IMHO the best site for router info is routerforums.com - good people over there.
If i'm routing an irregular shape I make a template either from 1/4" Masonite or 1/2" mdf. Both are easy to work. I use the template to mark the stock and cut it close to the line with a scroll saw, jig saw or band saw, based on what you have in your shop. After it's rough cut, use double sided tape to affix the template to your stock. Chuck up a pattern bit (I like the spiral bits. They're spendy but don't tear up the wood as much as stright bits do. There is an excellent article on router bits for pattern routing in the current issue of Fine Woodworking #238) Set the height so the bearing on the pattern bit lines up with the template and route. If your cutting hardwood be very careful of the grain direction. It can throw the stock in a 'climbing' cut. And 1" thick is a lot of stock to remove.
I hope this makes sense, I didn't have any pictures to post.