Garnin 60cx Divide trail set -up

[JF-rides]

I have a Garmin 60cx. It was a gift that I never really used because I have always found my way home. I have only used it to show a plot and distance of a new trail I'm scouting out... I'm sure alot of you have been through the same situation.

However, I have been reading about several folks who like the insurance and reassurance of being able to look down at the GPS and know they are still on course while riding the Tour Divide. I think that having something that can take the "worry factor" away is a good thing. I have ridden enough of it to know that some intercetions are not very clear...

I want to set up my 60cx for the Divide route.  Can anyone get me on course by pointing me to the right download... keeping in mind that I'm pretty much a dumb ass when using my GPS. haha Thanks

[Done]

Software to help make your GPS navigation life easier:

http://www.topofusion.com/
Programmed for cyclists, by cyclists. I haven't migrated to this yet, but I probably will.

http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/product/maps/software/topo!-colorado
National Geographic. I started using this product many years ago, before anything else was available. it still works well--but I think that TopoFusion looks like it'll work better for ultra racing. One benefit of the the National Geographic software is that all maps are stored locally, so no Internet access is necessary.

You can also use Garmin's software (the stuff that came with your GPS) to upload tracks to your GPS--which is probably all that you really need if you don't want to spend any money on more sophisticated software.

[Marshal]

Actual GPS Satellite Position + Pre-Recorded Track + Topo base map = route following magic


I am not a GPS expert so I might not use the correct ‘terms’ but here is what works for me (of course there probably are other ways to accomplish the same tasks).  Oh and sorry if I am explaining stuff you already know…….

1: Download the relevant sections of a topo base map to your unit (Garmin TOPO US 2008 is what works for my eTrex unit, I assume it’s the same for your unit, not sure if memory is an issue for your model)

2: Download or ‘make’ a “Track”, on/to your PC. (see the Routes page for lots of GPS data/tracks on this site) You can then transfer/upload the track to your unit. Garmin Mapsource can transfer a Track to your unit but I use TopoFusion as it works much better imo.  

3: Practice a bit ‘following’ a real track (you might make one up for a local ride as a good training/familiarization exercise)


Comments/Notes:
A Track “lays on top of” the Topo base map and the Track (route) should ‘match up’ to the roads & trails on the base map. Your unit can also ‘record’ a Track while actually riding a route, this is where many of the best Tracks came from originally.  But of course recording a track as you ride is basically only good for generating a Track for future use.

I make/modify/check most of my Tracks with TopoFusion, I highly recommend this program.  I only use Mapsource to download sections of the base US Topo map to my eTrex unit. I sometimes use Google Earth to make a Track but it takes a bit of work to do so. I do use Google Earth to ‘fly’ the Tracks all the time, it’s fun and very informative.

I also did a bit of hiking with my dog and Geocaching  http://www.geocaching.com/
along the way to familiarize myself with many of the GPS features including how to  follow tracks.  At first it’s easier to ‘play’ and experiment with the GPS on a hike vs a ride.  

[SuzM]

All - thanks very much for this info, I am a total GPS newb when it comes to biking.  I have used one for sailing but that's about it, so these instructions are very helpful.