Navigation
You can use the Ride with GPS route files to navigate the route using a navigational device such as Garmin and Wahoo, and on your mobile phone using the Ride with GPS app. The benefit of having the file on the Ride with GPS mobile app is that you will be able to see the numerous points of interest (POIs) during your trip. Zoom in on a particular area of the route since some POI’s overlap and some of them will not be visible when zoomed out. Having the route file on the mobile app also offers a backup navigation option in case there is a failure with your other navigation device.
Also, if you have downloaded the route file on the Ride with GPS mobile app for Offline use, you will be able to use the route file even when not connected.
You can also download the route to other devices, including Garmin, by clicking the Save tab if you have connected these to your Ride with GPS account.
Use this link to download the Ride with GPS mobile app. https://support.ridewithgps.com/hc/en-us/articles/17499515359643-Import-GPS-files-in-the-app
Here is a tutorial from Ride with GPS on how to import a route that you have saved in your Ride with GPS route library from the mobile app directly to your Garmin or Wahoo using bluetooth.
It is advised that you have some practice using your navigation devices before heading out on any of these routes, especially if you haven’t navigated trails or backcountry roads before.
Some GPS navigation devices, including the Garmin eTrex, have a track-point limit to the .gpx files they can store. And some devices just don't function optimally when working with a lengthy route and large route file. For this reason, breaking up the route file into smaller segments might be necessary. Here is additional information on when to break up the route into smaller chunks and when to reduce track points of a .gpx file. And here is a tutorial on how to break up a route into two or more segments. Note: You'll need to save the route to your personal route library on Ride with GPS before splitting the route into shorter segments. I often break up larger route files like the BT 700 into two halves and save these on my navigation device and also offline on the Ride with GPS app. This can improve performance.
If downloading a .gpx file to a modern-day device like Wahoo, DO NOT click on Reduce to 500 Points. This can result in poor navigation.
BT 700 Bikepacking Club
If you become a BT 700 Bikepacking Club Member (no cost!) you'll be able to download the route using the Ride with GPS mobile app and access its navigational features including voice prompts, free of charge. Normally, this is only available for Premium Account subscribers. Anyone with a free or paid Ride with GPS account who clicks this link will be added to the club and automatically approved. Here is some more info about the benefits of being a club member. You will also receive automatic notices from Ride with GPS when the route has been updated.
Here is a good article about the pros and cons of using a smartphone to navigate with the Ride with GPS app.
When navigating with the mobile Ride with GPS app, it’s best not to rely solely on voice prompts, as sometimes they can steer you in the wrong direction. The line on the map remains the best navigation tool.
If running the Ride with GPS mobile app as you ride, you can enable Live Logging so friends and family can follow your journey in real time. This is available for Basic and Premium members. It uses only a small amount of data.
Questions? Feel free to contact me.
Also, if you have downloaded the route file on the Ride with GPS mobile app for Offline use, you will be able to use the route file even when not connected.
You can also download the route to other devices, including Garmin, by clicking the Save tab if you have connected these to your Ride with GPS account.
Use this link to download the Ride with GPS mobile app. https://support.ridewithgps.com/hc/en-us/articles/17499515359643-Import-GPS-files-in-the-app
Here is a tutorial from Ride with GPS on how to import a route that you have saved in your Ride with GPS route library from the mobile app directly to your Garmin or Wahoo using bluetooth.
It is advised that you have some practice using your navigation devices before heading out on any of these routes, especially if you haven’t navigated trails or backcountry roads before.
Some GPS navigation devices, including the Garmin eTrex, have a track-point limit to the .gpx files they can store. And some devices just don't function optimally when working with a lengthy route and large route file. For this reason, breaking up the route file into smaller segments might be necessary. Here is additional information on when to break up the route into smaller chunks and when to reduce track points of a .gpx file. And here is a tutorial on how to break up a route into two or more segments. Note: You'll need to save the route to your personal route library on Ride with GPS before splitting the route into shorter segments. I often break up larger route files like the BT 700 into two halves and save these on my navigation device and also offline on the Ride with GPS app. This can improve performance.
If downloading a .gpx file to a modern-day device like Wahoo, DO NOT click on Reduce to 500 Points. This can result in poor navigation.
BT 700 Bikepacking Club
If you become a BT 700 Bikepacking Club Member (no cost!) you'll be able to download the route using the Ride with GPS mobile app and access its navigational features including voice prompts, free of charge. Normally, this is only available for Premium Account subscribers. Anyone with a free or paid Ride with GPS account who clicks this link will be added to the club and automatically approved. Here is some more info about the benefits of being a club member. You will also receive automatic notices from Ride with GPS when the route has been updated.
Here is a good article about the pros and cons of using a smartphone to navigate with the Ride with GPS app.
When navigating with the mobile Ride with GPS app, it’s best not to rely solely on voice prompts, as sometimes they can steer you in the wrong direction. The line on the map remains the best navigation tool.
If running the Ride with GPS mobile app as you ride, you can enable Live Logging so friends and family can follow your journey in real time. This is available for Basic and Premium members. It uses only a small amount of data.
Questions? Feel free to contact me.