Trip planning help
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 247
From: Florida
I also use google maps and use Street View to check out the roads, I also avoid interstates (they are the same the world over-boring).
I have tried the HD planner but found it slow and more of a problem to use, plus with google if you have your route planned but not sure where to stay just zoom into the area you intend to stop and enter hotel in the search bar and it will show all in the area, much easier to find places on your route
I have tried the HD planner but found it slow and more of a problem to use, plus with google if you have your route planned but not sure where to stay just zoom into the area you intend to stop and enter hotel in the search bar and it will show all in the area, much easier to find places on your route
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,864
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX & Santa Fe, NM when I can find the time....
I'm a fan of the H-D Ride Planner. It's easy to sync it to my Zumo (gps). I refer to Google maps, but for some reason, always go back to the Ride Planner.
I particularly like a couple of the options it has...like having the Dealers over-laid on the map if I want...esp since we usu like to stop at a few for a koozie/t-shirt.
Also, I like having the Best-Western/Shell station icons available. Mainly because it gives me an idea as to what towns along the way are likely to be large enough to have lodging/fuel. This is useful in the western states (where I often travel) as things tend to be more spread out - just because there is a town on the map, doesn't mean there are services available there. I do stay at BW now and again, but not as a rule. Therefore, I just use it as a guide when I'm planning the itinerary so I know what towns to google for "lodging".
Another thing I use a lot on the HD Planner is the"roads" tab. I always try and pick up the H-D "Great Roads" when they're in the area. The one's I've taken have been, well...great! The other part of the "roads" tab is being able to refer to the Rider Submitted roads/routes. When planning, I often have no idea whether or not a certain route is a good "motorcycle" road. If I click on the "roads" feature and see that a bunch of users use one route in particular, I assume that is the most interesting route. May or may not be, but what else do I have to go on?
I agree with taking a paper map along (even if you have a gps). Gps's fail, computer's fail, so it's best to have a backup plan. Nothing beats a good old paper map. AAA has them for free if you're a member. I always pick up the latest before a big trip. I find the HOG touring book too small and useless unless you're young, have good eyes and are traveling via Interstate. The Ride Atlas is too cumbersome/heavy for my taste. So, I prefer to carry along a basic map of each state I'll be visiting.
I particularly like a couple of the options it has...like having the Dealers over-laid on the map if I want...esp since we usu like to stop at a few for a koozie/t-shirt.
Also, I like having the Best-Western/Shell station icons available. Mainly because it gives me an idea as to what towns along the way are likely to be large enough to have lodging/fuel. This is useful in the western states (where I often travel) as things tend to be more spread out - just because there is a town on the map, doesn't mean there are services available there. I do stay at BW now and again, but not as a rule. Therefore, I just use it as a guide when I'm planning the itinerary so I know what towns to google for "lodging".
Another thing I use a lot on the HD Planner is the"roads" tab. I always try and pick up the H-D "Great Roads" when they're in the area. The one's I've taken have been, well...great! The other part of the "roads" tab is being able to refer to the Rider Submitted roads/routes. When planning, I often have no idea whether or not a certain route is a good "motorcycle" road. If I click on the "roads" feature and see that a bunch of users use one route in particular, I assume that is the most interesting route. May or may not be, but what else do I have to go on?
I agree with taking a paper map along (even if you have a gps). Gps's fail, computer's fail, so it's best to have a backup plan. Nothing beats a good old paper map. AAA has them for free if you're a member. I always pick up the latest before a big trip. I find the HOG touring book too small and useless unless you're young, have good eyes and are traveling via Interstate. The Ride Atlas is too cumbersome/heavy for my taste. So, I prefer to carry along a basic map of each state I'll be visiting.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
travel plans
I will call the states that I am going to travel through and have them send me a paper map. This give me something to look at when the snow is flying by me. I use the single state maps and my gps. Mostly I like is the paper map. Call me old fashion.
Jr
Jr
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,551
Likes: 22
From: Jacksonville Beach, FL.
I use Microsofts streets and trips, with GPS. I take my laptop (I ride a sporty).
Here is how I do it...
I pick a destination, then get directions, then I zoom in on the "trail" that streets and trips gives me. I look for anything on the side that may be interesting and if I find something, I mark that spot and redirect the route thru that point. Once I have it all planned out I click on save.
