Messages

1

Routes / Re: Shoulders / Bike Lanes on ACA Routes

« on: July 11, 2015, 02:01:44 pm »

My daughter and I rode the (modified) Northern Tier last summer and encountered absolutely no routing difficulties EXCEPT when we left the ACA route.  Looking subjectively at the route vs. what seemed to be better. more direct alternatives we generally preferred the ACA recommendations.  That being said, when we realized we were running out of time (Molly had to go back to medical school...) we opted to use the Google Maps routing for bicyclists starting in Wisconsin, which was much shorter, used magnificent rail-trails and dedicated bike paths and also showed lodging, restaurants and supermarkets when we needed 'em. Some of the route was on dirt or crushed stone but, even though I ride a recumbent tadpole trike, there was no difficulty.  Here's a link to our blog:        crazyguyonabike.com/doc/pupine

The most frustration was when we were forced to use the wide and safe interstate shoulders in eastern Montana and North Dakota.  Especially in Montana, we had several flats due to tiny tire wire embedding itself in our tires.  Nevertheless, since the shoulders were 10 feet wide, we felt completely safe and protected by rumble strips near the right lane edge. 

BentJay

2

Routes / Re: What are the current map versions?

« on: April 24, 2010, 01:05:27 pm »

I'm planning on riding the TransAm starting in late July.  Will there be a new version of that route before ~July 1, 2010?

Jay

3

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / which GPS for trans Am touring?

« on: April 03, 2005, 06:55:37 pm »

OK, now I've discovered the Garmin 276C which will hold 3K waypoints. OTOH, it's about $150 more...too bad.  So, my conclusion is that the technology exists but it hasn't filtered down to the less expensive choices yet.  I can wait.  (Anyone else waiting for the new Microsoft OS to replace their current pc?)

BentJay

4

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / which GPS for trans Am touring?

« on: March 30, 2005, 12:25:57 pm »

OK, I'm beginning to "get it" though for the reasons you stated, Fred, I'm going to wait for Spring, 2006. I'm leaning towards the Garmin GPSMap 76CS.  It includes sensors for altitude and a compass for a little more money than the 76C.  I understand what you mean about waypoint capacity and deleting unecessary waypoints w/o losing the AC route.  I'm hoping that next year's models will hold 2K waypoints...that would neatly solve that small problem.  Thanks Fred and Jay for your advice.  I feel like I'm on the way.

BentJay

5

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / which GPS for trans Am touring?

« on: March 28, 2005, 02:53:45 pm »

Fred,

Thanks for the detailed information!  As a novice you've given me a lot to digest.  Since we're not planning to do this until summer, 2006 I'd bet newer units with more memory/lower prices will appear but, since I barely understand the concept at least I've begun this part of the "training" necessary to do this trip.  

Does "non-mapping" imply that the unit will not display a map but will only show waypoint "cues"?  Does "mapping" imply that the unit will show a road map similar to what the AC maps show (but minus the information those maps contain?) One thing I think I get:  If we provide the units with "waypoints" we can "force" it to ignore the roads we don't want to use i.e. interstates.  True?

BentJay
AKA  Jay Singer
See my tour journal at:   http://aroundthelake.crazyguyonabike.com

6

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / which GPS for trans Am touring?

« on: March 27, 2005, 02:52:37 pm »

My son and I are going to do the Southern Tier next summer.  I recently noticed that AC offers waypoints for this route.  Questions: Which GPS is the current best unit?  (Is the Garmin V Deluxe the one?  I noticed there's a handlebar clip for that one.) Will any unit store all the waypoints for the entire route?  Am I right in assuming a gps should come with maps appropriate to cycling i.e. no interstates, etc?
Thanks for getting this newbie gps'er started!

BentJay

See my tour journal at:  http://aroundthelake.crazyguyonabike.com

7

General Discussion / Southern Tier

« on: August 29, 2005, 01:45:35 pm »

My son and I were planning on doing the Southern Tier Route from mid-June to mid-August.  Someone thought that was a bad idea as the temps and humidity are very high.  They mentioned that, even with a late March start they had encountered high, early-May temps.  
Anyone have a comment?  Is the Southern Tier only for Spring or Fall?

Jay