Hi all, I'd like to introduce myself as I've been lurking on this forum for a week or two. I am Alastair (aka beejam) and I am moving to Pamplona next week from Amsterdam (got a job there). I'm a brit and have been dedicated to the pave for the last two years here, but as as my true heart lies with the dirt, the opportunities on the MTB in the forthcoming times, are getting me HAPPY! I see on the main thread that there's a good chit chat going on, though as I've now got a specific question I feel this warrants a new thread. So, do you use GPS here? For me in the UK it was never really necessary, but seeing the likes of the local wikiloc routes and new potential unexplored regions, I'm thinking to get one. Should it be a Garmin or what do ye think of the Brytons? The Garmin Edge 800/810 are dear but would cover all riding eventualities; though (with a nod from Makem on STW) the etrex 30 looks good for for riding and beyond (trekking etc). Do you have opinions? What openmaps do you use and could recommend for (north) Spain? Vale, todo para ahora. Adios beejam
I usually use viewranger on my mobile phone. You can buy the Spanish IGN maps for each communidad to go onto it, or use the free opencyclemaps. To be honest the maps in Spain are generally poor compared to UK OS maps. If you want a dedicated GPS unit then I'd look at getting a Gramin Etrex 20 or 30. The Edge 500/800 have a lot of cadence/training/HRM stuff that might not need. The Etrex is mapping only and a lot cheaper. I dont have much experience of riding near Pamplona but I'm sure there's plenty of good stuuf, Doug of www.basquemtb.com has a lot of rides not far from there. For weekends of superb riding without worrying about routes then go to Ainsa in the Pyrenees. Absolutely fantastic waymarked natural rides. Nice town too. I'm near Bilbao, there's some decent riding here. There's a few brits up here now, particularly near San Sebastian. We have the odd Guiri ride. ..and I'm the same mackem on STW.
I think getting a GPS depends on the type of riding you're going to be doing. Personally I've never really needed one because I normally ride with groups and there's always someone who knows the way, and there always seems to be plenty of people along that have one. But if you're going to be striking off on your own, or exploring virgin territory or whatever, or just want to be sure you know where you are, then go for it!
