CTC South East Group - route planning resource
This site is a resource for my CTC colleagues in order to introduce some variety into our Sunday outings. Over time these routes are edited to remove busy road sections and optimised for slow and faster groups. The updated routes are saved back to this site.
As well as indicating the up and coming routes for the SEG group, it provides route files too, for use with Garmin GPS units, as well as reviews, hints and tips for using Foretrex and Edge Series GPS bike computers.
Over the last few months, the maturity of on-line mapping resources and the successful introduction of the Edge 605/705 units has changed the nature of the beast.
I will, in future, store files in GPX format. These files can be loaded by Tracklogs, Motionbased, Bikeroutetoaster and others, for use, as is, or conversion into other formats. In my review below, I will explain the ins and outs of the various formats.
Runs List
A snapshot of the forthcoming runs is shown below, along with some potential routes. For consistency most routes start at Wickford and end at Rettendon Turnpike, though we will often split up before then. In some cases a route proposal is made for the full day route too.
The route database is grouped according to general geographical destination and then identified with the cafe stop, a reference number and the distance in (miles). Please feel free to suggest improvements and download, alter and email me suggestions at chris.woodhouse@zetnet.co.uk
Remember, all published routes are for guidance only and are used at the cyclists own risk. Care must be exercised at all times when navigating on roads and making turning decisions.
NEW!
I have owned a Foretrex 201, Edge 305 and Edge 705, and used them for route planning and all-day touring. This Acrobat file reviews, compares and give tips on these devices.
Since many on-line mapping programs have become available since I bought TrackLogs and the Foretrex, I also try to round up their features, conversion options and issues.
CTC Essex District Association
Bikeroutetoaster - route visualiser and converter
Motion Based - GPS mapping and utilities
These are in GPX and TCX format - GPX can be loaded into Tracklogs, Bikeroute toaster, Motionbased and other on line mapping programs. TCX can be dropped in the Edge's courses folder or imported into Training Centre. For more detailed instructions - look at the pending review. I'm still evaluating different TCX file converters.
Garmin Foretrex limited to 500 trackpoints, - longer Audax routes may have to be split in two.
| Date | Cafe Stop
Right Click and select 'Save As' to store Some browsers add .txt or .xml to the filename, which needs to be removed, or Tracklogs / Garmin unit will not recognise it. Some other users have security options set on their broswer which prevents file download. You will have to change your browser preferences to get around that one. After all my effort, it doesn't hurt for you to expend a little! |
Route Files
.GPX .TCX 1 2 3 ..... |
Destination
(Lunch) |
Leader(s) / Note |
| 24 Aug | Mildenhall weekend
Great Baddow (Bringy) |
1 2 3 4 5 | Danbury (Cricketers) | |
| 31 Aug | Springfield (Sainsbury)
9.00 start |
Finchingfield (Red Lion) | Can we not go here anymore, the service is rubbish at Sainsbury??? | |
| 7 Sept | Bunsay Downs or
Rough stuff |
Rough | Steeple (Sun and Anchor) | Road route from same starting point as roughstuff |
| 14 Sept | Springfield (Sainsbury) | Felstead (Chequers) |
chris.woodhouse@zetnet.co.uk