How do you plan your ride routes?
#1
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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.
#5
Just ride.
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.
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.
Topo USA 4.0
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.
Last edited by roadbuzz; 06-19-02 at 05:12 AM.
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When I ride, My plan is to stay clear of Cops and road ragers, that is very simple and you can get your mileage....
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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.
#8
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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.
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.
#10
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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
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
#11
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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!!!).
#13
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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.
https://www.mapsoftware.com/toposcout/toposcout.html
https://www.mapsoftware.com/toposcout/toposcout.html
#14
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You're forgiven. I know it must be overwhelming to bike in the big city!
. You live up in them 'thar hills?
. You live up in them 'thar hills?
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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.
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.
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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
Rich
#17
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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. . Came back to my neighbor's house and did this:
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Originally posted by velo
Microsoft Streets will do the trick.
Microsoft Streets will do the trick.
#19
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Does anyone know of a mapping program that indicates road surface composition? I like to avoid gravel and dirt roads.
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Originally posted by Bike Cop
Ok orguasch I gotta ask. Why do you try to plan routes that avoid cops?
Ok orguasch I gotta ask. Why do you try to plan routes that avoid cops?
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