Google maps alternative for multi-hop routes

[Bogmonster666]

No idea what thread this should be in so here goes. Struggling with Google maps on my phone. At the moment it is in bag shouting instructions rather than on handlebars as stupid big display and lights are taking all the real estate.

I am trying to explore my surroundings and country roads I am not very familiar with (and have found some very nice routes). The problem is in Google maps on the phone whilst it appears you can put in multiple stops, they are just that, stops. The navigation voice prompts stop at the stops. And unless you are on the ball and prepared to stop at every stop and start the next leg it it a real pita.

The last bit of my route today was a real pain as difficult lanes to navigate and lots of stopping to check phone.

What app do others use?

A project for the weekend is to design and print a new LCD mount to move the stupidly big vlcd5 of my handlebars and over the stem, thus freeing up some space....

 

[snafu]

Not sure if t would fit your needs but I use "Komoot". I used to use "Viewranger" which I really liked until it was absorbed into "OutdoorActive" which while it has some really nice features, I felt it tries to be all things. Hiking, Running, Biking etc without satisfactorily achieving any of them.

I found Komoot has the easiest to use interface on the fly from my phone should I want to change my plans mid route.

TTFN
John.

 

[sjpt]

I used to use "Viewranger" which I really liked until it was absorbed into "OutdoorActive"

Not sure of answer to OP, but I (and many many others) agree with you on that point. (from a walking point of view)

 

[Bikes4two]

• Other apps to consider are OSMand and LocusMaps - I've used LocusMaps for many years now as it has a comprehensice knowledge Base to help you learn the app.
• One thing to grasp about the difference between following a TRACK and following a ROUTE
• A ROUTE: (which is what Google Maps uses BTW) - take as an example of using a car Satnav - you are in your car and you search for a destination - the Satnav knows where you are and where you want to go and the way to get there is determined by the Web server. You won't have any particular control of the ROUTE that it chooses other than things like 'Avoid Motorways' et al
• A TRACK - an entirely different beast - you on an an online app like Plotaroute (many others available) and carefully create a TRACK that you want to follow - this TRACK can be created to meander where you want to and when you download the created TRACK in something like a GPX file, that file when loaded into a suitable smartphone app is displayed and you follow the 'breadcrumb trail' as it is often referred to.
• There are many varyations on the above but that's the basics of Route vs Track

 

[guerney]

The Google Maps interface works much better on PCs for route planning - routes can be dragged by the mouse and shaped to suit... but that function isn't available (without stops) on a phone or tablet. And when you do connect a mouse to a phone or tablet, right clicks don't invoke that extra context menu displayed on PCs either. I'd rather not use small laptops for cycling.

I use the Google Maps Android app a lot for my more numerous simpler bike journeys... it shouts out instructions from a bluetooth waterproof JBL Go speaker in my jacket pocket. Sometimes I will set a destination and cycle out in it's vague direction and Google Maps will recalculate new routes based on my meandering decisions. By meandering, I'm effectively draggin a route, similar to using a mouse on PC. With low GPS signal however, it can guide you in circles for a time, which is when I actually look at the phone screen, or try another app if Google Maps can't be used because of low phone and/or GPS signal.

For more complicated pre-planned journeys I use Osmand. Then devices running navigation apps with screen visible (a second device is either an old Motorola Moto E or 7" Lenovo tablet) do so while ensconced in a phone case on a Minoura Handlebar Extension, which is the previous version to this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Minoura-SGS-400-Handlebar-Accessory-Mount/dp/B075T3FPVS

I'm hoping it doesn't loosen up in the rain like the carbon extension with useless thin clamp did, but that wouldn't be a problem, becuse on my bike it's prevented from swivelling over because it leans on a 1800LM headlight... If the Minoura swivels despite tightening, having been loosened too much by many hours of heavy rain, Topeak's extension looks worth trying next, if the Minoura can't be more effectively secured:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Topeak-BarXtender-Handlebar-Extender-Black/dp/B000FIAVN8/ref=

I also have a full version of Sygic (no internet connection is required, maps are downloaded for offline use). Trouble is, it only provides walking or car route planning... however, many waypoints can be added to manually pre-plan a route for cycling... if you know which roads are one way, and which others are to be avoided by bike. Sygic's automatic planning can lead you up a motorway lol (in car mode, happened once) or up one way streets (walking mode, also happened once). Sygic is positively dangerous for cycling automatic route planning use.

