Planning a bicycle route

Planning a bike route in the digital age is incredibly simple. We no longer need to use traditional maps, and we can prepare our entire trip or training plan on our computer or smartphone . Of course, you can simply hop on your bike and ride away, but if you're going off-road for a longer period, that's not the best idea. Therefore, properly planning your bike route is crucial to getting the most out of your trip.

Planning a bicycle route, or where are we going?

Exactly where? Cycling tourism in Poland is highly developed; you can travel to all parts of the country and always find something interesting. Taking the train from the south to the seaside is also no problem, where planning a cycling route will be pure pleasure. Simply load your bike onto the train, and in a few hours you'll be experiencing the charm of the seaside trails. Of course, this principle also applies when heading to other destinations. The extensive network of cycling trails means you can travel anywhere. However, before every trip, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specifics of the terrain you'll be traveling. Online maps come in handy here, allowing for effective navigation. After all, you need to know in advance where you'll pitch your tent or which hostel you'll be staying for a comfortable night's sleep. Awareness of your surroundings, the proximity of shops, and the type of road you'll be riding are also crucial. Popular cycling apps Planning a cycling route and knowing the terrain the trip will take is also crucial for physical and mental preparation. This is especially true for long cycling trips, when the cyclist is essentially on their own. Digitally planning a cycling route requires taking your phone with you. It will navigate you to your destination and also gather valuable information about the kilometers covered. Of course, it's important to remember that, unlike a traditional map, a smartphone requires energy. Therefore, planning a cycling route should also take this factor into account. In such cases, it's worth taking a power bank, a solar charging system for your phone, or simply using electrical outlets at every stop. Of course, you can also use a traditional map and compass. Planning a cycling route can be done in various ways, the choice is yours, but for now, let's focus on the digital method.

Google comes to the rescue

Among its many advanced tools, Google also offers maps. You'll find both classic road maps, even showing forest paths, and satellite views. This combination allows you to assess the quality of the terrain you'll be traveling on. You'll learn whether the road is gravel or paved, and you can check for attractions and accommodations nearby. Planning a cycling route using Google is very practical, as these maps include information about various services. This allows you to thoroughly check your accommodations before setting off, which is crucial during a trip. Google Maps is also highly accurate and constantly updated. Furthermore, when navigating with your smartphone, the app will inform you about accidents or traffic jams, allowing you to change your route in time. This solution makes planning a cycling route very detailed and precise. This ensures you won't be caught off guard and will help you find your way around unfamiliar terrain. Google also allows you to familiarize yourself with the surrounding landscape. Satellites will show you whether you'll be riding through fields or a forest path. You'll also find information about tourist attractions worth seeing. You can use the Google app in real time on your smartphone while riding, even receiving voice guidance. However, planning a cycling route with Google also allows you to send the plan to other cycling apps. You can also print out the most important points of your route and use the map as a guide. How does planning a cycling route with Google work? It's very simple: you enter your starting and destination points, then click search, and the program displays all available routes. It's worth checking the box if you're cycling, so highways won't be included in the results. Google Maps allows you to track your route meter by meter, allowing you to familiarize yourself with it very precisely.

Google Street View for bike

Google Street View allows you to use images taken by the American giant's vehicles. They photograph roads, giving you a 360-degree view of the section you plan to cover. Planning a bike route using this solution will allow you to see every pothole in the road and nearby shops, giving you a complete understanding of the terrain you'll be navigating. It also allows you to prepare for the specifics of each road, find rest areas, and figure out where to turn to reach your destination. A drawback of Google Street View is that the images don't perfectly match the maps. Google's vehicles simply haven't reached every corner, but you'll certainly find documentation of many sections. This allows you to check what the roadside looks like, how long the climb will be, and what the traffic density is.

Cycling route planning in Endomondo and other apps

The Endomondo app is one of the most popular among cyclists. It not only tracks your rides but also allows you to plan and map your route. This works similarly to Google's app: in the "Routes" tab, select "Create Route" and select your starting and destination points. This solution is perfect for shorter day trips when traveling within your local area. Unfortunately, planning a cycling route in Endomondo doesn't allow you to edit subsequent stages. It also lacks the information found in Google Maps. This app focuses solely on the route, and by covering the distance, you'll gain activity information. The app tracks speed, elevation, and other parameters, providing insight into your riding style. Other cycling apps, such as Strava or Bikemap, work similarly. In addition to planning your route, each of these apps also allows you to share your results on social media. This is a great way to motivate yourself and engage friends in cycling. Text: Marcin Denisiuk