Backroads provides a few different options for navigation on your trip:
- For most biking and multi-adventure trips, we provide you with a GPS device for navigation while cycling.
- For walking & hiking trips, you can navigate using the Backroads On Trip App on your phone.
- If you already have a preferred navigation app, we can provide you with GPS files to download onto your personal device.
- Of course, if you prefer a non-digital experience, we also have paper maps with written directions available, just ask your Trip Leaders for a copy!
Backroads Cycling Computer
Staying on Course
The GPS device will show your location along the course at all times. If you go off course, the device will notify you both audibly and visually with a message, and you’ll be able to see where you are in relation to the course to navigate back. The device will not, however, adjust your route to send you back to the course.
Turn-by-Turn Notification
When a turn is approaching, the GPS device will display on-screen instructions, but it will not read the directions aloud. The device will also notify you when you reach a point of interest along the route.
Backroads On Trip App Navigation
Staying on Course
The Backroads On Trip App shows your location along the route, even without service. Similar to other mapping apps, your location is indicated by a blue dot. Should you wonder where you are along a route or if you’ve made a wrong turn, you only need to locate where you are on the route with via your blue dot. While there is a turn-by-turn navigation function, many guests have found it provides more notifications than needed during their hike.
If you plan on using turn-by-turn navigation while on route, we strongly recommend you bring a portable battery pack and recharge your phone at lunch or other stops along the routes.
Your Personal GPS Device
Backroads has downloadable GPX files available for all trips. Please be aware that you are responsible for downloading the GPX files from your Backroads account and installing them on your personal device.
Technical Support
Backroads does not provide technical support for your personal GPS device. If you plan to bring your own device, we highly recommend that you have experience operating it while biking or hiking before you depart for your trip.
Type of Device
If you’re bringing your own device, be sure to confirm it works for navigation, not just tracking distance and statistics.
Installation and Security
Backroads is not responsible for the installation or security of your personal device or for any damage that it may suffer during the trip. Remember to take it with you when you get off your bike!
Device Accuracy
GPS technology is constantly improving, but these devices are not 100% accurate 100% of the time. Our GPS devices tap into the most current system of satellites, making them the most accurate devices on the market. Even so, with any GPS device, you may find that the Backroads paper directions, or trail sign markers or your personal devices differ slightly in distance or directions from our provided device’s display. This could be due to rounding errors on our part or inaccuracy on the part of the device. Don’t expect technology to be right all the time!