Building the Map

 Most adventures start with a line on the map. I've been know to joke about following lines on the map for many of my big races. A printed course map, a GPX file uploaded - something to guide you along your way. I love the old fashioned course maps where I can transfer the data to my bigger maps - but even the GPX downloaded to my mapping programs work. To me, there’s nothing like showing up to a race with my paper maps all marked up with the course, knowing I’ve done all the research needed. I can spend hours studying my maps, considering the topo intervals and terrain contours. All those details allow me to build fairly accurate race plans. 

But what happens when there is no line on the map? That’s when the fun begins. I get to build the map and create my own line.There are still maps that I can study and write my notes on, but no one big map that contains the entirety of the course. I have five different paper maps and each map has one little piece. There’s some overlap between all the maps with each one focusing on a different use. Helpful for sure, but  only during static map studying. On the ground, in the middle of the night? I need it all in one spot so I can access it. Flipping through several maps at hour 36 in a big adventure sounds like a good way to get lost! I also decided I wanted not only a paper map, but a GPX line on my phone and one that I can download to my watch. Might as well have all the options available! If I’m going to do this, it’s all in and as accurate as I can make it. There may be better methods, but I’ve been using Gaia to build my map. It’s got the layers from old forest service maps, to up to date topos. I was even able to access the (surprisingly) most useful National Geo maps. So now I have the starting point for my line on my own map

That’s only part of it though. There’s also the issue of access points. During races, it’s super easy. The aid stations are clearly marked on the course maps provided. Driving directions are also provided with information on the kind of vehicle needed to access the aid stations. We usually mark up the driving routes provided by the race so it’s even easier for Nick. Here? We get to determine all that. The access points and roads reaching my line will need to be identified on the map I’m building. I’m doing the running, but Nick has the harder job. In addition to all the driving on unfamiler roads, he will be in charge of all the gear. How to get the gear I’ll need to complete the journey to my line on the map? He also has to organize all my notes and my gear to read my mind 80 miles in so I get what I need to cover the remaining distance. So that’s another thing I need to build into my map. Where are the “aid stations” going to be on this adventure? How long can we go between access points and what kind of vehicle will be needed? Nick can definitely outpace me on his mountain bike if there’s no go road access, but some of the hills and distance between the access points will be long even for him. If there’s no water for me, there’s no water for him which really compounds the difficulty of the adventure. One of the longest stretches without access is 18 miles and there’s no water at all. So we will have to come up with another plan then Nick riding in and meeting me.

All of that will come later. First I have to finish building the map. The line is drawn. It’s the details that I need to work on. The details that can make or break this adventure.