Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Like Tree7Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Jul 2023
Peter Bodtke's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Maplewood NJ USA
Posts: 595
Works for me...

To prepare for an upcoming trip I used this site to download maps for my Garmin GPS:
https://alternativaslibres.org/en/downloads.php
(donations requested by site)

I then supplemented the maps with Points of Interest (POI) by country:
https://ioverlander.com/countries/places_by_country
(donations requested by site)

POI NOTE: I used Garmin POI Loader (a free app) to upload the resources to my GPS. On my old and reliable Zumo 500, the added POIs are found here: Where to? > Extras.
__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Mar 2024
Peter Bodtke's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Maplewood NJ USA
Posts: 595
The dedicated GPS device market for motorcycles is dead or is on life support. They were great tools in their day and are going the way of the doo-doo bird.

My old and reliable Zumo 550 did not live up to expectations. Over the years I have owned three of them. One died and was exchanged for a refurbished device. It was then lost walking along the train tracks to Machu Picchu. The pins that keep the device charged while riding burnt and broke off on my 2023 South American tour.

My advice, buy a soft holder for your smartphone that attaches to your handlebars and use Google Maps (download data for offline use.) Buy a GIVI and be sure your phone fits comfortably. Or buy a series of cheap holders; the zipper wears out and will fail after several weeks of daily use.
__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Mar 2024
Peter Bodtke's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Maplewood NJ USA
Posts: 595
With apologies in advance if I am going against the spirit of this thread.

The dedicated GPS device market for motorcycles is dead or is on life support. They were great tools in their day. The motorcycle-specific GPS is going the way of the doo-doo bird.

An update to my last post, the old and reliable Zumo 550 did not live up to expectations. Over the years I have owned three of them. One died and was exchanged for a refurbished device. It was then lost walking along the train tracks to Machu Picchu. The third unit's cradle pins that keep the device charged while riding, burnt and broke off on my 2023 South American tour. Those were mechanical failures, but the real problem is the data and map sets mentality of GPS devices. On the road, I came to understand smartphones were better in so many ways to get me from point A to B, then oops, I need to go to C or something like C. The one-trick pony exits, stage right.

My advice, buy a soft holder for your smartphone that attaches to your handlebars and use Google Maps (download data for offline use.) Buy a GIVI and be sure your phone fits comfortably. Or buy a series of cheap holders; the zipper wears out and will fail after several weeks of daily use.
__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Day Ago
Peter Bodtke's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Maplewood NJ USA
Posts: 595
BBBike - free OMS map data

Looking for free Garmin GPS maps? I found, but haven't tested a new resource.

http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ was the go-to resource for free Open Street Map data. Sadly, the service sunset. Visitor will be automatically redirected to a new resource for free Garmin maps: https://garmin.bbbike.org/

I switched to using a smartphone for navigation in most cases. If anyone tries the new website, please share your experience.

__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride

Last edited by Peter Bodtke; 1 Day Ago at 18:23. Reason: added screen shot
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
gps maps argentina


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 4 (3 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
shu..., Erik_G, tohellnback

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Trip planning links, Free places to stay, Free GPS Maps and much more... SalCar South America 10 31 Dec 2010 15:42
Any South America PDF free downloadable travel guide??? MyOwnWay Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 10 4 Mar 2010 01:24
Free GPS-Maps South America mafra Route Planning 0 17 Nov 2009 08:44
Magellan - South America Maps FuglyDuck Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 0 1 Aug 2009 16:30
Maps of South America morangad Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 1 15 Nov 2008 09:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:27.