Route Navigation Guides

How to follow the ride with turn-by-turn and voice navigation.

We share our ride routes through Ride with GPS and also provide backup options for riders who prefer to use other cycling apps or offline navigation.

1. Navigate using Ride with GPS (Paid Subscription Required)

Ride with GPS is the easiest way to follow the route live on your phone or bike device. Turn-by-turn voice navigation is available with a paid Ride with GPS subscription.

Download the app:

Easy step-by-step:

  1. Install and open the app. Allow location and notification permissions when asked so the app can track your ride and provide alerts.
  2. Log in to your account. Sign in to your Ride with GPS account (or create a free account).
  3. Open the route link on your phone. Tap one of our Ride with GPS route links on the Event Info page to open the route directly in the app.
  4. Save or Pin the route. Tap Save or Pin so the route is stored under Library > Routes or Pinned for easy access.
  5. Download for offline use (Recommended). Tap Save > Download Offline so the map and cuesheet remain available even in areas with weak cell service.
  6. Start navigation. Open the route screen and tap the green Navigate button at the bottom.
  7. Follow voice and map prompts during the ride. Keep your phone mounted where visible and volume turned up to receive audio cues and turn-by-turn map directions.

Important: Turn-by-turn voice navigation in the app requires a paid subscription.

How to Turn on Spoken Directions
  • Open the Ride with GPS app on your phone.
  • Go to your profile or app settings menu.
  • Verify that Spoken Alerts and Audio Alerts on Phone are turned on.
  • Adjust your alert distance or speech speed preferences if available on your device.
Starting a Voice-Navigated Ride
  • Select a saved route from your library or plan a new one.
  • Tap the route name to open the full map view.
  • Press the Navigate button to start tracking and audio cues.
  • Listen for spoken commands as you approach upcoming turns.

For additional help and documentation, visit the Ride with GPS Quick Start Guide.

2. Download the Route as a GPX File

If you do not have Ride with GPS, you can still use the route by downloading the GPX files directly from our site and importing them into another app.

  1. Download the GPX file for the route you want to ride.
  2. Save the file to your phone or computer.
  3. Open your preferred navigation app and import the GPX route.
  4. Follow the route in the app while riding.
3. Navigate using OsmAnd Maps (Free Alternative)

OsmAnd Maps is a free option for offline navigation. It works well for rides when you want to follow a route without a paid subscription. You are welcome to use other free alternatives such as Komoot, BikeGPX, or Organic Maps, but we have found OsmAnd to be the best free option.

Download the app:

Easy step-by-step:

  1. Install and open the app. Allow the app to use your location and storage permissions when asked.
  2. Download the map for Pennsylvania. Open the app menu, then go to Maps & resources or Download maps. Choose the map for Pennsylvania or the Pennsylvania region, and download it before your ride.
  3. Download one of the GPX route files from this page. Choose the route you plan to ride and save the file to your phone.
  4. Import the route into OsmAnd. You can import the GPX file using either method:
    • Option A (From your Files app): Go to your phone's Files app or Downloads folder, tap the downloaded GPX file, and choose Open with OsmAnd.
    • Option B (Inside OsmAnd): Open the OsmAnd app, go to the main menu, tap My Places then Tracks, tap the three dots icon (⋮), and select Import track to choose your GPX file.
  5. Find the imported route in the app. Open the main menu and tap My Places then Tracks. Your file should appear there or in folder called import.
  6. Start the route. Tap the route file, then choose Navigate, Follow track, or Start depending on the version of the app.
  7. Turn on your navigation. Make sure GPS is enabled and the route is visible on the map. The app will show the route line and give turn directions.
  8. Use the route during the ride. Keep the phone mounted where you can see it. Follow the highlighted route line and the voice or on-screen turn prompts.

Before you leave home: download the Pennsylvania map, download the GPX route file, and test the route once in the app so you know where to find it on ride day.

For official documentation and detailed app guides, visit the OsmAnd User Guide.