Planning
 

I've been messing around for years playing at touring, but apart from a few organised trips to NZ / Canada / USA these have all been in Europe. Long intro, but the question is about setting up routes. Is the Garmin world mapsource of any use for, well world trips or should I just stick to real maps.

Great site, has made me totaly restless again after years in the Merchant Navy

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Kinross, is it still freezing? I left from Perth 3 months ago. Have made it to Ghana using the "Africa North and West" Michelin map, but no GPS.

Haven't met anyone who travels with just a GPS (on this trip anyway), GPS carriers always seem to have maps too. But not everyone has GPS. Depends where you want to go, off-track or between populated areas?

Handheld GPS is good for finding your accomodation after a night out!

cheers,
Doug

We are travelling just with maps, u have to watch ur belongings anyway all the time, its another thing u have to take care of. If u are not going into deserts u canmake it with maps and compass. For planning a route a map is always better, while riding a GPS makes sometimes sense. I would get one for Australia or Africa, but Europe, North America and CEntral America stick to maps.
Martin

Thanks for the replies.

I guess at this point in time I'm talking about going between populated areas. I'm handy with maps etc, but lazy - hence the GPS once i get moving.

Is it freezing in Kinross - not quite, but still not spring.

Thanks

Robert

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.. no gods .. precious few heroes.

Hi Robert, I'm at present in Peru heading north up to Canada and the flying back to Scotland at the start of June. I have been using both paper and white mans magic on this trip so if you fancy a chat about the pros and cons I will be back in St Andrews in 2 to 3 months. Ride safe, Mike.

Hi Mike - yes I would be interested in meeting you. Bear in mind I am still at the very early stages of this trip. I will be in Norway from 4th July for a couple of weeks, but let me know when you are back. Take care - Robert

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.. no gods .. precious few heroes.

XRM-The Holy Trinity of paper maps,GPS,and a small compass is the way to go.The paper maps can be used to look at the entire day's ride,while the GPS can only help you when you are moving.The GPS is most helpfull when entering ,or leaving a big city.By following the GPS,you can save time and fuel by not getting lost on narrow one-way streets,or unmarked side- roads.The paper maps are handy when you need to stop and ask for directions (always a challenge,with language barriers,lack of literacy,ect.).