Messages

1

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Downloading data from Garmin to PC

« on: February 08, 2012, 01:41:07 pm »

I use a different procedure (Edge 705). I've downloaded Garmin Training Center. You just connect your GPS to your computer, you upload the track with all the data on speed, heart rate, altitude and everything else recorded and you can analyse it. These tracks can be exported easily towards GPX and uploaded to many other platforms (and e.g. imported in MapSource if you want to change the track e.g. for your next trip). Garmin also has an online tool called Garminconnect. You can directly upload your track plus performance data to your own portal on Garminconnect and publish your track + other data if you would like to share your track with others. (http://connect.garmin.com/activity/112399830 as example).

2

General Discussion / Re: TransAmerica 2012

« on: January 08, 2012, 05:25:19 am »

I've chosen for Washington as it prevents any hassle with stop-overs and make the trip the most efficient also with respect to time. The car can easily be dropped off at a local Hertz or other major rental agency. Sharing is of course also an option if you fly on the same date. Other options closer by than Washington are Norfolk and Richmond. I didn't check the options.

3

General Discussion / Re: TransAmerica 2012

« on: January 06, 2012, 01:31:39 pm »

I will fly out of Amsterdam to Washington with KLM (May 17) and return from Portland (also direct flight). In Washington I will rent a car and drive to the start and from the finish I plan to do the same. The bike will go with the same flights. Shipping it earlier is pretty expensive and I'm allowed to take extra luggage for free.

4

International / Re: European Bicycling Resource

« on: January 06, 2012, 01:25:14 pm »

Be aware that not all routes follow paved roads. Most will be paved however and in e.g. Germany most will also have excellent signs. For the Netherlands a similar overview can be found at http://www.nederlandfietsland.nl/ (in Dutch) giving you e.g. perfect, scenery routes from Amsterdam to the south with connections into Germany and Belgium.

5

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: How to follow a route on Garmin Edge without stored map?

« on: December 29, 2011, 09:35:38 am »

In addition to my previous comment. I usually check my tracks upfront by displaying them on Google Earth. This can prevent ending up on e.g. unpaved routes and/or gives you smarter routes in and out cities.

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GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: How to follow a route on Garmin Edge without stored map?

« on: December 27, 2011, 04:36:00 pm »

Using tracks is indeed the best way. You can even add some waypoints to the track which makes it easier to navigate (using Mapsource) . I used this method a lot on my Edge 705 in France without any problems finding the route and on a vacation in Thailand I already added the hotel locations as waypoints. For back up you simply take a regular map in case you're in doubt.

7

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Any problems with GPS satellite reception outside the US?

« on: December 27, 2011, 04:30:02 pm »

I never had any problems using my GPS in Europe, Asia nor the US. Being from Europe most extensive use was of course in Europe. Only in areas with e.g. dense forests reception can be less resulting in errors on speed and inclination but as such never had any problems in finding the correct route.

8

General Discussion / Re: TransAmerica 2012

« on: December 22, 2011, 02:06:22 pm »

Last year I participated in an 8 day tour with camping in Europe (www.tourforlife.nl) . Average distance each day was above 100 miles with serious climbing. Within our group one person also preferred to stay in hotels and he also had little to no experience in camping. Result was that at his first night of camping he was wrestling with his tent for about an hour because he hadn't practiced and during the nights he stayed in a hotel he had to carry a day pack with luggage up and down to the hotel from the camping site. Average distance was about 5 km single way. With shared meals and cooking you have to be prepared to spend quite some extra time on travelling back and forth between the hotel and the campsite. I've no experience with camping in the US but I would guess that the distances between campsite and hotel can be much bigger. By the way, I also subscribed to the 2012 van supported TransAm so we will meet somewhere in 2012.