[Monolith]

I’m trying to use a bit of a makeshift solution to avoid purchasing a GPS at the moment. I can’t seem to ascertain whether I can upload a GPX route file and then see the navigation on screen in Strava. I suspect this isn’t possible within the app but would appreciate any beta on an alternative solution.

I have a decent waterproof iphone mount for my handlebars  and as the drain on the mobile battery is quite significant, also two Primark portable battery packs that can be interchangeably duct taped to the top tube. These seem to offer a decent amount of charge for anyone looking for similar budget battery beta…

[slackline]

You can upload GPX to OSMAnd (not that its relevant to you but its currently -50% for the paid version on Android).

[sidewinder]

http://blog.strava.com/discover-a-new-route-follow-it-from-your-phone-7749/ suggests you can do it using the strava mobile app (caveat I haven't tried) if not http://www.cyclingabout.com/the-best-apps-for-gps-navigation-on-a-smartphone/ seems to list many many options

[Bubba]

I've found Viewranger a really solid app. I've only used to to follow a .gpx file whilst hiking but there's no reason you couldn't use it on a bike. 

It's free, but some maps are paid, e.g. I paid about £20 for OS 1:25,000 maps for the whole of Snowdonia when they had it on offer.

[benpritch]

outdoors Great Britain (iPhone, maybe on android or whatever) you can subscribe to all UK OS maps 1;50000 and 1;25000 for about 14.99 per year. It has a web app to upload all your gpx files to. It can record all your routes too. Can't really think of anything wrong with it and amazing value when one map costs about a tenner.

[slackline]

I paid about £20 for OS 1:25,000 maps for the whole of Snowdonia when they had it on offer.

If you buy new Explorer or Landranger maps you get electronic copies free, although obviously thats not as good value as Outdoors GB (which appears to offer unlimited usage for only £4.95/annum on Android  ).

I found using the OS map on my phone for the last Explorer map I bought quite awkward and realised that what I like about a physical map is that I can look at a large area in one go without having to zoom or pan around lots.

[SA Chris]

although obviously thats not as good value as Outdoors GB (which appears to offer unlimited usage for only £4.95/annum on Android  ).

This is what I've been using and it's great. Obvious not totally reliable as you need data cover, but it does cache fairly large areas in advance if you need it.

[slackline]

On the topic of caching/needing data one big advantage of OSMAnd is that you download areas to your phone and therefore don't have to rely on having a signal.  Under Android these maps can be saved to external SD to avoid filling up your internal storage.

This came into itself when my friend and I were descending from Jebel Burdah in Wadi Rum last November and struggling to find the footprints in the sand in the dark as fortunately someone had walked up to the Bridge of Burdah and tracked their GPS so we used that to help us find our way down.

[Monolith]

Thanks all. Forgive my stupidity but do any of these options offer a satnav style view akin to Google Maps? That's principally what I want to access when I upload the GPX file for the event I'm partaking in.

[slackline]

OSMAnd does, although the actual view is always overhead map rather than POV style as you move along.

[SA Chris]

the event I'm partaking in.

Given the distance covered, will 2 Primark batteries be enough?

[Jim]

I've got one of these bags: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deuter-energy-bag-ss16/  thats good for keeping extra phone batteries plus a few snacks in. really useful

[Bubba]

I paid about £20 for OS 1:25,000 maps for the whole of Snowdonia when they had it on offer.

If you buy new Explorer or Landranger maps you get electronic copies free, although obviously thats not as good value as Outdoors GB (which appears to offer unlimited usage for only £4.95/annum on Android  ).

I found using the OS map on my phone for the last Explorer map I bought quite awkward and realised that what I like about a physical map is that I can look at a large area in one go without having to zoom or pan around lots.

I think that the £4.99 sub is just for 1:50k no?

I might give it a go but reading play store comments it seems like they are quite misleading with their map prices and actual prices are much higher...but then that might just be people being silly.  I found viewranger worked well in France as well (using OpenCycleMap) but I suspect all these programs do this.

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

Thanks all. Forgive my stupidity but do any of these options offer a satnav style view akin to Google Maps? That's principally what I want to access when I upload the GPX file for the event I'm partaking in.

I haven't used the Strava app to follow a route, from reading up it doesn't sound like it does turn by turn directions. Maverick would let you 'trackback' along a GPX route but I think that's only a compass bearing along the route.

ridewithgps.com gives you turn by turn directions, offline maps, iOS app etc but you'd need to pay for an account (basic or premium, not 'starter/free') to access this. You might be able to pay for just a month.

Don't think you can upload a GPX route to Google Maps/Nav. Is the event off-road or on-road?

[slackline]

I think that the £4.99 sub is just for 1:50k no?

Probably, I didn't bother looking too deep into it as I'm very happy with OSMAnd+ and I prefer to support open-source projects.  Bought it when it was on offer at £0.10 though and bought the shaded contours add-on subsequently using Play Credit.

[SA Chris]

Yes, 1:50 000. If you zoom in further it goes to some google type map view.

[Monolith]

the event I'm partaking in.

