Viewing a map during a ride

markwill said:

Anyone have any cute ideas for how to position a map while riding? I am trying out some new local routes and using Streets and Trips to print out directions. Right now I am holding an increasingly crumpled sheet of paper when riding - there has to be a better way :-) Thoughts?

Mark

I use one of these, the "On-Field Coach" wristband by Wilson Sporting Goods, to hold a map or cue sheet.

http://www.wilson.com/wilson/products/product_v2.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442343561&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302669367&bmUID=1117803698567

The only downside of it is that it can get a bit warm -- and sweaty -- on a long ride, especially in the heat of summer. But I just switch arms from time to time.

I know I've seen handlebar mounted map holders at some online retailer(s), but I can't seem to find any right now.......🙁

I tend to type up cue sheets after the first succesful navigation of a particular route. Then, use packing tape or something else to water proof it, and you can tuck it into your shorts leg and read it from there--they end up being about 1.5-2 inches wide, and I use front and back if its a longer route. You can also use those "alligator clip" things and clip the map/cue sheet to your cables or something like that.

There are a number of handlebar mounted bags on the market that have a map holder right on top that's basically a plastic "sleeve" that your map slips into to keep it dry and right in front of your face (practically) while you're riding. If you don't mind having a handlebar bag, this works well. A lot of touring types use these but the Lance Armstrong wannabees wouldn't be caught dead with a handlebar bag! 🙄

handlebar bags are big and heavy and make your steering sluggish as well. I use a plastic clip attached to a strip of velcro (see one here: http://circlecitybicycles.com/mapclip.htm). They're cheap and easy to find and they work pretty well. You'll have to find a position on your bars that's comfortable to hold a map and not interfere with your computer or lights or whatever else is up there. I wrap it around the stem and dangle the cue sheet that way.

You don't want to use too big a map, though. It will come loose or bang your knees.

I just memorize the general route, and then tape a short cue list to the stem, Its not much room but you can fit at least a short route there. Then its unobtrusive and you can easily swap directions for different rides. Dont every have to worry about fumbling with a map then, people will think your just checking out your wattage on your computer.

I will keep a cue sheet in my jersey pocket and give it a look when I am having a gel or bite. Otherwise, I find that I am a lot better off learning the route in advance so that I can pay attention to the road. If I am truly exploring, I take a folded up map in my jersey pocket and pull off the road when I need to consult it.

spacefuzz said:

I just memorize the general route, and then tape a short cue list to the stem, Its not much room but you can fit at least a short route there. Then its unobtrusive and you can easily swap directions for different rides. Dont every have to worry about fumbling with a map then, people will think your just checking out your wattage on your computer.

I use a similar method to this, I use zip ties rather than tape (just cos I've got loads of them in the garage!). Keep a map handy incase you get a little lost - your route card / cue sheet won't help you then but a well written one should be all you need.

Use an iphone or GPS with a handlebar mount. Nobody uses paper maps these days!

This thread is definitely in the running for "Golden Moldy of the Month", but we still plenty of time left in July other candidates. 😄

64Paramount said:

This thread is definitely in the running for "Golden Moldy of the Month", but we still plenty of time left in July other candidates. 😄

Nope. It's not in the running. Elsewhere, here, there was thread from 2004 re-opened this week.

markwill said:

Anyone have any cute ideas for how to position a map while riding? I am trying out some new local routes and using Streets and Trips to print out directions. Right now I am holding an increasingly crumpled sheet of paper when riding - there has to be a better way :-) Thoughts?

Mark

Have a look at some of these map holders

jfhaia said:

Use an iphone or GPS with a handlebar mount. Nobody uses paper maps these days!

So do I - but I didn't when I asked the question five years ago :-)

Mark