Originally Posted by
indyfabz
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.
This is very true. Although of course "paper streets" exist on paper maps, too. But ACA maps will, of course, send you on bikeable roads. When I went beyond the boundaries of my downloaded maps, it was because the route Google suggested involved imaginary roads, for the 2nd time in two days. Of course even ACA maps can leave you in a lurch if there's an impasse: bridge out or similar. I've followed familiar routes that I've known to be good, only to find construction that sent me into the unknown. The only solution for that is flexibility. Or maybe a packraft.