Memorizing my routes...

whenever i do a new route, after i plan it out, i type up the names of the roads or major landmarks and then put a L or R after it and then tape that to my top tube just in front of my handlebar. works like a charm

Also, depending on what type of phone you have, you might be able to keep a gps open on the ride. I actually just dl'd an app for my windows phone that tracks me on google maps. it allows me to keep the map open the entire time and then at the end of the ride, i can upload it to my computer and see the route i went on google maps, along with dist, altitude, hr (i can look this up for any location on the ride) and estimated calories burned. its pretty sweet. best part is the app was free!

That is a good idea. Today I actually drew out a small 2"x 4" map (kind of messy) of my 26 mile ride, and stuck it in my back jersey pocket. Turned out that I didn't even need it because I took such long time planning and drawing it out, that I had it in my head 🙂 . But taping it sounds even better.

Thanks,
-Greg

I'm a numbers guy, not a names guy so I just remember I have a turn at 10.7 mi, another at 12.4, etc. It's a very small amount of info to commit to memory, and for me it works a whole lot better than trying to recall a name. "Hrm... my next turn is some Indian sounding road name I can't remember"

Another nice way, thank you.

I just got a new bike today (09 Felt Z45) and I was looking at the new Garmin Edge605 computer for $399 (not anytime soon, considering my new buy). It is sweet, showing elevation and tracking your every mile. Also shows a google map right on the screen ,w/ the arrow moving 🙄

-Greg

gman0482 said:

Another nice way, thank you.

I just got a new bike today (09 Felt Z45) and I was looking at the new Garmin Edge605 computer for $399 (not anytime soon, considering my new buy). It is sweet, showing elevation and tracking your every mile. Also shows a google map right on the screen ,w/ the arrow moving 🙄

-Greg

I use a Garmin 705 which has been ace so far. It does all the route finding and direction giving you'd expect of GPS. It does all the bike computer stuff. And it does great training stuff. Since most of my rides are done alone, I use Virtual Partner a lot. It allows me to ride against me over a course that I'd previously done.

Yes that sounds awesome. I ride alone also, so that is great. What is the price? I'm guessing around $500.

gman0482 said:

Yes that sounds awesome. I ride alone also, so that is great. What is the price? I'm guessing around $500.

I haven't checked new prices lately, but I got mine off of an eBay store--yes, my unit is registered with Garmin--and the price was $370-ish give or take $15 or so.

Unlike Alienator, I'm a cheapskate. For exploration rides, I use a Garmin Nuvi 255. They are of course designed for cars, but with the assy. handlebar mount, they fit nicely on the bike. Biggest downside is that they aren't waterproof, and battery life is about 2.5 hours. You don't need to leave the GPS on all the time you're riding though; just when you need to check directions, or have it calculate a way home.

On the plus side, it speaks the turn directions with street names, loud enough to be heard with the unit in your jersey pocket. Plus, it quickly re-calculates the route if you get off course or detour to a more bike-friendly street. "Serena" did a great job of getting me back to the hotel in Santa Fe last month 🙂

www.mapmyride.com

Print a cue sheet from one of the mapping sites (e.g. Bikely) and carry it on your bike. Easier if you have a route sheet holder.

I always track my routes by interesting landmarks. They do not have to be important landmarks, just sites I know I will remember.

Yea that is a good way to remember what you see, but I'm looking to memorize a route I planned out on the computer, and haven't ridden it yet, so I wouldn't know what to look for. 🙂

Beverly Stayart said:

I always track my routes by interesting landmarks. They do not have to be important landmarks, just sites I know I will remember.

Yeah, but what if you live in a state with out any interesting landmarks, like Ohio or Rhode Island?

alienator said:

Yeah, but what if you live in a state with out any interesting landmarks, like Ohio or Rhode Island?

I 2nd that question. I mostly ride in the parts of town where there's barely any sunlight shining through because of all the woods everywhere and the houses are about 1/4 mile apart. So all the streets and hills turn into a maze 🙂 especially on a 20+ miler.