Originally Posted by
BobG
I don't even own a smart phone! I'm retired now from touring but when I toured I would need to minimize monthly costs to make it affordable. Many of my long trips I had to go as a paid ACA leader. One TransAm I had to rent out my house.
A monthly smart phone bill was out of the question. My $10/month Tracfone helped make touring affordable. Back in the day I carried an ipod touch for mobile Wi-Fi internet access, but of course I couldn't rely on Wi-Fi for my map while on the move. Paper for me!
(with occasional Wi-Fi back up for web maps)
I also toured using paper maps; however, as you mentioned, you are no longer touring, and maps have effectively been replaced. I also remember the struggles regarding maintaining connectivity on a budget and relying on Wi-Fi along the way. However, times have changed both in the affordability of connectivity and my financial situation; now, the first thing done is to get data access wherever I travel.
Originally Posted by
axolotl
Arrogant statement presuming that everyone tours in the same manner and has the same interests as yourself. As I previously wrote, You do you, I'll do me.
It's not meant to be arrogant, but no one actively touring any substantial distance is still using maps. Sure, someone riding around their state for a few days may still use maps, but multi-week tours, especially in foreign countries, are all done with online maps and routing software. I couldn't imagine the logistics of using maps for a tour in Southeast Asia, India, or Trans Europe rides; it's illogical. Try riding through Austria with maps, given the number of separated bike paths and other access infrastructure, most of which are not shown on printed maps. Heat Maps, unknown just a few years ago, completely transform the quality of roads chosen when unaware of the local conditions.