Originally Posted by
Machka
...While I ride, I check the distance to see how far I've gone, to calculate how much further I have to go, and to ensure I'm on the right route in comparison with the paper map in my map case.
I look at the time to see how the day is progressing and whether or not I need to cut the ride short or pick up the pace...
Paper maps are awkward, particularly when the weather sucks. On routes I don't know, I write the critical mileage points on my arm. On climbing rides, I use symbols to indicate the beginnings and ends of significant climbs to help prepare mentally for them.
A watch is useful for knowing how much time you have to spare on cutoffs so you know how much time you have for horsing around if you feel like taking breaks.