How to Find the Best Local Routes Wherever You Travel: Thread + Spoke

A quintessential part of cycling is discovering and mastering new routes. The natural desire to explore and champion new perspectives in the saddle can be madly fulfilling. Whether you’re saving up for a big post-quarantine trip overseas or packing up the van for a trip across the country, knowing where and how to find what you're looking for is crucial. 

Luckily, there are a variety of ways to plan that memorable local ride you won't forget. The following tips and tricks should be exactly what you need next time you’re on the hunt for a noteworthy ride in an unfamiliar place: 

Strava: The app’s updated route-builder feature helps you find the best rides in the area based on data and insights collected from anonymized Strava activity. The app displays the most frequented paths and roads used by other riders. This makes it easy to find, customize, and adapt routes based on your interests, skills, and the eventual destination. Once you've sorted through the preferences like preferred elevation, among others, simply save and upload the route. 

Trek Travel: If you're a more hands-off type, Trek Travel might be the best option for you. Trek Travel packages cover everything from logistical transportation, accommodations, to meals, and routes. Every trip is guided by two local guides who know the area. This way, there is no missing out on any scenic highlights, restaurants, or cafes. Trek Travel offers everything from casual e-bike tours to explorer trips across the globe. 

Velo Guide: The Velo Guide app eliminates the guesswork of finding a new route by connecting you with a local cyclist that acts as your tour guide. The app's features help set up a route based on ability level, interests, and style of riding. Velo Guide is available in over 600 cities and 75 countries, making it a popular option for travel fanatics.  

Ride with GPS: Whether you are interested in building your own route or finding a pre-planned one, Ride With GPS can be especially helpful. Simply search based on city or zip code, set a desired distance and elevation gain, then filter through the results based on popularity. Most of the popular routes include cue sheets and photos so you can know exactly what to expect before you head out. More than that, Ride With GPS makes it easy to connect with local clubs, experts, and shops around the world. 

There is never any harm in making new friends and connections wherever you travel. Whether it be out on the trailhead or in the shop, making connections is a fulfilling technique of learning valuable inside information on local routes and trails. 

At the end of the day, isn't that what it’s all about? In a time when people are more disconnected and detached than ever before, safely reaching out to others can give you something much greater than the rush of a new ride. 

At Thread + Spoke, we value the intimate connections brought to us by the sport we all adore. As a result, our mission is to continually create high-quality cycling apparel for those who share this same passion. For more information on local routes or Thread + Spoke apparel, explore our website collections today. 

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