While Strava might be the preferred Route Planner for some, it's definitely not the only one out there to use. We typically recommend using the Strava Route Planner because of the Cue Sheet (ie. turn-by-turn instructions) that is automatically generated and is print-friendly. At a quick glance, it's also easier to interpret the route direction on a Strava Route by hovering across the elevation chart compared to relying on km/mile markers on Garmin Connect Courses, especially when parts of the route overlap. Strava also allows their routes to be downloaded to a wide-range of GPS devices. With that said, our website currently allows Ride Leaders to post routes from Strava, Garmin Connect, and Ride with GPS.
Garmin Routes
Here is a short video that covers creating a Route, also known as a "Course" in Garmin Connect.
Ride with GPS Routes
Ride with GPS has always been a leader for Route Planning Tools. If you have a device with turn-by-turn navigation, the one functionality that sets Ride with GPS apart from many other Route Planning Tools is the ability to add custom cues to routes to help with negotiating upcoming turns and landmarks. If you opt for the paid account, you can also specify how far away from the turn to be notified.
When you sign-in to your account for the first time, it shows three price options. Scroll down to the bottom and click the free option button to use it for free.
Additional Ride with GPS Resources:
- Advanced Route Planning and Editing Video
- Full Route Planning Demo Video
- Export Routes to Garmin Devices Video
- Basic Route Planning Tutorial
- Advanced Route Planning and Editing Tutorial
- Working with Cues Tutorial
If you have never created a Route (or Course) before, we recommend starting out with Strava's Route Planner. This Blog Post has an excellent video to get you started. If you are accustom to using Garmin Connect or Ride with GPS, continue to do so and keep posting your routes for club members to follow.
