Really struggling with what's for most very simple and straightforward stuff

[New Jawn]

I received a Garmin Edge Explore as a gift, and I'm very grateful for it, but I've no clue how to use it and it's been a huge struggle to learn the basics. 

All that said, I'm trying to "export" maps from the easternexpressroute dot com to my Garmin.  It is my understanding that "FIT"files work well with my Garmin.  The first prompt when trying to 'export' is do I want "notify before turn" and, if I do, then I have to upgrade/pay RideWithGPS for that service. 

Question 1: So, is the $80/yr. "Premium" for RideWithGPS worth it?  I know it's in the eyes of the beholder, but is that a common purchase for novice riders?  When decent weather returns, I also want to do rides in Michigan's UP and, if at all possible, Newfoundland and Labrador.  So I'm thinking that RideWithGPS would be a good thing to have? 

Question 2: The EasternExpressRoute website says that, beginning Jan. 2022, the site will be taken over by ACA.  I'm a member of ACA, so it's a bit puzzling that ACA maps would be provided through RideWithGPS, for which I have to pay an additional fee to get 'notify by turn' service.  Am I missing the obvious?

[HikeBikeCook]

I am doing the same route and have used the provided RWGPS routes and modified them with the RWGPS route planner. I paid for the Premium Service and I am glad that I did. When you figure what the overall trip will cost the price seemed worth it. Once in the application all you need to do is pull down settings on the drop down in the right side of the banner. From there select Connected Services and select Garmin Connect. From here you can link the software directly to your Garmin device through the account you used to register your GPS over at Garmin.

Once this is done you can simply "PIN" the routes (in the Gray Box upper left) once you have a route open. "Pinning" a route will automatically load it onto your GPS device the next time it powers on and connects to a satellite.

I have a 1030 Plus, but I am assuming all recent models will act pretty much the same way with the software.

As far as ACA taking over the route, I would not expect to see their version of maps and routes out this year since it has not been "Officially" announced as a new route to my knowledge. The new route they just released was months between the announcement and route availability.

[New Jawn]

Mr. HikeBikeCook,
Thanks for the reply.  From what you wrote, I will join RWGPS.  Just reading through their Help page, I think that I'll be able to handle the basics.

I would like to install all of the Eastern Express maps and then the TransAmerica maps from where it connects in Kansas through Pueblo, CO.  Do you think that my Garmin Edge Explore will have the memory to allow that?  (From Pueblo, I plan to bike to Colorado Springs (where my daughter lives) and stay there for 4-7 days to recover, do bike maintenance, and of course download the rest of the maps from Pueblo to Oregon, then rejoin again at Pueblo).

Do you use the FIT, GPX, or TCX map formats?  It seems that RWGPS recommends FIT.    If I read correctly, ACA files are in GPX, so would it be better to use GPX format throughout?

[John Nelson]

Yes, RWGPS recommends FIT for Garmin, but I don't see much of a difference in how my Garmin functions depending on what file format I download to my Garmin.

Note that it's trivial to convert GPX files into FIT if you want. Just upload the GPX file to RWGPS and export a FIT. I can't explain what, if any, benefit there would be to doing that. Perhaps someone else knows.

[HobbesOnTour]

Sometimes I have found searching on YouTube to be very helpful in learning about these things.

[HikeBikeCook]

The maps from the TAEE website are already in RWGPS format so you can open them in Route Planner, make any changes you desire to start and stops and then save them. When pinning from RWGPS the software does not ask the format, it simple loads the routes for you. I am not sure of the memory on your device but the Garmin site says it will hold 100 routes (as does my 1030+). I would think it should carry enough days routing to get you to your daughter's house, and then reload from there. I have renamed my routes to TAE 1 - X to Y to make them easier to sort once on the device.

I have not worked with the ACA GPS maps. I have the paper maps TA 4,5, & 6 to get us from the TAEE to Missoula but we are heading north then west to parallel or ride the Great American Rail Trail into Seattle. I have not tackled the ACA mapped section yet.

[RWGPS_Chad]

Howdy New Jawn,

This is Chad from Ride with GPS, and I see you are looking to get routes from Ride with GPS to your Garmin Explore.  As Hike Bike Cook mentioned, once you've set up a Ride with GPS account, you can connect your Garmin Connect account to wirelessly send routes to your device.  The tutorial for setting up the course sync can be found here - https://ridewithgps.com/help/garmin-courses.

As for file format -- this won't matter when using the Garmin Course Sync feature shown above.  During the process, we'll send the route to Garmin, and they'll format it for your specific device so that you get the best experience.  Check it out, and if you have any questions, let us know at info@ridewithgps.com.  Our support team is happy to assist 7 days a week. 

Enjoy the ride!

[HikeBikeCook]

Check it out, and if you have any questions, let us know at info@ridewithgps.com.  Our support team is happy to assist 7 days a week. 

I totally agree that their support is super helpful!

[JonahPennington]

While it's true that the value can vary from person to person, RideWithGPS does offer some handy features that can enhance your riding experience, especially if you're planning rides in different locations like Michigan's UP and Newfoundland and Labrador. It could be a valuable tool to have for mapping out your routes and exploring new areas.

As for the EasternExpressRoute website being taken over by ACA and the puzzling connection to RideWithGPS, it's possible that the transition might have resulted in some changes or additional fees. It might be worth reaching out to ACA or checking their website for more information to clarify the situation.

By the way, on a lighter note, have you ever thought about getting personalized bobbleheads made to accompany you on your cycling adventures? It could be a fun way to add some extra cheer to your rides!