Does anyone still use paper maps?

[GrumpyGrizzly]

And if so, where did you find them?  I was thinking something along the lines of the old AAA Trip Tickets but, for cyclists.

Also, if you were wanting to go the flattest route from Portland, OR to Orlando Florida, what would be your choice of routes?

I'd prefer not to have to run a GPS all the time and worry about charging gps batteries, cellaphone batteries, etc.  Keep it pretty lo-f1 so if I run across a library, I can use their computers, jump on Gmail and send messages to family and friends. 

I'd prefer to keep my tablet battery for reading a few pages in a book before bed at night.  THen turn the power off and not have to worry about charging it every day. 

I also don't have a phone card in that tablet so I doubt I'd get any reception except for maybe a free wi-fi connection at McDonalds.

Paper maps I cound have right on the top of my tank bag with each page laminated or under a plastic cover.

Any thoughts?  Maybe a solor charger on my back rack?

[indyfabz]

Many state DsOT have maps. Some states like IA also have bicycle maps.

[staehpj1]

And if so, where did you find them?  I was thinking something along the lines of the old AAA Trip Tickets but, for cyclists.

Lots of choices for paper maps...  Free state road maps are available for most states.  Many have bike specific versions.

DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteers are super detailed and very nice maps.  They show dirt roads and even some trails.  They are more detailed than I tend to need, heavier than I want to carry, and too nice to cut up. but some people use them.

Obviously if you are going somewhere that an ACA route goes, ACA maps are awesome.

[CMajernik]

Every state Department of Transportation has a bicycle/pedestrian coordinator — even if they are not full time in this position, they will know the resources in their state better than anyone else. Nearly every state publishes a bicycle map of some sort they will send out for free. The coordinators or their state website often have more information available right there online or in print. And while the maps often aren't as detailed as ours, they generally offer suggested roads for cycling through their state. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center maintains a webpage of contact information for each state:
http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/data/state.cfm?ID=27#state

As far as I know, I have never heard of anyone producing a "Trip Ticket" for cyclists.

[GrumpyGrizzly]

Great info, thanks for the help!

[johnsondasw]

I just have a road atlas for the US and run copies of the state I'm riding in.  For more detail, I prefer the Benchmark maps to the Delorme.  Personal preference, I guess.

[BikeFreak]

When you use the google maps route function, click on the bicycle icon instead of the car icon and you can see a height profile of the entire trip across USA. You can drag and drop the route and that way change it while the route profile changes along. That way you can choose the flattest route.

For the same reasons as you I use paper maps and would never use an electronic map:

1. Never worry about batteries.
2. Have a full overview of the terrain you are in. With a small electronic screen you totally loose your orientation and have no idea where you are.

Have a look at this map:

https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/interactive-network-map/

It shows all the paper mapped adventure cycling routes. If you can accept a combination of these routes from OR to FL, it will be some of the best money spent for your trip. No, in fact, remove "some" from the previous sentence.

[maxton]

most any rest stop/visitor center in the US will have free maps

[litespeed]

I pack the latest Rand McNally Road Atlas and never pass up a welcome center/visitor center when entering a state. They invariably have excellent, free state maps. If I have no luck there I buy a good map at a big gas station/convenience store. I've never felt the need for anything more. I deal with tough climbs as I come to them but ask locals for advance information if possible.

I wrap/reinforce the edges of the cover and the binding of the road atlas with clear 2" packing tape. Doing this makes it almost indestructible.