GPS Info

The inaugural RVO back in 2010 pioneered adventure racing with 100% GPS self-navigation. GARMIN has continued as our exclusive GPS partner since 2010, we would be lost without GARMIN.

Q: MUST I USE A GPS IN THE RVO?

A: Yes, each team must have a GPS unit. The RVO route is not marked, indicated nor signaled in any way, so without a GPS you will get lost. The only way to navigate the RVO route is by following the RVO track on a GPS.

As part of their support to the RVO, Navigation Systems, the GARMIN specialist distributor has offered special pricing to all RVO entrants, for the purchase of specific GPS models.

Q: MUST I USE A GARMIN GPS, OR CAN I USE ANY OTHER MAKE?

A: Garmin manufacture the best outdoor GPS units, other makes of GPS units will accept the RVO tracks but they will not perform as well.

Q: WHAT MODEL OF GARMIN GPS SHOULD I USE? WHICH ONE IS BEST SUITED FOR THE RVO?

A: There are 3 series of GARMIN GPS that are recommended for the RVO:

The EDGE 500/510/520 SERIES ARE NOT USEABLE ON THE RVO as they cannot display tracks

The discontinued ranges of – EDGE (705/605) and eTrex Legend HCX & Vista HCX are useable but not recommended.

The Edge 705/605 is a Training Monitor better suited for road cycling, to monitor personal performance metrics. For the RVO, the Edge 705/605 has a very limited tracking function, it’s map screen is very small with poor resolution, thereby challenging for quick and precise navigation out on the forest trails.

Q: I WANT TO BUY A GPS NOW SO I CAN PRACTICE WITH IT BEFORE THE RACE, CAN I BUY IT NOW, OR IS THE SPECIAL OFFER ONLY AT THE TIME OF THE RACE?

A: Once you are registered for the RVO and paid your entry, then you can buy your GPS with the RVO discount.

Q: IF I HAVE A GPS NOW AND LIVE OUTSIDE KENYA, CAN YOU SEND ME THE TRACK?

A: Yes, we will email it to you.

Q: HOW DO I ATTACH MY GPS TO MY BIKE?

A: For each of their GPS models, GARMIN makes plastic brackets for mounting units to bicycle stems / handlebars. Once fitted to the bike stem it holds the GPS in place even over the roughest of trails. Due to trail vibration we recommend mounting your GPS on the steering stem.

Q: DO I NEED A KENYA BASE MAP PRE-LOADED INTO MY GPS UNIT? WILL ONE BE PROVIDED WITH THE RVO TRACK?

A: Preferably YES, all international entrants will receive a Kenya road map to install in their GPS. This detailed base map contains contoured topographical info, major and minor roads plus ‘000’s Points of Interest. It is available for purchase from RVO by non-international entrants,  The RVO track is 100% precise, so long as you stay on track you will be fine, but WHEN you do stray off track you might need the road map to recover.

Q: I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ORIENTEERING. HOW WILL I KNOW IF I AM ON THE RIGHT TRACK IF I ONLY HAVE A GPS?

A: There is nothing simpler. You don’t need to know anything about orienteering, nor do you need to be an expert on GPSs. The only thing you do need to ensure is that when you view your screen – you are the arrow and the RVO track is the fat line. As long as you keep the arrow on the line, then you are on course.

It is critical that all entrants are very familiar with their GPS units, especially at adjusting their zoom level in/out.  Due to the innumerable junctions and single-track footpaths, we suggest riding with a maximum zoom level of 80m-120m magnification.

By using a Garmin GPS there is little chance of getting lost, and the additional information that appears on the screen means you don’t even have to hesitate when you come to an intersection or crossroads. Your performance on the trails will be exactly the same as if you were following physical course markers, with the added benefit that you are unlikely to take a wrong turn, and you will never get (totally) lost, unlike if you were following a marked course.

Q: HOW DO I SETUP MY GPS?

A: We very absolutely recommend that all entrants become fully acquainted with their GPS device and settings prior to the race. As race organisers we assume you are technically proficient at setting up your GPS device; we will not train you to fix a flat tire nor will we train you on GPS use.

Q: ARE GARMIN GPS COMPATIBLE WITH MAC COMPUTERS?

A: Yes, the RVO race office is 100% Mac.