need a clipboard welding to the handlebars.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I love maps, and I can read them, but I don't have anywhere to put them when I'm on my bike. My trousers don't have pockets and the tiny bag on the bike is big enough only for water, key, phone and a fiver. Hence the scribbled note: if I had room for an OS map, I wouldn't have had a problem. Maybe I need a clipboard welding to the handlebars.

Map holders for handlebars exist, the audaxy types use them.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/?s=map+holders
A cycle shirt has rear pockets that are map-sized.
Print-off (from a previous posters link) or photocopy maps, fold-em up and stuff 'em up your sleeve.

 

[Thelma]

Excellent, thank you!

 

[DTD]

I got one of those OS Explorer Maps which are encapsulated so you can take them out and get them moist.
Tend to rely on a google map, but I have found a couple of times they aren't always the best.
I have no sense of direction (which doesn't help).

Are you trying to get to particular places – or are you just looking for nice rides out?

 

[Thelma]

I got one of those OS Explorer Maps which are encapsulated so you can take them out and get them moist.
Tend to rely on a google map, but I have found a couple of times they aren't always the best.
I have no sense of direction (which doesn't help).

Are you trying to get to particular places – or are you just looking for nice rides out?

Just getting to grips with my bike/starting to exercise/explore the vicinity really. I'm in unfamiliar territory and if I've planned a route, I'd like to be able to follow it. Landmarks aren't always an option!

 

[DTD]

Think my first 'destination' was Quarry Bank Mill (as it was pretty much one straight road and signposted).

Then I added the airport cycle route. Then I went past Quarry Bank Mill and so on, adding bits on to existing routes, so for some of the ride I'm on familiar roads.

I sometimes find having a look at the satellite image on Google Maps handy to spot a landmark at a turning and scribble notes about turns onto a printed Google Map. And I try to work out a route that cuts down on the number of turns etc.
(still get lost sometimes though :-)

 

[Thelma]

I've just looked at Quarry Bank Mill - it's only 6 miles from me, so totally do-able, but I think the suggested route strikes me as somewhat unpleasant - A538 under the runways doesn't really appeal.

 

[DTD]

The tunnels are brilliant!

A nice simple route is down the B5166 Styal Road. You can start from say Altrincham Rd / Park Road in Gatley and it's a straight ride. There's a Cycle path for some of the way. As an added bonus on the way back you notice it's downhill.

 

[snorri]

A538 under the runways doesn't really appeal.

Think of it as training for your tour of Norway, lots of tunnels there.
Now you have started cycle touring the world's your oyster.

 

[Wardy]

It's got to be maps for me. I find (since the loss of Barts National Series) that the Ordnance Survey Landranger maps are the best for cycling as they cover quite an area with lots of detail. I get mine online from Meteodale as they are £5.45 as opposed to over £7 in high street shops. I also feel a compass is a good idea (you can even get a bike bell with one on top) as it allows you to align the map properly. So much easier to navigate when you know the top of your map is facing North!

 

[Thelma]

Think of it as training for your tour of Norway, lots of tunnels there.
Now you have started cycle touring the world's your oyster.

I'm a long way from tackling the terrain of Norway, but I am certainly excited about exploring more. Once I know I can handle "proper" distances and real hills (instead of the pretend ones here in South Manchester) I'm sure I'll be going further and further afield. I'm already contemplating a JOGLE (in two parts) next year or the year after. I've also already eyed up future bikes... oops...

 

[potsy]

There's a nice little run to Tatton park from near us that's very nice Thelma, it's about 8 miles each way but you could have a nice rest once you get there and a view of the lake.
Go towards Timperley, left at Thornley lane, up the hill and over the lights, then it's right at the end of the road, left at the end of that one, turn right at the Greyhound pub and follow the road all the way there.

 

[Thelma]

There's a nice little run to Tatton park from near us that's very nice Thelma, it's about 8 miles each way but you could have a nice rest once you get there and a view of the lake.
Go towards Timperley, left at Thornley lane, up the hill and over the lights, then it's right at the end of the road, left at the end of that one, turn right at the Greyhound pub and follow the road all the way there.

Sounds great, thank you!

I'm aiming to do 9 miles once I've had tea and toast this morning. I'll definitely check that route out - hopefully give it a go next weekend.

What is this strange addiction to mileage?