Originally Posted by Bald Paul

What type of routes are you planning for? Long distance touring, local loops?

If I'm planning out a route for a local group ride, I'll go out in my car as a recon mission to note traffic, road conditions, possible hazards, beforehand. You can look at maps and traffic reports all you want, but they probably won't tell you about the road closure and 20-mile detour you have to take. I started doing that after being on the "Tour de Detour" once on a group ride (no, I didn't plan that one out or lead the group, thankfully.)

Checking with local cycling clubs will help you with all that and more, like warning you about "that house" with "that dog" that is fast as a greyhound and as vicious as a rabid grizzly bear. (Remember "Eddy" from American Flyers? )