As I wrapped up my second “Base” block of training, I needed to plot some long rides. This weekend, they also needed to be near my Grandparents’ – not an area I’m accustomed to biking. I turned to MapMyRide, entered the city and distance(s) I wanted to ride. I picked a short route for Saturday afternoon and a longer one for Sunday morning. Then, my dad started poring over the gazateer, figuring out where he might SAG my ride. He suggested an alternate end which, I discovered much later, added a few miles and a category 4 climb to the route.
Most of my riding will be done near my home. I always have the option of repeating loops to get the distance I need, but I’d like to explore new routes, too. Do you have any other suggestions for sources of routes?
I suspect the WILD runners would like some ideas, too, so please don’t limit your suggestions to biking sites.
I used a bit of family shorthand there, it was the Atlas and Gazateer (http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?forge_prod=S-Phm5kzfimJpNIn7Bv72aZJ%3AS&beginIndex=0&item=350§ion=10096&forge_prod_pses=forge_prod%3DS-Phm5kzfimJpNIn7Bv72aZJ%253AS%7E) and has maps that include lots of small roads and trails. Dad wanted to know my route so he could find me if I called for help or, as happened, would cross my path by driving it backwards to see how I was doing and whether I needed anything. I was happy to see two friendly faces (Dad and Becca), but didn’t need any other support – I’m getting good at carrying just what I need on my bike.
A gazeteer is a listing of place names. Heather’s Dad probably knows the place relatively well, and looking at the names brought back memories of the terrain and where it might be safer (and/or legal) for him to park his vehicle to bring her home after her ride.
Heather, what is the gazateer?!!!! A map? A guide? A newspaper??!!! Do tell!!! ~ Mari