How does the Garmin 2610 choose routes?

[macc4s]

I'm waiting for my new Garmin to ship. If I just ride to whereever I get lost (intended, of course!) and put in my home address, will the GPS just find the closest, most direct route home? I don't really want to take the interstate back, will it give a "back road" route? Sorry for the ignorant newbie question.

[Medicine Bear]

I'm waiting for my new Garmin to ship. If I just ride to whereever I get lost (intended, of course!) and put in my home address, will the GPS just find the closest, most direct route home? I don't really want to take the interstate back, will it give a "back road" route? Sorry for the ignorant newbie question.

I just got mine so I may be off but here goes:

You can designate anything, including home, as a waypoint and the Garmin will take you there. What roads it takes depends on the filters you choose. It will not backtrack a route (unsure, but think I'm right), allowing you to go to where you started the same way you got there.

Look in the book when you get your Garmin and during setup it will tell you about the road filters.

Fred :03biker:

[grogglefroth]

I'm waiting for my new Garmin to ship. If I just ride to whereever I get lost (intended, of course!) and put in my home address, will the GPS just find the closest, most direct route home? I don't really want to take the interstate back, will it give a "back road" route? Sorry for the ignorant newbie question.

For "home", hit "find" twice, hit "yes", and possibly hit "fastest" or "shortest".

You can rate various types of roads as more or less desirable.
You can also mark sections of the map as avoidance areas.

If you deviate from the plan it gives you, it'll calculate a new route based on where you are. Just keep ignoring the routes as long as you want, then start paying attention when you want.

[macc4s]

Thank you everyone, even more pumped up now. I read the perfect response to someone's inquiry about these devices the other night on another forum, "I just ride until I'm lost and let the Garmin take me home..." That's perfect for me! Thanks again for all the information! Patrick

[crazykz]

The GPS chooses a route at random with no reason to it. ;) You'll find out that it's fastest and shortest routes it picks would not be your choice but they will be close. It's not full proof but it is a great tool. Like any tool it takes time to master it.

Hit "Find" twice and then press Yes. It will route you home. That assumes you have marked your home location as a waypoint with the name "HOME". Otherwise you can type in your address and have it route you home.

Happy riding.

Curt

[AZST]

I'm aways 'on the fence' with these things. I sometimes think it would be cool to have one, but other times I think that I wouldn't use it enough to justify the cost.

I dunno.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Louie Louie]

Yes, thanks for a great thread!:)

[Medicine Bear]

You must've bought the Special Edition ST1300 Garmin 2610. As I understand it, it will never give you a route less than 1,000 miles long. :D

Fred :03biker:

[macc4s]

I'm also going to be certain to program the 1000 mile mandate into the routing!

[John Anthony]

I'm aways 'on the fence' with these things. I sometimes think it would be cool to have one, but other times I think that I wouldn't use it enough to justify the cost.

I dunno.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197

:04biker:
If you do frequent distance rides to different destinations, you'll find how valuable they are. I bought my 2610 as a nice to have, but as we're gearing up for more frequent long distance rides, it's now a must have. Especially if you're another one of those guys who never needs directions!!! :)

[crazykz]

I'm aways 'on the fence' with these things. I sometimes think it would be cool to have one, but other times I think that I wouldn't use it enough to justify the cost.

I use mine on the bike but I also use it in the car. I live near Milwaukee and hate navigating downtown. The GPS allows me to navigate downtown without having to try and read a map. Also try navigating through St. Louis on the interstate. It's a nightmare but after mastering the GPS I'm able to get through there without issue.

Curt

[Medicine Bear]

I use mine on the bike but I also use it in the car. I live near Milwaukee and hate navigating downtown. The GPS allows me to navigate downtown without having to try and read a map. Also try navigating through St. Louis on the interstate. It's a nightmare but after mastering the GPS I'm able to get through there without issue.

Curt

+1 Downtown Houston and outer environs can be a nightmare. The ability to put the 2610 in your car and go is priceless - especially since I don't have the outlet installed on my bike to use it there - yet! :eek:

Fred :03biker: