For eons, cyclists found their way using route sheets, maps, instincts, or some sort of combination of the above. Now, more and more cyclists are jumping on the GPS bandwagon…including me.

I got a Garmin Edge 705 for Christmas and use it primarily to record routes and all of my training vitals (eg, watts, speed, HR). I used the gps trackers a little in San Diego, since I was biking in unknown areas. However, I had yet to use it in the Chicago area because I to know where I’m going. That is, usually know where I’m going.

I tried a new route (for me) on Sunday that largely followed the popular Old School route. I took a quick look before I went and thought I knew all of the turns. Well, if I had paid attention to my GPS, I wouldn’t have gotten lost!

OK, I didn’t get lost. I just missed one turn (red arrow). Here’s a photo of my route. I went straight thinking that was the right way. Nope. I soon found myself going in a loop (yellow area). One look at my Garmin and I realized my mistake. Yep, so much for GPS.