Only if it's Coho or Chinook.

A lollipop route because it sucks?

Other children rely on crossing guards for this.

This is a "you" problem. While it's fine not to plan routes, you "not understanding" something would be a silly reason for people not to do that something.

It should easy to understand why people might choose doing this (whether or not you happen to find a need for it). Why do you even care that people do this?

Suggesting that you (some random dude on the internet) "not understanding" something is a reason for anybody not to do something fairly normal is quite dismissive. You should probably heed your own advice before complaining about other people.

I see what you did there.

It's easy enough to miss the cues. I generally keep an eye on the map. That way, I typically know about turns before any special prompts and recover from missed turns. (It does take some experience to do this well but it's not hard.)

The nice thing about GPS is they make cue sheets unnecessary and they work better too. If you can follow the route line on the device map, you can see turns ahead of time and recover from missed turns. And you don't have to look for street signs (which might not even exist). Cue sheets typically require the use of a cycle computer (so they don't keep you from using "technology").

People can do what they like but you aren't getting much for the extra effort of creating cue sheets. Lots of people manage to use GPS devices without cue sheets.

The phone is a cheap backup even if you prefer not to use it.

Some of this "funky stuff" might be due to missing map data. Note that RWGPS lets you use different maps (for routing) and you can flip between them. The newer Garmins come with maps based on Openstreetmap (OSM) data. If "you" are using OSM maps on your device, it might make sense to choose OSM in RWGPS.

"Assuming it would do the right thing" and not looking at the route is really a case of "not using the tool carefully".

Yeah, that's what I do, too.

Your reply reminded me that I had responded in this thread back when it was fresh...I think that was back when we thought Mikey D might be redeemable.

It's not "AI choosing" it.

RWGPS, using Google's routing for cycling, chooses that detour.

If you selecting routing for cars, the expected route is chosen.

If you use OSM maps, the expected route is chosen.

I think the issue is that Google marks the avoided segment as "not favoring" bicycling (for some reason).

Quite a few people think they can just rely on the prompts. This doesn't work well enough (especially, for cycling).

They would be better served if they learned how to keep an eye on the map. This is the "secret" that people having trouble using devices should learn. To get this to be routine, it's not a bad idea to use the device when you don't need it.

(If you blow a turn, it's not generally not that big a deal recovering. If you are going downhill, paying attention to upcoming turns is more important).

A simpler, more innocent time.

Lollipop route is pretty standard here. There's only so many ways in and out of our neighbourhood. Not a fan of out-and-backs, and my AI route planner avoids plotting these and will put me on low traffic streets and in different res areas to shake things up. Much better that RWGPS overall.

You can also have the Garmin announce the turns through your phone. You could use bone-conducting headphones to hear them.

Yes, thanks. That's what I'm using now: voice turn alerts in my Shokz headphone.

Again…Power is sometimes an issue. And making cue sheets helps me visualize the route ahead of time. That’s how my mind remembers things better. And it doesn’t really take much effort. Cue sheets also give me an excuse to sometimes stop for a breather.

When I rode across the country and then some using ACA maps, got off route a grand total of 4 times in nearly 6,000 miles. (The final 150 were part of a charity event with marked roads.). I do what works best for me, and I have more than a little experience in the area.

Sure (in somewhat extreme cases).

Lots of people can visualize the route without cue sheets. While it works for you, people won’t necessarily need to do the same thing.

GPS wasn’t an option. I’m not surprised you have lots of experience with them. Lots of people did fairly well with them. Some people might even like the challenge.

People are free to do whatever they like. Who knows whether that is actually what was “better for you”. (People only care about what could be best for them anyway.)

I used to use cue sheets for long distance riding but went to using GPS exclusively. “For me”, the GPS worked better. But that isn’t anything that anybody should be interested in.

Seldom use route maps but do export them occasionally from Strava to Garmin. What is cool is seeing the percentage grades coming up on a climb so knowing how much effort to put in and when. I’m not keen on out and backs and try to avoid them, but sometimes ya just have to put up with them to get in the miles, or intervals or whatever. Probably have done one out and back over 100 times but it is what it is and I don’t whine about it.

Are you sure it wasn't M.C. Escher?