I'm a new CT user - started today. I had assumed that it was similar to other route plotting / navigating sites / apps. I now realise that CT is very different.
I've got a number of (what I think of as) quiet routes and which my phone has helped guide me round for years (turn by turn audio). Having just stumbled across CT, I thought I'd give it a whirl - load a few tried and test routes, then test out the audio guidance. I now realise why CT has it's own map format. CT wants to recommend a route to me based on its knowledge of road conditions etc. CT provides the quiet route to me - and I download it.
So, when I uploaded one of my familiar routes ... CT changed it (perhaps for the better ... although it would actually need editing to make it sensible again). I now realise there's no point in my uploading my tried and tested routes to CT. I'm very happy riding on them as they are. If I didn't like them, I wouldn't have saved them. If they needed refining, then I refined them. I do them every summer.
The idea then, is that CT users download the curated CT routes and maybe amend them to suit. I can see that CT would be very useful for cycle touring, covering long distances in unfamiliar territory. That's not something I've ever done - and I'm unlikely to start now.
I just do rides that last less than a day, that I've planned in detail and, mostly, am familiar with. Having said that, I've got enough that they seem fresh each year. CT looks like it's going to be very useful for some people but probably not for me.
Comments
Colin, some comments in case of interest:
Although Cycle Travel does offer curated routes - either in the Route Guides or created on the fly using the feature in the website map - many (most?) of us mainly just use the map to plan our own routes. Typically, by creating a start and finish point (type a placename or just click on the map) and then fine-tuning the suggested route by inserting via points and dragging the route as desired. This can be done on the app, but the website map has more tools, including a facility to jump into Streetview, which I find v useful. The app then provides on the road tracking and spoken directions.
On known routes the navigation aspect is obvs not required. But I often still load the route into the app, as the "tile" feature "colours in" hexagons on the map as you pass into them. Seeing them filling in on the stored map can be rather addictive, encouraging one to explore new territory...
Thank you for your feedback, Simon.
Well, I've just put the CT app back onto my phone. I've had a rethink and decided I probably will use it for ad hoc rides - and I just want to generate a route on the fly.
Colin, a few things to consider...
First of all, on importation you have some options (Standard, Gravel, Paved) to reduce the changes that CT may apply.
Secondly, a 'trace' of the original route should be displayed on the screen so that we can see any variations between the original and the imported version.
Thirdly, this can happen with, I think, most planners due to a variety of considerations. Swapping routes between apps is not something I personally recommend, especially in out of the way places.
Something you may be interested in is the 'Suggest a ride' feature. Select a start point, set a distance and CT will deliver up some options based on your preferences. Refreshing should generate more.
I tend not to use the app for planning so I am referring to the website in the above comments.