POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
GPS Unit Power

Removable Batteries • Units Powered by Standard Removable Batteries
Units Powered by Non-Standard but Removable, Rechargable Batteries
Units Powered by Internal Rechargeable Batteries

We strongly recommend testing how long it takes your GPS unit to run out of power well before the start of the event so you know how long it will operate on a full charge and also how long it will take to fully recharge your unit's batteries. That way you can make sure your unit will have enough power for the entire event and be prepared accordingly.

Removable Batteries

If your GPS unit uses removable batteries, you should always carry at least one extra set (preferably two) of fresh, fully charged spare batteries with you on your bike so that you are fully prepared in case your unit runs out of power.

We feel it is best to wait until the unit completely runs out of power before replacing the batteries in order to maximize the unit's usage time. This also prevents mixing up batteries and accidentally using ones that are only partially charged, particularly if your GPS unit uses two or more of the same batteries. Otherwise you can place fresh, fully charged batteries in the unit before the ride if you prefer to have the maximum amount of continuous riding time without having to change the batteries.

We also recommend coming up with a system for knowing whether your batteries are fully charged or not. For disposable batteries we recommend just keeping new ones in their original package and discarding them as they get used up as soon as possible so that you don't mix new and used batteries. For rechargeable batteries, we recommend numbering each battery with a permanent marker so it is easier to track which batteries are fully charged and which ones need to be.

And even if you know exactly what to expect with your unit's operation and/or are carrying extra batteries with you on the road, it's still best to conserve power anyways just in case because you never know when a battery might unexpectedly die.

Units Powered by Standard Removable Batteries (e.g. Garmin eTrex and GPSMap60 series units)

Units powered by standard, removable batteries (AA, AAA, 9V, etc.) are unquestionably the best option. These types of batteries are light, inexpensive, easily replaced, and readily available anywhere. If you completely run out of batteries you can run into almost any store and buy new ones in an emergency, and you can use any extra batteries left over after the event for lots of other purposes around the house.

If your unit uses standard, removable batteries we recommend using disposable batteries instead of rechargeable ones, particularly for multi-day events. Doing so eliminates having to bring a battery charger, plugging it into a wall outlet, and keeping track of which batteries are charged or not. If you do decide to recharge your batteries nightly on a multi-day event, we recommend bringing a charger that can show you when the batteries are fully charged (such as a light that changes color, etc.) and that can charge double the amount of batteries your unit uses (i.e. a four battery charger for a unit that takes two batteries) to ensure you can always carry an extra fully charged set of batteries with you on the road.

Click Here for the battery charger we recommend and also use in our support vehicles. Not only can this charger charge four AA, AAA, D, or D batteries at one time, it can also charge 2 additional 9V batteries at the same time and run off of either wall or car power. We've been using this fantastic versatile battery charger for years and absolutely LOVE it!

We also recommend initially packing a full set of new or fully charged batteries necessary for the entire event (plus a couple extras) in your baggage so you won't have to worry about any buying extra batteries or recharging them during the event.

We will carry extra standard disposable batteries in our vehicles as a "part" according to our mechanical support services policies.

• Click Here for more information about our our mechanical support services.
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Units Powered by Non-Standard but Removable, Rechargable Batteries (e.g. smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy series)

The battery in these types of units is rechargeable and can be easily removed, but is not a standard battery type (AA, AAA, etc.) In order to recharge it you can either plug a power cable into the unit or you can just swap out the battery with a fresh, fully charged one.

If you only have one battery for your unit, it is absolutely critical that you bring a way to charge it with you such as a wall charger. If you do not remember to plug the unit in and fully charge it the night before the ride and it runs out of power, you will not be able to use it at all.

Wall Charger

Battery is charging

Battery is fully charged

For these types of units we strongly recommend purchasing at least one extra battery (possibly 2) and an additional separate wall charger just for the battery (see pictures above). That way you can charge two batteries at one time and carry at least one extra fresh, extra fully charged spare battery with you on the road. Ideally, the wall charger will also indicate when the battery is fully charged (see pictures above). Extra batteries and chargers can easily be purchased online or at a specialty store, such as a cell phone store. Otherwise if you do not purchase a separate charger, you will need to swap out the batteries after one becomes fully charged.

Units Powered by Internal Rechargeable Batteries (e.g. Garmin Edge and Forerunner series units and smartphones such as the iPhone)

The battery in these types of units is internal and cannot be easily removed and replaced. In order to recharge the unit you have to plug a power cable into it, such as a wall charger, USB computer cable, or 12V car charger.

We do not recommend using these types of units because it is absolutely critical that you bring a way to charge it up with you and also remember to plug the unit in and fully charge it the night before the ride. Otherwise you will not be able to use your unit at all because it cannot be quickly or easily charged on the road.