Route Planning & Garmin 800

lucan2

Having had my Garmin 800 for two years I really have to start using more of its capabilities, so I'm going to plan a few rides.

Which of the route planning websites is the best/easiest to use? I intend to plan routes in France and Belgium.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Ken

iPete

http://ridewithgps.com/

drlodge

http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx for me.

amaferanga

I use Garmin Connect.

One thing to be aware of though in planning routes with Google maps is that it'll let you route down tracks and bridleways. So if you're route planning in an area you don't know then I'd recommend using bikehike to check the roads on an OS map where the distinction between a road and a track is clear. Of course you could just plot the ride in bikehike, but you can't save it there (you'd have to export it and save it on your computer).

drlodge

amaferanga wrote:

I use Garmin Connect.

For route planning?

lucan2

Thanks for the suggestions.

Once I have created the route, I assume I download it as a .gpx file. If so, where on my Garmin 800 do I save it? Is it simply a case of copying it to a specific folder on the 800, or do I need to do something more?

Thanks again,
Ken

drlodge

With bikeroutetoaster there's an option to directy save it on your device, I think you need garmin connect or communicator installed, but it will then do it automatically. Otherwise save it in "new files" or whatever the folder is called.

amaferanga

drlodge wrote:

amaferanga wrote:

I use Garmin Connect.

For route planning?

Yes.

amaferanga

Lucan2 wrote:

Thanks for the suggestions.

Once I have created the route, I assume I download it as a .gpx file. If so, where on my Garmin 800 do I save it? Is it simply a case of copying it to a specific folder on the 800, or do I need to do something more?

Thanks again,
Ken

If you use Garmin Connect then you just select the 'send to device' option.

fsman

+1 for http://ridewithgps.com/

no question. I've used a lot, and this is the best in IMHO

Bar Shaker

Another Ridewithgps fan here. It's the best one out there.

When planning a route, if you are unsure of the lane you wish to ride down, just drag the Google street view man onto the screen and look at what the track/lane is like.

lucan2

amaferanga wrote:

Lucan2 wrote:

Thanks for the suggestions.

Once I have created the route, I assume I download it as a .gpx file. If so, where on my Garmin 800 do I save it? Is it simply a case of copying it to a specific folder on the 800, or do I need to do something more?

Thanks again,
Ken

If you use Garmin Connect then you just select the 'send to device' option.

I'm logged in to Garmin Connect, but I can't see the 'send to device' option. Where is it?

lucan2

Thanks for all the advice so far. I am going to spend the evening planning a few short routes so that I can test them tomorrow before I progress to anything more complicated.

djm501

As an added point - if you use it for turn by turn navigation, it's better (imo) to save it as a .tcx rather than gpx - that way you get satnav style navigation.

And yes, once you've exported it/saved it to your computer, just drop it in the new files folder on your garmin. Once you disconnect the garmin from the computer it will have appeared in your routes directory as if by magic

[edit - you;'ll need to manually tick the box for turn by turn navigation on the edge itself to actually use this feature on a ride mind - it's turned off by default]

lucan2

Thanks DJM.

I'm just struggling to 'send to device' now.

Gizmodo

Lucan2 wrote:

I'm logged in to Garmin Connect, but I can't see the 'send to device' option. Where is it?

Garmin Connect, Plan tab, Courses. Then either:

Click Create Course, draw your route, give it a name, click Save, then you will see Send to Device in the top right corner.

Or find someone else's route on the map, click on the purple map pin, click View Details, then you will see Send to Device.

lucan2

Progress! I've got the route done on ridewithgps.com and even uploaded it to my 800. I've checked that it will open and it looks OK.

One more question - how do I switch on the 'turn by turn' option on the Garmin? I've looked through the setup options and can't see how to do it.

Thanks again for all the advice.

freezing77

Select the course and choose these options



By default turn guidance is off.

lucan2

Sorted, thanks.

Will I have to change that setting for each route?

freezing77

Lucan2 wrote:

Sorted, thanks.

Will I have to change that setting for each route?

Unfortunately yes, its a garmin "feature"

lucan2

No problem. Thank you.

deadhead1971

Lucan2 wrote:

Sorted, thanks.

Will I have to change that setting for each route?

Yes, you need to turn ON the turn by turn directions each time you load a new course.

All the instructions are here, with some handy reminders about how to access the various settings/menus etc
http://www.scarletfire.co.uk/2012/11/fo ... -edge-800/

Machoman121

Lucan2 wrote:

amaferanga wrote:

Lucan2 wrote:

Thanks for the suggestions.

Once I have created the route, I assume I download it as a .gpx file. If so, where on my Garmin 800 do I save it? Is it simply a case of copying it to a specific folder on the 800, or do I need to do something more?

Thanks again,
Ken

If you use Garmin Connect then you just select the 'send to device' option.

I'm logged in to Garmin Connect, but I can't see the 'send to device' option. Where is it?

Forget about Garmin Connect - it was designed by engineers and nerds who never cycled nor got a decent suntan. The garmin connect is a total disaster. Stick with RidewithGPS.

Poppa Wheelie

Lucan2 wrote:

I intend to plan routes in France and Belgium.
Ken

Does your Garmin have the maps for those countries loaded on it?

You can install third party ‘open source’ maps on the 800 but it’s a lot of faff.

PhilipPirrip

Poppa Wheelie wrote:

Lucan2 wrote:

I intend to plan routes in France and Belgium.
Ken

Does your Garmin have the maps for those countries loaded on it?

You can install third party ‘open source’ maps on the 800 but it’s a lot of faff.

After five years since they started the thread they either found a solution or are now so far lost that even the search parties have abandoned all hope.

Poppa Wheelie

Doh, I missed that.