Road trip routing

[coacha]

Being a new rider, how do the members of the board route your trips? I don't have GPS...yet, but I was wondering if there was an easy or simple place to go to plot your course that keeps you off the major interstates to get somewhere. I have been looking at Google and Yahoo maps but they all just put you on the superslabs and major routes.

Thanks for your help.

[rlfaubion]

I use Microsoft's "Streets & Trips". It comes with a GPS, but not for the bike. I think it cost somewhere around $50 without the GPS.....

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/PICT5272.jpg

I like yahoo maps because you can zoom in and it will show you all the roads. You can also get satelite images and mileage. Yahoo maps will show you the most direct route but they have a new feature where you can click on the purple line between destinations and drag it to another road and it will show you the new mileage and origional mileage. I think yahoo maps can't be beat.

[oldbiker]

Being an old timer I use old time methods, MAPS. DeLorme makes the best. There's a complete book for each state. They show every cow trail there is . I plan my trip by writting down route and just refer to it as I go. That way I don't have to carry the books with me. They ain't cheap, $20.00 each, but well worth the money. Had a GPS on my Goldwing. It took me to places I didn't want to go so I sold it. Kinda like my first wife. Her and the GPS are both gone.

[michiganmike]

I use Microsoft Streets and Trips. Easier to use than DeLorme Street Atlas USA in my opinion. Far superior than on-line mapping programs like Yahoo or Google.

[Top Cat]

I'm with oldbiker, maps is what I use. Sometimes I go to map quest for a rough estimate of mileage. They have a feature on there that lets you plot your trip by either shortest time, shortest mileage and also no toll roads.
I'm going to check out yahoo maps because the CAH suggested it. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[coacha]

Being an old timer I use old time methods, MAPS....Had a GPS on my Goldwing. It took me to places I didn't want to go so I sold it. Kinda like my first wife. Her and the GPS are both gone.

Well, I like maps but the other part...that is far more expensive I think!

[Todd]

I keep a map in the saddlebag of the surrounding States, or new State I am riding in. I just take the basic route from there. When I get to a stop sign, if my planned right turn does not look good, I go left and then "recalibrate" to my final destination (aint that how the GPS does it??).

I love to just go ride and get lost and find my way home!

[blowndodge]

I love to just go ride and get lost and find my way home!

<marquee>I bet your wife doesn't entirely agree!!</marquee>

I'm going to check out yahoo maps because the CAH suggested it. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Really, I only use yahoo maps because map quest kept crashing my computer. There are probably far superior alternatives but I'm a creature of habit and use it because I'm used to it.

[Todd]

[quote:7g2q925w]I love to just go ride and get lost and find my way home!

<marquee>I bet your wife doesn't entirely agree!!</marquee>[/quote:7g2q925w]

As long as I call 30 minutes before I get to the driveway, she doesn't mind me finding my way back.......I don't get it ??? ??? ???

[Top Cat]

[quote:u3ilieac]
I'm going to check out yahoo maps because the CAH suggested it. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Really, I only use yahoo maps because map quest kept crashing my computer. There are probably far superior alternatives but I'm a creature of habit and use it because I'm used to it.[/quote:u3ilieac]

Now ya tell me http://s2.images.proboards.com/angry.gif:(" title=">:(" border="0"/> I checked it out. It seems they want you to give them everything but your social security number to register. Then I think they want you to have a yahoo email. I guess i'll just keep using Mapquest and Rand McNally. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[towering]

I have about half doven online maping sites i use but on the road it the maps

You shouldn't need all that TC. Just go to yahoo.com and click maps on the left coulumn. Works for me anyway.

[unwind2]

I love to just go ride and get lost and find my way home!

Me too! I had a blast when I was in Vermont working for 5 months on assignment. The folks at the extended stay got a kick out of me too. I'd be going out the door with helmet in hand and they would say 'going out to get lost again' to which I would say 'you bet'.

