Reflections on my first ever ride leader planning and execution, using MyRoute App & Navigation.
Although experienced with Waze and Google Maps (and had used Calimoto a few times, back when it was of any use), I accepted the challenge of planning days of riding in Scotland July '23 with some trepidation.
I already liked the route planning function of MyRoute app, and the Library of ideas for my allocated days (3 out of the 7 my group rode), so I aimed to commit to its use for the trip.
Planning was a breeze. I was able to develop the routes on my days, as I came across others' routes and ideas about roads, waypoints and stops. The route download feature gave me piece of mind, in case I found myself in a signal-less area... But I didn't need to make use of the backups, so long as I had downloaded the Scotland map and set offline use. All was dandy!
Deciding on specific routes I wanted to take was tough though. I expected the need for some flexibility, so actually created different versions of routes for one day, in order to accommodate different timings and eventualities. It would be good to have an optional route / waypoint feature in future updates. How do I suggest this to developers...? (On one day I actually ran Navigation and Waze simultaneously, to allow en route decision-making about the best route to our destinations. I'm sure there must be a way to avoid the need...)
I seemed to have a lot of checks and settings to attend to before heading off each day:
- phone mount secured
- phone powered
- location on
- Bluetooth on, connected
- mobile data, on
- Mute / silent, off
- The various feature-related volume controls set to max (probably a quirk of my Xiaomi)
- App/s loaded (always MyRoute Navigation & Spotify, at least)
- Offline navigation on
- load route
- check through waypoints & vias/stops...
- Select NAVIGATE
- Record /track...
Phew! Such dedication!
Functionality was good while on the road, inc. directions, tracking & voice prompts & audio warnings. (The GloveTacts on my thumbs worked a treat! #recommend) I experienced a slight location lag though. After riding past our first hotel and a coffee stop, I found myself getting used to the pictured location always playing catchup with my actual '20. About 50 yard anticipation needed at times.
Overall the app helped me run my days smoothly - they were the best and calmest of the trip (I'm sure my pals would all agree). In fact, I felt completely in control and a bit of a pro for most of the time. I'll DEFINITELY return for my next adventure...
Except...
I did run into a problem one day, when a waypoint was skipped automatically, and I continued on ... without a simple way to re-select it. (Is there one?) I found that, several times on the trip I had to end navigation, reload the route then, 1 by 1 skip each waypoint until I got to the one I wanted. Pleeease tell me there's an easier way! There surely must be one, but I never discovered it.
Enlighten me.
Generally speaking the info provided by the app - times and distances to each waypoint - was more than helpful given the inevitable, numerous enquiries and suggestions from riders during the trip. Thanks for making me appear in control in that respect, MRA!
Our trip was c. 2000 miles from the super sausage via Blackpool, Troon, Acheracle, Skye, Grantown-on-Spey & Bonchester Bridge. My tracklogs should be public, but please drop me a line for routes ./ ideas - did a lot of research.
That's all.
Thoughts / feedback welcomed.
Cheers,
Daniel
Applecross Pass
