Latest mountain bike news

Mountain Bikes and Gear
GPS tips for mountain biking
May 11, 2007
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Community
Mountain bike world championships: Sept 3-9 in Ft. William, Scotland
May 10, 2007
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Culture
The sticky business of bike retailing
May 10, 2007
Mountain Bike Trails
Legend Park is legendary
May 9, 2007
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Culture
Europeans love to bike (though not necessarily off road)
May 8, 2007
  4
Exterior of a Trek Bicycle Store, featuring a brick façade, green awnings, and large windows displaying bicycles. A parked car with a bike rack loaded with bicycles is in the foreground, and parking lines are visible in the lot.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Trek Concept Store: Not clear
May 7, 2007
  1
A group of mountain bikers riding through a rock-lined path underneath a highway, with concrete pillars supporting the structure above. The terrain features winding trails and earthy surroundings, providing a unique biking experience in an urban environment.
Mountain Bike Trails
New MTB trails in downtown Seattle
May 4, 2007
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Community
Forget Everest: Mountain bike race in Nepal
May 4, 2007
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Community
Sorry for the lack of news
May 2, 2007
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Culture
Knowing your limits versus building your MTB skills
Apr 30, 2007
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Community
Womens mountain bike camps
Apr 29, 2007
Alt text: Movie poster for "2 Solo," featuring a mountain biker in action and a close-up of a cyclist's face, with the tagline "One man's quest for a 7th world title and the punishment he'll take to get it." Brands like Volkswagen, Trek, and Nike are also featured.
Culture
24 Solo mountain bike movie
Apr 27, 2007
  1
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Community
U.S. Women Ranked #1 in 2007 Mountain Bike World Cup (1st Round)
Apr 26, 2007
Culture
Riding with your Dog
Apr 26, 2007
  1
Culture
Free mountain bike video game
Apr 24, 2007
  1
A winding dirt path through a forest with tall, bare trees and a view of distant mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Leaf litter covers the ground alongside the trail, and patches of green vegetation are visible.
Mountain Bike Trails
Douthat trip not all that
Apr 21, 2007
  2
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Community
Julian 7500 Death March as tough as Leadville?
Apr 19, 2007
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Community
Floyd Landis competing at Teva Mountain Games
Apr 18, 2007
A close-up image of a bicycle handlebar mirror, featuring a round reflective surface attached to a black adjustable arm and a textured grip.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mirror for a mountain bike?
Apr 18, 2007
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Culture
Equestrians gone wild
Apr 17, 2007
Three handheld GPS devices are displayed side by side on a wooden surface. The left device is a Garmin eTrex Vista, the middle device is a Magellan eXplorist 200 in yellow, and the right device is a Garmin Edge 305. Each device features a screen and varying designs in gray and yellow colors.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Magellan eXplorist 200: Not for bikers
Apr 16, 2007
  2
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Community
Crankworx Colorado
Apr 16, 2007
A scenic view of a rocky landscape featuring a winding dirt path, with a cyclist riding along the trail. The background showcases a river meandering through the valley, surrounded by hills and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky.
Community
Good chance to ride the Kokopelli trail
Apr 13, 2007
  2
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB trail access: Illegal trails
Apr 13, 2007
  3
Community
Klunkerz MTB documentary screening at Newport Beach Film Festival
Apr 12, 2007
Logo of TopoFusion featuring a stylized globe with an elevation graph and the text "topofusion.com."
Mountain Bikes and Gear
GPS software review: TopoFusion
Apr 12, 2007
  2
Culture
Indoor mountain biking
Apr 11, 2007
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Mountain Bike Trails
Voice your opinions in Oregon
Apr 11, 2007
A mountain biker navigating rocky terrain, leaning forward as they ride downhill over a steep, uneven surface under a clear blue sky.
Mountain Bike Trails
Pickin' your lines
Apr 10, 2007
Culture
Responsible New England riders & Marin whiners
Apr 9, 2007
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB trail access: Do bikes damage trails?
Apr 6, 2007
  1
A computer screen displaying a map and a corresponding elevation graph. The left side shows a green line tracing a route on a topographic map labeled "Taiwan Datan Equivalent Cylindrical Map," while the right side features a graph representing elevation changes over distance. Various data points are visible along the route on the left.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mac GPS Pro review: Solid but...
Apr 6, 2007
Graphic featuring the text "Singletracks bike the net" at the top, with "MTB Trail Access 2007" prominently displayed in the center. Below, there are four colored icons with the keywords: "Speak," "Build," "Respect," and "Ride." The background is a gradient from light blue to white.
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB Trail access: Share the trail
Apr 4, 2007
A 3D satellite map showcasing a mountainous landscape, with a winding road labeled "40" and the town of "Cherry Creek" marked. The image also displays the interstate highway "I-70" and various terrain features in the background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Topo maps in Google Earth: Map your bike trails
Apr 3, 2007
  1
Culture
MTB trails: Good and bad news
Apr 2, 2007
A Garmin Edge 205 Cycle Pack, featuring a GPS device and a blue water bottle, displayed in packaging. The package includes a photo of a cyclist and informational text about the product's features.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Buy my Garmin Edge 205 GPS & get free membership
Mar 30, 2007
Image featuring the text "Upgrade to Premium" in stylized red font above a black barcode, with the website URL "S1NGL3TRACKS.COM" displayed below.