Yahoo maps: http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1 dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--

[dui546]

I now have the Garmin Zumo 550 and I have been experimenting with it in my vehicles. This GPS is simply an incredible package for the motorcycle rider. It will give you the location of anything you want (such as various types of restaurants) or need (such as gas, hotels, etc). It allows you to conduct a general search that will not only give you turn by turn directions but will also provide you with the address and phone numbers of what you are looking for.

You can plan detailed trips and routes (if you need to do that) or you can simply get on the road with the intent of getting lost and eventually hit "home" when you are ready to get back.

The blue tooth feature gives you the capability of using a cell phone (while riding) and the built in MP3 player and SD card gives you hours of music.

YES, it is expensive...BUT it "will do" everything it promises.

[trip]

I've been taking trips on my bike for about 8 years now. Logged over 45,000 miles on just trips. I've learned to trust Microsoft Streets and Trips for the initial planning and mileage estimation, and then rely on my GPS while on the trip.

I've used various Garmin GPS', the Garmin V, 2610 and now I use the Zumo 550. Ditto on everything that dui546 said about the Zumo. It's an excellent unit.

Here are three things I suggest to anyone on a bike for trips:

1. Microsoft Streets and Trips for trip planning (good for making maps for trip reports when you get back too)
2. Zumo 550 GPS (made for a motorcycle and the rigorous travel)
3. J&M 40 channel CB/10 Weather channel Radio and headset gear (route the MP3 and XM Radio from Zumo to J&M)

Those three items will cost you about 1250.00 bucks, but will last for a lifetime and will stand up to the abuse of trips. It's not that other systems or methods won't work....Just a suggestion from my experience.

[Yellow Jacket]

http://maps.live.com

Quite similar to the Yahoo maps.

[ponch]

Google or Rand McNally, and it usually takes one look and I am on my way.

[dogdoc]

well I see from this thread as usual that opinions are like ass holes everybody has one. i think everybody should use what they like and get ur done

[dantama]

Sounds like I do it in a pretty unique way. When I went on a 3,800 mile ride I looked at a Rand McNally atlas to get a general idea of where I wanted to go. Then when I got to state lines I went into the welcome stations and got a free state map, folded it into the shape that showed the route that I wanted to take, got some tape and taped it to my gas tank.

As I rode, if I got to the edge of the visible map, then at a gas stop I'd refold it and tape it back on.

On other rides I look at the atlas before I go, write some route numbers on a sticky note, put it on the tank, then head out. I spend a little bit of time wondering if I've already past the route I wanted and such, but usually get to where I want to go.

Sometimes I take a detour, and really wonder where I'm at. Like taking the Burr trial off of Hwy 12 in Utah and riding a dirt road for 50 miles. Didn't know where I was when I hit pavement again, so I went east thinking that it would eventually get me somewhere I knew.

That's my way, might not work for everyone.

I'm too paranoid about running out of gas to try that.

[trip]

well I see from this thread as usual that opinions are like ass holes everybody has one. i think everybody should use what they like and get ur done

Which is exactly what we all usually do Doc....we listen and learn about other ideas and methods and evaluate them ourselves....what's your point????

[lw]

I have used the routebuilder.org site to archive & share routes. I'll have to check out some of the other avenues suggested here.

[dantama]

I'm too paranoid about running out of gas to try that.

On my first long trip in 99, I stopped for gas a lot more often than I needed to just because I wasn't sure how much further the next one would be.

On the Burr trail trip I got to the next gas stop and put 4.1 gallons in my 4.2 gallon tank.

Gas is a worry that I often deal with.

[trip]

[quote:0v58u385]I'm too paranoid about running out of gas to try that.

On my first long trip in 99, I stopped for gas a lot more often than I needed to just because I wasn't sure how much further the next one would be.

On the Burr trail trip I got to the next gas stop and put 4.1 gallons in my 4.2 gallon tank.

Gas is a worry that I often deal with. [/quote:0v58u385]

Wolfman and Dan.......you guys probably know this, but that's where the mileage pre-planning comes in and MS Streets or any computer mapping system that has a mileage measurement tool is very good for.

With the measuring tool, I can plan my fuel stops almost to the mile.

[dantama]

[quote:79juzrh0]

On my first long trip in 99, I stopped for gas a lot more often than I needed to just because I wasn't sure how much further the next one would be.

