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Just got myself an edge 520 plus. I've worked out how to add a route from trailforks to the device. Problem with trailforks is there's a lot of segments but not many full routes. Is there another app that's good for full routes? Also is there an easy way of loading the routes from magazines to the device?
Cheers in advance.
I'm using Strava to plan routes because I want to use the heatmap data. There's an app on the Garmin app store that transfers the routes automatically From Strava. I'm fairly sure there's a Trailforks one too.
Trailforks does seem to have a full route planner too with a number of options.
Also is there an easy way of loading the routes from magazines to the device?
Garmin Connect lets you upload routes in a variety of formats (GPX, FIT etc) and then sync with your device.
I've just ordered my first Garmin and would probably have started a similar thread.
I've never used one before. I don't do Strava and I've never plotted a route online. What I usually do is take pictures of my guide book then have to stop all the time and fumble around with my phone in the rain to check directions.
I'm hoping it will take some of the anxiety out of going to new places in the Peak, the Lakes and similar. I don't mind planning stuff in advance but no idea how so I'll read all your tips.
Sounds like you've bought one for exactly the same reason I have. I'm far from tech savvy but happy that I've got a couple of trailforks routes downloaded. One for ladybower and one for lee and cragg quarry.
Sounds like you guys are about to discovers the joys of sitting in front of a screen, desperately trying to link up little bits of bridleway.
Enjoy - it's addictive
Personally I tend to use Trailforks/strava as source then plan my own (using bikehike if this is still working ) and upload via garmin connect or the very flaky app when it wants to work. You can get the good bits that way and have a bit of control over the kind of route you want.
Wikiloc. Not great for the UK but fantastic for the rest of Europe especially Spain and France, easy to transfer routes and literally thousands of routes to choose from.
You can plot routes on Garmin Connect. They have their own heatmap now which is able to follow most paths, bridleways and some trails. Or just draw the route freehand. Don't think it's quite as good as Strava's route builder but it's free. Then just click the button to send it to your Garmin. It will need to be connected to your phone app. This all works rather nicely with my 830, results may differ with older or lower models.
You can get routes on trailforks.its subscription now but only costs a few pounds.they are advising for new development staff on pinkbike in order to expand now they have an income.should get even better in the future.keep an eye out.
If you link your Garmin connect and Strava accounts; when you create a route in Strava and 'star' it, it is automatically synced to your Garmin connect account and your Garmin device.
I find creating routes in Strava pretty easy. Their routing is better than it used to be.
Komoot is pretty good, downloads automatically...ish
Ridewithgps + dynamic watch + route course app allows planning & uploads to Edge via WiFi / 4g
If trying to upload with Garmin connect on phone, make sure you use the website and not the app. It might not be very mobile friendly, but you can easily browse to the courses\import button
bikehike.co.uk to draw a route
then import to garmin connect
this syncs with the device if you have it linked to your phone
Upgrade your base map too.
The base Garmin map is very out of date.
Look at TalkyToaster where you can buy maps (£11 or so). . TT's maps include contours, rerouting etc without talking to the phone
https://shop.talkytoaster.me.uk/
Or the free one without the above
Free TalkyToaster map - https://shop.talkytoaster.me.uk/product/free-british-isles-map-ready-for-use-with-garmin-devices-nonroutable-contours
I use an app called Strava to gpx.
It'll take anyone's Strava activity & make a gpx out of it, so find someone who has done a similar route, start with that, then I use viewranger (website rather than app) to edit/adjust as required before uploading with Garmin connect.
For the two posters, Garmin Connect is what will be easiest to use. When plotting they have a semi smart plotter which is okay or you can go free hand which is what I do mainly.
I use Strava for recording my rides and following others, I find Strava really handy for downloading routes to follow or get an idea of a route to follow. If I see a someone I follow has ridden a route that looks good or new Ill download it and follow it on my Garmin, or if going somewhere new, use Strava to look at the segments in that area and look at people who have ridden the segment this year, then look at their ride and if it looks good I'll download their ride and follow it.
I ride MTB in a winch and plummet fashion, sometimes if a descent has a split in it you might make the wrong turn as when going down you dont wanna stop or look down, I now add waymarker - point of interest so my garmin beeps, I'll then remember at the beep to keep left.
You can use anything from Komoot to Viewranger to ridewithGPS. Just open your Garmin on your pc and drag / drop the GPX file into the folder marked "New Files" on your Garmin. it takes seconds and im not sure why anyone still bothers with trying to finds stuff thats "garmin compatible" as that always takes longer and has more faff.
You can now get the RIdeWith GPS app on Connect IQ, so plot a route in RideWithGps (it's really good and easy), pin it, and magically it appears as a course on your Garmin (once you open the ConnectIQ app on the Garmin).
Both RideWithGPS and Garmin Connect (website) have libraries of searchable courses that you can copy - either download them as .fit or .gpx files, or just transfer them to your device