You can definitely load up your routes before the ride. however you need to watch the number of waypoints you use. if you want to take a specific route you may only be able to load ~2 days worth. Also the battery in my garmin 605 lasted 1.75 days of touring. however its so much easier to not have to look for street signs or look at a map ever. the garmin just beeped away when it was time to turn.