Route Reconnoiter.

[Biker Joe]

I spent time on Google Maps today reconnoitering routes for future rides and doing distance measurements.
I like to ride the quiet country roads and usually have my set routes that I know.
I found quite a few new routes to try out later.
What I like is using the street view now and again, especially to have a look at the hilly sections and do virtual rides along interesting sections and looking at junctions.
Anyway it was good fun and I got quite engrossed in it.
Looking forward to finding out how the routes work out for real.

 

[Hip Priest]

I recently planned a 100 mile ride for myself and some friends, and I found streeview invaluable. It meant I was able to check what the roads were like and memorise the junctions, so I didn't need a map on the day. It was a great ride!

 

[youngoldbloke]

I use it a lot for when preparing route sheets, for checking junctions and signposts. Really useful, but the hilly bits are always much steeper in reality.

 

[screenman]

I like to ride where I have no idea what is around the next corner, getting harder as I get older because I have seen around so many.

 

[Hip Priest]

I use it a lot for when preparing route sheets, for checking junctions and signposts. Really useful, but the hilly bits are always much steeper in reality.

Ha! I fell for that too. Told my mates the first 60 miles were flat. In fact, they included several hills including 2 absolute killers.

 

[Herzog]

I spent time on Google Maps today reconnoitering routes for future rides and doing distance measurements.
I like to ride the quiet country roads and usually have my set routes that I know.
I found quite a few new routes to try out later.
What I like is using the street view now and again, especially to have a look at the hilly sections and do virtual rides along interesting sections and looking at junctions.
Anyway it was good fun and I got quite engrossed in it.
Looking forward to finding out how the routes work out for real.

I often use Google Maps in combination with Bikeroutetoaster (good elevation data) to see what a route may be like.

 

[Peteaud]

Bike hike

http://bikehike.co.uk/index.php

Free as well.

 

[Radchenister]

If you like Google Maps, perhaps try Google Earth (downloadable) - you can draw a line over your proposed route and then use the elevation feature to check the gradients.

You will have a saved version and you can use it for graphics to show friends etc.

http://www.google.com/earth/index.html

 

[Biker Joe]

I often use Google Maps in combination with Bikeroutetoaster (good elevation data) to see what a route may be like.

I didn't know about that one.
Something else to play with. Nice one.
Thanks

 

[Biker Joe]

Bike hike

http://bikehike.co.uk/index.php

Free as well.

Thank you. Very good.
Getting spoilt for choice.

 

[Radchenister]

Just looking at the 'Bike Hike' one, it's very good, probably quicker and easier to plot road routes on it with the snap to road feature - I'll be using both that and Google Earth from now on most likely.

 

[Biker Joe]

If you like Google Maps, perhaps try Google Earth (downloadable) - you can draw a line over your proposed route and then use the elevation feature to check the gradients.

You will have a saved version and you can use it for graphics to show friends etc.

http://www.google.com/earth/index.html

Well,well,well.
I'm glad I made the post.
Superb.
Thank you very much.

 

[HLaB]

RideWithGPS is a nice site to play with Joe very good for route planning with 'street view' integrated, have you tried that ?

 

[Biker Joe]

RideWithGPS is a nice site to play with Joe very good for route planning with 'street view' integrated, have you tried that ?

No, not yet. Will give it a go.
Thanks very much.

 

[Herzog]

No, not yet. Will give it a go.
Thanks very much.

You're going to be busy! It's time consuming all this cycling.