Whether you’re training for a big race or just curious to see where you stand, tracking your rides can be pretty insightful. Luckily, these days it’s painfully easy to do with mobile devices and apps like Ride with GPS. Two years ago, we checked out Ride With GPS when they introduced turn-based navigation on Wahoo’s RFLKT cycling computers.
While this app was originally designed for smartphones, with a recent update riders can now use a smartwatch to navigate routes and monitor live stats on the fly (while your phone stays in your pocket), or forgo the phone altogether and record rides with the watch alone.
In addition to smartwatch compatibility, Ride With GPS has also updated the app’s cuesheet function and added a ‘Download All’ option for saving several route maps with a single click…
If you own an Apple Watch or an Android Wear device, you can now save yourself the trouble of digging into your pockets for directions or to check live stats as you ride. Ride With GPS’ new update allows the watch to relay info from your smartphone, displaying written directions and stats like current speed, ride time and distance, elevation gain and even heart rate. Data shown on the watch is updated every two seconds.
If you simply wish to track your ride and check your stats later, this update allows you to do so without having your phone on hand. Once your ride is over, simply tap the stop button and if your phone is within Bluetooth range the data will automatically start uploading. You can then use your phone to add a name, description and other info to the saved ride. This feature only works with the series 2 Apple Watch or compatible Android Wear devices.
One of Ride With GPS’ nifty features is the cuesheet that accompanies a route. The cuesheet attaches ride photos and handy written info like points of interest, warnings or other notes to help riders navigate an established route. With this recent update, users can now tap on any cue on the cuesheet, and a marker appears on the route map to show exactly where that cue is located.
If you’re planning a multi-stage or multi-day ride, it’ll be a quicker process than before with the app’s new ‘Download All’ function. Previously only one route could be downloaded at a time, but now you can obtain several maps simultaneously for offline viewing. To use this function, riders must set up an event page. While viewing the event, simply hit the new ‘Download All’ button to obtain all the route maps within that event at once.
For more info about the app or to set up an account, check out Ride With GPS’ website.
