Cycling is an extraordinary sport. Part of the attraction is closely linked to the fact of being able to discover new places: unknown mountain passes, tracks that run through the middle of the mountain or trails that are hidden within the forest.
Exploring new routes generates a feeling of intrigue and positive restlessness, which only those who have dared with an adventure on the bike are capable of explaining.
Today, the evolution of technology allows us to share these experiences. Komoot, an application designed to be able to design routes, has a multitude of perfect functions to accompany us in our exploits.
Here are the most prominent tools:
There is the option to follow specific profiles. So we can see the routes of our acquaintances and follow their itinerary if we found it an interesting route. Also comment and mention friends, as well as invite them to our planned routes or add photos to the activities.
We can create highlights, as a passing recommendation for other users. These locations can be viewpoints, ruins, mountain passes… Whatever you think is relevant. From there, with images and a short description, we will tell the community the reason for our label.
This function is used to group routes that share one or more characteristics, such as discipline, geographical area or duration. They are a great option to discover a new area, with itineraries created by other users.
The predetermined itineraries can be altered, to adapt them to the preferences or needs of the cyclist. For example, the order of the route can be reversed or a section can be shortened or lengthened to avoid going through the center of a city.
Sometimes, going according to which path does not inspire too much confidence. With Trail View there is the possibility of checking, through real photographs, the type of terrain of a specific section.
In addition, this tool is complemented by Google Street View.
When creating a route, the application offers us information about the type of surface: paved, unpaved, track… We will also see details of the altimetry, with different colors depending on the degree of inclination. In this case, a specific section can be enlarged to know in more detail the altimetry of the selected sector.
In a personalized way, singular points can be activated, such as fountains, shops, restaurants, bathrooms, accommodation, recharging points for electric bicycles… This way we will not miss anything.
Through the Premium option, you can generate collections, routes of more than one day or access 3D and specific maps for each sport. We will also have access to weather information in the area, to avoid any unforeseen events.
All these options can be handled very intuitively: learning how to use them takes just a few minutes. Once you start, you can’t stop. With Komoot, route planning stops being something boring and monotonous and becomes a real game.
