pel

Not used a GPS before. Just Bikeline and other books for touring in Europe.
Question: Would you use a GPS, primarily for maps, on a tour like this? If so which one? and where best to get the map down loads? Do you have it switched on all the time while riding? What about charging?

We found in our 6500km tour in 2006 that our broad pre departure route/plan changed considerably as we met people. So no fixed route as yet. Does the GPS option allow this flexibility.

Is it an expensive gimmick on a long 6.5 month tour? We have two weeks to decide which way (no pun intended) to go ie GPS or not.

Many thanks - all tips valued - we are green on this one.

spinnaker

IMHO a GPS is not a good replacement for maps. You really can't get a good over all view with the GPS. You can really only get that with a map.

But considering you have such a long tour a GPS is a very affordable alternative. Savings in cost of buying maps and savings in weight. I don't know about the rest of Europe but in Italy most Tourist Information offices will provide a map of their region. You could pick these up along the way to use or your planning.

Here is a list of TI offices in Italy.


Consider a Garmin GPS that supports Metroguide. Metroguide is an older product so you should be able to pick all of Europe up very cheap. Metroguide does not do routing on the GPS (PC only) but there is a free program call MetroWizz that enables routing on the GPS.

So your only cost will be the GPS itself. But I would bet you could pick up a GPSMap 60 fairly cheap too and it supports MetroGuide. This is what I use and it is a great tool.

Also remember the value of a GPS for after the tour. You can upload the tracks to Google Earth an relive the tour.

I also find the recorded useful if I return to the same area at some point.

chrisch

I enjoy having a GPS with me to compliment my maps. I don't often use it to plot routes to specific addresses, but sometimes that is useful. The unit also doubles as my cycle computer to view speed and odometer information. I also like the recorded track, which I can later view in Google Earth and use to geotag my photos.

I'm not up to date with the latest GPS units, so I can't help you with that. I have a Garmin Legend Cx and load it with these free maps.

spinnaker

Yeah I forgot to mention that useful feature. What you want to do is to make sure the time and date of the GPS and your camera are set the same. That way all you nee to do is to match up the time and you will know exactly where the picture was taken.

pel

Great tips - thanks to all

NokoYoko

www.mapmyride.com

Perhaps it may help?

Maybe, maybe not..