Re: User Code Change!

["Robert L. Bass" <robertlbass@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> What I have noticed about GPS devices is
> they are great to tell you where you are but
> not good for planning or finding anything,
> at least for the smaller units like my EMap,
> I normally just use it to find a better road
> within the area I'm at.

It depends on which GPS you're using.  I agree, my Garmin eMap is nearly
useless at finding stuff.  The one in my car is excellent though.

The new model is really good at finding the best route in unfamiliar
territory.  A couple of days after buying the Odyssey while my wife and I
were driving up to Bradenton we saw an elderly man trying to hitch a ride.
He looked harmless and it was really hot so I stopped for him.  We ended up
driving him to his destination, which was down a whole series of winding
back roads out in the NE corner of the county.  Most of them are not even on
my state road atlas.  After seeing him to his destination I turned waited
for a few seconds while the screen displayed "Recalculating Route..."  Then
it gave progressive instructions back to our route.  Nice.

> Hotels etc can be loaded onto the GPS with
> Garmin's software however I don't do that to
> save memory. better to plan it with Microsoft
> Streets & Trips first.

eMap's memory is definitely lacking.  It's OK for short trips that last only
a few days but if you plan on any real trekking you'll need something
better.  The problem with pre-loading a trip plan into your PDA is you can't
deviate.  If weather or road conditions force you to change your route
you're FOL.

>> Speaking of tours, I'm hoping to have spare
>> time next year to do the Trace.  Have you
>> ridden it yet?  It's supposed to be one of the
>> most scenic bike routes in this part of the
>> country.
>
> No but I will likely be doing the Finger Lakes
> in NY late August, www.bentrideronline.com
> has an event going...

I used to camp up there when I was a kid.  Years later (late 60's - early
70's) I attended a few outdoor rock concerts in the area.  Twenty-something
years ago I took my own kids camping there.  It's a beautiful area -- lots
of good places to bike/camp.  It's also a heck of a lot cooler than Texas.