This page will contain access to SatNav/GPS Route Files for Kidderminster Advanced Bikers (KAB) based latest PDF printable routes.
There are two ways to use the route files:
1. My Route App (MRA) share.
A link to My Route App (MRA) versions of each of the KAB routes files shared publicly on my account. This assumes you also have a My Route account (free) and their app installed on your phone. The MRA app can be used to create routes in GPX format, share routes (as I have done here) and if you pay for their monthly Navigation Next subscription - currently £26 per year able to use the phone app as a replacement SatNav. I have used the Navigation Next app for a few years both in the UK and abroad and have found it a very good alternative to using a dedicated GPS SatNav device.
2. A GPX 1.0 File Download.
If you have a regular SatNav (Garmin/TomTom etc) that supports the GPX format (including BMW Navigators and BMW connected ride), you should be able to download the GPX file and transfer it across. Q. Why only GPX 1.0 format? There are later versions of GPX files now available to support various features across different device models etc. Each version comes with additional complexity e.g. Shaping Points vs Waypoints or Via Points. To understand these requires a bit more knowledge of each GPS device so for group riding and sharing routes I have found it far easier to use basic Waypoints and use the the 1.0 format as a baseline. This should be compatible with most GPS devices. I have provided Waypoints at each instruction as described by the KAB (Rich M) route listing.
Routes
KAB 1 - File download (GPX1.0)KAB 2 - File download (GPX1.0)
.. More routes to follow.
Group Riding with GPS/SatNav/Phone routes. Good Advice
Over the past 15 years while riding quite a few organised and self-organised tours (across the UK, Europe and the US) using shared GPS files with a variety of compatible and 'not so' compatible devices I have a few basic 'tips and tricks' that may help others enjoy the navigation experience and avoid the usual frustration we all have with technology at times:
- While riding in a group, always follow the person in front even if your GPS says something different. If you intend to stay together, this rule is golden. Despite having the same route loaded even on the same model of GPS the software may choose a slightly different route between waypoints. Ignore your GPS in favour of the person in front. Only when you are split up follow your own GPS. 99% of the time this won't be an issue.
- Learn how to operate your GPS before a tour. Fairly obvious really, it's no good trying to figure out how to load routes, re-route and stop routes while by the side of the road in the rain.
- Understand how to 'Skip' a waypoint. There will be a time when the intended waypoint is inaccessible for some reason e.g. roadworks and diversions. Most GPS devices have a means to skip the next waypoint therefore giving you option to choose a different route. If you can't skip a waypoint you will be on a constant 'turn-around' as the GPS keeps trying to route you back along the inaccessible route. You will be expected to pull over to skip the waypoint - since you shouldn't be reconfiguring the route while riding, however some GPS's have a convenient skip button on the main screen (BMW Navigator) other devices may require accessing the menu system. Again, learn how to use the GPS beforehand.
- Keep a mental note of miles to complete the route and make sure it isn't increasing. Always set the GPS/SatNav/Phone app to show distance remaining. If this starts increasing along the route then something is wrong. You are either travelling away from a waypoint, or missed a waypoint or ignoring the GPS in favour of your own pre-conceived idea of where you are going. If you decided to ignore the GPS route and go your own way, don't expect it to re-route and re-calculate since it's programmed to follow waypoints. You will have to clear waypoints (skip) first.
