I have been using a GPS for navigation on my bicycle for approximately 18 months. I use a Garmin eTrex Vista which has full mapping capability.
Navigation can be achieved in two ways:
- Following a route
- Following a track
A route is a collection of waypoints (map coordinates) much like a standard Audax routesheet. Basically the GPS instructs (or points) you in the direction of the next turn. This has the advantage that routes are quite compact (memory wise) but the disadvantage that, unless you have an autorouting GPS unit, the route is a straight line between these collection of points.
Tracks are a list of points (similar to waypoints) normally recorded as you travel, and saved as tracklogs. Tracklogs continually record your position on either a time or distance setting. For example a track log can be set up to record your position every 10 secs or every 10 metres. Most GPS units have the feature to follow (or Trackback) pre recorded tracks. A track displayed on a GPS screen follows the road exactly, unlike a route which is a straight line between predetermined turns.
It is possible to create tracks with some mapping software "offline" ie. you don't necessarily have to record them in real time by riding the route. This is particularly useful when the route extends to 1400km 
Experience has shown me that following a track is much easier and less prone to error than following a route. For that reason I have created these tracks for my own use and shared them here for other GPS users. The screen capture (left) shows the LEL route as the grey dotted line.
The tracks are provided in 2 formats:
- Garmin Mapsource (.gdb)
- Tracklogs, Memory Map, FUGAWI (.trk)
I'm happy to try and accomodate any other formats requested. Please email me if you need assistance.
