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Route Planning software/tools? Route Planning software/tools?
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Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 16 Dec 2013
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Route Planning software/tools?
I'm trying to work out a route across the USA, which will be a medium sized ride around 6000 miles for next year, and have a large number of "via" ppoints which I want to visit/see on the route. I've bumped up against the limit of via/destination points in Google Maps and similar online mapping/routing tools, and have yet to master the various Garmin tools which connect to my Garmin Montana 600T GPS.

Is there a popular/available tool that is used for medium-to-long distance route planning which allows unlimited Via points, to customize the route, that is used by the experienced long-distance riders here?

Thanks all!

OB
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  #2  
Old 16 Dec 2013
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Unlimited via points? Nope!
Everything has its limitations including your Montana.
I'd suggest you break the route up into small segments using Basecamp ( free from Garmin website).
Your Montana will calculate quicker especially when you take wrong turns!
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Old 16 Dec 2013
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Hi Baldy and welcome to the HUBB.

For basic trip planning across the US, the easiest option would be to use the online distance calculators such as Map Quest - that would at least allow you to determine distances and routes to take MapQuest Route Planner

However, if you want to be able to create a route and load it onto your Garmin Montana, you can download the free Garmin Basecamp software and create the route on that.
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  #4  
Old 16 Dec 2013
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Ooops!

Looks like Bertrand and I were typing replies at the same time. I defer to his experience - I'm still trying to learn from him myself!
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  #5  
Old 16 Dec 2013
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Unlimited?

Well a laminated map .... I have one on the wall.

Use 'permanent' markers for things you want to see (these come off with methylated spirits). You may even have some route you want to do. Then use 'white board' markers for the route connections ( they come off with a simple wipe so you can re do them easily without losing the 'must do' ones).

This gets you an overview. And a motivating object. And frienc=ds and family can see what you are on about.

For detail on the computer as others have said - break it up into shorter segments ... have some overlap between them so your not forced to change it on the road at some inconvenient time (raining, middle of an expressway etc).
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  #6  
Old 17 Dec 2013
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Originally Posted by Warin View Post
Unlimited?

Well a laminated map .... I have one on the wall.

Use 'permanent' markers for things you want to see (these come off with methylated spirits). You may even have some route you want to do. Then use 'white board' markers for the route connections ( they come off with a simple wipe so you can re do them easily without losing the 'must do' ones).

This gets you an overview. And a motivating object. And frienc=ds and family can see what you are on about.

For detail on the computer as others have said - break it up into shorter segments ... have some overlap between them so your not forced to change it on the road at some inconvenient time (raining, middle of an expressway etc).
hehe...I like the old paper idea. Frankly, never thought about it! I guess even an old fart like me can do with avoiding the high/new tech tools when appropriate!

Thanks for the ideas, guys. I was kinda hoping that there was some more capable draggable mapping software without the small number of Via Points that Google Maps imposes, in order to see the whole trip, but I'm going to try the laminated paper map on wall option - see if that works for me!

Cheers,

OB
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  #7  
Old 27 Dec 2013
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I use tyre to travel for garman & tomtom it is free to download as well.

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  #8  
Old 27 Dec 2013
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For North America I use Streets & Trips, its a Microsoft product, and you can upload your finished maps to the Garmin GPS, or print out the maps with driving directions.
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  #9  
Old 31 Dec 2013
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Try tyre to travel used as a route planning on your pc then can either download the route fro tomtom rider or garman

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