Originally Posted by banerjek

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.