More GPS Classes!

Some of you may remember the fabulous Laura Seaver who taught our last GPS class. Well while she's not teaching with us this time she's offering FOUR more free GPS classes in partnership with Ride West. You can get to the official link here but for a run down of all the classes, here's what she sent to us...

There’s some more GPS Training coming up!

I’m teaching a 4 part workshop series at Ride West. This is designed to be a hands-on series where you learn and practice with your own GPS.

The classes are free, but because space is limited, you need to register ahead. To do so, call Ride West BMW at (206)527-5511 or (888)527-RIDE and speak to PARTS. Be sure to say for which sessions you are registering. You’re encouraged to attend all, but I know that won’t work for some folks.

All classes run Saturdays, 2 – 4 pm.

Part 1: Saturday, March 20, 2010: Introduction to GPS
What’s this gadget good for? A GPS can be a handy addition to your navigational tools. Learn how to make use of this powerful device. This session will cover what a GPS is; what it can do and what it can't do; and how to use your GPS before, during, and after an excursion. The session will also include a demonstration of some advanced GPS skills designed to show the potential of these devices.

Part 2: Saturday, March 27, 2010: Workshop A: Basic GPS skills
Bring your (fully charged) GPS! This is a hands-on workshop designed to teach you how to use the basic features of your GPS. Participants in this workshop are STRONGLY encouraged to attend March 20: Introduction to GPS. Feel free to come even if you don’t yet own a GPS – you’ll be able to see a variety of models in action.

Part 3: Saturday, April 3, 2010: Workshop B: Using a computer with the GPS
How can you get more out of your GPS by using it with your computer? What can you do before you travel and after you return? This is a primarily Garmin specific workshop covering MapSource for the PC and BaseCamp, RoadTrip, MapManager, and MapInstall for the Mac. Other topics include GoogleEarth and an overview of other GPS related software currently available. This will be largely a demonstration workshop, but feel free to bring your own laptop to follow along.

Part 4: Saturday, April 10, 2010: Workshop C: Intermediate GPS skills
Bring your (fully charged) GPS! This is a continuation of Workshop A – a hands-on workshop designed to teach you how to use your own GPS. We will continue exploring more advanced skills including customizing your GPS, designing and following intricate routes, and understanding advanced features.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’ve been using a GPS on my motorcycles for 10 years and have navigated through 34 countries so far (and still found my way home!). I also have teaching experience ranging from teaching middle school girls sea-kayaking to teaching college calculus and a whole lot of things in between.

As a side note (from Jessica), Laura was my own personal coach on my new GPS before my solo motorcycle trip to Baja. We spend an evening looking like complete dorks walking around the Greenlake area with our GPS units. ("Where are we? Oh look, there we are!"). Thanks to her I had a very successful trip in Baja, knew how to use my routable maps in the US to get me to the parts store bike barely running just before it closed for the weekend and generally had a much better idea of how to use my new toy then I ever would have without her help. She's a very personable teacher and is great sharing her love of this "toy" with others so make sure to check it out. It's well worth your time.