Route map?

essjaydee

I use a Garmin 800 for route mapping, but am doing the Bowland Badass in June and don't want to rely solely on this. So I want a paper copy of the route and am after advice from the more experienced long distance riders on the best and most convenient way to have a paper copy to refer to and follow.
Will a laminated map of the route suffice, or is it best to have turn by turn note form, or both?
Am using a bar bag, so can attach to this easily enough, or store inside as required, for easy reference.
Thanks.

Bobbinogs

I don't use trail finding technology on routes but rely on routecards (TR @ 1st Left, etc.) and have a map as a backup...but that is when riding long routes of my own or audaxes. If you are riding a sportive then it should be signposted but it makes sense to have as many backups as you deem appropriate. Some folks on sportives just rely on signs, some have a map as a backup, some have a Garmin 800 (!). Personally, I never trust sportive signage as it is usually put out the day before which is Friday or Saturday night and therefore prone to late night drunken japesters turning them around (hilarious) or nicking them.

Since you are already have a Garmin for a signposted route, I reckon just a map will suffice as "backup". Why not do what a lot of folks do and buy a cheap (last year's) roadmap from a garage. You can get a decent large scale for as little as a fiver. I then rip out the pertinent pages, highlight just the main towns my route goes through and then stuff it in a back pocket (within a small plastic bag if the forecast merits it). If it all goes Pete Tong then at least you can work out what road you are on, where you need to get to for the next town and hope to pick up the trail from there...

essjaydee

Good idea and thanks for reply