Directions using "walking" route.

[Rebel Ian]

Did a long ride yesterday from Slough to Soham in Cambridgeshire - 94 miles in total. Was a good ride, especially the last 35 miles or so.

I mapped out the route using Multimap or Google (can't recall) using the "walking" option so it routed more directly and avoided motorways. At one point we ended up on what was signposted as a no through road and went down a steep, stoney and very bumpy bridleway that even hoprses must struggle on! My previously shiny Bianchi is now caked in mud!

The road was so small that even street view on Google didn't detect it so I couldn't look at it beforehand but be careful when using the "walking" option. You might find yourself doing a bit of impromptu off-roading!!

 

[summerdays]

The other problem with "walking routes" is that they obviously ignore one way roads and no right turns etc.

 

[jimboalee]

 

[ufkacbln]

The other problem with "walking routes" is that they obviously ignore one way roads and no right turns etc.

...and steep muddy banks!

Perhaps they should add two more routing options:

1. Real bike
2. Bianchi

 

[ian turner]

The walking route went off road ? Shocking
Perhaps ticking the no highways option instead and a bit of manual rerouting might be a better idea.
Pity cyclestreets has a fairly low max distance limit.

 

[MossCommuter]

I read somewhere that bicycle routing is the feature that Google is requested for most (iro it's Maps feature) and they do have plans (US 1st then Europe).

I have used Google Maps in "walking mode" to plan cycle routes; last time was Irlam to Leyland and I didn't find all of the route (ending up on more major routes) so a bit of local knowledge is also handy - is there a more reliable alternative?

 

[E11a]

Watch out for farmers who don't like cyclists using overgrown footpaths around their fields. We wasted 10 minutes of good cycling time telling him that we wouldn't get on our bikes. Grumpy old git!

 

[automatic_jon]

Slough to Soham. I have to say I'd prefer the later part to the former as Soham is my home town, I get back as often as I can.

I usually use driving directions in google and click the option to avoid highways although this can still try to send me down some major roads.

Enjoy Soham!

 

[Rebel Ian]

...and steep muddy banks!

Perhaps they should add two more routing options:

1. Real bike
2. Bianchi

I'll have you know that Biancha behaved impeccably, even as an off-roader! Suspension is highly overrated and really only for big jessies!!!!!

 

[Chutzpah]

I read somewhere that bicycle routing is the feature that Google is requested for most (iro it's Maps feature) and they do have plans (US 1st then Europe).

Yep, it's already beta in America

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/biking-directions-added-to-google-maps.html

http://maps.google.com/maps?hq=http...utm_medium=van&utm_source=en-van-na-us-gns-bd

 

[zacklaws]

Its just not multimap or google that will take you some strange ways, I've had all the route planners I use including Bikeroute toaster and bikehike do the same and take me across country down dirt tracks etc despite not even having walking mode selected if there is one.

The problem usually catches me out on the longer routes out of my usual area where it does not catch my eye that something is amiss when I look it over to check it out before riding it. As I do not have maps with me when I come across such incidents and cannot reroute without becoming totally off route, I usually have to ride the dirt track on my Madone unless I can work a route out to rejoin the route further on.

When I upgrade from an Edge 305 to maybe a 705 with maps then it should not be such a major problem.

 

[Norm]

Are people putting themselves in a place where they are so reliant on software? That's pretty scary, TBH, and it reminds me of the drivers who blindly follow their GPS's instructions without looking out of the windscreen.

How big is an OS map that it is too big to take with you?

 

[dodgy]

Pity cyclestreets has a fairly low max distance limit.

cyclestreets extended the max distance a few months ago. Here's one I made earlier

111 Miles
http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/329054/

 

[snorri]

Even cycle routes have their obstacles to continuous cycling.

On NCN 1, a handy link to Carbisdale Castle YH at Invershin.

 

[summerdays]

Are people putting themselves in a place where they are so reliant on software? That's pretty scary, TBH, and it reminds me of the drivers who blindly follow their GPS's instructions without looking out of the windscreen.

How big is an OS map that it is too big to take with you?

An OS map still wouldn't show one way roads and no right turns etc.... I got caught out the other day when I approached a bike shop from a slightly different direction and realised that they didn't want cars turning right just at that point...