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Jenny on 6/21/2022 10:29:30 AM:
Ok peeps, I'm trying to chart the path from DC to Cumberland into Strava so that I can import it to my Hammerhead GPS Navigation system, but Strava wants to keep rerouting me onto the highway. Any tips before I pitch it out the window? I'm new to this. Please help!
 
Bill in Houston from Houston on 6/21/2022 5:34:04 PM:
From the little I know, Strava isn't the best for that. People tend to use RideWithGPS.

I keep waiting for Google to do all this stuff, but they haven't jumped on it...
 
WM22 on 6/23/2022 9:13:18 PM:
When creating your route on strava, I find it much easier to do it on the computer (in a browser) rather than on your smartphone. Additionally, when creating your route, you can select "Use Manual Mode" which will allow you to click point on the map, regardless of whether or not they're on the road. The tool will then draw a straight line between points. I typically turn this tool on when going on paths that don't show up on Strava, and then turn it off when on paths that Strava doesn't struggle to select.
 
Terry Fitz from Baltimore on 6/24/2022 4:36:19 PM:
Besides, who really needs Strava on a trail like the C&O towpath? It is pretty hard to make a wrong turn, and there are mile markers every mile. I may be old fashioned (at age 73), but this is the perfect place for one of those things on paper.... What did they call them ? Oh, ya... a map. That will tell you all that you need to know.
It is important to remember that this little electronic device is nothing more than a stupid computer. It can only do what people tell it to do. A map gives you the info you need to make decisions on your own - without a false sense of confidence... For what that's worth.
 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 6/26/2022 11:57:49 AM:
As Mr. Fitz alludes to, an accurate Strava or Ride With GPS route file for the C&O Towpath from DC to Cumberland is not really needed. With the exception of a couple of detours along the way or any side trips into the adjacent towns that you may choose to do, a navigation display is of little value. The Towpath is a little like Dorothy's following the yellow brick road. It's hard not to follow it but there are no munchkins to assist.

A map of the detour between mileposts 88 and 89 might provide some assurance that you are following the detour signs correctly but is not necessary nor is a map of the Paw Paw Tunnel detour. You would do well simply to review these detours and the maps thereof that can be found via the National Park Service C&O Canal website to acquaint yourself of the general nature of them.

Also if you start your trip in DC on the Capital Crescent (paved) Trail that parallels the Towpath rather than the actual Towpath itself, you'll want to note where to crossover to the Towpath at Fletcher's Boathouse and Rentals to get on the Towpath and continue your trip.
 
Kurt from Minnesota on 6/27/2022 11:21:48 PM:
This is my 3rd time riding both trails. The first year I went to a lot of trouble to import the entire route from Strava to my Element Bolt. I want to say after day 2 or 3 I stopped bothering to use it because it's usually obvious where you need to go. Plus, you don't really look at your GPS much anyway because the scenery is so beautiful.

There are a few places where you could make a wrong turn especially if you're tired and sometimes it's nice to get some reassurance.

What I would suggest is to download the correct route and local maps to your phone GPS and bring a small bluetooth speaker. This way you can play music and get audio directions when you need them :)

Also, having complete maps of the trail and surrounding areas is useful if the C&O is an absolute mess. This happened to me last year when it stormed every day and there were downed trees everywhere. Sometimes there are easy ways around the trail on side roads.

I keep Strava on at all times so I can track where I went but that's about it.
 
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