Trip planning tools

[Tom_imp]

I don't want to use GPS on the bike. I have enough trouble paying attention to the road. I do have a compass and pretty good sense of direction. If I am going somewhere new, I spend a fair amount of time with google maps looking for good roads that hopefully avoid too many long slow traffic laden stretches. I live in NJ about 10 miles from the GWB so this is not always easy. The country side isn't too far way though. Does anyone have a good method for finding the best-for-you way to get where you're going. I don't really mind getting lost for a while and asking directions. That sounds so old-fashioned. I really hate getting stuck in endless traffic though. Too many stop lights etc. Maybe there is a Goldilocks maps service for those who want the perfect thing that is not the highway and not a 25mph zone. I do need to invest in some easy to carry maps.

[LongRanger_imp]

I’m not sure about your area, but Butler Maps are designed for exactly what you’re looking for. Otherwise, you may want to search for some “Best of NJ / Mid-Atlantic” motorcycle guide books. I too despise GPS for trip planning.

Edit: Butler just came out with a “Northern Mid-Atlantic” map, featuring routes in NJ, PA, and southern NY.

[Stichill_imp]

There's an app called [url=https://www.waze.com]Waze for smartphones that shows real-time traffic and recommends alternate routes. You could consult it before you hit the road, or pull off to check it if you find yourself stuck in traffic.

There's also an app called [url=https://scenicapp.space]Scenic that helps you create a route that is either 1) fast 2) short or 3) efficient. You can avoid ferries, tolls, and highways. Once you've set route preferences, you can tell it to generate a curvy route that is either 1) fast curvy 2) curvy, or 3) extra curvy. It will also generate a round trip. Some of these things are premium features that require a subscription...there's a lot more you can do.

Some people use their phone like this for navigation. I use the phone for route planning, and then ride using the GPS to keep track of where I am.

[url=https://roadcurvature.com]Curvature is a nice resource for finding good roads:

[Tom_imp]

Butler Maps and Scenic seem to fit the bill. Thanks.

[rboe]

I picked up the new Garmin GPS for bikes. Not that impressed.

However; I discovered my new phone will talk to me via my Cardo headset which worked out pretty good on my last trip. Now the GPS can do the same thing so you don't have to look at it.

I used to put a paper map in a clear top pocket on the tank bag but I find a GPS is actually safer (easier to read and closer to my line of sight).

In any event, I use paper maps and google maps to pre-plan a trip - and found google map routes can be (with a 3rd party) can be sent to the Garmin via Bootcamp (a software package I'm not keen on). Butler maps are really useful if you ride dirt and dual sports.

[Stichill_imp]

I picked up the new Garmin GPS for bikes. Not that impressed.

However; I discovered my new phone will talk to me via my Cardo headset which worked out pretty good on my last trip. Now the GPS can do the same thing so you don't have to look at it.

I used to put a paper map in a clear top pocket on the tank bag but I find a GPS is actually safer (easier to read and closer to my line of sight).

In any event, I use paper maps and google maps to pre-plan a trip - and found google map routes can be (with a 3rd party) can be sent to the Garmin via Bootcamp (a software package I'm not keen on). Butler maps are really useful if you ride dirt and dual sports.

GPS technology is horrible! In 2021 there is no excuse for how arcane and technologically backward it is. Garmin & TomTom are equally bad. TomTom used to be "pretty good" with the My Routes route planning app on your phone that you could shoot to the GPS by Bluetooth in seconds...then they intentionally broke that. Tyre to Travel was a great route-planning & POI software that could directly load routes and POIs into the TomTom...then they intentionally broke that too. Now they have subscription-ware that they want me to pay for? No way, I have zero trust in these clowns. Now my Rider 400 is just a stupid lump with old maps and rudimentary route-planning abilities.

I always say that Google could drop in and destroy both of these GPS slumlords if they every introduced a Google Maps GPS product line.

[Tev62]

I picked up the new Garmin GPS for bikes. Not that impressed.

However; I discovered my new phone will talk to me via my Cardo headset which worked out pretty good on my last trip. Now the GPS can do the same thing so you don't have to look at it.

I used to put a paper map in a clear top pocket on the tank bag but I find a GPS is actually safer (easier to read and closer to my line of sight).

In any event, I use paper maps and google maps to pre-plan a trip - and found google map routes can be (with a 3rd party) can be sent to the Garmin via Bootcamp (a software package I'm not keen on). Butler maps are really useful if you ride dirt and dual sports.

GPS technology is horrible! In 2021 there is no excuse for how arcane and technologically backward it is. Garmin & TomTom are equally bad. TomTom used to be "pretty good" with the My Routes route planning app on your phone that you could shoot to the GPS by Bluetooth in seconds...then they intentionally broke that. Tyre to Travel was a great route-planning & POI software that could directly load routes and POIs into the TomTom...then they intentionally broke that too. Now they have subscription-ware that they want me to pay for? No way, I have zero trust in these clowns. Now my Rider 400 is just a stupid lump with old maps and rudimentary route-planning abilities.

I always say that Google could drop in and destroy both of these GPS slumlords if they every introduced a Google Maps GPS product line.

They already have decimated the market with the amount of people using google maps on their phones albeit with rudimentary routes, no need for them to make dedicated hardware.

I still like to use my Tom Tom for multi day trips planned with MyRouteApp. You can save the output wirelessly to your Tom Tom automatically which is handy. That gives you a Track, if you want a Route you do have to save the output from MyRouteApp as an ITN file and transfer to the Tom Tom, either connected to the PC or via an SD card. I find MyRouteApp (even the free functionality) very useful for trip planning even if you don't use the GPX output on a device. Just planning how far or how many hours a day you want to ride is handy.

[GoldOxide_imp]

I can't remember the last time I used a dedicated GPS unit - and it was a Tom Tom brand. It was good at what it did at the time, but Google Maps and similar off-line available apps have worked well for me for so many years now that I cannot remember how many.

In any case, one less electronic thing to fuss with, to power/charge, and the mobile phones (old and current) I have are already waterproof and ready to go in a pinch.

[rboe]

I tend to use mine (mainly in the truck) to see how far it is to the next stop. That way if I need to pee or eat or get gas I can noodle out if I need to do so earlier.

And they can be really useful for getting through Kansas City.

[ampm7_imp]

I just plan my trips with Google maps ahead of time and then either print or write out deviations (other roads, museums, points of interest). One feature I particularly like is the gas station locations along the routes. In addition, I have my laptop with me with Microsoft maps for brushing up on my course from the motel room. This works for me.