Long Distance Cycling - Map use on long distance journey

I'm going to be setting out on a 60 mile trip, soon. I've done a variety of shorter lengths, all to places I know well, so I haven't yet had to use a map. My question is how to go about handling printed directions (say, from google maps) on such a trip. I don't want to have to stop every 1/5th of a mile I travel to see which at which corner I need to turn, so is there a DIY way to attach it to your handlebars, or something like this? Thanks!

I used to use the plastic pocket on top of my handlebar bag, which came with the handlebar bag ... but it eventually wore out. So I picked up a larger plastic container which I've attached to my handlebar bag. You might be able to find these things in an LBS. I got mine at a Decathlon in France.

Say I don't have a handlebar bag. What other options do I have?

Jersey pocket. Should be able to read it on the ride, no need to stop. Just look once in awhile and memorize a few junctions ahead.

I guess that is the simplest solution, yeah.

You can do something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/BarMap-Bicycle-Handlebar-Map-Holder/dp/B0006AZETQ

That's a little smaller than mine, but the same idea. I've attached mine to my handlebar bag, but you could attach it to the bars as well.

I like that idea, just so I don't have to shift about at all to get out a map. How to construct one of those myself, though is the tricky part. It just has to stay put. I could see attaching it to a piece of cardboard for rigidity, and then... I'm seeing zip-ties in here, somewhere. Maybe I'll experiment in the morn' when I have a bike in front of me.

zip lock bag with 2 binder clips, attach to shift cables (assuming you have STI shifting).

Nope! I've got my shifters nicely placed in the center of the head tube.

Some people wrap the laminated route instructions (or ziplock) around their forearm with a rubber band or two.

Best map case there is:

http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/mapcase/overview.asp?fl=1&site=

I'm going to be setting out on a 60 mile trip, soon. I've done a variety of shorter lengths, all to places I know well, so I haven't yet had to use a map. My question is how to go about handling printed directions (say, from google maps) on such a trip. I don't want to have to stop every 1/5th of a mile I travel to see which at which corner I need to turn, so is there a DIY way to attach it to your handlebars, or something like this? Thanks!

For 60 miles, I can only assume the directions are not going to be that long. I do this for rides quadruple the length.

I just use a ziplock bag and go through google maps and hand write the name of the street with an R or L or name change on a paper that fits in the bag, some times note cards other times freebie stuff from work. Just trim it so it fits perfectly inside, number the pages if you have more than one. Doing this also helps familiarize yourself with the route so you will not have to study the cue sheet so much to get along.

I fold the bag in half or thirds depending on the side, and just stick it under my shorts when there are lots of turns or if only a few i put it back in the jersey pocket.

Some people wrap the laminated route instructions (or ziplock) around their forearm with a rubber band or two.

That's very creative! I bet it would work well too if I used safety pins and pinned it to my shorts. Then I could just glance to my left thigh and see them.


For 60 miles, I can only assume the directions are not going to be that long. I do this for rides quadruple the length.

I get what you're saying. it doesn't seem necessary, but in order to avoid using a major highway, the directions ended up being a list 36 items long. Had I taken the highway, the directions would have been 3 items-- get on, take X exit, arrive at location. ;-)