This is a good point. With the internet it is often very easy to get that coveted "local knowledge," to use a sailor's phrase. I once did the same for a fellow that contacted me via email about riding through our area. This can be particularly valuable for transiting a problem area like a major city or metro.
Oh yea!
I did a search for bike clubs in the area and found a web sight with an email list. I wrote to the list and got lots of helpful info.
I could look at topo maps all day and still not know the best roads for scenery. One guy I talked to mapped a route that goes through 3 covered bridges. Others gave me great info about traffic patterns and one road that looked good on the map but goes through some aesthetically ugly areas.