Along the line of GPS...I'm curious as to how the PB500 organizers get the data (waypoints) to each rider? Since each rider is not using the same brand (Magellan, Garmin, etc...) how is the data shared and uploaded?
I would think they use a link to a PC to uplaod the waypoint into your GPS. I just got an etrex legend and it came with a hook up for a PC interface. I don't know much about it cause I just got it. I am real interested in learning more about it.
Hey: We like the Garmin 176 and 276 series. Other guys like the 60CSX. There are too many units and brands out there for us to know all the spec's and difference's of the units.
We recommend and can speak for the above units only. The GPS file for the event will be in .gdb, gpx and Magellan formats only.
Hi...Are you required to have your own GPS to ride in the PB500 event? I'm interested in this event and, most likely will be attending solo. My thought process is I'll be able to find a small group to ride with once I get there but I do not have my own GPS unit...would this present a problem? I guess I should have asked this first...Is this the kind of event someone could attend solo and find a group to ride with? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Can ANY Garmin GPS be used, or is it necessary to have a plotter type. I am in the market for a new gps and want something that can also be used for roads. I was looking at the nuvis, but have no idea if they can use a route. I guess my question is, When searching for my new gps, what feature or features should I be looking for to be able to make this trip. Thank you for your time and patience. :)
Anyone??? I'm running out of time to pick something up to be able to go. There has got to be someone out there that used gps's other than the two mentioned above.
I got what I thought was an etrex legend. It was used from ebay and didn't have a manual well i got a manual for a legend and after a little more research I found out what I got was an etrex H. The H is basically a glorafied digital compass. I called touratech lastnite and they were super helpful. I told them I knew nothing about using a GPS and they ran through a bunch of differant models and some of the features of each. I still havent decided which one I want but I am leaning towards the Garmin 60csx.
Hey guys, been doing the GPS stuff for a while, I'm a Garmin fan, any 176,276,376, all Streetpilot models(26xx,27xx28xx work well), 60csx, older mapping models work like the GPS III, IV, V, E-map, Etrex mapping units. These are not the only ones you can use, just the ones off the top of my head I could think of without going to Garmins site. You can pick up used GPS's pretty cheap from auction sites. It's preferable to have mapsource mapping software for high res detail but it's not absolutely neccessary. Jack will have data transfer cables available the day of the event to download the routes/waypoints you will need to navigate the route. Most of the control riders are very proficient at using a maping GPS and will give you a bit of "schooling" to help you get underway with little to no frustration. You will need to be able to select a route and begin to navigate it. That's about it. Control riders will be strung out throughout the course and will help you out if you need a helping hand. Don't sweat it, this is all about having a good time and don't hesitate to ask any of us for help. Hope this helped. Rob Girard (one of the control riders)
Sandflea...... THANK YOU!!! I am familiar with GPS's and have been using them for years. But all my usage has been on the street. My first GPS was a Meridian gold that maps had to be loaded onto, and when you went beyond the downloaded map you were out of luck. I hated that thing and have vowed to never have to do that again! On your expanded list I was able to find a gps that has all US roads preloaded, text to speech, waterproof and is bright enough to be seen in the sun. It is something to replace my failing Lowrance iway500 (hard drives and motorcycles DO NOT MIX) and should easily go from my GS to the XR and until i figure out which nuvi I want it will also be used in the cars. I just couldn't spend the money to get the 276c or 376c. I do not own or want to own a boat, and the proprietary memory cards that top out at 512mb are not large enough to hold allllll the maps and are way to expensive.And having to pay an additional $100.00+ to get the additional maps killed that for me. I choose the 2720, and expect it to hold up to my needs. I got it for about $400.00 which included the motorcycle mount. I would have paid less except I bought from a seller in NY and got hit with sales tax. Thank you once again, and I expect to see you in the Pine Barrens!
Oh', I should have mentioned this in my post, all the Garmin GPS's I posted are waterproof (except for the E-map which is very water resistant) and are rugged for offroad touring. I don't know that much about the "3" digit street pilots whether they are waterproof or not so I didn't include them, check the www.Garmin.com site for individual gps spec's. You never know what Jack has in store for the riders, a water crossing or two is always somewhere in the mix!
Hey: Sorry, I'm just responding now. WE like the Garmin 176 276 376 series. The 60 CSX and Zumo are good too. The PB500 is being sponsored by Touratech, the world leader in Adventure Riding Accessories. They are offering a discount of 20% for PB500 entrants on Touratech branded items, like GPS mounts. They also sell GPS units but they are not discounted. However you can call them and they will be glad to discuss which unit is best for you.
Call them at 800 491 2926 and mention the PB500. Or visit their website