Given the distance covered, will 2 Primark batteries be enough?

I could buy an extra few if needs be. A 28 mile ride the other day used around 50-60% of a full battery charge and the Primarni device gives you about two full charges. It's 80 miles each day so it shouldn't be too much of an issue hopefully.

Thanks all. Forgive my stupidity but do any of these options offer a satnav style view akin to Google Maps? That's principally what I want to access when I upload the GPX file for the event I'm partaking in.

I haven't used the Strava app to follow a route, from reading up it doesn't sound like it does turn by turn directions. Maverick would let you 'trackback' along a GPX route but I think that's only a compass bearing along the route.

ridewithgps.com gives you turn by turn directions, offline maps, iOS app etc but you'd need to pay for an account (basic or premium, not 'starter/free') to access this. You might be able to pay for just a month.

Don't think you can upload a GPX route to Google Maps/Nav. Is the event off-road or on-road?

Thanks Obi. It's a road event and that shout is a good one, I'll look into it. Google Maps doesn't appear to accept GPX files and nor does Strava on Iphone for turn by turn directions. I wonder if these reasons are due to Garmin setting some conditions? Their sales might plummet if people could access the full suite of GPS facilities?

[SA Chris]

Might be worth seeing if it's available on Premium version of Strava?

[Monolith]

I'm a premium member mate but doesn't seem to be offered. They sell Garmin products in their web shop which suggests a reason for not offering this service perhaps?

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

If it's a one off event you want it for you could rent a Garmin...
http://www.cyclohire.co.uk/gpsbikecomputerrental.html

[Monolith]

Thanks Obi. That could be very useful...

[Monolith]

Thanks all. Forgive my stupidity but do any of these options offer a satnav style view akin to Google Maps? That's principally what I want to access when I upload the GPX file for the event I'm partaking in.

I haven't used the Strava app to follow a route, from reading up it doesn't sound like it does turn by turn directions. Maverick would let you 'trackback' along a GPX route but I think that's only a compass bearing along the route.

ridewithgps.com gives you turn by turn directions, offline maps, iOS app etc but you'd need to pay for an account (basic or premium, not 'starter/free') to access this. You might be able to pay for just a month.

Don't think you can upload a GPX route to Google Maps/Nav. Is the event off-road or on-road?

Thanks again for this Obi. I've signed up to the basic account at circa £4/month and I'll give it a go for the event in question. As the GPX file I imported from a colleague's Strava export couldn't offer turn by turn nav, I found a simple way to trace the file in RidewithGPS such that it will now give them. The online platform isn't quite as smooth looking as Strava's but it looks like it'll do exactly what I want.

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

Good stuff. Hope it works ok. Where and when are you riding?

[Monolith]

Will test it out on a local route beforehand but looks to be the business.

I work for the RIBA and a colleague has organised a branch-to-branch ride for charity. We're starting in Liverpool and finishing in a brewery in Penrith (I think) via taking in a few award winning buildings. Should be a good do. Links to both days are below:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15940158

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15940514

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

Sounds good. Some of us did Penrith back to Manc the other weekend. Some lovely roads if you can avoid the busy bits. Hit us up with the donation page.

[Monolith]

Thanks Obi. I'll post a link up once the final details of the event are sorted. Not completely sure I have the distance in me but we'll see how we go; I'm just riding it from a staff perspective anyway and not for sponsorship.

[Monolith]

There's a page online now Obi. I'm really not sure my pigeon legs will have the whole distance in them but I'll set off and catch a train if it all goes John West.

https://www.architecture.com/WhatsOn/September2016/JoinTheRide.aspx

[SA Chris]

Good luck. After doing a 1/3 that distance on Saturday I'm not sure I could do much longer!

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

Sure you'll be fine. Some advice if you haven't had a chance to get much distance training:
- Ideally ride with others at a similar pace to you, riding on other peoples wheels (as close as you feel comfortable) makes a big difference (20-30% less effort) especially over longer rides. Most effective on the flatter sections, and/or head wind. Try and rotate on the front to give everyone a rest.
- Don't try and stick with faster riders, you'll burn out very quickly. You can always regroup at the rests.
- Eat and drink regularly, food or gel every 20-30 minutes. You'll probably get sick of gels and some people can't stomach more than a couple, so finding room in your pockets for a sarnie/banana/choc bar etc can be a life saver.
- Just keep turning the pedals!

[SA Chris]

- Ideally ride with others at a similar pace to you, riding on other peoples wheels (as close as you feel comfortable) makes a big difference (20-30% less effort) especially over longer rides. Most effective on the flatter sections, and/or head wind. Try and rotate on the front to give everyone a rest.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_gang_(cycling)

find a few people who are travelling at a similar pace and agree this, so everyone knows the score and shares the load. If it's quite roads you can do 2 + 2, more sociable.

I find gels minging, and prefer something in my stomach, prefer these;

http://www.scienceinsport.com/uk/shop-sis/go-range/go-energy-bars/sis-go-bar-taster-bundle

These are good too

http://www.scienceinsport.com/uk/shop-sis/go-range/go-hydro-tablets

As you can just carry a few in your saddle bag, and add them to your bottle of water.

