I am a big planner when I have destination that I am going to. Yes, also a big fan of just going and driving to nowhere (that drives my wife nuts).
What do you use to plan trips??? I have been playing with Google maps but it is wildly annoying. It won't let you change routes all the time. I am trying to map a route for a ride later this year and every time I try to move the route it won't let me, only in certain areas. I would like to be able to map the route and plot where the gas stations and Tim Hortons are.
Anyone else doing this with success???

 

I hate "just riding" without a destination. I'll ride 2 hours to get a coke but at least it's going somewhere.

When we know we have the time, we pick a place and find a way there and a different way back...that's her pet peeve, going back the way we went. But on my iPad, I use the "InRoute" app. It gives routes, miles and time it'll take. Plus we can add waypoints to change it up.

 

I need a destination also, not so much an arrival time.

 

I use Google Maps. I don't have any troubles with changing the routes. I just plug in beginning and final destination. If I want it to do something a little different, I add as many points of destination as I want in the middle. You can also click on the route somewhere and drag it to a different road/highway and it will change. My biggest grip about google maps is that you can't print off the map very well. All that being said, I'm sure there are some better route venues out there, I just haven't looked for any others. I guess I'm to scared to try and figure something else out...

 

I use a combination of ways...Tyre is my primary route planner and it works with either Garmin or TomTom GPS. I've also had success with HD Ride Planner which I can transfer to Tyre, tweak a bit, then transfer that to my TomTom. Either will allow you to modify the route easily.

 

I use google maps on my computer at home. On the bike I use what I can remember from looking at google maps and a road atlas I have in the saddle bag. Sometimes I just wander around until I get back on familiar ground if on a day trip. I think you learn the lay of the land better that way. Although I would like to get a GPS someday, but have not yet.

 

For multi-day trips in little known areas:
I like the MADMAPS paper road maps.
Then i look at GOOGLE EARTH to incorporate and link suggested MADMAP routes.
I do NOT use GOOGLE EARTH to actually make the map but instead to make some notes.
GOOGLE EARTH allows me to see and virtually ride some of the roads and i can look at submitted pictures for interesting stops and making notes.
Then i check my National Geographic guide to Scenic Highways and Byways to see if something is in the area.
I also incorporate tripadvisor into my route so i can have some unique places to eat,see or maybe over night.
Then i go to the Harley Ride Planner and create my route and divide it into sections of 20 way points so the GPS is forced to follow my route.
The GPS route in my Garmin requires multiple waypoints in order to twist the arm of the GPS to "my" created route because if not it will recalculate for time/distance.
This allows all the planning to take place before departure when time is plentiful and then it makes the trip more efficient.
Many folks make fun, laugh, complain or make jokes about such planning before departure and maybe the first few hours but when on the road they really appreciate the "tour" concept.
The folks that complain are those that have never been on a group tour.
Upon return they are all smiles and amazed about how much they saw, how nice it was to make some pre-planned scenic stops or overnights.
They comment how neat the scenic road, riding across a dam, touring a historic building, taking a bunker tour, a boat ride, a short hike, taking a cave tour, mountain view, beach, historic site, water fall, wild horses, witness some scenic views, ride curved roads, ferry ride across a river, places to eat or stay were.
It almost eliminates the wasted "deciding what to do" time and if someone wants to do something else it can be incorporated or they can catch-up at the next or final destination.
They can budget their money, time and interest before they decide to go on the trip.

 

I use Google maps. Using my computer, I enter the start and destination. Then I change the route by dragging and using way points to lock in. Once I am done, I save it. I then load the saved route with Maps app on my phone and hit navigate.

 

I use Google Maps for viewing and then my Garmin for the actual route application. My Garmin lets me instantly change stopping points. Using a big screen on my desktop and Google Maps is easier for zooming in and out to decide what route I want to take. Once I decide, I pick up the Garmin and enter the next stop...either by address, intersection or dropping a Pin. This way I have every route I've ever done already pre-loaded into my Garmin in case I want to do it again...which is all the time. I have every single great route in the Blue Ridge Mountains already saved in the Garmin. If anyone ever says they're going to ride up there for vacation, I give them my Garmin so they know all the cool routes.

 

I use Google Maps at home or hotel. Haven't had a problem changing the routes. I write the route numbers & sometimes mileage on my mirrors.