Author Archives:
How to Load Cruise Maps into Google Maps (Android)
Wisconsin Camaro uses a program online called Google My Maps to create the cruise maps we follow in our cars. We've tried many phone apps and have not had good luck...
To follow along in a cruise (or if you get lost) we recommend downloading the cruise map to your phone beforehand and follow along as you drive. This will create a blue route overlay onto Google Maps that you can follow and "trace the steps". Unfortunately Google Navigation does not work with this custom created route - so you'll have to keep your eyes on the map every once in awhile.
It is STRONGLY recommended that you place your phone into a phone holder in your Camaro and have a means of charging it. The cruise leader usually sets their phone's display to "never turn off".
The directions below show you how to load the map into Google Maps if you have an Android phone (iPhone & Windows phones may be similar).
Step 1: Click/touch the map hyperlink in the cruise event page. Select your gmail account you use for Google Maps to open.
Step 2: Map will open in a new browser. Click/touch the name of the map on the bottom of the screen (circled here in red).
Step 3: The following menu opens. Make sure both boxes are checked. If they aren't the map on Step 2 would be blank. Close the window/browser.
Step 4: Open Google Maps app and click/touch the menu icon in the upper left (circled here in red).
Step 5: Click/touch "Your places" (circled here in red).
Step 6: Scroll the tabs all the way to the right and click/touch "MAPS" and click/touch the Camaro Cruise map (circled here in red).
Step 7: Cruise map is now visible on your Google Maps. You can zoom and pan - you cannot edit the map.
Step 8: If you open the Google Maps menu (three lines symbol), you'll now see that the cruise map is highlighted. Click/touch this to hide/show the map.
Step 9: When the cruise is underway, click/touch and HOLD the GPS icon on the bottom right (circled here in red) to toggle your view heading (if enabled). When you are on the cruise route, the blue line on the roads will appear. Follow it! (not pictured here)
2019 WI Camaro Annual Spring Cruise
Date: Saturday, May 11th 2019
Start Time: 10:00am
Cruise Start: Janesville Elks Lodge #254
Cruise Finish: Galena Recreation Park
Approx. Arrival Time: 1:00pm
Facebook Event RSVP Link: Here
Overview: A beautiful, rolling hill, cruise out of Janesville, WI through the scenic southwest WI country into historic Galena, IL. Unlike previous cruises, this Spring cruise is a one-way 112 mile destination trip - not a loop. Once we arrive, drivers are free to do as they wish - shopping, dining, drinking, exploring, visiting a vineyard, golfing (?), cruising around the back-roads, whatever. Drivers may decide to overnight in Galena or drive back home whenever they chose to. Group Leader Andy (blue ZL1) will not be spending the night - if drivers would like to follow him home in the early evening - they are welcome.
Galena: Small town in northwest Illinois known for its well-preserved 19th century buildings, home of Ulysses S. Grant, downtown shopping, and vineyards.
Cruise Details
General Rules:
- Always keep a visual of the Camaro in front of you AND behind you. If the Camaro behind you starts to create a larger gap and is driving slower - you need to slow down before they lose sight of you.
- Maintain a safe distance between cars.
- If you have a walkie talkie, maintain regular status updates.
- If the leader of the group must pull off to the side of the road to allow others to catch up, turn on hazard lights, and pull off the road in a safe manner. Once the group is caught up, the last car must pull out into the road first and flash their lights to let the others know it is all clear.
- Drive in a safe and legal manor. Wisconsin Camaro is not responsible for any reckless and/or illegal driving - it is the responsibility of the individual driver.
- Respect the neighborhoods/towns we drive through.
- Lastly... HAVE FUN!!
Pre-Cruise Groups: We have two groups meeting beforehand to cruise to Janesville. Groups are listed below:
Johnson Creek Group
Meeting Time: 08:45am (rollout at 09:05am)
Meeting Location: Johnson Creek Arby's
Leader: Jeff Herne
Waukesha Group
Meeting Time: 08:30am (rollout at 08:50am)
Meeting Location: Waukesha Walmart Supercenter
Leader: Andy Gross
Janesville Meetup: Both groups will converge at the Janesville Elks Lodge #254 at approximately 10:00am. We'll have a drivers meeting and then split into two new groups - Scenic Group and Sporty Group. Groups will depart at staggered times and will follow the cruise route. Both groups will regroup to create the "Camarovan" just outside Galena.
Scenic Group
Departure Time: 10:15am
Group Description: Camaro cruise group that will take a scenic stroll through the country roads. Speed will be limited to enjoy the views but still have fun.
Leader: Jeff Herne
Sporty Group
Departure Time:Â 10:35am
Group Description: Camaro cruise group that will take a more "sporty" (lead-foot) trip on the country roads. Safety must be kept to the highest priority.
Leader:Â Andy Gross
Cruise Route & Map
Start: Elks Lodge #254 in Janesville, WI
Waypoint 1: Casey's General Store in Monticello, WI (gas / restroom)
Waypoint 2: Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa parking lot in Galena, IL (regroup meetup point / might have restrooms...)
Finish: Galena Recreation Park parking lot in Galena, IL (large park)
Map: Google MyMaps link
Directions:
- For step by step driving directions, view and then download the pdf file here.
- For Google Map integration "follow along" instructions for mobile Android, follow the steps in this article (or ask Andy in person):
May 4, 2019 – WI Camaro 4th Saturdays Meetup (Rain Date)
First meet and greet at Wayne’s Drive-In in Cedarburg, WI followed by a short cruise around the area. (this was a rain date from the original 4/27 date)
April 13, 2019 – WI Camaro 2nd Saturdays Meetup
First meet and greet at Kopp’s Frozen Custard in Brookfield, WI.