My partner carries jelly worms tied to her handlebars with a hairband, not ideal if it's wet though.

[Monolith]

Thanks beasts, much appreciated. I purchased an Endura bib the other week that had good reviews for distance riding. Still getting some sit bone pain after a while but I'm not sure there will be much I can do about that (heard about double bibbing but not sure!).

Let's see how we go anyway. It's work time for me so whatever happens it's better than being in the office for the day eh!

[webbo]

Having done a fair few longish rides, I would say if you are not trying to break any speed records. I would tend to try and eat more savoury things and drink water. I did  120 plus ride a couple of months ago and took some pittas with cheese and houmous in them which went down really well.
I would only use gels if I was really blowing, also cliff bars do a packet of energy jellies which are much nicer to eat.

[SA Chris]

it's better than being in the office for the day eh!

You may regret those words!!

Missus is now trying to convince me to to do Etape Royale with her, as she doesn't want to do it on her own. I think the 100 mile route would break me, almost contemplating the 65 though.

[galpinos]

Having done a fair few longish rides, I would say if you are not trying to break any speed records. I would tend to try and eat more savoury things and drink water. I did  120 plus ride a couple of months ago and took some pittas with cheese and houmous in them which went down really well.
I would only use gels if I was really blowing, also cliff bars do a packet of energy jellies which are much nicer to eat.

#
Pittas with ham and cheese, microwave them so the cheese melts and keeps them all stuck together, easier to eat om the move.

[webbo]

If you are working hard the cheese will melt in your back pockets, similar to how bananas ripen in your jersey pocket.

[SA Chris]

Are you going to have access to a vehicle to carry stuff for you, food stops or breaks along the way? Hard to carry enough calories with you for that period of exercise.

[Monolith]

Good pitta beta guys, noted!

We do have a support vehicle taking our bags to Preston on day one and we're stopping for lunch at Rivington Pike which eases the amount of stuff to be carried.

[lagerstarfish]

Missus is now trying to convince me to to do ...

an event where she knows she'll have done a load of training, but due to work and child care, you will have done nothing like?

I've fallen for that

well worth the effort (even if it hurts - and she wins)

[SA Chris]

Well she's in marathon training, so way fitter than me (she says it's not transferable I say otherwise). Out cycling she drops me on the hills but is a bit of a chicken descending, so I usually catch up.

[SA Chris]

http://www.scienceinsport.com/uk/promotions/free-gels-sign-up

Don't know what the catch is but worth a shot if you want to try some

[lagerstarfish]

£3.99 delivery, or spend £10 to get free delivery

No minimum purchase amount is required to receive the free product, however your an order must be processed through www.scienceinsport.com to activate the promotion. UK orders under £10 have a standard UK delivery charge of £3.99. UK orders in conjunction with this offer of over £10 have free standard delivery.

[SA Chris]

Wankers. Looks like they need to review who is doing their despatch for them; £4 for a circa 500g package they are getting ripped off

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

£4 for 12 gels is pretty good as they are normally £1.50 each, although SIS gels aren't my favourite. If you want them for 'free'  you could buy some drink powder at the same time (I like the SIS blackcurrant one). SIS regularly send out free or big discount offers so it's worth signing up to their mailing list. Alternatively the High-5 selection pack is probably still the best value around if you need to stock up.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/high5-selection-pack/ I tend to buy one of these every now and then and get a nice clean bottle at the same time . I prefer their gels especially the caffeine ones (the SIS caffeine gels taste really bitter and i would avoid  ) 

[Monolith]

Thanks for all the beta guys, I made it around without any issues. I did have a bit of a spasmy back but nothing that was going to develop into a major problem.

Really enjoyed it and I felt like I could keep going for some time at the 80 mile mark. Might have to try a true long distance ride at some point!

Some photographs of the day via the RIBA NW Twitter page:

https://twitter.com/RIBANorthWest?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

[SA Chris]

Might have to try a true long distance ride at some point!

JOG2LE next? Or something more ambitious?

http://www.northsea-cycle.com/

[slackline]

This guy should have checked out the advice on this thread....

Chinese man cycles 500km in wrong direction to get home

30-days! You'd think he'd have looked at a map at some point.

[SA Chris]

Reminds me of an early satnav days story (possibly not true) of a continental lorry driver who was aiming for Poole in Dorset, but his satnav sent him to Pool in Yorkshire.

[andy_e]

Well, at least he could have got a decent pork pie from the farm shop and a nice pint at the Hunters as a consolation.

[lagerstarfish]

This guy should have checked out the advice on this thread....

Chinese man cycles 500km in wrong direction to get home

30-days! You'd think he'd have looked at a map at some point.

 

The unnamed man could not read maps

[slackline]

Perhaps one of those electronic maps that tell you which way to go then.

[lagerstarfish]

what do you think this is? the 21st Century or something?

[slackline]

I'm amazed people can't read maps, especially if they intend to travel +500km.