Looking at the pictures, some riders seem to have map-boards and others don't. Is a map-board advised and any tips on which one is best? what about carrying maps in my pocket or bike pouch and taking them out when required?
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what is the best size of board to use with A3 /A4 maps
I zip tied a 2 litre ice cream tub to the handlebars and then attach a plastic folder with elastics. You need to keep constant awareness of where you are on the map. In my view don't need rotating map board. The 2 litres of storage is handy for snacks...just put in some padding and don't subject your compass or biscuits to all the rattling!!!
how to make a mapboard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQebqQxzwpc
Essential IMHO. Unless you are an experienced adventure racer and / know the trail go with a rotating board with the A3 (original) or A4 (newer) maps. Chris Fisher has a video on YouTube how to make your own home made rotating board (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQebqQxzwpc&t=11s) which I used for my 1st R2R. But if you want to buy one you cant go wrong with the Miry mopboard available in the Shop.
I currently don’t use a map-board. When I did use one in the early days I didn’t have a rotating map-board to orientate the maps to my direction of travel. However, before RASA I had hundreds of hours of map reading and navigation under my belt so map orientation doesn’t faze me. These days I’m familiar with the route so having maps visible on a map-board isn’t necessary. Even so, I always carry maps with me.
My advice for people new to the event is to use a map-board and if possible get one that rotates. As others have said, it’s essential to always know where you are on the map.
As a first time rider the A4 map board is essential. Carrying maps in a pocket or pouch is a pain. As you need to stop and take them out, look and put away. At night and with cold hands, gloves etc its an unnecessary hassle. On the board is a quick glance.
The golden rule of navigation is to always know where you are on the map. It sounds obvious but you'd be surprised. So if the terrain is new and unfamiliar, having maps put away is a potential mistake or disaster in the making. So, if you need to constantly refer to maps, a board is essential.