Using a Garmin Edge 605 for touring

First I uploaded my OSM (openstreetmap) UK mapping in OS Landranger style (here's the detail).

Then the frustration started.  I set up courses using bike route totaster, but I found that you can't join a course part way, so if you go a different route or don't switch on at the start the unit just tells you how far to go BACK to the start.  Moreover, ETA at destination seems to be unheard of, just time to destination, now3 I want ETA to make sure I'm back for lunch time or at the station in time for the train.

Next I tried downloading routes, but they weren't much better, they gave ridiculous routing which didn't at all correspond to the planned route, and, on a circular route directed me straight to the end without following the route round at all. Ugh!

At last I sorted it.  First, turn off auto-recalculate.  Second use bikehike.co.uk to plan the route.  Third download as a gpxx file.

At last:

  • Join a route part way round with no problems
  • Get the route you planned
  • Get decent ETA at destination estimate
  • No silly "off course" messages when you take a detour
In fact, just as good as with my old E-trex  Cx, but with a clearer screen and usable auto-zoom and more sensible interface.
  (But, as far as I can tell, no way of uploading large POI data files, making my POI of English pubs pretty much redundant - what does Garmin think cyclists want GPS navigation for in the first place?).

EdgeUnit