Addenda Confusion

[Spokey]

I'm a little confused about addenda.  I copied this from the Atlantic Coast (AC) section 6 2007:

To update an older map, you must download ALL newer addenda for maps subsequent to this map. The BC number incorporates the update year in the last two digits: e.g. 07 means the map was reprinted in 2007. (Oct 2009)

As I understand it, if I have the 2007 version, I should combine the addenda for 2007, 2009, & 2011.  Except there is no 2011, but the 2009 addenda has August 2011 entries.  Shouldn't those be in a 2011 addenda which doesn't exist?

Also, I guess this needs input from an ACA staffer.  There are two addenda listed for AC-Sec7-2011.  Neither works.  I did a contact yesterday but haven't heard anything.  If this isn't fixed shortly is there any other way to get this?  I'm leaving in 2 weeks for Key West.

[John Nelson]

If there is no addendum for the 2011 edition, that means that either the 2011 edition doesn't exist yet, or that nothing has changed since it was printed. In this case, the 2011 edition does exist (according to the ACA store). So if there are August 2011 changes to the 2009 edition, it seems to imply that the 2011 edition of this map is so hot off the presses that it already includes this change.

If there is some other explanation, then I like you am confused. The logical explanation I offered above does not seem especially probable.

[John Nettles]

No matter what, you need to take the addendum with a grain of salt.  I have sent in 6 service changes (motel closed, campground closed, and four stores opening or closing) on their little update postcards in the past 3 years but only 2 have appeared.  I even called on one after not seeing it the following month but it still took another 4 months to appear so it may not have been my notice that caused the appearance.

I love and recommend the maps but in my case at least, the addendum (and ACA's follow up) were severely lacking at times.

[John Nelson]

I agree, the addenda are not always up to date. The Oswald West State Park permanently closed its campground four years ago but this change didn't show up on the addendum until this month. Grandma's Cafe in Lamont WY had already reopened before the addendum got around to show it had closed. Jerry Johnson campground along the Lochsa River in Idaho is marked as closed, but it is not closed permanently, only seasonally. This is perhaps an example of acting on a report from a cyclist who found it closed but didn't realize what was really happening.

[Spokey]

The Oswald West State Park permanently closed its campground four years ago but this change didn't show up on the addendum until this month.

If that is the Oswald Park right after the funny tunnel that you can trigger a light for bicycles, that's too bad.  We stayed there in 2003.  I liked it.

Yes, the map would really have to hot off the presses to include August 2011 changes.  I ordered it and it supposed to be in transit.

[JHamelman]

Hi all,

There is a lot of conversation here about the addenda process. I will take a stab at addressing all the issues. Let me know if you have further questions.

We update the addenda at least bi-monthly. During the summer we aim to have them updated monthly. We do our best to verify the information on every card and comment that comes in before posting it. This takes time. If we can't find confirmation of the item, we hold the card to see if anyone else reports the same thing and try again to confirm what we are told. We are human so we make mistakes and either miss things or misstate things. If you believe we have missed something you sent in, please feel free to follow up with us. Sometimes the online/email items fall into the internet black hole and we never see them. Sometimes the post office loses the cards before they get to us.

The person who receives the online correction cards is on vacation right now so response to anything submitted is going to be a little bit slow. I'll scan her email more closely to prevent the time urgent items from being missed.

Regarding Atlantic Coast 6: The 2011 version started selling AFTER we posted the August 2011 addenda updates, that is why you will see items for the 2009 addenda dated August 2011. (The date you see on the addenda items is the date we posted it, not the date we received it.) I believe Sales JUST started selling the 2011 version of that map in the last week or so. I have updated the form so now 2011 appears and shows no addenda items.

As for Atlantic Coast 7, I'm not sure what technical glitch was going on there but I think I have it fixed at this time. As of this morning, there is only one item for the 2011 version of the map.

I know this process is confusing from the outside. Some days, it can feel that way from this side as well.  I hope this clears up the questions Spokey had that started the conversation. If not, ask again and I'll do what I can to clarify.

.Jennifer.

[Spokey]

thanks

Section 7 works now. 

Still have a question for section 6 although it doesn't look like it ultimately matters but might help further clarify.

In the ATLANTIC COAST ADDENDA, Section 6 (BC-1403 2009) addenda is

The shoulder of SR 200/A1A from Yulee to Amelia Island Pkwy. is in bad shape, ride with caution (Aug 2011)

I haven't gotten my new 2011 Section 6 yet but I don't think you usually see that sort of thing on the paper map.  So shouldn't that be in a 2007 addenda? 

Finally;

what's this vacation stuff?  Who said you guys get to take vacations!?

have a good weekend!

[JHamelman]

Morning Spokey,

thanks

Section 7 works now. 

Still have a question for section 6 although it doesn't look like it ultimately matters but might help further clarify.

In the ATLANTIC COAST ADDENDA, Section 6 (BC-1403 2009) addenda is

The shoulder of SR 200/A1A from Yulee to Amelia Island Pkwy. is in bad shape, ride with caution (Aug 2011)

I haven't gotten my new 2011 Section 6 yet but I don't think you usually see that sort of thing on the paper map.  So shouldn't that be in a 2007 addenda? 

Finally;

what's this vacation stuff?  Who said you guys get to take vacations!?

have a good weekend!

Thanks for pointing out that addenda item. Looks like it came in after the map went to the printer so I have added it to the 2011 addenda. This is information that typically will show up on the paper map in the Riding Conditions section.

As for vacation, they are highly encouraged and we do occasionally take them around here. 

Have a good weekend yourself.

.Jennifer.

[Spokey]

Thx

Guess I need to look at the back of the maps more .  Been a couple years since I've used ACA maps and I guess I forgot about that climate, riding, etc section. 

[JHamelman]

Guess I need to look at the back of the maps more .  Been a couple years since I've used ACA maps and I guess I forgot about that climate, riding, etc section. 

No worries! Sounds like you need to plan another ACA-map based tour. 

[Spokey]

Already?? Haven't even left for Key West yet! Still working on connecting to AC map 4 from central Jersey (that's almost done)

[JHamelman]

Oops! I really should wait until after my first full cup of coffee before I post on the forums.

Well then, let us know how they work for you.=)

.Jennifer.

[Spokey]

Had not had coffee myself when I responded.  And had to do it from that little Droid (was in a waiting room waiting for the oldest to come out of surgery).

My previous experience with ACA maps has been good.  Hey I keep buying them.  I first thought of biking to Jimmy Buffet's in 2004.  Just finished putting together my third set of AC maps 4 through 7. 

Heck, I even have Bike Centennial Trans Am maps (think they're worth premium collector prices on ebay?) from I think the mid-90s.

My brother has already started babbling about our next big trip.  Fortunately not around my wife.  Just talking about bike trips costs me Caribbean cruises.  The actual trips are worse.  The Key West trip is going to cost me a couple weeks roaming around Ireland.

[JHamelman]

Sounds like you, your wife and your brother have a system worked out.  Ireland for Key West sounds like a good trade off to me.

Hope your son has a speedy recovery from surgery.

.Jenn.