That's an interesting one! I think the traffic data is slightly misleading there – it has one count for the whole of the D28, and I suspect the higher traffic within Saint Maximin is skewing the quieter rural section. Probably not going to be an easy one to fix but I’ll take a look – thanks for flagging.

Thanks for your reply Richard.

TBH, when I was studying multiple options for that leg the evening before in our accommodation, I had noticed the weird choice by C.T and had manually corrected it. But we started the day on another route. Later on, en route, we changed our mind. I rapidly rerouted on the bike and forgot that glitch. I simply set the destination and went, simply following the route without prior detailed examination.

In spite of C.T's unrivaled routing engine, it isn't perfect yet and IMO, it's still best to examine CT's proposals to iron out some details (this one wasn't exactly a "detail" though). 

Angstrom,

I doubt this will be any comfort to you now, but whenever I embark on a new route over unfamiliar roads I always virtually ride the entire route - or at least the suspect parts - on Google Street View. That way no surprises and allows me to alter my route if I feel I need to or the routing guides don't live up to my expectations. 

I am currently virtually 'riding' my entire LeJog route - all 1,000 miles of it. I am now riding Day 3 and I am some 280 miles in. No rain - so far. Hoping for nice weather the remaining 720 miles. :-)

Richard, if possible, please add an option to prefer flat routes, even if it requires a longer detour.

Hi Richard,

Following up on this thread, I just had an idea: what if CT could propose (when requested) alternative routes based on different criteria: a) flatter but longer b) flatter but more traffic?

The possibility to ask alternative routes does exist but I don't know how often users take advantage of it. I at least would use it more if criteria were clearer.

Angstrom, the FAQs explain why adding more criteria is difficult.

https://cycle.travel/advice/map/faq

As you are aware, we can ask CT to offer an alternative on the website.

We can also ask it to create a round-trip where the 'second' leg can be edited to be an alternative.

We can also use the 'suggest a ride' feature which can be edited to omit the return leg. Depending on location and distance it can offer up more than 3 options at times.

That's on top of the paved/any/gravel/bike route options on offer that may be useful depending on location and preference. 

And we can alter any route just by adding a viapoint and moving that. 

Having used a variety of online planners, CT has many things going for it. One of them is simplicity. Personally, I'd be wary of complicating it too much. 

When I need to pay particular attention to a specific characteristic such as gradient, surface quality etc. I can easily play around, investigate alternatives, check streetview etc. with a few clicks.