Directions when on a bike - help

[Skip]

Collectives of the 'org - lend me your thoughts please :)

Leading a ride on Sunday and although I have done this before its on roads that I dont know that well - taking in lots of little villages and left/right turns etc. All easy enough if you are on your own with a map as you can just stop and take a look - bit of a pain if there are a few people relying on you to know the way if you have to keep stopping.

Normally I print out the Googlemap route and can take a rough idea from it - this one is not so easy due to the width of the route when printed and the sheer number of left and right junction turns. I have seen PeteVtwin print out the villages and road numbers instead of a map which was quite a good idea - but its always nice to see where you heading I think.

So how do you guys do it?

Here is the route in question... (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=bury+st+edmunds&daddr=B1113%2FChurch+Green+to:Major+Ln+to:Unknown+ road+to:B1117%2FLaxfield+Rd+to:Southwold,+Suffolk, +United+Kingdom+to:B1125%2FLeiston+Rd+to:Stowmarke t+to:52.094906,0.894699+to:lavenham+to:bury+st+edm unds&hl=en&geocode=%3BFebLHQMdtKoPAA%3BFYoOHgMdVo8QAA%3BFe42H gMdeqIQAA%3BFSQzHgMd6lEUAA%3B%3BFYotHQMdFNQXAA%3B% 3B%3B%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=3,4&mrsp=8&sz=12&via=1,2,3,4&dirflg=h&sll=52.105873,1.020699&sspn=0.160261,0.444946&ie=UTF8&ll=52.226958,1.049194&spn=0.192632,0.4422&z=11)

[Geoffrey]

i write down the names of villages/towns in the order that i will pass through and stick this with insulation tape to the petrol tank

[fizzwheel]

I have seen PeteVtwin print out the villages and road numbers instead of a map which was quite a good idea

Thats what I do.

My dad is in the VMCC and they often get given a route like your google route planner print out.

Alot of them have two rollers mounted on the bars with IIRC a sheet of plastic over them, you wind the route around the first roller and then theres a knob which you twiddle to wind the route on as you get to each junction.

It looks complete cack, but I'd imagine it would do what your after

One of these :

http://www.oldbikeshop.com/detail.asp?ItemCode=ROUTEH

[missyburd]

YC rights down the road numbers and main villages/towns on a bit of paper which sits in the transparent pocket of his tankbag, seems to work fine!


EDIT: just reread your post, same as Pete :rolleyes:. I should think trying to read from any sort of map is going to be a pain, and too many right and left turns is just distracting. You could try print the map out and trace the route with a big black marker pen and write the main road numbers so you can see them?

[Lucas]

A road map is the way ahead! turn left/right-road number-heading to: name of village town. (thanks Mark!)

Helps to scout the route before the day itself too, for landmarks, cafes etc. (something I wish i did before getting lost last week :rolleyes:)

[Skip]

Thanks everyone - I think I will go with Lucas' option which is variation on Pete's idea. I might also print the map out and keep that on hand just in case!

Cheers :)

[petevtwin650]

Helps to write it out in big writing, and not putting too many instructions on one sheet. Discard the old sheet and read the new one.

Good luck Skip. Maybe we'll see your new beast on the next one.:smt118

[Ginger 1]

not being funny and it is expensive but tomtom rider!. Ride for hours to the middle of nowhere and always make it home in time for tea!

[Niz]

No one uses TomTom Itineraries? :rolleyes:

[Viney]

Roads...where we are going we dont need roads!

Anyhoo, im the make notes before i set off kind of thing and if on a largish rideout keep it simple. As few a turns as possible, if there are mark them or use the mirror technique. I also carry a mp for the 'erm, i think we have taken the scenic route' moments

Failing that, i have VineyNav(tm) Its like sat nav, but better. A few people have used it and were impressed.

[Skip]

Helps to write it out in big writing, and not putting too many instructions on one sheet. Discard the old sheet and read the new one.

Good luck Skip. Maybe we'll see your new beast on the next one.:smt118
Cheers Pete I think thats what I will do - looking at some of the roads the junctions might not be that obvious - bit like the one you missed on an EAR rideout that time ;)

not being funny and it is expensive but tomtom rider!. Ride for hours to the middle of nowhere and always make it home in time for tea!
My mate has one and has offered it to me in the past but need to mount the hardware on the bike - will see how it goes on Sunday anyway without one - it could all end in tears! :eye:

[timwilky]

what is up with you lot, half the fun is to get lost by thinking I wonder where that goes, learn some new roads etc.

[Ed]

what is up with you lot, half the fun is to get lost by thinking I wonder where that goes, learn some new roads etc.

On the way to AR08 we got lost in Hereford and ended up in a warren of residential streets, outside a church where there was about to be a funeral. 12 noisy bikes turning outside, as the hearse was trying to park up. Oops.

[Baph]

Attached is what I do, and I've not got lost yet (the black-white fade is because that's directions direct to a .Orger's house, and I don't think they'd appreciate me publishing where they live. ).

It's pretty self explainitory... I've scaled it down a little, but it's actually full A4 size, and covered approx 150 miles. Routes I know I just put destinations.

This A4 then in my tank bag with a clear windowed pocket.

[G]

I vote SATNAV...........DMC only got lost once with his on our trial run lol

[firebreather]

I have the Nokia N95 in which you can install the tomtom sat nav. I also use a bluetooth GPS receiver to give me the best accuracy. I stick both my phone and receiver in my pocket and use headphones to listen to the tomtom directions. Has never failed me once through londons streets!

[keith_d]

I'm still a newbie, but I'm using lists along the lines of...


RIGHT onto John Watson Way ( just after Slow sign)

ROUNDABOUT, STRAIGHT into Baker Street (signpost Holmes Chapel)

LEFT after Elementary School into MORIARTY COURT

KEEP LEFT onto A340 Waterfall Way (dual carriageway)

Print it out on one or more A5 sheets and stick it in the clear pocket on the tank bag.

[seedy100]

Skip,
I've got 2 copies if the google directions from google maps for tomorrow.

All I need to do is remember to bring them.

Chris

[Skip]

Thanks Chris - I have printed it myself too but also have done the directions as text.

[timwilky]

On the way to AR08 we got lost in Hereford and ended up in a warren of residential streets, outside a church where there was about to be a funeral. 12 noisy bikes turning outside, as the hearse was trying to park up. Oops.


Point taken, I have personal reasons why I would avoid Hereford anyway, 1982 (ex girlfriend, wedding plans, angry outlaws etc.)

But there is a big difference to thinking I wonder where that goes when you are out in the sticks and see a sign pointing to a village 15 miles away and thinking there is nothing for the next 15 miles so might just be fun and how the hell do we get away from here when stuck in city centre queues.

[Lozzo]

Garmin Zumo 550, map the route out on the laptop and upload it to the Zumo, then off you go.