I'm talking about unsupported solo rides, not group events.

There are a number of rides I'd like to do this year, but some of them are just vague ideas at this point. There are plenty more I don't know about, but want to find, and then ride.

I need scenic paved roads, and I need to find sections of them that are within my schedule and ability. Driving a potential route first sounds like the obvious answer, but most of these places are 100+ miles away, so that isn't always feasible.

The directions feature on Google Maps can tell me how many miles, if I can give it the names of two places. It doesn't work for loops, though, and it can't answer a question like "If I want to do 60 miles and end at Mount Baker, where should I start?" And it doesn't give me elevation.

Sometimes I can find other peoples' logs (example) on Garmin Connect and its billion clones, but not always.

I use a map to make sure there will be creeks by the road, so I'll have water, and to know if there are towns, where I might find lunch. And I mostly listen to hikers, climbers, and skiers to find out what far corners of the state to go explore.

I have a couple bike guide books for the Puget Sound region, and an MTB guide for the mountains, but I'm looking for road rides, and the Cascade Range is a big place.