Community
Singletracks email newsletter launched
Mar 30, 2007
A muddy pathway through a wooded area, showing tire tracks and patches of grass surrounded by trees. The ground is wet and uneven, indicating recent rain or poor drainage.
Mountain Bike Trails
Wait for the mountain bike trails to dry before you ride
Mar 29, 2007
  1
A close-up view of two cyclists riding on a basketball court, focusing on their bikes. The cyclist on the left is wearing blue jeans and a dark sweater, while the cyclist on the right is on a yellow bike. The court surface features different colored sections.
Culture
The $242 track stand
Mar 28, 2007
  2
Alt text: A Garmin Edge 200 cycling computer and heart rate monitor, featuring a display screen that shows various metrics related to cycling performance. The device is black with a sleek design, alongside a chest strap used for heart rate monitoring.
GPS
Garmin Edge 305 review: Sweet but spendy
Mar 28, 2007
  1
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Mountain Bike Trails
Singletrack MINDS mountain biking documentary
Mar 27, 2007
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Kids learn to build their own bike frames
Mar 26, 2007
A Garmin stopwatch with a digital display showing lap time, current time, and temperature, attached to a black strap.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin Forerunner 201 review: So-so for biking
Mar 25, 2007
Cover of a National Geographic CD-ROM for topographic maps of Colorado, featuring a detailed terrain map and text highlighting features like GPS readiness and seamless state coverage.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
National Geographic TOPO! - Expensive and sucky
Mar 23, 2007
  1
<div style="text-align: center"><img width="485" height="276" id="image251" alt="gps1.jpg" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/gps1.jpg" /></div> I've been collecting mountain bike trail data on my GPS for a few years now and I thought it would be helpful to share some tips for those just getting started. Collecting GPS data can be a great way to build trail maps to share with friends but unfortunately most consumer GPS units don't make this an easy proposition. One of the first things you'll want to check on your GPS receiver is how often it is set to mark track points. Track points make up the digital breadcrumb trail you'll be leaving as you ride and most receivers give you vague settings like "often" or "less often." On the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/?p=200">Garmin Edge 305</a> you can choose to mark points once every second but in my experience this is way too often (and you'll end up with bloated data files as a result). Of the 200 or so <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/maps.php">GPS trail files</a> we have on singletracks, track point densities ranges from around 20 points per mile to more than 500! The sweet spot seems to be around 60 points per mile which translates to one point every 5-10 seconds, depending on your speed and the curvature of the trail. Once you've dialed in your track point settings, it's important to give yourself as many clues as possible to sort out the GPS data when you get home. I recommend marking a waypoint when you start your ride and when you finish (some receivers like the Edge do this automatically). I also recommend downloading your trail data as soon as you get back to your computer so you don't forget what you just recorded-- GPS data can look foreign and confusing weeks after a ride - plus your GPS will have a clean slate for tracking your next ride. Large files are difficult to work with so it's best to separate each trail into its own file. You may find from time to time that your GPS data has gaps or mysterious "straight line" sections. These usually occur when your GPS receiver loses satellite reception and it's actually fairly common on wooded trails and even cloudy days. Aside from upgrading your GPS there are some things you can do to avoid gaps in your trail data. First, consider the time of year and even the time of day you ride. With leaves off the trees you'll see a big improvement in reception and, depending on topography, you may even see improved reception in the morning or evening as satellites move throughout the day. If you do happen to lose reception while riding, stop and wait for your receiver to reacquire a signal. This may take a couple minutes but be patient! You may even want to slow down your pace a bit if you find you're losing reception often on a particular trail. Mapping mountain bike trails with a GPS can be challenging at times but for many people it's a fun way to document an outdoor adventure. Share your maps with friends or better yet, <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/trax/submit_instructions.php">share them</a> with us here at singletracks and score free access to hundreds of GPS trail maps around the world! As always feel free to <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/aboutUs.php">contact us</a> with questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Culture
MTB skills training
Mar 23, 2007
A panoramic view of the Cleveland skyline during sunset, showcasing tall skyscrapers and the iconic Key Tower. The image features a bridge crossing a river, along with bustling city streets below, painted in warm hues of orange and purple from the setting sun.
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB park coming to midtown Cleveland
Mar 22, 2007
A graphic featuring a silhouette of a bicycle against a gradient blue background, with the text "Your bike here" at the top and "Give trek7k a new name" at the bottom.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Who watches MTB races anyway?
Mar 22, 2007
A person riding a lightweight all-terrain vehicle jumps over a log on a dirt trail, surrounded by trees. Dust is kicked up behind as they navigate an outdoor obstacle course, showcasing the thrill of off-road racing. A spectator can be seen in the background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
4-wheel mountain bikes
Mar 21, 2007