Strava is one of the most popular apps for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Whether you like running, walking or cycling, this platform offers you a wide variety of tools to improve your training and explore new routes. But did you know that you can also use Strava to discover custom routes?
In this article you will find all the relevant information you need to get the most out of this Strava feature, both from your computer and from your mobile. This way you can plan your rides and enjoy new adventures or effective training sessions.
What are routes on Strava and how do they work?
Strava uses data from its large user community and tools like OpenStreetMap to offer popular routes and trails. These routes can be tailored to your preferences, such as terrain type, distance, and elevation gain. Strava subscribers also have access to advanced route customization features.
When you discover routes on Strava, you can choose to follow popular trails or, if you prefer, create your own custom route directly from the app or website. All this is made possible by analyzing the routes most used by other athletes.
How to search for routes on Strava from your computer
One of the most comprehensive ways to find routes on Strava is through its website. You don't need to install any additional software ; simply access it from your browser.
- Log in to your Strava account or sign up if you don't have one yet.
- Go to the “Maps” section and select “Explore.”
- Within this section, you can choose to search for “Nearby Segments” or perform a custom “Segment Search.”
In these searches you can adjust parameters such as the type of activity (cycling, running, etc.), the incline and other details that allow you to find ideal routes for your goals. In addition, the routes offer detailed information such as distance, altitude and a ranking with the best times recorded by other users.
Explore routes on Strava from mobile
The easiest way to explore routes on Strava is through its mobile app. With just a few taps, you can discover nearby routes or explore new places. Follow these steps:
- Download and install the Strava app on your mobile.
- Log in with your account.
- From the bottom menu, select the “Explore” tab.
- Access the segment search function.
Once you find an interesting route, you can send it to Google Maps to get detailed directions. That way, you're ready to use Strava while following along on your phone.
Customizing routes on Strava
Strava also lets you create fully customized routes. From the website, you can manually connect points or let the tool automatically choose the most popular routes. This feature is especially useful if you want to explore specific areas or include challenging segments with climbs.
To customize your routes, access the Routes tool on the Strava website. Adjust factors such as distance, surface type, and elevation. You can also check out the Activity Map to see which sections other athletes have used the most.
Additional tips and practical tools
Strava has other interesting tools that can make your route search experience easier:
- Heat map: A visualization of the routes most frequented by other users, useful for identifying popular routes.
- Synchronization with devices: You can save your routes and sync them with Garmin devices or other compatible apps.
- Segment Explorer: Add a competitive touch to your routes by including segments with rankings and time tables.
Plus, the map overlay tool lets you see the popularity of each section to better plan your rides.
What should you take into account when planning your routes?
Before you set out to explore new routes, consider these tips:
- Check the estimated time to complete the route, based on data from your previous activities.
- Check the type of terrain and the climbs or descents included in the route.
- If you have any questions about your route, adjust its details in the planning tool before you set off.
Remember that the Strava community constantly contributes to the development of available features , so if you find any errors or wish to suggest improvements, you can always share your feedback with the platform.
With these tools at your fingertips, finding routes on Strava has never been easier. Whether on your computer or mobile, you'll have everything you need to explore new trails and enjoy your sports activities even more.
Professional Technology and Software Editor