Google Maps is a great resource, but did you ever wish you could update it or add your own elements, such as roads, parks, buildings, outdoor interests and more? Now you can with the recently introduced Google Map Maker. Simply use your free Google account (a Gmail account will do) to log in and you'll find an easy-to-use set of drag-and-click editing tools in the upper left of the map. When you begin an addition to the map, you'll be presented with a dialog box with required and optional fields that will let you describe what you are adding. I was able to easily add long sections of paved bike trails and the boundaries of a local park, including useful site information easily and quickly. Your changes will need to be reviewed and approved before they go live to all Google Maps users. One tip: Edit in satellite view mode - it's much easier to precisely identify boundaries than when in simple map mode. Image © Google

Professional cyclists race under difficult conditions - none more challenging than the cobblestoned, 160-mile route of the Paris-Roubaix spring classic. The pro team sponsored by GPS-maker Garmin took a signature win in the 2011 Paris-Roubaix held recently, when team rider Johan Van Summeren (see photo) broke away for a sensational solo finish. Team Garmin-Cervélo rides with Garmin Edge 500 GPS cyclecomputers on board, so Van Summeren's entire Paris-Roubaix was captured for the record on Garmin Connect. Review the ride details, and see what it's like to cover 160 miles and 4,700 feet of climbing at 25 mph while burning 10,000 calories. Image © Garmin

I've had a chance to take my first run with the new, Nike+ SportWatch GPS ($199, no additional fees for online services), which was created in cooperation with GPS-maker TomTom. The watch has a crisp, clean look that is very Nike. I was able to set up the watch and easily integrate it with the Nike+ dashboard online services suite with minimal reference to the quick-start guide. Simplicity and clean design are the hallmarks of this watch/online software package. The Nike+ SportWatch GPS has three buttons, which cycle through the main functions (clock, run, history, records) easily. You may customize your personal settings via the dashboard software or on the watch itself, with customization including weight, age, laps preferences (OFF, MANUAL, AUTO) kilometers or miles, etc. The SportWatch has a nice option that lets you simply tap the watch face to indicate a new lap.

You may upload workouts to the online Nike+ dashboard, which has an attractive, easy-to-use interface that shows pace, elevation, distance, duration, splits, summary screens, and more.  I'll be comparing the GPS accuracy of this watch and other features head-to-head with top GPS watches in my upcoming full review of the Nike+ SportWatch GPS. Image © Nike

The Garmin family of GPS sports/running watches has expanded yet again (it now includes eight models) with the introduction of the new Forerunner 610. Not that I'm complaining about the variety - Garmin develops new products aggressively, and improves features and functionality in categories that athletes care about. The next evolution is the 610's glass resistive touchscreen. The Forerunner 610 of course uses GPS for position, distance, and speed data. It comes in two versions - you may buy the $349 version if you already have a Garmin-compatible heart rate monitor or don't use a monitor, or purchase the $399 version if you need Garmin's premium heart rate monitor/strap as well.

The Forerunner 610 has the same slim profile as the latest Garmin watches, and it is unobtrusive enough to wear as a casual watch. The 610 has three buttons, but most features are set up and accessed via intuitive touchscreen and screen-swipe controls. The screen is able to accept commands from a gloved hand, as is the touchscreen Edge 800 cyclecomputer.

Like Garmin's other high-end sport watches, the 610 has a very long list of features and the ability to customize each display screen to suit your needs. A vibration-alert option is new on the 610. The 610 is also compatible with wireless ANT+ bike and workout (but not power-meter) sensors. Availability is listed as the second quarter of 2011. Image © Garmin