Autoroute is no longer free, but the older version was quite good with offline maps and a cycling mode.

All cycling apps lead me through freaking canal tunnels. I want an app which will automatically plan cycling routes avoiding all large roundabouts and long dark dank rat infested tunnels and canals.

I didn't like Koomoot's stingy free offering, which provided too few (and small) maps, and I didn't like the way it operated enough to buy the full version - too many tunnels and damned canals. Also privacy was a concern, as I have many powerful Illuminati and Mason enemies.

I've used LocusMaps for many years now as it has a comprehensice knowledge Base to help you learn the app.

Cheers, I may have a go with LocusMaps.

 

[egroover]

Another vote from me for Komoot
I use a mount like this, works well either with a out front garmin mount or thr supplied holder

Bike Phone Mount, Motorcycle Handlebar Mount, 360° Rotation Silicone Bicycle Phone Holder, Compatible with iPhone 13/12/11 Pro Max XS Max XR X 8 7 6S Plus SE 2022 12 mini,Samsung Galaxy https://amzn.eu/d/3mOP36m

 

[Bogmonster666]

Only just got back to this and and installed and played with Komoot. Looks to be an ideal solution.

As my ankle is playing up, the weather is shite, and have nothing better to do I think I'll design and print a new mount for the LCD display to move it onto the stem and off the bars to free up some space....

 

[guerney]

As my ankle is playing up

Should I Use Rest, Ice, Crutches or Heat?

Ice or heat has been a debate in musculoskeletal medicine for a while and it seems that there’s no scientific evidence that gives us a true right or wrong.

burlingtonsportstherapy.com

 

[Bogmonster666]

@guerney, well that article has RICE, MEAT, POLICE. I'm trying SWEG - sleep, whisky, elevate (lounge on sofa aimlessly with feet up), grumble.

 

[Bogmonster666]

I'm sure with some rest it will sort itself out. It's kind of neat being able to predict changed in the weather with my foot. On a glampacking holiday in a couple of weeks in Transylvania so need to be fit enough to carry a heavy rucksack about between accommodation / transport, so will be taking it easy. I broke it shortly before my last holiday which was a pita...

 

[guerney]

On a glampacking holiday in a couple of weeks in Transylvania

Photos do look lovely - I'm guessing for unspoilt and interesting caving? Pack kevlar scarves and garlic? I imagine the locals would be as interested in caving, as North Wales locals are into mountaineering ie not very.

 

[Bogmonster666]

Nope, no caving Mrs Bogmonster isn't a massively keen caver these days, arthritis, vertigo, general lack of fitness... A lot of my chums do a lot of foreign caving trips, maybe when I retire. The big trip this year is 'the Berger' http://www.mdolla.com/2012/09/gufr-berger-one-of-deepest-caves-in.html?m=1

...but I can't justify going with my limited holiday. Will go on one of the training trips to Yorkshire in June though.

 

[guerney]

The big trip this year is 'the Berger' http://www.mdolla.com/2012/09/gufr-berger-one-of-deepest-caves-in.html?m=1

Are those lights permanently installed or will you need to power massive ones using your TSDZ2 kit battery? What about lights carried by DJI drones with "Follow me" function and cave wall detection and avoidance? (I'm joking about the drones, mostly).

 

[Bogmonster666]

All the lights are on people's heads along with the battery, for longer trips people use:

Scurion - Starless River

Scurion lamps are all made in Switzerland, by cavers, for cavers. They are very toughly built, waterproof, bright,and versatile. Maximum output ranges from 720 lumens to over 1500 lumens (as of 2016) All the lamps use two different LEDS. One has a broad output (flood), and one has a very narrow...

starlessriver.com

https://littlemonkeycaving.co.uk/Monkey-Shop/

So 2 or 4 X 18650 cells.

The trip typically takes 2 days with an overnight camp so spare batteries are needed...

For typical Mendip caves that are small'ish and tight'ish then I tend to use:

Fenix HM65R 1400 lumens - Starless River

The Fenix HM65 R, a rechargeable LED headtorch, comes with one Lithium 18650 battery. Up to 1400 lumens output in 'burst' mode. Along with the HM61R, and the HM70R,this is the Fenix product we see as a primary caving light. With four settings,two individually controlled LEDs, and a brighter...

starlessriver.com