Navigation On Tour

Maps or GPS? Which do you use? Which do you prefer?

On this next mini-tour, I am taking the plunge and attempting to use my Garmin Edge 810 for navigation*!

I have used the GPS before (on our July tour in Europe) just to watch our position on Garmin's pre-loaded map and of course I use this device all the time to record ride data (where I've been, distance, speed, etc). And I've used my phone at times for navigation, which isn't too difficult (though I don't have a phone holder so always have to stop if I need to check the route).

I do use Ride With GPS to plan our routes. (This is my responsibility and is my favourite part of pre-tour preparation.) Adam then checks the routes over, as he has a much better concept of elevation, gradient and sheer difficulty than I do. He is also much better at identifying sand or gravel segments! He loads the routes onto his SatMap device and uses that for navigation. As we go along, we stop and consult but generally he is in charge of on-the-road navigation. 

But I have been wanting to get more involved in the navigation as we travel along, at least so that I know where we are, how far we have to go, where the nearest water/lunch/coffee/toilet stop may be, etc. without relying solely on Adam. 

So it's about time I gave the Garmin a go at what it's designed for, eh?

Uploading the routes from Ride With GPS was a doddle, thanks to RWGPS's very useful how-to guide. 

Opening the route up on my Garmin also went without a hitch. (I admit it, I was holding my breath.)

So far, so good!

* Of course, I am also carrying paper maps. Lovely Ordinance Survey maps, carefully folded in my waterproof case on top of my bar bag.  Which will be most useful? How frustrated will I get?!