new to this

[jakeohoran]

Hey guys, the name is jake and im planning a big trip up to providence RI. I was just wondering how i order a map that would get me there or if you guys had any sugguestions on how i should get started or go about doing this. Thanks.

[cyclebum]

Map: Google maps work great for trip planning. Buy paper maps as you go for details. www.bikely.com for elevation profiles.

Everything else: www.crazyguyonabike.com and www.bikeforums.net

As with most things, bike touring has a learning curve. Once you research the basics and get your gear together, do a weekend tour to test you, the bike, and the gear. Refine it from there.

Good luck and have fun.

[jakeohoran]

Thanks man that sounds cool. My friend was telling me i should call triple A and have them make me a map for a "scenic" trip to RI what do you think about that?

[pax78]

Hi jake, I'm a AAA member, but -- AAA is for automobiles!  Their maps might be useful for scenery but not so useful for safe cycling conditions. I would suggest surfing the internet for bike clubs local to the areas you would like to tour, as a start. They may even have some of their own routes posted online. You should also look at the local and state Public Works or Transportation websites, as they often will have maps showing Bike and Pedestrian routes. And the third place I would look is the state tourism website for bicycle routes. Have fun!

[raybo]

I'd suggest using www.biketouringtips.com .  It is an archive of bike touring information and weblinks (over 1350) that are indexed by location and topic.

Also, take a few short (overnight, if that is all you can do) bike tours with all your gear.  You will quickly learn which pieces of gear you like, are too heavy, don't work, or need more of.

While I learn something new on every bike tour, my gear list have been pretty stable for a long time.

Ray