Navigating new trails and roads for bike trips can be a daunting task, especially for beginners or riders unfamiliar with the area. Fortunately, the rise of bike route planners has simplified this process, making it easier than ever to plan an adventure, whether it's a short day trip or a multi‑day bikepacking expedition. In this guide, we'll walk you through what bike route planners are, how they work, and tips for new users to make the most out of these tools.
What Is a Bike Route Planner?
A bike route planner is a tool or software application designed to help cyclists plan their rides by generating routes based on factors like distance, terrain, elevation, and road types. These planners are available as websites or apps and are tailored specifically for bike routes, taking into account considerations that are often overlooked in car navigation systems.
They allow cyclists to input their start and end points, and sometimes even choose their desired difficulty level, to get a customized route. Some planners also offer additional features, such as downloadable maps, elevation profiles, and route‑sharing capabilities with other cyclists.
Popular bike route planners include:
How Do Bike Route Planners Work?
Bike route planners work by integrating various data sources to provide accurate and helpful route recommendations. The main factors they take into account include:
- Road Types : Bike planners often prioritize routes that are bike‑friendly, avoiding busy highways or unsafe roads. They may suggest paths like bike lanes, off‑road trails, and quieter backroads.
- Elevation Profiles : Elevation gain is an important factor for cyclists. A planner will show a visual representation of the climbs and descents, helping riders gauge how challenging the route may be.
- Distance and Duration : The planner will calculate the total distance and estimated riding time based on your average speed. Some planners even let you adjust the speed setting to match your fitness level.
- Route Customization : Depending on the tool, planners can allow you to add stops, alter the route to avoid certain areas, or even choose the type of terrain you want to ride (e.g., paved roads vs. gravel paths).
- Weather and Road Conditions : Some advanced planners will include real‑time weather updates and inform you of road closures, construction, or obstacles.
Why Use a Bike Route Planner?
While you can certainly go out and explore without a plan, bike route planners make cycling more enjoyable, especially for longer trips. Here are some of the reasons why they're worth using:
- Efficiency : A planner helps you quickly find the best routes for your bike, saving you time on route selection.
- Safety : They help you avoid high‑traffic roads, steep climbs, or areas that may not be suitable for biking.
- Customization : You can choose routes that match your riding style, whether you're looking for scenic views, challenging climbs, or easygoing paths.
- Navigation : Once you have your route planned, the app or website will guide you during the ride, offering turn‑by‑turn directions and highlighting key features of the route, such as nearby services.
- Inspiration : If you're new to cycling, planners can introduce you to different kinds of bike‑friendly routes you may not have thought to explore before.
Getting Started with a Bike Route Planner
Step 1: Choose the Right Planner for You
There are many options available, each offering different features and focusing on various types of cycling. To choose the right planner, ask yourself the following questions:
- What type of cycling do I do? If you're primarily a road cyclist, you may want a planner like Strava or Ride with GPS that focuses on paved routes. For gravel riders or bikepackers, Komoot might be more suitable due to its excellent trail mapping features.
- How experienced am I? Beginners may prefer planners with easy‑to‑use interfaces and intuitive features. On the other hand, experienced cyclists might enjoy advanced features like customizable routing options, segment analysis, or more precise elevation data.
- Do I need offline maps? If you plan on riding in remote areas where cell service might be poor, make sure the planner you choose offers offline maps and downloadable routes.
Step 2: Input Your Starting Point and Destination
Most bike route planners allow you to easily input your start and end locations. You can manually type in the addresses, use GPS coordinates, or simply click on the map to mark your points.
When selecting your destination, keep in mind the following factors:
- Distance : Be sure to choose a route that matches your riding ability and the amount of time you want to spend on the bike. If you're just starting out, aim for routes that are 10‑20 miles in length for a comfortable ride.
- Elevation : Take note of any significant elevation gain, especially if you're not accustomed to climbing. Some planners allow you to adjust for flatter routes or show the average grade of ascents.
- Terrain : If you're using a gravel bike or planning a bikepacking trip, select a planner that can suggest off‑road or mixed‑terrain routes.
Step 3: Customize Your Route
Once your basic route is set, most bike route planners allow you to fine‑tune it. Some planners offer drag‑and‑drop features, letting you modify the route by adjusting waypoints or adding detours. You can also avoid certain roads or locations that you don't want to cycle through.
For example, if you're planning a multi‑day trip and need to find campgrounds along the way, many planners like Komoot will show you nearby campsites, parks, or rest stops, and allow you to add them as waypoints.
Step 4: Review the Details
Before you hit the road, it's essential to review the route details:
- Elevation Profile : Ensure that you are comfortable with the climb levels and the total elevation gain.
- Estimated Time : Check the estimated duration of your ride and adjust based on your fitness level. You might want to add extra time for breaks or sightseeing.
- Road and Trail Conditions : Some planners will show the type of surface you'll be riding on. Gravel, dirt, and off‑road paths can significantly affect your ride's difficulty.
- Services and Amenities : If you're going on a long ride, look for gas stations, convenience stores, and bike shops along the way for resupply.
Step 5: Download and Follow Your Route
Once you're satisfied with your route, you can usually download it to your smartphone or GPS device. This allows you to follow the route in real‑time without needing a mobile data connection. If you're using an app, you can also activate turn‑by‑turn navigation, which will guide you along the route.
Tips for New Users
- Familiarize Yourself with the App : Spend some time getting to know the features of the bike route planner before you head out. Experiment with adding waypoints, reviewing elevation profiles, and customizing your routes.
- Start Small : If you're new to bike route planning, start with short, simple routes. As you get more comfortable with the tools, you can work up to longer, more complex trips.
- Check the Weather : Always use your route planner in conjunction with a reliable weather forecast. A beautiful route can quickly become dangerous if a storm rolls in.
- Avoid Over‑Packing: While it's tempting to prepare for every scenario, overpacking will slow you down. Pack only what you need, based on the terrain and length of your ride.
- Share Your Routes : Many bike route planners have a community‑sharing feature. By sharing your routes with others, you can discover new paths and learn from fellow cyclists.
Conclusion
Bike route planners are invaluable tools for cyclists of all skill levels. Whether you're exploring new cities, tackling mountain climbs, or going on long bikepacking adventures, these apps and websites can make your trip planning smoother, more efficient, and more enjoyable. By taking advantage of the customization features, detailed mapping, and navigation options, you can enhance your biking experience and gain confidence on your rides.
Remember, with the right bike route planner and a little practice, you'll be navigating through your cycling adventures with ease. Happy cycling!