[Wild-Bill]

One of the problems I have with people using a GPS is that they don't think to pay attention to where they are or how they're getting to where they want to go. They just follow the GPS. If you look at the map before leaving then if the GPS dies or just flakes out you'll know where you are and how you got there.

Don't get me wrong, a GPS is great for finding a good route as well as helping you find the next turn. It just shouldn't be a replacement for thought.

[Sky]

I have GPS hardwired to the bike power supply ... I have a GPS thinky on my phone .... but I'm usually following someone soooooooooooooo I never pay attention to where we are so they are both great if I need to get home early to find my way back hahahhha

[ATOMonkey]

Very good replies. If you're really really lost and need to navigate the old fashioned way, and there are no people around (how likely is that) here's what you do.

For the northern hemisphere people, you wait until dark, then find the North Star, Polaris. Determine the angle of Polaris above the horizon (or horizontal if you can't find the horizon). That is your Latitude. If you don't have an octant, you can get creative with ways to find an angle, and then use your compass wheel to find the value of the angle. Using sticks and string to sight Polaris you find that it is 40 degrees above the horizon. Your Latitude is 40 degrees North.

Now take a nap. Feel free to sleep in.

At noon the next day (by the sun, not your watch), mark the time on your watch. Since there are 360 degrees of Longitude and 24 hours in a day, the earth will spin 15 degrees per hour. Let's say your watch is set to Eastern time and reads 12:34 at local noon. GMT, is 5 hours ahead, so it is 5:34 PM GMT. So, your longitude is 5 x 15 = 75 degrees 34/60 x 15 = 8.5 75+8.5 = 83.5 Degrees West.

So you are 40 degrees North 83.5 Degrees West. You now know exactly where you are and using your compass and map you can find out which direction will lead you towards civilization.

[thetable]

So you are 40 degrees North 83.5 Degrees West. You now know exactly where you are and using your compass and map you can find out which direction will lead you towards civilization.

No, you still have no clue where you are as most maps aren't marked with lat/long.
If you a map, all you have to do is figure out what road you're on, then assuming no sun, find two cross streets or identifiable locations on a map, to figure out which direction is which.

I mean, seriously, you're going to spend a freaking day to figure out where you are??? Even if I'm in the middle of the freaking woods with no trails, I'm not going to go to those lengths to figure out where I am. With a compass, a topo map, and a couple landmarks, I can tell you where I am in just a few minutes. I don't need no freakin' sextant.

[steves]

Also in case of cannibalism you would last a few extra days

[Wolfe_UK]

When I lived in the Channel Islands I used to just ride in a straight line until I hit the coast, then take the coastroad working my way around until I got to where I knew where I was going. Fun times.

[thetable]

Also in case of cannibalism you would last a few extra days

TOTKO, not disagreeing, jussayin'.

[Jeff_92_600]

I just installed a 12v cigarette lighter so I can plug in the gps. No more batteries but I always carry spares my flashlight and gps both take AA so I'm never without.

[ATOMonkey]

No, you still have no clue where you are as most maps aren't marked with lat/long.
If you a map, all you have to do is figure out what road you're on, then assuming no sun, find two cross streets or identifiable locations on a map, to figure out which direction is which.

I mean, seriously, you're going to spend a freaking day to figure out where you are??? Even if I'm in the middle of the freaking woods with no trails, I'm not going to go to those lengths to figure out where I am. With a compass, a topo map, and a couple landmarks, I can tell you where I am in just a few minutes. I don't need no freakin' sextant.

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.

[loudnlow7484]

Very good replies. If you're really really lost and need to navigate the old fashioned way, and there are no people around (how likely is that) here's what you do.

For the northern hemisphere people, you wait until dark, then find the North Star, Polaris. Determine the angle of Polaris above the horizon (or horizontal if you can't find the horizon). That is your Latitude. If you don't have an octant, you can get creative with ways to find an angle, and then use your compass wheel to find the value of the angle. Using sticks and string to sight Polaris you find that it is 40 degrees above the horizon. Your Latitude is 40 degrees North.

Now take a nap. Feel free to sleep in.

At noon the next day (by the sun, not your watch), mark the time on your watch. Since there are 360 degrees of Longitude and 24 hours in a day, the earth will spin 15 degrees per hour. Let's say your watch is set to Eastern time and reads 12:34 at local noon. GMT, is 5 hours ahead, so it is 5:34 PM GMT. So, your longitude is 5 x 15 = 75 degrees 34/60 x 15 = 8.5 75+8.5 = 83.5 Degrees West.

So you are 40 degrees North 83.5 Degrees West. You now know exactly where you are and using your compass and map you can find out which direction will lead you towards civilization.

That would be seriously awesome advice if you were lost at sea, or maybe in the Sahara. Not so awesome being lost on backroads.

[VifferJim]

Pull over and ask "Hey, where am I and how to do get to.... "

Worked for many a year anyways.

Krey

true story... I managed a Burger King back in the day. One Saturday afternoon, a guy walks into the store and comes up to the counter with that completely lost look on his face.

"Where am I?" He asks.

Nice and slow, I say, " Buuuuuurrrrrggggeerrrrr Kiiiiiiing."

[hardlydangerous]

samsung captivate.....

GPS, PHONE, MAPS, TRAIL FINDER NAVI, COMPAS, SURVIVAL GUIDE, etc etc etc

personally ive never been lost.
sun rises in the east, sets in the west.
night sky is easy for seeing towns and cities in the distance

[Nut-Nut]

I usually follow the breadcrums back to my house...

Have you ever wondered how those big maps on the walls know exactly where you are??

and lastly...if all else fails, just follow someone, you might be lost, but they sure as hell know where they are going...

[Wild-Bill]

Very good replies. If you're really really lost and need to navigate the old fashioned way, and there are no people around (how likely is that) here's what you do.

For the northern hemisphere people, you wait until dark, then find the North Star, Polaris. Determine the angle of Polaris above the horizon (or horizontal if you can't find the horizon). That is your Latitude. If you don't have an octant, you can get creative with ways to find an angle, and then use your compass wheel to find the value of the angle. Using sticks and string to sight Polaris you find that it is 40 degrees above the horizon. Your Latitude is 40 degrees North.

Now take a nap. Feel free to sleep in.

At noon the next day (by the sun, not your watch), mark the time on your watch. Since there are 360 degrees of Longitude and 24 hours in a day, the earth will spin 15 degrees per hour. Let's say your watch is set to Eastern time and reads 12:34 at local noon. GMT, is 5 hours ahead, so it is 5:34 PM GMT. So, your longitude is 5 x 15 = 75 degrees 34/60 x 15 = 8.5 75+8.5 = 83.5 Degrees West.

So you are 40 degrees North 83.5 Degrees West. You now know exactly where you are and using your compass and map you can find out which direction will lead you towards civilization.

OK, so you found some cool info on primitive navigation methods. Cool. I can get into that. Coulda' posed the question better.

[talmajar]

Option B, ride till you find some power lines..follow them...you will find something they are powering.