Touring - three questions concerning maps

I cant go to the adventure cycling site for some reason, so your help is appreciated:

Are advcycling maps waterproof?

I'd like to not use a cycling copmputer if at all poss. Is one ness. to use the advcycling maps?

My cockpit area is rather limited due to bar shortening, do you guys and gals usualy ride with your map attached to your stem or pull it out when ness.?

Thanks for your help!

Are advcycling maps waterproof?


I think they are printing them on waterproof paper now.

I always keep mine in a zip lock bag.



I'd like to not use a cycling copmputer if at all poss. Is one ness. to use the advcycling maps?


I always use a cycling computer. The maps do include distances to the tenth of a mile. However, I would guess that the maps are detailed enough to use without a cycling computer.



My cockpit area is rather limited due to bar shortening, do you guys and gals usualy ride with your map attached to your stem or pull it out when ness.?


I have a biking bag sitting on the top of my front rack. I secure my map there.

Ray

I take a little metal fold back clip and secure it to the stem with a stong elastic band just in front of my computer. Then you slip the map in there. Zip lock for when its raining. I have a 100% waterproof map case but I fill it with books and electronics and use it as a gear dry bag (way too big to be put on handlebars)

I think they are printing them on waterproof paper now.

I always keep mine in a zip lock bag.

Yup! Printed on tyvek. Good things: Won't tear, waterproof, lasts forever Bad thing about it: Costs an arm and a leg, lasts forever (updates of the map become fewer since printing costs are higher).


I always use a cycling computer. The maps do include distances to the tenth of a mile. However, I would guess that the maps are detailed enough to use without a cycling computer.

The maps are pretty detailed, however a little confusing. Because of the format, the directions change all the time on the map and I have passed points where I should have turned. It's also a good idea to carry a regional map (I carry AAA state maps) since sometimes there are detours or there might be places where you want to cut off some distance. One that comes to mind is around Smithville, MO. There's a section of road that allows you to cut off 15 miles of around aboutness with a short 5 mile ride.


I have a biking bag sitting on the top of my front rack. I secure my map there.

Ray

I usually don't carry the map outside unless the route has lots of turns - like a town. I have a good sense of direction and a good memory. I just carry it in the handlebar bag.

In some terrain you need to refer to the map every few minutes. A bar bag or map holder (http://www.klickfix.com/sunnye.htm) can increase your average speed more than any amount of training or dietry suppliments.
I use the Carradice (http://www.carradice.co.uk/handlebar-bags/super-c-frontbag-klickfix.shtml)bar bag which comes with some map-holding straps and a popper to secure their waterproof map bag.

I've been touring for over a decade without a cycling computer with no problems, using both Adventure Cycling maps and other maps. I keep the map in the map holder of my handlebar bag for easy access.