The screen was a map the will show you a route. The problem with Map My Ride is that the map will show a trail that is like a breadcrumb. You can see the downloaded trip, but you can get the unit to easily provide you with directions form it. When you get the unit it wil come with a CD with MapSourse and a basic map. This is usable for what you want to due, but I suggest you get a copy of CityNav and a micro SD card (at least 2GB). I use my unit in the vehicle, for geocaching (another hobby), geotagging photos, along with when we go out cycling. If I'm on a trail, then I just use it to keep track of the ride data (speed, distance, track, etc), for planned road rides, I try to input the route when I have a cue sheet in advance.

Keep the questions coming and I'll do my best to answer. As you can see I am a GPS enthusiast (especially Garmins).

I need to research the web based routing.