My Google Maps - guide and review

The last couple years have involved traveling with a new relationship and planning ahead has become critical for everyone's piece of mind.

Long story short... a too that has helped emensely is a google product, separate from Google Maps, as such.

Just Google My Google Maps and the links will appear.  You need a Google Account (silly not to have one when it can completely replace microsoft in your life..)

The first page will ask you about starting a new map or returning to a previous one.  Nice that Google never looses anything you have done in the past.

Here's an example of a 5,000 mile trip we executed last year.  BMW MOA Finished <<< (above)

The finished product may look complex, but it's created in layers so you only have to look at the details which are important to you at the moment.

Each layer can have 10 highlights. Somehow some layers (like the pic on the right) allow more pins to be added. A layer of route planning directions can have 10 destinations. Multiple successive routs are usually necessary. All of this links to your android phone, so if you turn on Google Maps on your phone or tablet it will bring up your recent maps and show your current position (while connected to internet.)

We started planning our Winter 2016 Out West trip by loading a map with a bunch of "things to do."  See above.

Then we added "Locations of people we know."  (blue pins)  I am cerrtain there are others, but these were our prime candidates for sharing time.  The various icons represent categories of location like photo op or stay over.

Each of these layers can be switched off without being deleted.  A handy feature when things start lookig busy.




The we started plotting our route using the "directions" tool.

 Once you have a course planned you willl know relative distances to each destination and turn by turn instructions.  Having this display on a tablet on your dashboard is really handy!

We did this trip in our truck so there were a few things we didn't need to worry about... The BMW MOA trip to Montana was our second BIG trip with the 30' Toy Hauler in tow.  Using My Google Maps we charted every majot truck stop in the entire trip so we knew where we could refuel without trying to squeeze into a Quick Mart.  That was a live saver!

Adding in Memphis sights, BMW and Harley Dealers, Major cities and OK Rt 66, this was the planner when we left the house.  We free-handed much of the southwest to pick up Silver City, Gila Cliff Dwellings The Opera House (Pinos Altos, NM) and Bear Creek Lodge, not to mention ghost towns and honkey tonks around the south west.  We did divert from the shown route to pickup the IMS show in Dallas, friends and a couple day trips in San Antonio and any detour that looked better than the road ahead.

Positive features of My Google Maps:

• Easy to edit and recalcualte
• interfaces, updated constantly and stored online.  Interfaces with all of your PC and android devices.
• printable
• Easy to share
• provides turn-by-turn detail
• Has distance measuring tool so you can estimate where to do stop-overs... like we can do 500 miles per day in the truck but prefer only about 250 when towing the toy-hauler/camper.

Weak points:

• would be nice to be able to "save a copy" and create alternative plans

I expect that in the future this service will interface and access even more Google services. but when you need services while using this tool you can just type in "motel 6" or "State Park" and it plots them right in...   Handy at the end of the day.

Travel safe... and keep your trackers on!

Jeff

Another tracker app.

Go figure... for years I was the ultimate Spot Tracker fan...   but then I was traveling extensively in some pretty desolate areas...   TX and CA have plenty of mountain and canyon areas with no cell phone service...   including the wide open spaces west of Langtry TX where I had a fuel shortage.

Baring the event of no cell service, there are a couple apps that provide good tracking at NO CHARGE!  (other than a little data usage...)

The simplest is www.RoadID.com  and it's RoadID app <<<.

This little tool lets you load up to 5 contacts (email or phone) to receive messages when you begin or end a journey.   Pre-loadable messages advise what type of excursion you are on, and a timer can be used to signal the end of your estimated travel time.  Once you are ready to begin a trip you press START e-crumb and everyone is notified that you have begun.  They receive a "tiny URL" that links them to your track with updates every 60 seconds.

Here's a link to a simple run out to a private pond where we fished this weekend. LINK <<<
This can be particularly useful if you are out in you boat in the fog and need to find your way back... or so that you next-of-kin can come collect the remains... The tracks seem to be stored indefinitely.

Among other things, my family uses it to track each other running errands just to figure out if things are progressing or what may be delaying the return.

In much more detail the BackGountryNavigator app <<< has download-able maps, works without cell towers on your android phone (ande maybe on others) and includes GPS, altitude and speed indicators and summaries enroute.  I have the PRO version, at a cost of of out $12.00. This app can be set to display on a vvariety of bap backgrounds, from topo maps to  mapquest.  The photo to the right was from a dual sport ride north and east of Terligua, TX back in February.  See the Lt Dan article later in this blog.

