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Back road map

Fonz

New member
Is there a map or way to plot a course from one place to another using primarily back roads or less traveled highways ?
 
Is there a map or way to plot a course from one place to another using primarily back roads or less traveled highways ?

I can't speak for all GPS's; but, most garmins have a setting to avoid highways along with other things to avoid.
 
Go into the avoidance menu in your GPS and select the type of roads you DO NOT want to be on. Review the selected route with a map and be prepared for an adventure.
 
Not quite sure what you are using as your main source of information. So I will add a little bit here.

Each state usually has a Highway Atlas or Highway Gazetter magazaine. Available at bookstores.
The ones for MN, WS, and AK are all about 100 pages thick and cover the state in grids. Pretty much everything is on the maps.

These may show roads that are not programmed into all GPS.

I have heard horror stories of people going off on suggested roads by GPS and ending up on impassible roads or being sent down some forest trail road.

Most road atlases also show scenic drives. These types of roads can be spectacular.

I hope this information may be helpful.
 
If I'm planning a trip I will use Google Maps and use the avoid highways option. Then I will review the route using the satellite view to see what type of areas I would be going through. This can take a while to review but it hasn't let me down yet.
 
If I'm planning a trip I will use Google Maps and use the avoid highways option. Then I will review the route using the satellite view to see what type of areas I would be going through. This can take a while to review but it hasn't let me down yet.

Another plus with Goodgle maps is that once it has laid out the avoid highways route, you can then take the cursor and move it along the highways and explore other routes that may look interesting. The it will recalculate the mileage and time elapsed for you before you print it out.
 
I realize that this is a Canadian company providing backroad map books for use in Canada, maybe they can help you with finding a USA back-road map book. I use this companies books all the time and they are excellent for use navigating the backroads. They also have digital maps compatible with Garmin GPS's

http://backroadmapbooks.com/main/index.html
 
In Oregon, the DMV produces a foldout map (Form 737-3479) that has highlight routes for "scenic motorcycle rides" and "Oregon scenic byways". SWMB and I have found that this is spot on for scenic and interesting routes to take for short get aways.

Best of luck, and like was earlier posted, be mindful of the GPS' information.
 
In Oregon, the DMV produces a foldout map (Form 737-3479) that has highlight routes for "scenic motorcycle rides" and "Oregon scenic byways". SWMB and I have found that this is spot on for scenic and interesting routes to take for short get aways.

Best of luck, and like was earlier posted, be mindful of the GPS' information.

Hey Cooter,

Are you a member of the Columbia River Chapter of Spyder Riders of America? If not and you are interested, PM me.

Ride in comfort,

John
Seal FloorBoards
 
hey Cooter/John, how do I get my hands on this fold out map for my OREGON trip ???? ( I am in Canada ) Thanks.

I got mine from Team Oregon (Oregon MSF). I work with someone who called the DMV in Salem and got 4 maps and bunch of other tourist information sent to them, FREE:clap:. I will check with them to see if they have the number still handy.
 
If you have a garmin GPS. You can go to mapquest.com and make your route then move the lines to where you want . You can then upload this to your garmin. If your garmin is hooked up, click send and you should be able to select your gps.
 
If you have a garmin GPS. You can go to mapquest.com and make your route then move the lines to where you want . You can then upload this to your garmin. If your garmin is hooked up, click send and you should be able to select your gps.
The problem with this, is you are sending only the destination. The Garmin is calculating the route so you may or may not be routed the way you want to go. You must insert waypoints in order to insure it routes you the way you want to go.
 
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