On the Burr trail trip I got to the next gas stop and put 4.1 gallons in my 4.2 gallon tank.

Gas is a worry that I often deal with.

Wolfman and Dan.......you guys probably know this, but that's where the mileage pre-planning comes in and MS Streets or any computer mapping system that has a mileage measurement tool is very good for.

With the measuring tool, I can plan my fuel stops almost to the mile.[/quote:79juzrh0]

I'm pretty slow to take up new technology Trip and didn't know there was such a thing. Sounds like it would take a lot of worry out of a trip. I'll have to look into sometime.
Thanks for the tip

[ells]

but I was wondering if there was an easy or simple place to go to plot your course that keeps you off the major interstates to get somewhere. I have been looking at Google and Yahoo maps but they all just put you on the superslabs and major routes.

Thanks for your help.

There is a feature on Google maps that something like "Avoid Major Highways" and it plans/shows routes off the Interstates.

For my day rides, I like to get lost and then find my way home, as someone else also mentioned.

[bobzinger]

I've tried several different software packages but have been using Microsoft Streets and Trips for 8 years. I currently have version 2008. I use it to plot rides for our Motorcycle Fellowship. The mileage is plotted pretty close but some gas stations and Motels don't always show up. In the past I've emailed them corrections and they've been real responsive.
You can find an older version on ebay pretty cheap. I'd go for 2003 or higher.

[Top Cat]

Wolfman, I get a signin page when I click on the web addres you posted. Did you have to sign up for that or do you have a Yahoo email addres? Sorry for all the questions but you guys should know by now how computer illiterate I am :-[
And in case I'm making you guys mad you should know I like it here and I'm NOT LEAVING!

[mrfuni]

I have a AAA membership for my wife primarily for the road service. When I plan a trip, I order good, old fashion, papers maps from them and plot my course. I'm old school and the electronic GPS gizmos frighten me. Also, I enlarge the maps on the copier so I don't have to look for my reading glasses. Safe travels.
Joe

[Yellow Jacket]

Wolfman, I get a signin page when I click on the web addres you posted. Did you have to sign up for that or do you have a Yahoo email addres? Sorry for all the questions but you guys should know by now how computer illiterate I am :-[
And in case I'm making you guys mad you should know I like it here and I'm NOT LEAVING!

Hey topcat,

You can get to the yahoo map two ways, by clicking on the link wolfman posted or by just going to yahoo.com and then click on the word "Maps' in the column on the left. Either way, there is a place where you can sign in or sign up if you're a new user. But you don't have to do either to use the map. Double-clicik anywhere on the map and it will center on that sopt. You can zoom in and out by clicking on the scale at the top left of the map or with the wheel on your mouse if it has one.

http://maps.live.com looks very similar to the yahoo map and works the same. You don't have to sign in there either to use the map.

Hope this helps.

[dragon57]

I sit down with my trusty atlas, and plan a route OFF the interstates. I can't make myself climb on that whole GPS bandwagon; I've ridden all accross this big ole country of ours with just my atlas, and I don't want any more clutter on my handlebar area (ruins the sound of the tunes)

[mlogsdon]

I use a Sprint Balckberry for work, which really stinks most days (the whole 24/7 thing), but...they pay for it and I added Telenav for an extra 9 bucks a month. It essentially turns your phone into GPS. Will give directions and map, find closest (or cheapest) gas station, coffee, hotel...you name it.

I like to head into PA for wqeekend trips in the mountains and get off the highways. With the GPS on the phone I just pull over for a smoke get new bearings and start back up. It's been a life saver and paid for itself a number of times when that internal "male" directional system shut down and I didn't want to admit I didn't know where the XXX I was or how to get out of trouble.

[jlamz]

I now have the Garmin Zumo 550 and I have been experimenting with it in my vehicles. This GPS is simply an incredible package for the motorcycle rider. It will give you the location of anything you want (such as various types of restaurants) or need (such as gas, hotels, etc). It allows you to conduct a general search that will not only give you turn by turn directions but will also provide you with the address and phone numbers of what you are looking for.

