Garmin i5 - how to make routes

Guys,

Until now I have always been a paper map kind of guy. It is time for me to step up my game a bit.

I have just received a Garmin i5 and have the gizmo velcroed it to my bike. I did not get a manual with the unit. I have figured out the basics of loading addresses and finding where I am. So far so good, but now I am anxious to take the leap to the good stuff.

I want to load routes onto the unit from my computer but am not sure how to link the two contraptions. Is there a good way to load my routes from google maps or mapquest directly into the unit? Is there some sort of software I need to get? It is possible this model won't allow this process.


Any help or websites or links would be greatly appreciated. I have searched this forum and not found this info, but maybe I have missed some thing.

Thanks, it is time for me to go paperless like all of you!:bow1:

The manual is still available from Garmin... that's the good news. The bad news is that according to the Garmin site, the i5 will not accept or store any routes generated on a computer.

The I5 is a good unit... I still use mine in the car. ( bike has the 760 now)
I put the plastic disk over the center of the bars and suction it there.

One of the best things I liked about the i5 is that it works on 2AAs. You'll get about 5-6+ hours on the photo AAs and they are easily replaced anywhere. Rechargables also work well.

But what I find is the real use of the GPS is to locate the nearest gas, food, hotel, etc from where you are... The main route of travel I still print and usu know where I am heading anyway.