With simply paper maps – there was the continual anxiety of getting misplaced, not arriving at shops before they shut, having to ride crowded roads because the back roads didn’t seem on maps, and so on. etc. Can’t consider you didn’t mention mtbproject.com, another good experience planning software with great routes for biking within the USA. If you cycle through hills and mountains and ever surprise, what’s that peak there within the distance, this app will let you know.