Jarrett2

Check out some of the functionality that Strava provides:

https://www.strava.com/routes

Machka 

Is that where you are? I ask because it would appear that you're unfamiliar with all that Google Maps has to offer.



OK, that was not obvious at all. I saw it, but figured it was an accidental bit of leftover code or something and didn't click it.


Oh, in the mouse-over. That doesn't come up consistently for me.


Why do you say "except highways"? I ride on the highways ... and actually, in doing a little bit of testing, both the road and mtb routes go on highways.


I'd leave the weather out. It's not clear where the weather forecast is for ... my start point? my end point? somewhere in between? And most of the time, I map routes several days or weeks before I ride them, so today's weather doesn't matter. Also, there's no wind direction and speed which is the most important weather feature.



I would encourage you to try everything in Google Maps ... do everything you can think of with it, read the help information, etc. etc. I encourage you to do this because it is what's available for everyone for free right now. Yours is only useful if you can improve on it.

And also try out Map My Rides and Ride With GPS.

jade408

I gave it a quick spin. The mobile experience sucks from my iPhone. I typed in some addresses. It showed a map but never actually filled in the directions or details. I didn't really understand why I would choose what a bike type was. And how a Google bike differed from a road bike.

Reading this thread has been enlightening. I mostly use GMaps from my iPhone or iPad. There is no elevation on either device. I'll chalk it up to google being mean to idevices. There are a lot of missing features.

I would love to know about elevations but I don't care enough to open a different app.

One of my google maps peeves is that when I do an initial search it estimates the distance. But when I click on it, the calculated distance increases 25%. In most cases for me the bike and driving routes are similar so I don't know why the calculations are off when displaying the search results.

bboti

Yes, I am from Easter Europe and I guess not all Google Maps features are available in all countries.

As far as I know, bikes are not allowed on highways (at least in Europe), but I have to check that (and change the site if needed).

It calculates an average location since most of bike bikers take shorter (one day) routes (am I right??). I guess if you plan long routes this weather forecast is not useful. To be honest, I agree that at this point ridewithgps.com is better alternative (mainly because it support more mid-point).

I'll do that, though, as I mentioned above, Google Maps features may be different in different countries.

bboti

That should really not happen, I will check it out.

If you have a road bike you do not want to use it in the forest I guess, and maybe you want to avoid asphalt with a mountain bike. Regarding Google bike, only some countries support it (not in Eastern Europe).

seedsbelize 

Wonderful! Thanks. I always thought I was riding a flat out and back, but it turns out there is a 7 meter gradient with rolling lumps. I will use it frequently. There are virtually no bad rides here, as long as I stay out of certain parts of Merida.

njkayaker

Most mapping data is being collected for motor vehicle use. That's where the money is and it's easy to collect.

Mapping data for cycling is always going to be limited.

If cash-rich Google can't solve the cycling problem, then somebody with a non-profit website isn't going to.

Openstreetmap has a fair amount of cycling specific mapping data (contributed by volunteers since there's really no way of being paid to do it).

Most of the route planners let you use Openstreetmap maps.

In any case, automated routers are likely not ever going to be great.

How is this issue a "cycling routes" weakness?

bboti

I wouldn't say that the (google) elevation service is 100% accurate, but there is a high chance that you were not riding on completely flat ground

Leebo

The sun direction is always correct. My compass is accurate as well. I have used map my ride recently as more of a backup. I love it when the street sign, the paper map and the computer all have a different name for the road.

Machka 

I am talking about 1-day rides ... I'm a long distance cyclist. Lots of people map long day rides and also long multi-day tours. I actually don't map short rides very often because I know the local routes.

It is the rare highway over here (Australia) and also in Canada that does not allow cyclists.

mortalez

Google maps and GPS services are only as good as the maps they are based on. even people in cars are often led astray.

beechnutC23

I was going to say. It's what I use and it works very well and is very easy to use.

canklecat

This reminds me -- I need to finish that "DO NOT TAKE THIS ROUTE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!!" video I started several months ago.

Thanks, Google maps...

...what could possibly...

...go wrong?

Cheddarpecker

X2 on double checking the satellite image, here it routes you across oil leases. Hard to maintain a decent speed on washboard caliche.

Paul Barnard

Obviously you are a legend, if only in your own mind.

coominya

Boy, just as well google came along 10 years ago with google maps or we'd all still be cycling in circles around our local suburbs.

idiotekniQues

grumpy old man alert

coominya

Don't forget to post it up on your Facebook page, quickly.