How to Plan the Perfect Cycling Route

Planning a Cycling Route

Good route planning makes cycling enjoyable and safe. Consider distance, elevation, traffic, and road surfaces. Modern tools simplify route creation while local knowledge adds valuable details.

Distance and Fitness

Match route length to your fitness level. Beginners often overestimate comfortable distances. Add buffer time for rest stops and navigation. Build distance gradually over multiple rides.

Elevation Matters

Hills dramatically affect ride difficulty. Elevation gain matters more than total distance for many riders. Check elevation profiles before committing to routes. Plan climbs early when legs are fresh.

Route Planning Tools

Strava, RideWithGPS, and Komoot offer cycling-specific features. These tools show elevation, surfaces, and popular routes. User-generated routes provide local knowledge. Download routes for offline navigation.