See one of my articles 1/1/16 about using the BackCountryNavigator app at THIS LINK <<<

The details are complicated enough that you should check their tutorial before finding your self trying to us the app out in midst of nowhereville.   You can also use it to load GPX tracks into the phone and follow them.  We did this in Harrison AR for a dual-sport ride of about 70 miles.  Worked well, although we apparently followed the map backwards.

I don't think the tracking system works while you are traveling.  So far I have only been able to look at the tracks when completed and stored.  They can be transferred to Google docs or gmail or EVeryTrail.com.

Speaking of everytrail... if you are looking for abandoned roads (like the one we used 50+ years ago to access the south end of Little Grassy Lake) there's great detail and topo info.  The online version is free.  I haven't tried the mobile version which has a fee attached.

AllTrails is a little more fun and is free.  I have used the online version and the mobile app.

Again, whether on two-wheels, on foot or out in your boat... tracking devices take the worry out of being far.


Also tinkered with but not discussed here are

• Rever
• Real-Time GPS (worked to follow LA - Barstow - Vegas riders.

Finding the great roads

I know there is a Top-Ten list, and probably a Top-20 Motorcycle Roads list out there, but it's not always convenient to run out to Terlingua TX to savor the rolling pavement up the Rio Grande to Presidio.

Working on vacation plans this year, I did discover a couple tourism guides that put their state motorcycle-friendly roads into handy pamphlets.

One quick and dirty electronic way to find these trips is  http://www.motorcycleroads.com/.  This website not only has a good roster of tours nationwide, but it lets you add your own favorites.  Some of the routes near me have complete maps and GPX tracks.

When it comes to toruism brochures, here are a few that I enjoyed finding this year.

My first find was Arkansas Mororcycling Guide, which now includes 5 dual-sport (!) routes.
It's supported by advertising, but the details are great and it helps you plan a day, weekend or week.

"Arkansas's six geographic regions offer bikers diverse topography and scenery. Arkansas's natural beauty and unique, eclectic destinations are rapidly gaining popularity with motorcycle enthusiasts throughout North America. We are a motorcycling friendly destination. Unique motorcycle destinations, which cater to motorcycling travelers, are nestled in the heart of Arkansas's most rambling roads, broken by breathtaking visas along the way.

---

VIEW THE ARKANSAS MOTORCYCLING GUIDE ONLINE
ORDER ONLINE »
VIEW ONLINE »

MOTORCYCLE RIDING GUIDE OF THE OZARKS
ORDER ONLINE »
VIEW ONLINE »

Last week my g/f brought back the Missouri Motorcycle Guide, published by Missouri Life.

"​We've put togther 20 of the best motorcycle routes and destinations from every corner of the state. Check out the first annual Missouri Motorcyle Guide produced by Missouri Life Magazine. 

View the digital edition

Buy a pocket sized copy

My latest find seems to only be available online as an article, but it's a start to finding Kentucky backroads.  

"“Kentucky has great touring possibilities,” says Jeff Cooke, a former BMW Motorcycles dealer in Louisville who has been riding since he was a teen. “There are some really fun roads, especially in eastern Kentucky.”

Oklahoma received my highest rating for tourism packages in general.  They sent a couple pounds of literature, maps and etc and we enjoyed the better part of a week just coming across from out Wild West winter vacation.  Rt 66 is well documented in OK and, although they don't have a motorcycle specific brochure, their many scenic drive loops, all across the state, certainly lead the way to enjoyable afternoons.  

I much prefer digital exploring, but there's something comfy about the printed editions which can be copied and shared around the table.

While you travel, shoot a note to help us find more guides from across the country.

Travel safe!   Jeff

North American Biker Rescue

In case you haven't seen it, there's a facebook group that has over 10,000 members nationwide (and beyone) who are willing to help another biker if possible.

North Americam Biker Rescue <<<

The group began last winter and is groqing quickly.  I have been involved in two assists already this spring.  One was a friend of mine who lost a masterlink in his chain on a friday afternoon in nowheresville LA.  about a dozen people got involved at locating him, finding a store with the part who would stay open until help arrived AND a biker nicknamed "Popcorn" who met the rider, took the chain 45 miles to the shop and returned with the part ... no charge.

Play it forward!

Jeff

Speaking engagements planned!

Good Morning on a beautiful April day!

This weekend I received an invitation to speak at the Central California BMW Riders Association in September!  Here's the link to their event <<<  Below are the details as of today.  Let's all meet up and enjoy CA this fall!  Donna and I are going to make a West Coast vacation of this and October!!

