Originally Posted by
pdlamb
LOL!
Let's say I want to make brownies from a box, and the box's directions say "Preheat the oven to 500 degrees" followed by "Bake for one hour." But one picture on the box shows the oven set for 325 degrees, and a second picture shows a timer set for 37 minutes. I think your argument goes up in smoke.
I'll retract that statement if you can find a case where another consumer product gives you explicit directions, and expects you to do the opposite of those directions, based on some nebulous "look around and do what's appropriate" kind of implicit expectation.
Your rebuttal clarifies why some people have not adapted to GPS route guidance and digital mapping solutions. It is a tool to master, like paper maps, but with much more information, greater versatility, and amazing efficiency. Standard automated digital routing solutions have improved greatly, but as with anything, they need to be reviewed to ensure they suit the rider. Still, some people are not interested in mastering a new process, regardless of its advantages.
As stated earlier, digital maps and routing are now the norm. All forms of map use—automotive, personal, marine, aviation—have moved to digital formats, including routing. Handwriting cue sheets and reviewing paper maps is unheard of except for a very limited holdouts.
For those still open to this, here is my process. I usually use an iPad when travelling.
Set overall trip objective: Barcelona to Toulouse
Determine points of interest along the way: Girona, Andorra
Let RideWithGPS build a route that includes those points of interest.
Break the ride into daily segments and adjust the route for stop points.
Review daily segments using heat maps for rider usage and Google Street View for suitability.
Upload to the device
Ride.
But with a trip like this, I would do only a day or two at a time to allow maximum flexibility in points of interest and activities for the day.
My plan is for a major tour this fall in SEA, covering approximately 4,500km. The idea of doing any of this with paper maps is inconceivable.