That is how I did it the last time I went to the mountains.
Here is how it went down....
I left home at 7 AM and hit the flat top at 70-80 MPH, only stopping for gas about every 150 miles, and once to eat. I got to the mountains around 6 PM or so on the same day.
Drank some Jack, and had coconut shrimp from outback. Drank some more Jack.
Got up the next morning at 5 AM had my "free" breakfast at the hotel, and read the news from my hometown on the internet using the laptop, read email from my wife, and answered it.
Glanced at Streets And Trips for the area of the mountains I was going to ride.
4 hours later didn't know where I was and need gas. pulled out the ol' laptop and looked at streets and trips. got gas 15 minutes later...
4 hours later needed gas. pulled out the ol' laptop and looked at streets and trips, 15 minutes later got gas....
4 hours later, I wanted to get ready to settle down for the night. pulled out the ol' laptop and looked at streets and trips.20 minutes later I am at a decent hotel that has WIFI and free breakfast...
Do you see where I am going with this?
I bet you are wrong...a laptop is too big for a sporty, I need a handlebar mount GPS
kidding. I'd rather have the laptop because I have to stop and pull it out to use it, but if I had a GPS on the bars I'd be looking at it instead of the scenery!
One of my favorite roads in the mountains, Highway 80 between MT. Mitchell and Marion in N.C. I found with that program!
Here is how I do it...
I pick a destination, then get directions, then I zoom in on the "trail" that streets and trips gives me. I look for anything on the side that may be interesting and if I find something, I mark that spot and redirect the route thru that point. Once I have it all planned out I click on save.
That is how I did it the last time I went to the mountains.
Here is how it went down....
I left home at 7 AM and hit the flat top at 70-80 MPH, only stopping for gas about every 150 miles, and once to eat. I got to the mountains around 6 PM or so on the same day.
Drank some Jack, and had coconut shrimp from outback. Drank some more Jack.
Got up the next morning at 5 AM had my "free" breakfast at the hotel, and read the news from my hometown on the internet using the laptop, read email from my wife, and answered it.
Glanced at Streets And Trips for the area of the mountains I was going to ride.
4 hours later didn't know where I was and need gas. pulled out the ol' laptop and looked at streets and trips. got gas 15 minutes later...
4 hours later needed gas. pulled out the ol' laptop and looked at streets and trips, 15 minutes later got gas....
4 hours later, I wanted to get ready to settle down for the night. pulled out the ol' laptop and looked at streets and trips.20 minutes later I am at a decent hotel that has WIFI and free breakfast...
Do you see where I am going with this?
I bet you are wrong...a laptop is too big for a sporty, I need a handlebar mount GPS
kidding. I'd rather have the laptop because I have to stop and pull it out to use it, but if I had a GPS on the bars I'd be looking at it instead of the scenery!One of my favorite roads in the mountains, Highway 80 between MT. Mitchell and Marion in N.C. I found with that program!
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 549
Likes: 0
From: Ft Myers FL
I Plan my trips on Google maps use the Zumo GPS while riding, and refer to The Atlas while in the motel or restaurants. I love the GPS, it lets you turn off anywhere and you'll always find your way back.
Stage IV
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Essex, UK
We came over from England earlier this year to do a circular tour around SoCal starting in Los Angeles and taking in San Diego, Joshua Tree, Barstow etc. Not being locals, we really wanted to make sure we did the non-highway routes wherever possible. HD Planner, Google Maps and a Tom-Tom Rider all played a part and in the event, 99% of the trip was on great roads with stunning scenery.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 890
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
Maps
I always plan a route using HD-Ride Planner and sync with my GPS.
But if you want a more detailed map of a state I'd recommend
Delorme State Atlas.
http://www.greatoutdoorsdepot.com/de...aper-maps.html
These are very detailed and nicely laid out. I have one for several states and it's has been useful in my planning. I was surprised at the amount of information I found about the area around me.
But if you want a more detailed map of a state I'd recommend
Delorme State Atlas.
http://www.greatoutdoorsdepot.com/de...aper-maps.html
These are very detailed and nicely laid out. I have one for several states and it's has been useful in my planning. I was surprised at the amount of information I found about the area around me.