Trans am route, map or gpx Garmin.

[Soulboy#1]

I'm still undecided on this if anyone has any further opinions on the subject. I'm struggling to see myself with a map wandering around like a lost tourist.......

[Pat Lamb]

If you don't know how to read a map and follow written directions, go with a GPS.

If you do use the maps, do supplement them with state maps (as mentioned earlier).

[PeteJack]

Nothing wrong with getting lost as long as you find somewhere for the night. You can end up in some interesting places. Physically you'll be OK outside of big cities, we're not talking about Kazakhstan here. Be careful asking locals for directions, unless they are cyclists they can be remarkably clueless about where they live. If  getting lost is so scary, ACA maps plus cell phone will cover most areas. Use a good cell provider, I used TMobile and couldn't get a signal for 500 miles of the Sierra Cascades; people using other providers had no trouble.

[jwrushman]

I intend to use ACA maps and RideWithGPS.  I'm planning an east-to-west trip for 2017 mostly following Great Lakes and Northern Tier.  I've been using RideWithGPS on my own and for all my club's rides here in NJ.   I understand that downloads for the northern routes are not available for RideWithGPS.  So, if not too onerous, I plan to input the ACA route into RideWithGPS.  Yesterday, I inputted info into RideWithGPS for NJ to Niagara Falls.  It wasn't too painful.  I like the turn-by-turn directions of RideWithGPS - it allows me to daydream - but I wouldn't feel comfortable without paper backup.  I haven't received my ACA maps yet, but I think/hope they will have a wealth of information not otherwise easily available.

[JHamelman]

I understand that downloads for the northern routes are not available for RideWithGPS. 

Actually, the turn waypoints for these routes are available as a gpx track. They are rough and do not exactly follow the road. If you are member, you can also download the service waypoints. Both sets of files are available here:

https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/digital-data-for-devices/tracks-limited/

That being said, by early spring 2017 we hope to have the enhanced version of the data for the Northern Tier, Lake Erie Connector and North Lakes routes available for sale. You can learn more on our Digital Data for Devices page.

Have a great tour!

Best,
Jennifer