Well to some extent it does take some time to put together a route on-line as there are many factors to consider. Factors like traffic, total distance, road surface composition, construction detours, whether or not the roads have shoulders, what amenities are available along the way, on-line availability of cell towers for your device( if applicable )...not all questions are easily or quickly answered The computer itself though or website really does make the job easier ( when planned in advance ).

Of course it really helps if you have some general knowledge of the area you wish to ride in. A good mapping website helps a lot. The mapping website I use most is RWGPS. Most of the time if I have any questions on the roads I set up I can check the various issues that might concern me. If I'm worried it might be too hilly I can check the elevation ( either total for the route ) or check just a particular road. If I'm worried about "road surface / shoulder availability", I can use the "little google man" ( if available ) to actually view portions of the route.

Yes, there is a learning curve with anything. Learning to use the websites and how to interpret the information does take some time. All things considered, it is much better to plan things in advance rather than to just go somewhere and ride by the seat of your pants. Of course just how important this is varies from person to person. Younger people usually have a better ability to adapt to the unexpected so for them knowing everything ahead of time might not be so important. As for me, I'm not so young. Having the luxury of turn by turn navigation for the entire route allows me more time to just gawk at the scenery without worrying about , "how many miles till next turn"?, or "Oh, did I just make a wrong turn"? Yeah, every once in a while I might have to consult the map but for the most part the worry is eliminated and the over-all enjoyment of the ride is enhanced significantly.