New Map Features on Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route

February 27, 2014

While we had the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) maps to use as springboard, when we first started talking about the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route (IHSMBR) we knew it would end up being a bit of a departure from our standard route network maps. Some of the differences are obvious and will likely only appear on these maps. Other difference are more subtle and may be transferred to more maps in the future.

We knew that since this is a mountain bike route, we would stay with a format similar to the GDMBR. We began with one large map on each side rather than breaking the route into panels. We knew the map would have shaded relief, profiles, point-to-point mileages, lettered circle turns, narratives — bidirectional if possible, service information on the map, and a service directory, as well as interesting field notes about the region. We also wanted to include a bit of guidance for cyclists who might be new to trail riding and general hot-springs etiquette.

Once those things were established, we could start getting creative about how to implement them all.

A major innovation we applied to these maps is something we are calling detachable narratives. Casey Greene, the main cartographer on this route, pitched the idea that bikepackers won't want to haul out the whole map to see what's next. His solution was to arrange the narratives such that they could be separated from the map without disturbing the rest of the layout. This smaller cue sheet could be stashed in a jersey pocket or easily reached framebag. If this is as successful as we hope, we'll look at incorporating it into future revisions of the GDMBR maps. (Please give us feedback so we can get it right.)

As the layout phase proceeded, Casey realized that to get the level of detail needed for the singletrack options, he would need to deviate from the 1:250,000 scale of the main map. Changing the scale for detail and inset maps is pretty standard for us. However, when he looked at how much map 'real estate' this was going to take, it was determined that it made the original paper size impractical. 

Rather than breaking the main route into two pieces and having a two-map series, it made more sense to leave the main route intact and have the second map be comprised of the single track options. Hence we ended up with a Main Route map and a Singletrack Options supplement map.

The Singletrack Options Map features four additional routes to choose from with a scale of 1:90,000 and includes contour lines. The narratives given for these options are not bidirectional. If you are planning to ride any of these options with the Main Route, you will need to ride in a counter-clockwise direction. We chose this direction based on the riding preferences of locals — many of whom you may encounter on the trail.

We made a few changes to the Legend to accommodate some fine distinctions in services. Examples include adding a symbol specific to Forest Service Campgrounds, hot springs and Outdoor Sports Shops while the All Services star symbol was dropped.

You'll find the Service Directory virtually the same as on all our other maps. One difference in the campground listings however is contact information was only included for those on route. Other Forest Service campground locations and names are shown on the map, as are National Forest Service boundaries, so you can explore options off route through other resources.

One last change to mention is subtle, but impactful nonetheless. Casey's fine eye for design detail led him to explore other font families. It was decided to utilize two new fonts, Clearview and Rawlinson. Clearview was originally developed for use on highway signage for its clarity. Other variants have been created for use at smaller scales and in print. The Rawlinson font was created for the National Park Service and Casey used a variant freely available for other uses. Over time we may implement these two fonts on our other maps. A decision will be made down the road based on feedback from users.

Now all that's left to do is wait for cyclists to ride the routes! We'd love to hear how it goes for you, what you like about the maps, and of course, how we can make them even better. Ride on! We look forward to hearing from you.

Photos by Casey Greene | Photo 1: Riding toward Loon Lake in the Lick Creek Range | Photo 2: Riding high above the Main Salmon River

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GEOPOINTS BULLETIN is written by Jennifer 'Jenn' Milyko, an Adventure Cycling cartographer, and appears weekly, highlighting curious facts, figures, and persons from the Adventure Cycling Route Network with tips and hints for personal route creation thrown in for good measure. She also wants to remind you that map corrections and comments are always welcome via the online Map Correction Form.