Everyone has a right to his or her opinion. I've toured without the ACA maps and with them, and had success and enjoyment both ways. But following an ACA route and using their maps has distinct advantages. All the services have been scouted out. I know where I can expect to find food, lodging, etc. To me, a huge advantage is their routing. When I tour without their maps - just using a road map and what I can glean from other sources - I tend to ride on main roads - two lane highways usually. The ACA routes take you on quiet backroads, often some of the most peaceful and scenic stretches along the route. I'd say about 95% of the time their routing is superior to what I'd come up with on my own. I'll continue to be a member and support them. However, with all the routes they've come up with, my bucket list keeps getting longer.