Road Cycling - How do you plan your ride routes?

I was wondering if anyone knew of a computer program that I could use to figure mileage off a map so I could try and plan out some differnet routes. I know I coulde just use a map and ruler but I thought I'd see if anyone knew of a web site or computer program that would do it for me.

wats that microsoft trip or map program

Microsoft Streets will do the trick.

thats the program

Originally posted by Bike Cop
I was wondering if anyone knew of a computer program that I could use to figure mileage off a map so I could try and plan out some differnet routes.

Here's what I use. You can calculate distances and get elevation profiles. It also maps just about all roads (including secondary and tertiary), so you can map pretty much any ride or trail.

Topo USA 4.0 (http://www.delorme.com/topousa/default.asp)

I have an e-coupon that knocks $30 off the price (but don't have the number it with me).

Don't know if they make an equivalent product for other countries. They also have some other mapping products, but I haven't used them.

When I ride, My plan is to stay clear of Cops and road ragers, that is very simple and you can get your mileage....

I use Rand McNally, I start from where I am, pick a destination, look for secondary roads to and from that form some sort of loop, load up and let the terrain surprise me. I try not to go the same route over and over again.

I choose by keeping the following in mind:

a. number of traffic lights,
b. road quality (potholes)
c. number of lanes (the more the better)
d. number of turns required (the fewer the better)
e. interesting places to stop along the way.
f. hills

It's pretty much a trial and error thing.

Ok orguasch I gotta ask. Why do you try to plan routes that avoid cops?

Well, BikeCop, one reason I avoid Los Altos Hills, CA is that they have some bike cops stationed at some intersections and give out lots of tickets on the weekends when there are lots of riders. One had better have one foot off the pedal and come to a full stop at the stop sign or pay! Of course, all of us try to obey all the signals and signs all the time, right? But sometimes we just slip up and don't want to get caught.

One thing I really enjoy about planning a ride is estimating the length based on eyeballing the map or just knowing distances locally. Just a fun little game to play against the cyclocomputer.

Rich

Stinger9oh, I have never gotten a ticket in Los Altos Hills and I ride through there almost every week. Are you sure you're not confusing it with Portola Valley or Woodside? The corner of Alpine & Portola is where the cops usually hang out. On one particularly windy day I got a ticket because I was pedaling around the corner (right hand turn, in a bike lane!!!). :mad:

You got me there. It is Portola Valley! Sorry.

Rich

I use TopoScout. It has topographical maps on a CD-ROM. It will not only give you milages, but elevation, too. I can't exaggerate how great this program is, especially if you live in a hilly area, or are planning a long ride.

http://www.mapsoftware.com/toposcout/toposcout.html

You're forgiven. I know it must be overwhelming to bike in the big city!
;) . You live up in them 'thar hills?

If I am out for some mileage in good weather, I will just head out and make the decision while I am riding.

Gee, I've been on this road for 20 mins. I guess I'll turn at the next road. Oh, it goes the wrong way. Oh well, I'll take it and find out where it goes. :)

I have not done that in a while. I think I may do that this Saturday unless I do the Tour de Cure Saturday in Indianapolis.

SteveE, I'm overwhelmed by cycling in Santa Cruz! I'm just outside Watsonville, near Corralitos. The farthest "north" I regularly go is Aptos. I'm oriented toward the south end of this county and north Monterey county.

Rich

Stinger9oh - A group of ten of us biked over from Cupertino to the Lumberjack Breakfast on Memorial Day Weekend. It sure would be nice if they re-paved Eureka Canyon Rd, 'tho. We were pretty darned hungry by the time we arrived! Biked back by way of Santa Cruz and Mt. Charlie Rd. I think it ended up being 90 mi. by the time we were through! And we were definitely through. :D . Came back to my neighbor's house and did this: :beer:

Originally posted by velo
Microsoft Streets will do the trick.

Yeah... I use Expedia Streets and Trips every weekend. Planning out routes... looking for new ones... LOL this is how I relieve my addiction during the week when I can't ride :)

Does anyone know of a mapping program that indicates road surface composition? I like to avoid gravel and dirt roads.

Originally posted by Bike Cop
Ok orguasch I gotta ask. Why do you try to plan routes that avoid cops?
No I don't plan my bike route avoiding Cops, I was just trying to see if you will react, and I was right, I you did react, anywayz, the more bike cop we have In our Bike Paths or any Road in Our Community, it becomes less dangerous, see in one of the Old thread here, I was for arming cyclist, then if we have more bike Cops on the road no need to armed ourselves, then we don't have to be the Judge the Jury and the Executioner all in one