You can plan detailed trips and routes (if you need to do that) or you can simply get on the road with the intent of getting lost and eventually hit "home" when you are ready to get back.

The blue tooth feature gives you the capability of using a cell phone (while riding) and the built in MP3 player and SD card gives you hours of music.

YES, it is expensive...BUT it "will do" everything it promises.



I just purchased a Zumo 450 and cannot figure out how to make a custom route. When i draw the route the auto caculatel changes the route to roads I don't want to ride on. I have read everything offered. Can anyone help?

I like paper maps too. Just something about it,no explanation comes to mind. My girlfriend and I do take a handheld GPS when we go geocaching on the bike.

[ds06nomad]

http://www.mapquest.com/

Go there, click on "Directions", then enter your "from/to" info and then click "Get directions" Once that comes up, click "avoid highways" on the right side of the screen. Done.

Here's some additional links that you may/may not find useful...
http://www.micapeak.com/tools/medform.html (just in case!)
http://www.speedtrap.org
http://cg.channel.aol.com/photo-gallery/baddest-biker-bars?ncid=AOLACG00050000000011&zip=
http://www.motorcycleroads.com/
http://www.micapeak.com/checklists/mclist.html
http://www.lets-ride.com/
http://home.ama-cycle.org/amaccess/laws/result.asp?state

Skip the GPS; take maps. If they don't work, stop and ask directions. don't be afraid to get lost a little, that's part of the adventure.


DS

[vaccam]

I like yahoo maps because you can zoom in and it will show you all the roads. You can also get satelite images and mileage. Yahoo maps will show you the most direct route but they have a new feature where you can click on the purple line between destinations and drag it to another road and it will show you the new mileage and origional mileage. I think yahoo maps can't be beat.

wolfma,

I did not know about the purple line feature of Yahoo maps. Thanks for sharing...

Michael

[skyhookman]

I like the Rand Mcnally plastic coated fold ups, just in case I hit a terrestial down pour. I like to ride in the rain if it's not lightening.

[dui546]

http://www.mapquest.com/

Here's some additional links that you may/may not find useful...
http://www.micapeak.com/tools/medform.html (just in case!)
http://www.speedtrap.org
http://cg.channel.aol.com/photo-gallery/baddest-biker-bars?ncid=AOLACG00050000000011&zip=
http://www.motorcycleroads.com/
http://www.micapeak.com/checklists/mclist.html
http://www.lets-ride.com/
http://home.ama-cycle.org/amaccess/laws/result.asp?state

Skip the GPS; take maps. If they don't work, stop and ask directions. don't be afraid to get lost a little, that's part of the adventure.

DS

That is some great info DS06Nomad. I appreciate it. I had a comment specifically about speeding and the speedtrap site above but chose to do it by starting a completely new thread. Here is the link --
http://kawanow.proboards77.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=1201711440

[Top Cat]

After reading these posts and talking to valdez I went out and bought Microsoft streets & Trips 2008. It is a very good download. I have been practicing trips for this coming riding season. I haven't got somethings down pat yet but so far I think it was money well spent. $40 at Circuit City.

[callman]

Most times I ride for the ride. If I have a few days usually me and my brother-in-law will ride off in a general direction, deciding which way to turn based on the best looking pavement at the intersection, trying not to make too many lefts or rights in a row. :) Some of the most relaxing and fun times are when you don't have a clue where you are or more importantly whats around the bend. Thats why i bought the bike, to get lost from the day to day grind.

I have thought about getting a gps unit to have when you need to find gas or food or a bed, ASAP.

Wolfman, I get a signin page when I click on the web addres you posted. Did you have to sign up for that or do you have a Yahoo email addres? Sorry for all the questions but you guys should know by now how computer illiterate I am :-[
And in case I'm making you guys mad you should know I like it here and I'm NOT LEAVING!

Sorry just noticed this. Go to yahoo.com and then click maps in the left column no sign in neccesary

[nightmare]

I use the road wherever it goes that is my route

[flightdoc]

does anyone know if ROK does routing?