Strava Routes: How to Send, Share, and Utilize for Training and Community

How do I send a route on Strava?

Sending a route on Strava involves accessing your saved routes through either the mobile app or the desktop website, selecting the desired route, and then utilizing the platform's built-in sharing functions to distribute it via various communication channels or direct Strava connections.

Understanding Strava Routes and Their Utility

Strava routes are pre-planned courses that athletes can create, discover, and follow for their activities. From an exercise science perspective, utilizing routes is a powerful tool for structured training, exploration, and safety. They allow for precise control over training variables like distance, elevation, and terrain, which is crucial for periodization and performance optimization. Sharing these routes facilitates group training, supports team cohesion, and ensures all participants are prepared for the planned physical demands of an activity.

Prerequisites for Sharing Strava Routes

Before you can effectively share a route, ensure you have:

• A Strava Account: Both free and Summit/Premium accounts allow route creation and sharing.
• A Created or Saved Route: You must have a route already established in your Strava account. Routes can be created manually, imported from GPX files, or saved from other athletes' activities.
• Internet Connection: Required for accessing and sharing routes.

Method 1: Sharing a Route from the Strava Mobile App

The Strava mobile application provides a straightforward way to share routes directly from your smartphone.

Step 1: Accessing Your Routes Open the Strava app on your iOS or Android device. Navigate to the "You" tab (profile icon) at the bottom right of the screen. From your profile, scroll down and tap on "Routes." This will display a list of all the routes you have created or saved.

Step 2: Selecting the Route to Share Browse through your list of routes and tap on the specific route you wish to send. This will open a detailed view of the route, including its map, elevation profile, and key statistics.

Step 3: Initiating the Share Function On the route detail screen, look for the "Share" icon. This is typically represented by a curved arrow pointing upwards (iOS) or three connected dots (Android), often located near the top right or bottom of the screen. Tap this icon to open the sharing options.

Step 4: Choosing Your Sharing Method A system-level share sheet will appear, presenting various options for distribution:

• Direct Share to Contacts: You can select contacts from your phone's address book to send the route link via SMS or messaging apps.
• Share to Social Media: Options to post the route link directly to platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (as a link).
• Copy Link: This is often the most versatile option. Tap "Copy Link" to save the route's URL to your device's clipboard. You can then paste this link into any messaging app (WhatsApp, Messenger, Email), a calendar invite, or a document.
• Share via Other Apps: Depending on your phone's installed applications, you may see options to share directly to email clients, cloud storage services, or other fitness platforms.

Method 2: Sharing a Route from the Strava Website (Desktop)

Sharing routes from the Strava website offers similar functionality, often preferred for its larger interface and ease of copying links.

Step 1: Navigating to Your Routes Open your web browser and go to Strava.com. Log in to your account. From the top navigation bar, hover over "Dashboard" and then click on "My Routes" in the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can directly access your routes via strava.com/routes.

Step 2: Selecting and Viewing the Route On the "My Routes" page, you will see a list of all your routes. Click on the name or map of the specific route you intend to share. This will load the detailed route page.

Step 3: Utilizing the Share Options On the detailed route page, locate the sharing options:

• Share Button: Look for a "Share" button, often located below the route map or in a sidebar. Clicking this will typically open a pop-up with various sharing choices.
• Copy Link: Within the share pop-up, you will almost always find an option to "Copy Link" or "Copy URL." Click this to copy the route's unique web address to your clipboard.
• Social Media Icons: Direct links to share on Facebook, Twitter, or other platforms may also be present.
• Email Icon: An option to open your default email client with the route link pre-populated might be available.

Once the link is copied, you can paste it into an email, a team chat, a training log, or any other digital communication where you wish to share the route.

Important Considerations for Sharing Routes

When sharing routes, keep the following in mind:

• Privacy Settings: While routes themselves are generally public by default, ensure the activity you create from the route maintains your desired privacy settings. The route itself is a navigational tool, not a record of your personal activity.
• Route Accuracy: Encourage recipients to review the route details (distance, elevation, terrain) to ensure it aligns with their fitness level and equipment.
• File Formats: Sharing a route link is different from sharing a GPX or TCX file. The link directs users to the Strava page, where they can then download the file if needed.
• Group Ride Coordination: For group rides, consider sharing the route well in advance, along with other critical information like meeting points, start times, and expected pace.

Benefits of Sharing Routes for Training and Community

Sharing routes extends beyond simple navigation; it's a cornerstone of community and effective training:

• Standardized Training: Ensures all athletes in a group follow the exact same course, crucial for comparative analysis of performance and managing training load.
• Safety and Navigation: Provides clear directions, reducing the risk of getting lost, especially in unfamiliar areas or for complex routes.
• Community Engagement: Fosters a sense of camaraderie by enabling shared experiences and facilitating organized group activities.
• Knowledge Transfer: Experienced athletes can share their favorite or most effective training routes with newer participants, accelerating their development.
• Event Planning: Essential for race directors and event organizers to distribute course maps to participants.

Troubleshooting Common Sharing Issues

• Link Not Working: Double-check that you copied the entire link. Ensure the recipient has an internet connection to access the Strava page.
• Route Not Found: Verify that the route is saved in your "My Routes" section.
• Privacy Concerns: Remind recipients that the shared link is to the route itself, not necessarily to your personal activities on that route.
• App vs. Desktop Discrepancy: While features are generally consistent, minor UI differences might exist between the mobile app and the desktop site.

Conclusion

Sending a route on Strava is a simple yet powerful feature that enhances training, safety, and community engagement. By following the clear steps outlined for both mobile and desktop platforms, you can effectively share your planned courses with fellow athletes, ensuring everyone is literally on the same page for their next cycling, running, or walking adventure. Leverage this tool to optimize your training, connect with your community, and explore new horizons with confidence.