I am getting ready for a Saddle Sore 1k ride the 3rd weekend in August and was trying to figure out how to get a GPS at a decent price so guess what - I used the SEARCH function, learned a lot, and saved myself a bundle of $$$! Love this place!!!

I saw all types of suggestions for the Zumos and other waterproof GPSs, but also heard about some of their problems and the costs ($500-$1000). Then I saw some of the people just using car GPSs and rubber banding a ziploc over them in the rain without any issues.

I have a old Garmin Nuvi 350 so I searched that and saw several members had been using them for years with no problems. So then I go off site to look at how I could enter the route since you can't import a route on that model. Found I could just save the turns as "Favorites" and basically have the route pre-entered by major turns (saved with the nomenclature "1 - Livermore, CO, 2 - Laramie, WY, 3 - Ryan Park, WY, etc.).

Then back on HDForums for figuring out the best mounting system. Looked at the RAM mounts with and without an Aqua Box, saw some cheap plastic handlebar mounts that look like they were made for a bicycle, found these guys who sell both of those and more, but ended up with a simple solid metal bar mount from Motomount for $36 including shipping. Again, a great value and very functional.

I tested out the MP3 player on the Nuvi last night and plugged it into the Aux port. Music plays well and the voice directions preempt the music through the bike speakers when a turn comes up. I have a cigarette charger for the Nuvi so I'll have power for it the whole way. Once the mount gets here I'll experiment with Ziploc sizes and rubber bands to see what works best there and be good to go.

Just for a little peace of mind, I think I'll just get a retaining clip for the back of the GPS and mount it with some double sided tape and zip tie it to the bars in case something fails during the ride.

Thanks to all those who came before me with these discussions sharing what they have learned and for the SEARCH function for guiding me through it all. This place rocks!!!

 

Good luck on your SS1K, Roger. I just took a buddy on his first Iron Butt, riding Castle Rock, Pueblo, Grand Junction, Brush and home. We made it an in-state so his first would be a little unique.

Be prepared for the heat (it hit 106* in GJ) and stay hydrated!

 

Get some under aromor underwear you will like and so will your A$$.

 

The "search *****" will rejoice!!!!

 

Sounds like a good ride. I'm planning on taking my camelback for hydration and using the coffee cup holder for a bottle of Gatorade.

Already there. I wear them on anything over 300 miles or so. Sometimes less if it's hot outside.

I know. Thought this might make them happy, but who know I'm sure some of them will find something to rip me on anyway!

 

+ 1 on underarmor.

Have a blast! Plan well...that's the key. It's much more a mind-game than a physical endurance game. It sounds like you're ahead of the curve there, though.

Just did my SS1K from Lexington, KY to Amarillo, TX with my little brother. It was a great ride!

 

I like a man who has his chit together!! Tenn.Vol.

 

The search function usually costs me money in the long run... If I'm searchin, chances are I'm buyin!

 

Me too, and now you just encouraged the search *****.....

But on a serious note, good luck, be safe, and enjoy your SS1K!

 

Have safe and great ride. Post a review of how it went and things that went as planned and things you'd do different when you do it again.