GPS Files for the Icicle Metric

Hints and procedures from Ride With GPS regarding the use of Garmin GPS devices. Download the GPS file in the format and distance that you need for the Icicle.

Due to possible last minute changes of the route, there is a hierarchy of precedence for the various methods of identifying the route. Note the following:

  • The route is marked on the roads and if in doubt, road markings take precedence over all other methods.  Last minute route changes will only be identified with road markings.
  • Printed cue sheets that will be distributed at the start of the ride are printed in advance of the ride, so they can not address any last minute route changes.
  • Uploadable files for GPS units that are available on this page have been created in advance of the ride from the same mapping program that created the cue sheets, so they can not address any last minute route changes.
  • Remember, if in doubt, follow the road marking!!

 

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[tab title=”Cue Sheet PDFs”]

Click a link below to download the Cue Sheet PDF:

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[tab title=”GPS Files”]

Click a link below to download GPS files:

 

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[tab title=”File Types”]

[headline margin=”margin-both” type=”h5″]KML File (.kml) [/headline]

Plots a path within Google Earth for viewing in a global environment.  Depending on the version of Google Earth, you may be able to export to another file format.

[headline margin=”margin-both” type=”h5″]TCX Course (.tcx) [/headline]

Best format for turn by turn directions on Edge 500.  Will provide true turn by turn navigation on Edge 800 including custom cue entries.

[headline margin=”margin-both” type=”h5″]GPX Track (.gpx) [/headline]

Useful for any GPS unit. Contains no Cue Sheet entries, only track information (breadcrumb trail). Will provide turn by turn directions (true navigation) on the Edge 605 and 705, but will not have any custom cues. Edge 605/705 users follow these instructions – http://ridewithgps.com/edge_705.

 

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[tab title=”Choosing the Right File Type”]

[headline margin=”margin-both” type=”h5″]Which file should I use?  [/headline]

An Edge 605 or 705 can use a TCX or a GPX Track. Each have their pros and cons, so read each description carefully to understand which file format is best for you.

[headline margin=”margin-both” type=”h5″]GPX Tracks [/headline]

This is the best format, as long as you do not need custom Cue Sheet entries.

 

A GPX Track contains the hundreds/thousands of points used to draw a map, but it doesn’t contain Cue Sheet note information, so any custom created Cue Sheet entries will NOT be present when you navigate this route. However, the GPS unit will strictly follow the plotted route and will also provide you with true navigation style turn by turn instructions, with a stylized map and a superimposed direction arrow. Additionally, the compass on your GPS unit will always point in the direction you need to go, and you can see your route plotted on the Edge’s map display. As long as you don’t need any custom Cue Sheet entries, this is the best format to use.

[headline margin=”margin-both” type=”h5″]TCX [/headline]

For navigation, good compromise between GPX Route and Track if you need custom Cue Sheet entries.

 

It offers the best of the GPX Track and Route – turn notifications while explicitly following the route you plotted on our maps. The downside is the lack of “true navigation”. It just memorizes the location of each Cue Sheet entry, and when you ride within 20-30 feet of the point, it beeps and says the name of the entry, such as “Left”, “Right” or “Food”. It doesn’t say “Turn left on 15th avenue”, and, if you approach this turn from the opposite direction (say you got turned around mid-route and came at the turn from the other side), it will still just say “Left”. But, once you recognize that limitation, the benefit of notifications plus staying exactly on track makes this, most likely, the most desirable format if your route contains custom Cue Sheet entries.

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[tab title=”Loading a File Onto Your Device”]

[headline margin=”margin-both” type=”h4″]OK, so how do I get the file onto my GPS device? [/headline]

To put a GPX file on your Edge 605 or Edge 705, export the desired file from the site. Once you have the file saved on your computer (remember where you saved it, whether that’s the desktop or downloads folder or wherever), you can transfer it to the Garmin. Every computer is different, but the general idea is that the Edge 605/705 acts like a USB thumb drive. Plugging it into your computer should allow you to view the files stored on the unit. Once you have it plugged in, open up the “drive” associated with the GPS unit, then open the “Garmin” folder inside the drive. You’ll now see a list of several files/folders. One of the folders is called “GPX” – if it doesn’t exist you may need to create it. You should copy (drag the icon) the file to this folder. Once done, safely remove the GPS unit. “Safely remove” means follow your systems instructions for removing a USB flash drive. This, on Windows systems, is usually done by clicking the remove hardware icon in the lower right corner of the screen, next to the clock. On OS X, you can eject the device from the Finder to accomplish this.

 

Once the file is transferred to the Edge and the Edge is safely removed from the computer, power the device up. You should be able to find your route under the “Courses” menu. From there it should be fairly self explanatory. Please practice navigating a route with something simple, around your neighborhood, and don’t try to do this the first time before a big ride with friends.

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