In our posts we are referring to terms like handrails, route choice, and backstops ... what do they mean?
Backstop
A "backstop" is a terrain feature usually perpendicular to travel and just beyond a point (e.g., trail or turn off) you're trying to find. If you cross the backstop, you've gone too far.
Bearing
A Bearing is the horizontal angle between the direction of an object and north or another object.
This is the direction that you will follow to get to your destination.
Handrail
A "handrail" is a terrain feature that runs alongside your prospective route. As long as you keep it on one side and in sight, you can follow it to your goal.
Navigator
The brave soul who is leading the rest of the team into the unknown using the mystical powers of orienteering.
Orienteering
The sport of navigating using a topographic map and compass. In an adventure race, there are no course markings and teams are orienteering the entire time to find their way between checkpoints.
Route Choice vs Route Planning
Route Planning is what you do before the race ... Route Choice is what happens when you are in the thick of it
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