ridewithgps.com - a great mapping tool (no GPS required)

[OakLeaf]

I never use the Virtual Partner, so can't help you there. I think you need to create a course from history in Training Center. But navigating a route is easy.

To navigate a route you've saved as a .gpx, all you have to do is connect the unit to the computer so it appears as a USB drive, then drag the .gpx into the Garmin>GPX folder on the unit. Then when you want to navigate it, go to Menu>Where To?>Saved Rides and all the routes you've uploaded to the 705 will appear in a list. Then choose Navigate (it can take a while to load). It'll beep at you and give turn-by-turn directions, and appear as a pink line on the map screen.

Just be sure, under Menu>Navigation, either disable Auto Recalculate or set it to Prompted. Otherwise, whenever the unit thinks you're off the route (which sometimes happens when you're actually on the route), it will go wacky. I prefer setting it to Prompted, which does two things: (1) a prompt lets me know if I actually am off the route, and (2) it will continue navigating. If auto recalculation is disabled, then once you get off the route, it'll stop giving turn-by-turn directions even when you get back on it. The route will still appear on your map screen, you just won't get directions.

[pinkbikes]

I never use the Virtual Partner, so can't help you there. I think you need to create a course from history in Training Center. But navigating a route is easy.

To navigate a route you've saved as a .gpx, all you have to do is connect the unit to the computer so it appears as a USB drive, then drag the .gpx into the Garmin>GPX folder on the unit. Then when you want to navigate it, go to Menu>Where To?>Saved Rides and all the routes you've uploaded to the 705 will appear in a list. Then choose Navigate (it can take a while to load). It'll beep at you and give turn-by-turn directions, and appear as a pink line on the map screen.

Just be sure, under Menu>Navigation, either disable Auto Recalculate or set it to Prompted. Otherwise, whenever the unit thinks you're off the route (which sometimes happens when you're actually on the route), it will go wacky. I prefer setting it to Prompted, which does two things: (1) a prompt lets me know if I actually am off the route, and (2) it will continue navigating. If auto recalculation is disabled, then once you get off the route, it'll stop giving turn-by-turn directions even when you get back on it. The route will still appear on your map screen, you just won't get directions.

Oooh - thanks a bunch OakLeaf! Not only do I not have to RTFM now, but I think you just solved my DH's problem with the time he set it to navigate him to somewhere and he got off the course (he has one too)! Yay!

Now I know who to ask when I have another geek moment and want to expand my use fo the Garmin!

[smilingcat]

I like this site better than ***** mapping software. It was easier to use and the route info stayed on the street. This is great. Now I may have to buy a garmin. sheesh...

[ipanema]

I will try this one, on my next tour, till now i have been playing with this one:
http://sportypal.com/Community