two hundred forty six

                                                              

NEWEST TOY

 

My new Garmin GPS choice is different this time. I had the 60 series type which worked well but I got tired of pushing buttons. The Garmin 35 Touch with a touch screen is much easier to use on the fly. 

The mount I found is from a small company that 3D prints a stem mount for Garmin units. It is well made but it took months and was expensive it fits perfectly and is like metal. 

With the development of smart phones I have live access to food, camping, motels and everything else. I have North America City Navigator loaded on the GPS to use when I can't access the internet which happens more than I expected in the Pacific Northwest.

I can plot my way, know my ETA, see local streets and landmarks, track my elevation changes by percentage  and keep detailed records of milage, elevation and exact location. This can be stored on an internal chip then down loaded onto my PC. This will give me a detailed record of my entire journey.

It takes two AA rechargeable Lithium batteries that last a full day. I have a total of 8 that can be recharged in less than an hour.

I use my phone or Ipad mini to plot long trips, plus I have paper maps and a magnetic compass. I pick up a new state map at each state line. Relying completely on GPS routing can really be frustrating. Taking the long view saves an extra climb or a dangerous road.

One hard skill to develop is choosing the best bicycle route. Elevation changes, traffic issues and weather patterns are trial and error. Going around a mountain is usually farther but easier than climbing up and over. Do this enough and you will figure it out. The long view works best. 

two hundred forty five

25 YEARS AGO THIS WAS THE STATE OF THE ART

 This is my piece of old school technology, a CATEYE CC-AT-100. It came on the market in 1995 for $100. The altimeter that I found to be very accurate works with barometric pressure. Every mountain pass has a posted elevation that I assume is accurate, it was always within 5 feet. At sea level it would vary as much as 20 feet. 

The unit has a wire down to the front fork to a sensor that tracks a magnet on the wheel spoke. You set the unit by tire size which is amazingly accurate. I used the unit for daily miles and would reset it daily. It saves totals but I just use it for current speed, elevation and daily miles. 

I don't worry about it rain or shine it is bullet proof. This is actually a new one, I found it in a reduced bin in a bike shop. It was brand new but it was missing the bar mount and wiring harness, so it was only $5. My original unit had some wear but it worked perfectly.

I don't really need this my GPS will do everything and more but I like it because it looks vintage like me. 

After the nuclear EMP attack I think this will still work along with my Zippo lighter, stem wind pocket watch and pocket knife.

Most miles in a day - 155 miles - Montana into North Dakota, neutral wind and powered by peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Top down hill speed - 50 MPH - Down a crowded California freeway grade. I got caught up in the draft from several tractor trailers. I only tried that once.

Highest altitude - 9850 FT - Crossing the Rockies in Colorado I was pushing the bike at at a blinding 3.5 MPH.