Plotting, viewing and following GPX routes

Many of our ride groups use GPX files to show the intended route for the day – this helps people prepare, as well as enabling those leading to follow the route on a cycle computer (such as a Garmin). 

We have planned 2-3 sessions explaining how to create, view and follow GPX routes, which we are recording.
The first session (recorded) covers how to view and create routes in ‘Komoot‘ and ‘Ride with GPS‘ (using standard web browser).

Note 1: Following the first Zoom session, I have discovered that you can plot circular routes on Komoot – by two techniques, either getting Komoot to automatically calculate a return route from the furthest point (which you can then adapt) or plot waypoint by waypoint (as is used by RideWithGPS) – see https://support.komoot.com/hc/en-us/articles/360024590552-Planning-round-trips

Note 2: As described, RideWithGPS does not have the facility to hide the route in order to see the underlying road/track structure (use ‘M’ key on Komoot to do this). However, using different underlying maps such as OSM Cycle or RWGPS Cycle (see top right drop-down on web view) makes the road names clearer to see.

To summarise: In my opinion, RideWithGPS is best for road rides, whereas Komoot allows for a variety of cycle types and is therefore better suited for gravel and MTB rides. Whilst using either, reviewing a route is fine on mobile phones, but plotting or amending routes is really only practicable on a laptop or other device with a reasonable size screen and mouse support.

We may include use of Garmin Basecamp for plotting routes in the next session – this app allows (purchased) OS maps to be used as the underlying map type (very useful for seeing road type, contours, etc.). We will also cover downloading, and following, GPX routes on devices. However, we need volunteers to describe how devices (including mobiles) other than Garmin Edge are used. Please contact me if you’re able to do this, or if there are any other aspects of GPX routing that you would like to see.

Kind regards
David Orme
chairman@christchurchbicyleclub.org