Deciding on new route

[Nathjh]

Just out of curiosity as I have a new job starting at the end of this month how do you guys go about deciding new routes? Just trial and error or sitting down looking at a map for a few hours and figuring out what to do?

My ride is changing from 1.5 miles to about 8 miles (according to google maps) I'm just struggling to find a route that doesn't take me all over the place! And perhaps shortens my route a little...

 

[ianrauk]

Bit of both.
Check the map and then check the route.
May take a few times to get it right.

 

[HLaB]

Try http://www.cyclestreets.net/ for some inspiration.

 

[400bhp]

Bit of both.
Check the map and then check the route.
May take a few times to get it right.

Yup, plus if you can, do the route on a non commute day beforehand to see.

 

[Nathjh]

Try http://www.cyclestreets.net/ for some inspiration.

Thanks for that ill take a look later.

And thanks to the others, I'm going to do it at the weekend and see what the deal is, sat and sun is 4 alternative routes so hopefully I can figure out the most efficient route!

 

[400bhp]

Thanks for that ill take a look later.

And thanks to the others, I'm going to do it at the weekend and see what the deal is, sat and sun is 4 alternative routes so hopefully I can figure out the most efficient route!

just bear in mind traffic conditions are likely to be different when you actually commute

 

[Nathjh]

Considerably different as ill be working shifts. Ill allow a few minutes for traffic. It's going to be interesting! A lot longer than I'm used to. I've started doing a few more miles daily to help preparation.

 

[400bhp]

part of the fun of commuting for me is trying out new routes, or little cut-throughs that you wouldn't know about/be able to do in a car.

Enjoy

 

[lozcs]

Try http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/ I've used it lots, double check on Google Earth to avoid really rough sections like bad canal paths or farmers tracks.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

If you use ridewithgps with the cycling element selected it will show you the shortest cycling route available, you can then go try it at a weekend/evening to see if it is suitable for a commute.

 

[derrick]

Same as Ian,
Bit of both.
Check the map and then check the route.
May take a few times to get it right

 

[Nathjh]

thanks for all the advice guys, ill take it all on board, I've planned my first route with cyclestreets, going to use the other sites as well to see what they come up with. Thanks to that I've knocked a mile and a half off my ride (just for windy or rainy days when I don't want to be hanging about!)

 

[wiggydiggy]

Just out of curiosity as I have a new job starting at the end of this month how do you guys go about deciding new routes? Just trial and error or sitting down looking at a map for a few hours and figuring out what to do?

My ride is changing from 1.5 miles to about 8 miles (according to google maps) I'm just struggling to find a route that doesn't take me all over the place! And perhaps shortens my route a little...

Check some local info also - I just trialled a new route today and have a backup (bus) in case of emergency. My distance change is simliar (3 miles going up to 10 miles) so good luck, I'm testing mine again tomorrow as todays effort was hampered by a hangover lol