Check out the new "Camp Lynda" link on the left menu bar under Post Categories. Follow that link to get all Camp Lynda info and posts.
And now a word from the Camp Lynda CTO...
Disclaimer 1: Camp Lynda is a no-nonsense self-supported binge training mission. We'll do our best to ensure everyone knows the routes. A prime goal is for everyone to have flowy routes to ride for hours on end amidst new horizons without too much worry about navigation. In the end however each participant is in charge of their own destiny. The following is to help jump start your GPS technology learning should you need it but is by no means comprehensive nor a substitute for good planning and common sense. Arrive in the self-supported mindset. Do your research. Be prepared.
GPX files and teaser photos will be provided shortly for each day's route. Having and knowing how to use a mapping GPS unit is a central part of the Camp. Everyone will ride at a self-selected pace. Some days might be 5 hours for some, 8 hours for others - so you should plan on having your own GPS rather than rely on the group.
Of course the self-supported nature extends beyond navigation, but this post is designed to elevate the learning curve for those as of yet unfamiliar with GPS technology.
Items with which you'll need to be fluent before arrival:
Mapping GPS unit
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx is the best GPS I've used for these purposes. The Garmin 60 CSx is also an excellent choice, but larger and bulkier on the bars. It has no more functionality than the eTrex model. The "x" in the model name refers to micro SD expansion slot that allows huge storage capacity for base maps and a lifetime's worth of .gpx files - be sure to get this capability. There are surely many other models and brands that will get the job done. At a minimum you need topo basemaps for SW Utah and the ability to follow uploaded tracks (or routes) in the unit. OK, you could get by without the basemaps even so long as you had paper maps for the region with lat/long info.
Mapping software with GPS upload/download capability.
I've spent a lot of time each with National Geographic TOPO!, Topofusion, and Garmin Mapsource. Of the 3, I find that I use Topofusion for 95% of the tasks. It is by far the best post ride analysis tool, it's the brainchild of fellow MTB enduro nut Scott Morris, and has a fully functional free download.
Paper maps.
Depending on your comfort/experience level with your GPS, you may elect to bring paper maps as well. These can be printed from mapping software or purchased online. You can even download scans of paper maps for free directly from USGS - look for the "Map locator and downloader." The St George 30" x 60" USGS map will give a good overview of all routes, but the finer details will require 7.5 min quads.
What next? Learn to use the GPS unit. Know the difference between tracks and routes, know the storage limits of your device and how long the batteries last. Before arriving you should have already followed a track and/or route with your device. Upload the Camp Lynda routes to your GPS.
Camp Lynda day 1 is not the ideal time to learn these things...day 1 is gonna be a butt kicker ;) Know how to work with GPX files in your GPS unit and mapping software. Two great resources for learning about GPS units are the MTBR GPS and Lighting forum and Topofusion's forum (if you use TF that is...). Be sure to start with the search function at the forums as your question has likely already been covered.
Here is the route teaser - prolly only relevant at this point to locals...
Day 1: Silver Reef Loop
Day 2: Barrel Roll-Stucki-Blakes
Day 3: Gooseberry-Rockville-Jem, well kinda in a long round-a-bout way. This one will be Epic but not so committing as it has one short cut, one bail out early option and one add an extra 25 miles option if you are uber-manic.
Disclaimer 2: If it rains and the trails are sloppy we might end up riding the road for three days. uuughhh!!
