Originally Posted by
ak08820
Is it possible to get by using GPS or Google Maps on a tablet or netbook on a trip, e.g. NJ to ME? How effective that would be versus using cycling specific maps, provided that the needed homework is done up front?
Is there a market of used ACA maps?
I will appreciate a discussion on this from riders who have used GPS or other means instead of the ACA maps.
Definitely possible, you can plan your route in advance and upload it to your GPS so you get a nice map showing what's around you with a nice fat line showing where you're meant to be going.
If you have a problem with your GPS (which could be anything from running out of battery to crashing hard and breaking it or having it stolen) you'll want a fallback, which is where paper maps come into their own.
If you do plan a route and put it in your GPS so you can follow it just make sure the route is suitable for cycling. Satellite view and street view will help immensely with this. I planned a route (much shorter than yours, about 80 miles) using multiple maps and had to tweak it several times as I didn't want to get 70 miles in and find myself lifting the bike over stiles to push through six inches of wet mud for half a mile, or ride up a 10% incline for half a mile on a 70mph road with nowhere to get out of the way.