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Norton Blue Ridge Thunder Rally

Latest information for attendees, rally updates, etc.

(a hard-copy will also be given out at check-in)

GPX files: several people who have navigation devices have asked for the data files for the various routes that will be handed out at the rally. Here they are! Please download them and import to your navigation computer if you'd like to have them available.

These routes will be handed out on paper at the rally for those of us that use the traditional "tank bag" navigation device!

Note: some Garmin devices (and so, probably others) may try to autoroute as you follow these "tracks", which can lead to confusion. Please see the details below to avoid this. 

Note #2: Also further down is a link to instructions for using these GPX files with Google Maps.

Garmin Settings That Can Cause a Route to Deviate from Tracks

If your Garmin GPS or watch is not following a track you’ve imported, it’s usually due to route calculation settings or data format limitations rather than a hardware fault.
 

Key Settings to Check

1. Route Preference / Calculation Mode

  • On many Garmin devices, the Route Preference (or Calculation Mode) can override your track. Common options include Faster Time, Shorter Distance, Less Fuel, Off-Road, and Turn-by-Turn.

  • Shorter Distance may use secondary roads or alleys that don’t match your track Garmin Support Center+1.

  • Less Fuel or Off-Road can also change the path.

  • Fix: Set to Faster Time or Turn-by-Turn to minimize deviation.

2. Avoidances

  • Avoidance settings (e.g., unpaved roads, highways, ferries, toll roads) are applied by the device’s routing engine, not by the track data.

  • If your track includes roads the device avoids, it may reroute around them Garmin Support Center+1.

  • Fix: Review and adjust avoidances to match your track’s intended roads.

3. Vehicle Type / Usage Mode

  • Modes like Pedestrian, Bicycle, Motorcycle, or ATV change routing rules (e.g., avoiding highways for bikes) Garmin Support Center+1.

  • Fix: Use Automobile unless you specifically need a non-standard mode.

4. Recalculate Route

  • If “Recalculate Route” is enabled, the device will recompute the path after you start, ignoring your imported track BMWSportTouring.

  • Fix: Disable this option so the GPS follows the imported route exactly.

 

Data Format & Import Tips

  • Routes vs. Tracks:

    • A Route is a series of waypoints; Garmin calculates the path between them.

    • A Track is a series of points along a path; Garmin follows the points exactly Reddit.

    • If you want strict adherence, import as a Track (GPX with many points) rather than a Route Reddit.

  • Matching Maps & Preferences:

    • The GPS and the program (e.g., BaseCamp, Garmin Connect) must use the same map version and avoidances GPS Forums.

    • Avoidances set in the planning software may not be sent to the GPS; the device uses its own avoidances GPS Forums.

  • Vias / Waypoints:

    • If you import a Route, adding Vias (required stops) can help the GPS follow your intended path GPS Forums.

 

Best Practices to Keep Garmin on Your Track

  1. Import as a Track with many points to minimize re-routing.

  2. Disable Recalculate Route in Trip Planner.

  3. Match avoidances between your planning software and the GPS.

  4. Set Calculation Mode to Faster Time or Turn-by-Turn.

  5. Use the same map on both the GPS and the planning tool.

  6. Check Vehicle Mode to ensure it’s set for your intended travel type.

By aligning these settings and using the right data format, you can significantly reduce or eliminate Garmin’s tendency to deviate from your imported tracks.

Using these GPX files with Google Maps on your phone:

The bad news : Google Maps does not support turn-by-turn navigation via imported GPX files.

The good news: you can import the route for viewing. Warning: Maps may try to enforce it's own turn-by-turn between the waypoints encoded in these map so caveat emptor!
 

Here's a link to page with good instructions on the process:
 

Glen Maury Park
100 Glen Maury Park Rd
Buena Vista, VA 24416

If you are traveling on I-81 exit at the Buena Vista, Highway 60 East exit. Drive a few miles, crossing the Maury river.  You will come to a stop light near a Hardees and Advance Auto Parts, turn right onto Highway 501, South Beech Ave, (it changes name to Magnolia Ave) go through downtown, by Todd's Barbecue, at a traffic light turn right on West 10th Street, recross the river and the park entrance will be on the right.

Anyone traveling north on the Blue Ridge Parkway be aware that it is closed for a bridge replacement near Peaks of Otter. If you are coming south on the Parkway exit at Highway 60 west into Buena Vista.
 

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