Over the last year I have been thinking about how I am going to navigate on my journey. There is very few cycle route maps for the routes I am travelling so I have purchased a pile of different road maps, cycle maps and guide books for the whole of the route. Yes, you've guessed the problem! If I took all the maps with me I wouldn't have any room in my panniers for clothing or anything else for that matter.
So I've been looking for a technological option that will help. There are GPS mapping devices that might do the job. As far as I can tell the Garmin type GPS mapping equipment is expensive and it would require me to buy mapping downloads for large parts of Europe on top of the cost of the device. I suspect that this option might cost ver £400+.
Instead I have downloaded a 'view ranger' app onto my iPad. It allows me access to download the relevant grids of free OpenCycleMaps that show cycle the cycle routes that I will use. The downloaded maps mean that the iPad can use its GPS link to the satellites without needing a broadband or wi-fi signal. I won't have the iPad strapped to the bike handlebars but I can have it available for an easy reference in the same way as I would with a map, in fact it will be easier than a map because I won't need to unfold it and struggle with it I the wind and also the iPad map will tell me exactly where I am and show the compass directions.
I will carry some of the guide books I bought because they will help in finding some accommodation as I travel. I suppose the main issue is that I need to avoid losing my iPad and I need to keep it charged everyday.
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