The release of the Bicycling directions option in Google led to a number of articles around the Web. Around here in Greenville, I know most every possible combination of streets to get anywhere. This Google maps feature isn’t that much help for me here. However, I was wondering how it would send me on my trip from Memphis to Raleigh this coming September.

First, we’ll take a look at how Google sends you from the start (Moscow, TN) to the finish (Apex, NC). The estimated mileage for this route is 721 miles. Not feasible for a bike ride if for no other reason than it sends you 155 miles on I-40. Of course, there are some little bumps along the way in the form of the Appalachians!

Second option is the walking route. At first I thought the walk option would match the bicycling route. However, you’ll see that routes are quite different. I have had the opportunity to take a look at many of the intersections. There are some spots that would have to be ironed out — for instance there is one place where it sends you through a small personal drive to get you from one road to another. There are several things that attract me to this 695 mile route — and one major reason why this route (with some minor adjustments) will be the one I use.

Finally, there is the Bicycling option. I can see that it makes sense. It sends you the way with the least amount of climbing. However, it also has you traveling 782 miles — over 80 miles more than the more northern walking route. Get this… it also sends you through 433 different turns! The longest stretch of road is 29 miles. The walking route has nearly half as many turns in the directions.

Now, I realize that the Google maps ride option is intended for urban areas and not for touring. I must admit though that if it wasn’t for the fact that I must go through Greenville, South Carolina on my way to Apex, I would take a long look at this option. It does send you in a direction that would avoid much of the climbing.

With both the walking and bicycling options I would have to make alterations to cut out some of the many changes of direction. There are more direct routes through some of these areas that I would not be afraid to cycle on. The maps are trying to help you avoid some roads that I would travel in this case.

However, one of the greatest aids I have found for planning my trip is the Google Street View. I have been able to “travel” portions of the route without leaving my computer. It is how I have discovered some of the small dirt roads that the walking route would send me on. I am then able to adjust and form my own route more conducive to riding my bike.

I’ll tell you one thing! Looking at these maps is starting to get me excited about September when I’ll start one of the most ambitious trips I have ever taken on my bike! Looking at the different locations I will be traveling through has me pumped! Interestingly enough, as the route goes through Greenville, it takes me within yards of my own home. Sure would be nice to be able to spend the night there.

There will be more news coming soon about the 2010 Ride for Mike. I had hoped to have launched the project by March 1. However, there have been some delays in the behind the scenes planning for some of the fundraising. I’m told that is coming to a close and I should be able to start giving you all an idea of what those options are soon.

Thanks for reading and riding along!

 

Tags: Google Maps, Ride for Mike

This entry was posted on Monday, March 15th, 2010 at 7:29 am and is filed under Events, Review. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.