This page will contain access to SatNav/GPS Route Files for Kidderminster Advanced Bikers (KAB) based on the latest PDF printable routes. Please Note. the term 'GPS' or 'GPS Device' relates to any device able to give you Satellite Navigation and can be either a traditional 'SatNav' (Garmin/TomTom etc) or a mobile phone based app like My Route (MRA) / BMW Connected Ride / My Triumph etc.
Here are two common ways to use the route files:
1. Using '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. Using a GPX 1.0 File Download.
If you have a regular SatNav (Garmin/TomTom etc) that supports the GPX format (including BMW Navigators), you should be able to download the GPX file and transfer it across using your PC / Laptop or directly via phone using a USB-C hub like this HERE. To understand how to transfer watch the following video where I explain how to do this with an Apple iPhone, USB-C hub and BMW Navigator. This same process should apply to other device makes too. (please expand the video).
Q. Why only GPX 1.0 format?
A. 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.
Q. Why not just use Google Maps or Waze?
A. Unfortunately these mobile apps don't understand the GPX format (although Googles own KML format can be converted). It is possible to plot routes with these apps but isn't possible to import GPX navigate using GPX waypoints. Both of these apps are good for point to point navigation from a start to destination but not for following a route of many waypoints.
KAB Route GPX Files
Download All KAB Routes (March 8th to May 10th) HERE (zip) or individually below:
More routes to follow - I will work toward getting each GPX file ready ahead of the official route list calendar.
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.
Traditional SatNav (Garmin/ TomTom) vs Mobile Phone App.
I have used both for a number of years now and while on some tours tried both side by side too. Here's a summary of my own experience.
- Regular SatNav devices are expensive vs an App on your phone. Currently MyRoute App offer their navigation app for £26.00 per year subscription. A Garmin XT or TomTom rider will be at least £350 plus additional mount hardware.
- A regular SaNav will be IP rated for suitable weather protection. They are usually more sturdy and hard wearing, and the display will be bright enough in sunlight. The navigation screen will be clearer and easier to read in low-light and rain. A mobile phone may be subject to vibration, despite using a damped mount (QuadLock etc) it may still be affected in certain conditions. Also claiming to be waterproof, one rider in heavy sustained rain damaged his iPhone beyond repair.
- Using your phone as an emergency back up ready charged in your pocket or tank bag avoids an expensive phone getting broken or damaged. The phone can be used as a back up navigation device and for plotting routes leaving the SatNav as a primary while touring distances.
- In hot countries or riding over 30 degrees in bright sunlight the phone will shut down as it overheats. This happened to us a few times in Spain where my BMW Navigator kept working without issue. It might be possible to mitigate this nowadays using a Carpuride/Chigbee or Moto Tablet device that behaves like Car Play allowing your phone to stay out of sunlight.
- A Mobile phone will require a suitable 4/5G signal to navigate with Maps as you go. The phones internal GPS will always be available but the signal strength is required to allow the map to update as you travel. A workaround for this is to use offline maps (My Route App MRA) where you pre-download the map to your phone ahead of time, but you will require sufficient storage on your phone to do this. Beware. As you navigate through Alpine mountains plains of Spain or even sunny Wales the phone signal will vary or even drop out as you cross borders and cell phone coverage switches over.
- Navigation with mobile phone uses phone battery faster than a dedicated SatNav. For both options it is always best to get them wired into the ignition or accessory socket. Even a short journey with other apps open your battery will drain quickly.
Based on the above, my preference is still a dedicated SatNav with a phone app as back up for long tours. For Sunday rides/weekends away a phone app is ideal.
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