AUTUMN BEEMER BASH

• Start
  September 14, 2012
•  
  12:00 PM
• End
  September 16, 2012
•  
  12:00 PM
• Location
  Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds, Quincy, CA

Registration

(depends on selected options)

Base fee:

• CCBR Member Households Pre-Registration Package – $47.00 (USD)
  For all ages - Camping, BASH Pin, Prize Drawings and Three Meals.
• Non-Member Pre-Registration Package – $52.00 (USD)
  For all ages - Camping, BASH Pin, Prize Drawings and Three Meals.

---

PLEASE NOTE: "Guests" include Spouses, Kids, Significant Others, Etc. for whom you will be purchasing Pre-Reg Packages in addition to your own.

Registration is closed

The 27th Annual

Autumn Beemer BASH

a non-profit rally to benefit the BMW Community at Large

September 14-16, 2012

Meals are only included with a Pre-Registration Package!

Pre-Registration will begin June 14, 2012 and end Tuesday, September 4, 2012.

No refunds after September 4, 2012.

Where's Quincy?

Acres of shade and grass for camping or RV hook-ups and plenty of Hot Showers! Contact Information:

Plumas-Sierra Fairgrounds

204 Fairgrounds Road

Quincy, CA.  95971

(530) 283-6272 - MAIN LINE

(530) 283-6431 - FAX

Fairground Information

Saturday Night Dinner, Saturday & Sunday Continental Breakfast. (Pre-Reg Only)

Invited Speakers: TBD
Door Prizes! 50/50 Drawing! Grand Prize! Vendors! Swap Table!
Things to do Saturday: Portola Railroad Museum - Poker Run - Self Guided Riding Tours - Guided GS Ride
On Site Microbrews, Wine, Soda, Water and Food.
2012 BASH pins for the first 500 registered.  (We ran short last year and are bringing twice as many this year.)
Famous, Free CCBR Coffee from 6 am-8:30 am.
Leashed pets okay
Pre-Registration Package (for all ages) - $52- Camping, BASH Pin, Prize Drawings and Three Meals.  Please Note: Pre-Registration ends and no refunds after Tuesday, September 4, 2012.
Gate Pass (for all ages) - $40 - Camping, BASH Pin, Prize Drawings - no meals.
Kids Pass (age 6 through 11) - $20 - No Extra Tent, Pin, Drawings or Meals
Kids age 5 and under are admitted free - No Extra Tent, Pin, Drawings or Meals
There will be no Day Passes this year.
RVers and Early Birds pay extra at the Fair Office - Check with the Fair Office for pricing - (530) 283-6272.

Click Here for BASH FAQs

Click Here for Vendor Information

 Click here for Local Motels

Questions?

 bashinfo@comcast.net   (888) 203-5871

Paper Pre-Reg Forms:  It is EXTREMELY HELPFUL when you pre-register online. You still have the option of mailing in a check rather than paying by credit card or PayPal. However, if you simply must have a snail mailed  paper form, you can request one via the "Questions?" contact information above.

Rocking Terlingua with Lt. Dan

After almost two years of convincing, my g/f Donna finally agrees to wintering in the Southwest instead of FL.   We broke from the pack of snowbirds in mid January and headed south.   The only definite destination on my map was Big Bend National Park and Terlingua, TX.
"What's to do there?" she asks...

Well...  Ride motorcycles, drink, and as my friend and ex-BMW afficianato Roger "Uncle" Hazlewood says, speaking from his desert-side mancave across from Ghost Town, "I sit here in the gazebo and think.   I can lay here and think for days and days."


Most of the people you meet Terlingua are fair weather vacationers, ex-hippies, artists, and bikers of all sorts.  The restaurants fill in through the evening with vacationers and locals who run raft trips, the horse ranch and the few shops around the valley.



From home in Southern (Grassroots BMW) we we did plenty of scenic together (can you say "Graceland?) stuff along the way, so I put in for an afternoon off to play in the sand.

Our first stop was the GMS MotoRent trailer parked beside the Big Bend Resort where an hand scrawled sign announces that, "We are here mornings until about 10:30 and afternoons after 4:00 or so."   Such is the winter home of Deb and "Lt."Dan Dickie and GSM MotoRent, and my plans for the following day.

