Also having the upload to TR etc is also a nice motivator as I see lots of workouts people just give up and stop half way through etc. Sounds strange but not looking like a wimp to internet strangers spurs me on
Several of mine where 'give ups' mostly due to running out of time rather than really giving up. One of the reasons I would jump on the turbo was the lack of time commitment to get out for a proper ride!
The banter, advice and experiences of others here and on Strava is really all the motivation I've needed. To be honest without this thread/sub forum on OCUK I probably wouldn't have gotten into road riding! I'm now addicted!
Really enjoying it though, so thanks guys!
Probably, so 'free', but not free!
Anyone with experience of maps and loading them onto Garmins?
I'm after European maps on my 810, yet I'm a tight-arse so I've not got any of the official Garmin maps. I've been using the talkytoaster OSM up until now, these only cover the UK. The Standard Garmin maps are ok (considering the 810 isn't really marketed for 'Europe') yet the maps for Rhodes (where I'm going) are very poor with only the major roads marked. I'm guessing this is because Rhodes isn't seen as a cycling destination by many.
I've tracked down these from a google search. They are based off OSM but haven't loaded them onto my 810 yet. I'm not expecting any problems with them, as they're created by someone who lives in Cyprus/Rhodes and obviously wanted some accurate maps! As I'm not really going on a 'cycling' holiday I'll not be going far (and will probably have a normal map too). I'll not be using them for navigation very much, but will report back.
I found this site too which appears to be a database of maps uploaded by people that you can search. Not all maps are free and most seem to be geared towards walking/hiking (topography) rather than cycling.
Looking for local cycling info most of mine I found from google searches leading me to websites and also links to tripadvisor reviews of some of them (the one linked is the most used/reviewed and reads very well, they seem to cater for anything/everyone). I was able to find approx prices from most of them (some by reading reviews when info was missing from websites) and this has lead me to noting where the particular dealer was located as it is in the next village to where I am staying. Their facebook page is great too - seems like the daily excursions they do are photographed and uploaded regularly which is a nice touch. Gives you a good idea of the scenery and road conditions too!
I know my hotel does 'bike hire' but I shall be comparing the bikes and prices on offer with what I 'know' I can get for €5-€10 a day from the other cycle hire places I've found. The main one I've linked even offers to deliver bikes to your hotel for free if you're hiring for more than 7 days (else €10 charge).
