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Essential Guide to Route Planning

Apr 24, 2025

Route Planning 101 - Ride with GPS


Introduction

  • Use Ride with GPS Route Planner for planning trips by bike, on foot, or by vehicle.
  • Offers route visualization, climbing details, and other features.
  • Available for download on iOS and Android.

Getting Started

  • Access Route Planner via the website's top menu.

Main Features

Jump to a Location

  • Click on the map or enter an address to set a start point.
  • Use the "HOME" button if set in profile settings.

Add to Route

  • Use the "Add to Route" button to plot your route.
  • Choose "Routing Mode" for the desired path.
  • Generates a cuesheet for navigation.

Routing Modes

  • Cycling: Prioritizes safety and multi-use paths.
  • Walking: Prioritizes safety, ignores some traffic laws.
  • Driving: Prioritizes shortest distance.
  • Draw Lines: For custom paths, does not create cues.

Preferred Surface Type (Cycling Mode)

  • Switch between "Paved", "Unpaved", or "Any Surface" options.

Control Points

  • "Pin" route lines with control points for precision.
  • Move, add, or remove control points as needed.

Cuesheet

  • Provides turn-by-turn navigation.
  • Automatically updates with route changes.
  • Check "Advanced Route Planning" for more info on cuesheets.

Points of Interest (POI)

  • Add POIs for scenery or stops (Premium feature).

Import Existing Routes

  • Drag & drop GPX, FIT, TCX, KML, KMZ files into Route Planner.
  • Premium users can import multiple routes.

Map View Options

Change Map Type

  • Access various map types for detailed planning options.

Route Planner Settings

  • Switch between imperial or metric units.
  • Enable features like auto-center, scrollwheel zoom, and distance markers.

Heatmaps

  • Premium users can access global and personal heatmaps.

Street View

  • Use pegman icon for Google Street View images.

Right-click Utility

  • Access tools like undo actions and add control points via right-click.

Route Tools

  • Modify entire route or sections with available tools.

Special Tools

  • Out and Back: Plan return trip automatically.
  • Reverse Route: Flip route direction.
  • Change Color: Differentiate route sections visually.

Saving and Viewing Routes

Save Your Route

  • Save frequently to avoid losing progress.
  • Add titles, descriptions, and privacy settings.

View Route

  • Access saved routes from the Route Library.

Tips for Efficient Route Planning

  • Avoid clicking inside intersections to ensure accurate cues.
  • Zoom in for detailed route planning.
  • Save work often to prevent loss.