Dan and two other dudes were just rolling in from an afternoon off-road with 50+ MPH winds and sand so thick in the sky that the sun was little more than a glow in the brown glow.  Meanwhile BMW Ambassador Bob Sancken tugged off his helmet and coughed out some sort of sandy sludge, Bob "Waldo" Ganser commented






  "It's like a sand blaster out there," yelled Bob "Waldo" Ganser.

"Kurtz!  What are you doing here?  Are you going to announce at MMM this year?" yelled Lt. Dan.

After swapping a couple stories from the day, and figuring out who knew whom from my last visit to TX, we put together a plan for an afternoon ride the next day.

Donna and I started that morning at the Chili Pepper Cafe and then headed to Roger and Wanda's place for intros.  1:00pm nears so we headed back to the resort so I could suit up for the ride.   Dan had a Yamaha DR-something waiting for me and we did up the rental agreement. Waldo and Ambassador Bob Sancken arrived so we headed out the back of the Big Bend Resort toward Indian Head Mountain and 50 miles of sand and gravel.

Dan usually just offers the rentals and not a guide service, but it wasn't a busy week so he led us on his Blue 800GS and we caught a few pics of the team as we headed further to the Valley of the Moon.   The photos tell the story...  (Sorry, my G650GS Sertao didn't get to come along on vacation.)

Dan is a fun host for this sort of ride... He has this Tennessee drawl that gives you the impression that he woke up about three minutes ago or has a flask of "jack" in his hip pocket.


If you are looking for a mid-winter dual-sport ride get in touch with Dan for a bike to rent and suggestions on where to ride.  A couple weeks after my visit Dan organized a ride up the river rd to Presidio, crossed into MX (Mexico) and returned on the south side of the Rio Grande to Boquillas, just across from Big Bend.  You can't do a vehicle crossing from Boquillas, so it's an in-and-out day trip to MX with lots of desert. This would be a great ride for him to develop into an overnight package by next year!

If Dan's not available then find Waldo.  He is spending his winters prowling the trails and mountains around Terlingua and Big Bend.  Try to keep him moving... his stories take almost as much time as the ride itself.  The tracker map shown here is our ride traced with the Backwoods Navigator app in my smart phone.  Great tool for planning or storing your adventure.  Needs no cell signal!

If you think you will need contact information for these guys, or for anyone in the area, you're thinking too hard... Terlingua is reported to have a population of about 800 during the busy season... You can ask any waitress for anyone, using their nickname if you know it, and they will tell you how to find your target person, and just may go for their cell phone to connect you on the spot.

Other Terlingua must-do's:  Big Bend National Park.  La Kiva.  Ghost Town.  The Front Porch.  Chili Pepper Cafe.  The Boat House (biker bar in recovery). Earth and Fire Gallery (featuring photography byVoni Glaves!).  Boquillas, MX (take $ingles, they don't make change.)  Big Bend State Park (with movie sets from old westerns.)  The river road to Presidio, TX.

Have fun out there, and tell them that "that Kurtz guy" sent you.

Trail Rangers needed!

Idaho ATV/Motorbike Program

1 hr

I have a buddy that did this for a summer... great reviews!

North Idaho is looking for Trail Rangers this year and we have increased the hourly wages!
Locations: Coeur d’Alene
This position works (8) eight – (10) ten hour shifts, Wed – Wed away from the home station.
Responsibilities:
• Riding a motorcycle laden with 50 lb of additional weight over challenging terrain;
• Operating a chainsaw
• Operate and maintain equipment;
• Inspect equipment to insure proper working order
• Complete end of project reports
• Confirm scheduling and housing arrangements with Land Manager
• Ability to work unsupervised
General Information:
• Works in remote areas with Land Managers on the ground while reporting to area supervisor.
• This is a benefited seasonal position, serving one thousand three hundred eighty-five (1,385) hours of continuous service.
Minimum Qualifications:
o Minimum age of 18.
o Knowledge of motorized trail maintenance.
o Must have great physical conditioning.
o Must have advanced or expert ability to safely ride a motorcycle on challenging single track trails.
o Ability to safely ride over a variety of terrain and in various weather conditions.
o Knowledge of motorcycle maintenance and the ability to make field repairs.
• There will be a pre-employment motorcycle riding test to verify adequate skills for the job.
How to Apply:
Go online and print off an application at: http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/atv-motorbike
For additional questions please contact:
North Idaho (Coeurd’Alene) Nate Sparks (208) 769-1511
Salary Range: $15 per hour plus $45 per day per diem, which works out to be around $19.50 per hour.
Thank you for your interest in employment with the
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation!