Adventure Cycling has partnered with Ride with GPS to offer riders a new and enhanced way to navigate Adventure Cycling routes. By partnering with Ride with GPS, we can distribute our routes on a platform thousands already use. Ride with GPS offers tools that cyclists want, like audio turn cues and the ability to download GPX files for use on bike computers like Garmin and Wahoo. This partnership is a key strategic initiative to making Adventure Cycling routes more accessible to more people.
Riders can purchase all Adventure Cycling routes as Digital Routes to use in Ride with GPS Experiences. Ride the most curated routes in the U.S. with a first-rate planning and navigation tool.
GPX Data: Now that all our Digital Routes are available through Ride with GPS Experiences, we no longer sell GPX Data in our store. See FAQ for more details.
Bicycle Route Navigator App: Adventure Cycling is no longer selling routes in the Bicycle Route Navigator App. We will maintain the app for users to use their purchased Bicycle Route Navigator routes until September 30, 2025. See FAQ for more details.
Disclaimer
While Adventure Cycling Association does our best to ensure accuracy, route conditions may vary over time. Users are advised to use good judgment and obey all traffic laws. By using this product/route/map, the user understands that cycling is an inherently risky activity and serious injury, or death may occur. Users freely and expressly assume and accept any and all risks of injury or death. Please report any inaccuracies or safety issues encountered.
FAQ
Understanding and Purchasing a Digital Route
What is a Digital Route? How is it different than (and similar to) your paper maps?
Our Digital Route products aim to replicate the features of our classic and beloved printed map products, while adding the digital navigation features of Ride with GPS, a navigation app for cyclists. These are not PDF maps but rather data-driven maps overlaid on the digital route navigation platform, Ride with GPS.
Most (but not all) of our Digital Routes have a corresponding paper map equivalent, and each are divided into the same “sections” (startpoint to endpoint). Our Digital Routes and paper maps can be used in tandem on your trip, as each format has its own pros and cons. For example, a Digital Route will excel at navigating you through a tricky urban area, but a paper map will never run out of battery and is superior for planning (and conversation-making) around a picnic table.
If you ever notice a slight difference between your Digital Route and the corresponding paper map, refer to the Digital Route. In most cases, it will be more up-to-date.
How do I purchase and download a digital route?
All digital routes can be purchased through our online store.
Once a digital route is purchased through the Shop, customers will receive two automated emails: 1) a receipt/confirmation for their purchase, and 2) a link to the digital route in Ride with GPS.
This link will take customers to a Ride with GPS page, with instructions on how to access the route(s) that were purchased. First, the instructions will have you download the Ride with GPS mobile app for free via the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store.
Then tap Open Shortcut.
Enter your individual key code or scan the QR to the right. You’ll be prompted to download the Digital Route Experience. Tap Download to begin.
How do I use a digital route?
After you have downloaded the Digital Route in the Ride with GPS Experience, read through helpful information about the route in the Guide section, such as Riding Conditions.
When you’re ready to begin biking, tap “View Routes,” choose the route segment you want to ride, tap “Navigate,” and let the voice navigation guide you.
What’s Included with a purchased Digital Route in the Ride with GPS Experience Platform?
When you purchase a digital route to use in the Ride with GPS Experience platform, you get a lot more than just a route. Here’s what you can expect:
- Detailed Route Information: This includes turn-by-turn directions to keep you on track.
- Curated Services: You’ll find a list of services (POI’s, or points of interest) along the route, such as campgrounds, water sources, bike shops, restaurants, and other bike-friendly amenities.
- Field Note Guides: Featuring Adventure Cycling guides, you’ll get insights into history, geography, flora and fauna, and climate information of the route.
- Links to Resources: Access websites and resources with route updates from other cyclists.
Why do Digital Routes cost money?
Our 50,000-mile route network has been created and curated by cartographers and cyclists over the last 50 years. Every route began as an idea with in-house development followed by on-the-ground research. We are committed to maintaining and growing this high-quality route network. Maintaining and creating new routes requires a dedicated staff of trained cartographers to review these routes and services regularly. When we become aware of changing infrastructure, road conditions and natural events, we do our best to develop reroutes and detours, sharing them with our community of cyclists to assist them on their adventures. We not only do our own research but rely on our community to alert us to service closures, route issues – positive and negative – so we can implement them.
The information you get with a Digital Route or paper map product from Adventure Cycling is more than just a route line. It’s cyclist-specific point-of-interest and service information. It’s a guide to the history, geography, flora and fauna, and climate information of the route. It’s detailed turn-by-turn directions. Our staff maintain the best routes so you can ride confidently and have a fantastic experience. We appreciate your support of the Adventure Cycling Route Network.
How is a Digital Route Different from GPX Files?
Digital Routes in Ride with GPS include more than just the route line in a GPX file. They come with detailed guides and curated lists of services, making your ride more enjoyable and informative.
Do Digital Routes Expire?
No. Once you purchase a digital route through the Adventure Cycling Shop, it’s yours to keep. There is no expiration.
Can I purchase a Digital Route as a .zip file or other type of file?
No. Digital Routes are only available for purchase via our Cyclosource Shop to be used in the Ride with GPS app. They are not available as .zip files or other formats. You can export a GPX file of the purchased route from the Ride with GPS app to use in other apps or devices like a Garmin.
What do you mean by Ride with GPS Experiences? Is this different from my regular Ride with GPS account?
Yes, a Ride with GPS Experience is different from a regular Ride with GPS account. Our Digital Routes in Ride with GPS Experiences include written turn-by-turn cues, turn-by-turn audio cues for in-app navigation, and detailed service listings including bike shops, restaurants, and cyclist-friendly hostels and campgrounds. In addition, detailed guides describe route conditions, provide historical and climate information, and link to route updates from other cyclists.
Using Your Digital Route and Ride with GPS app
Do I have to use the Ride with GPS app? What if I don’t have a smartphone? Can I use a different app or device like Garmin?
Using Ride with GPS provides a rich planning and navigational experience thanks to the features mentioned above.
However, after your purchase you can download GPX files from Ride with GPS to use on a GPS device. Only routes are downloadable. To enjoy all the features, including services and information such as Riding Conditions and Field Notes, you must use the app.
We also sell paper maps for many of the routes.
Do I have to create a Ride with GPS account?
No. For basic navigation, an account is not required. Creating a free personal Ride with GPS account is an option if you wish to save your rides. You can upgrade to a premium account for advanced features.
Do I need to download the Ride with GPS app to use this product?
Yes. The instructions you’ll receive after your Digital Route purchase will have you download the Ride with GPS app so that you can use all the features of the product. You can download the Ride with GPS mobile app for free via the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store.
What if I lost the receipt email with my access code to my purchased Digital Route?
Customers can access these links via their My Adventure Cycling Account by logging in and clicking on the access code. If you don’t have an account or haven’t used your My Adventure Cycling Account since March 1, 2024, please create an account by clicking the Sign In button at the top of this page.
What if my smartphone is not an iPhone or an Android?
Ride with GPS functionality currently requires an iPhone or Android smartphone. If you do not have one of these phones, we recommend purchasing a paper map of your desired route.
What if I have an old operating system or very old phone?
Can I use a Digital Route in Ride with GPS Offline?
Yes, you can use your digital route in Ride with GPS out of cell service or offline. Check out the Ride with GPS support page for more details.
Will the application drain my battery?
The app uses some battery. You can conserve battery during your ride by taking the following steps:
- Download the maps for offline use before you arrive
- Turn cellular data off while riding
- Keep the screen off as much as possible when not in use
- Turn off other apps
- Reduce screen brightness
- Charge your phone whenever you have access to an outlet. We recommend bringing a portable cell phone power bank to recharge your phone on the go
How much phone memory will downloading maps and routes use?
The phone memory used in downloading a map and route will vary depending on the length of a route. A typical map section will take about 100-200 MB of space.
How do I get customer support to help me with my Digital Route?
If you have questions on how to purchase a digital route or about the route content, please contact Adventure Cycling: cartography@adventurecycling.org or 406-721-1776.
If you have questions on how to use your Digital Route in Ride with GPS, please check the Ride with GPS support page or email them at info@ridewithgps.com.
If you’re new to Ride with GPS, please check out the following resources:
Can I edit a route if I want to take a side trip?
Yes, if you export it out of the Ride with GPS Experience and into your regular Ride with GPS account.
- Export GPX
- Import GPX file into your RWGPS account
- Edit in Ride with GPS. Please note this is only possible on the web, not in the app. Or use another GPX editing application.
- Things to note:
- Purchased Experiences include in-app audio cues only when used in the Experiences portion of the Ride with GPS app unless you have a paid premium account.
Why is the Elevation gain different between the route I previewed in Ride with GPS and the route I bought?
If you notice a difference in elevation gain between the Ride with GPS preview and your actual route, it’s because our routes are generalized for search and display purposes to protect proprietary information. Always refer to the detailed route information page (find route information page in side navigation) before purchasing an Experience.
What do all of these abbreviations mean on my Digital Route?
Please see our key to abbreviations.
GPX and Bicycle Route Navigator Support
Do you still sell GPX files?
No. Now that all our Digital Routes are available through Ride with GPS Experiences, we no longer sell GPX Data in our store, but you can download GPX files of your Digital Route from Ride with GPS.
How do I download GPX tracks from Ride with GPS?
Can I import or add my own GPX files to the Digital Route Experience that I purchase?
No. You can’t import your own GPX file into the Ride with GPS Experiences platform. These Experiences are a package of associated guides and routes. However, you can upload GPX files to your Ride with GPS and use them in your account; they won’t have all the features that a purchased Adventure Cycling Digital Route used in Ride with GPS offers unless you have a premium Ride with GPS account. You can also use Ride with GPS to create your own routes independently of a purchased Digital Route.
What’s happening with Bicycle Route Navigator App? What if I have a purchased route in the app?
Adventure Cycling is best equipped to provide detailed route information and planning resources. There are numerous companies who are better equipped to provide and maintain navigational technologies. Their expertise in delivering our information on their platforms informed our decision to discontinue the use of the Bicycle Route Navigator Application.
We no longer sell routes in Bicycle Route Navigator. We will maintain the app for users to use their purchased Bicycle Route Navigator routes until September 30, 2025.
If you purchased a route in the Bicycle Route Navigator app between January 1, 2023, and December 20, 2024, you are eligible to receive a complimentary code to redeem for the same product in the Ride with GPS format. Please contact us at cartography@adventurecycling.org for assistance.
Privacy Policy
Can I modify and publish my Digital Route? What’s your Privacy Policy?
Data files may be modified for personal, non-commercial use only. When used on route planning and mapping sites such as, but not limited to, Ride with GPS, Komoot, MapMyRide.com and Google Maps, routes should be tagged as Private. Adventure Cycling Association expressly forbids the distribution of these data files as is or modified without permission.