Thread: Maps Vs GPS
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Old 03-26-12 | 07:47 AM
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indyfabz
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Originally Posted by ak08820
Is there a market of used ACA maps?
Yes, if they are relatively recent:

http://www.adventurecycling.org/foru....php?board=5.0

One problem with using Google Maps is that they sometimes show "paper streets," which are streets or roads that exist on paper but do not physically exist. I saw a few in MT last summer. Another problem is that they do not tell you whether a road is paved. If Street View is not available, how do you know? Same thing with shoulders.

Last summer, our trip in MT was partly on AC routes and partly of our own creation. We spent a night in Butte and needed to head west to pick up a frontage road along I-90. I used Google Maps to plan our escape from Butte. I opted for the bucolic sounding "Blue Bird Trail." It was not available on Steet View. Rather than the nice bike trail it sounded like, it was a severely undulating dirt road that was washed out places and flooded in others. Maybe it was a wagon or cattle trail once upon a time. We had to walk a couple of times ecause it was simply not rideable.

IMO, the ACA maps are worth the investment. You don't have to worry about charging them or finding a WiFi signal, and they won't crash on you or get damaged by water. For what you are talking about, it's $30 + shipping assuming you are not a member. Cut a dollar out of your daily budget for 30 days and you are just about there.
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