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Just as everyone relies on apps and GPS for driving adventures, there are a variety of tools that cyclists can use to create a bike route tailored to your goals, fitness levels, and more. Finding the perfect cycling route with these apps allows you to conquer personal challenges, take part in group rides, and travel around exciting new places.
One thing to remember: If you use these apps while you ride, make sure you have a phone mount that works and that you can use even on a rental bike.
5 Ways to Create a Bike Route You’ll Love
1. VeloGuide Route Builder
VeloGuide is a combination route and social app. It connects you with a local cyclist who acts as a personal tour guide—from setting up a route based on your ability level and interests to connecting you with a bike rental.
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Their “VeloGuides” are available in more than 800 cities in 72 countries and include the likes of former pros Phil Gaimon, George Hincapie (who is also a cofounder), and Christian Vande Velde. It can also provide riders with bikes from local shops.
“Personally, I have ridden with many VeloGuides and my favorite part is just not having to think. I can look around, ask questions, and enjoy the views,” says VeloGuide CEO Joel Goralski. “Every VeloGuide likely has their own ‘routes’ that are really hard to find on a GPS app—could be jigs and jags here and there, a cool little gravel section, or an out-of-the-way climb and vista you would have missed on your own. On top of this, I always enjoy finding out about the best restaurants, coffee, and beer!”
Best GPS Computers
The Karoo 2 has the brightest and sharpest screen of any GPS unit and the best touch screen.
50 bucks gets you a Strava compatible GPS cycling computer.
The M50 has a bright and clear screen, extensive sensor compatibility, and a wide range of training and fitness features.
The Edge 530 a powerful and full-featured unit that is as close to perfect as you can find.
2. BikeWESTIN: Build a Vacation Route
Gone are the days when shampoo and little chocolates were the only complementary gifts provided by hotels. Westin Hotels & Resorts, already known for its fitness programs and amenities offers a BikeWESTIN program at The Westin Bayshore Vancouver. The bikes are available for two-hour blocks on a first come, first served basis.
Once you’ve rented a bike, the hotel can put you in touch with local bike guides to both lead rides and provide self-guided routes to safely see the city’s attractions and historic areas. If you’re nearby and not staying at the hotel, bikes (and e-bikes!) are also available to rent for a fee (both hourly and full-day).
3. Trek Travel: Routes with Guides
If you’d truly like someone to do almost all the planning for you, try Trek Travel. Their options range from pre-planned self-guided trips to custom two-guide trips for riders of all levels. They offer e-bike tours, cycling training camps, and family-friendly trips all across the globe that include some iconic routes and climbs.
The bikes are, you guessed it, made by Trek. They will size you for both a bike and Bontrager helmet, as well as supply a Garmin GPS computer and complementary water bottle.
4. Strava: A Variety of Route Builders
Whether you’re new to cycling or an old pro, Strava has a variety of ways to help you build a route. Their Routes builder technology—available for subscribers, although there are free trials—can help you build a route using the app or website, based on the insights compiled from anonymized Strava activity data.
Let’s say you’re traveling to an area you’ve never been to before. You can use Routes to show roads and paths that are most ridden by other Strava users. Once you’ve found a route that interests you, you can adapt it to includes personalized destinations, as well as preferred elevation gain and mileage. Then, you can save the route on your phone or bike computer for turn-by-turn directions.
Strava also heat mapping (for subscribers) that allows you to see the most frequented bike routes in an area, so you can pinpoint where the locals right if you’re visiting a new town.
5. Ride With GPS Bicycling Routes
You can build your own route on Ride With GPS, or use their Find a Route tool. It’s especially helpful when looking for a pre-planned route while traveling and also offers heat mapping so you can see popular rides near you.
Ride with GPS/Find a Route allows you to search by city or zip code, and then set how far you want to travel, as well as minimum and maximum distance and elevation gain. Ride With GPS will then display results based on the popularity of a route. Many of the top routes include cue sheets and photos to give you a preview of what to expect while pedaling around. Ride With GPS also includes an Ambassador Directory so you can connect with local experts, clubs, and shops.
Michael Nystrom is a two-time IRONMAN finisher and a former editor at Active Network, Muscle & Performance and Oxygen Magazine. He covers all things cycling, from the Tour de France to new product releases, and has been published by USA Triathlon, Under Armour, Polar, Triathlete Magazine and more. When not swimming, cycling or running, he’s catching some waves or chasing his dog, Dingo.
