Strava Routes: How to Use, Share, and Discover New Paths

Can I use someone else's route on Strava?

Yes, you absolutely can use routes created and shared by other Strava users. This feature allows athletes to discover new training grounds, follow popular paths, and simplify navigation for various activities.

Understanding Strava Routes

Strava Routes are pre-planned courses that users can create, save, and follow. They are distinct from recorded activities, which capture the path you've already taken. Routes are invaluable tools for planning adventures, guiding training sessions, and exploring unfamiliar territories, whether you're cycling, running, hiking, or engaging in other outdoor pursuits.

Yes, You Can: How to Use Shared Routes

Strava facilitates the sharing and discovery of routes, making it easy to leverage the collective knowledge of its vast user base.

• Finding Routes:
  • From Activities: If a Strava user has made their activity public, you can often view the route they took. If that route is appealing, you can typically save it as your own route. Look for an option like "Save Route" or "Create Route from Activity" on the activity page.
  • From the "Routes" Section: Strava has a dedicated "Routes" section (often found under "Explore" or "Dashboard" depending on the interface). Here, you can search for routes in specific areas, filter by activity type (e.g., cycling, running), and discover popular or recommended routes.
  • From a User's Profile: If you follow a specific athlete whose routes you admire, you can navigate to their profile and often find a "Routes" tab or section where they've saved or created routes.
• Saving Routes: Once you find a route you'd like to use, there will be an option to "Star" or "Save" it. Saving a route adds it to your personal collection, making it easily accessible for future use.
• Using Routes for Navigation:
  • Strava App: Saved routes can be selected directly within the Strava mobile app's recording screen. As you move, the app will provide turn-by-turn directions (for subscribers) or simply show your position relative to the route.
  • GPS Devices: One of the most common and effective ways to use shared routes is to sync them to a compatible GPS device (e.g., Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead). Strava's integration with many of these devices allows for seamless transfer of starred/saved routes, providing on-device navigation, elevation profiles, and often turn-by-turn prompts, even without your phone.

Key Considerations Before Using a Route

While using shared routes is highly beneficial, it's crucial to exercise due diligence to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

• Privacy Settings: Be aware that a route must be public or shared with you directly for you to access and save it. Private activities or routes cannot be viewed or used by others.
• Route Accuracy and Safety:
  • Verify the Route: Always review the route details, including the map, elevation profile, and any descriptions or comments provided by the creator. Look for potential hazards, unpaved sections, or areas that might be unsuitable for your activity type or skill level.
  • Check Conditions: The route creator might have ridden or run it in ideal conditions. Check current weather, road closures, or trail conditions before heading out.
  • Local Knowledge: If possible, cross-reference the route with local maps or ask local athletes about the area, especially if it's unfamiliar to you.
• Route Type and Suitability: Ensure the route is appropriate for your intended activity (e.g., a road cycling route might not be suitable for mountain biking or running). Consider the terrain, elevation gain, and distance in relation to your fitness level.
• Respecting Creator's Intent: While most public routes are shared for general use, some creators might add specific notes or context. Be mindful of these.
• Offline Access: If navigating with your phone, consider downloading offline maps for the area, especially if you anticipate poor cell signal. For GPS devices, ensure the route is fully synced before starting.

Benefits of Using Shared Routes

Leveraging the Strava community's shared routes offers numerous advantages for athletes.

• Discovery of New Paths: Explore new roads, trails, and scenic areas you might not have found on your own.
• Efficiency in Planning: Save time on route planning, especially when traveling or exploring an unfamiliar city.
• Motivation and Challenge: Follow routes used by professional athletes or local legends, or challenge yourself on popular segments.
• Safety in New Areas: Having a pre-planned route can provide a sense of security and direction when navigating unfamiliar terrain.

Creating Your Own Routes

While using others' routes is convenient, creating your own routes on Strava is also a powerful feature. This allows you to customize your exact path, incorporate specific landmarks, avoid certain areas, and tailor the experience precisely to your needs. You can then choose to keep these routes private or share them with the Strava community.

Conclusion

Strava's route functionality is a cornerstone of its community-driven platform, enabling athletes worldwide to share, discover, and navigate their pursuits. By understanding how to access and responsibly utilize shared routes, you can enhance your training, explore new horizons, and connect more deeply with the global fitness community. Always prioritize safety and verify route suitability to ensure a rewarding and secure experience.