RWGPSRide with GPS Available on Self Guided Bike Tours

Since partnering with Ride with GPS, our downloadable GPS route notes have expanded to all Active Tours biking vacations! Ride confidently with FREE turn-by-turn voice navigation and custom maps, right on your iPhone or Android! Before the start of your bike tour, we’ll email instructions, so you can download the app and routes to your smartphone. When you’re ready to roll, just attach your phone to the provided mount, and let the voice navigation guide you.

 

What is Ride with GPS:

RWGPS1Ride with GPS (RWGPS) is a bike route mapping and navigation tool. Active Tours has partnered with Ride with GPS, to bring you custom downloadable GPS route notes! Ride confidently with FREE turn-by-turn voice navigation and custom maps, right on your iPhone or Android!

 

 

How does it work:

An e-mail will be sent to you prior to your tour. You will be prompted to download the app, enter a “shortcut code” and your e-mail address (for security, not for marketing), to gain access to your routes. When you’re ready to begin biking, just attach your phone to the provided mount, and let the voice navigation guide you.

Do I have to create an RWGPS account:

No. For simple navigation, an account is not required. Creating a personal Ride with GPS account is a free option if you wish to save your rides.

If I do not have a smartphone :

Custom paper route notes and maps will continue to be available to guests on tour.

Does it matter what kind of smartphone operating I have ?

Ride with GPS works on either iPhones or Android phones. The app requires the following operating systems: iPhone operating system version 10.3, 11.x, and 12.x or newer; or Android 5.0 or newer (“Lollipop” through “Pie”). Note: These numbers do not refer to the iPhone version name, but rather to the operating system version.

Do I need to use Data or Wifi while navigating ?

No. Prior to your departure, download the maps and routes which will make them accessible offline. The Ride with GPS app uses no data for navigation and can be used while your phone is in Airplane mode. You do NOT need to purchase a foreign data plan to use RWGPS if you are traveling outside of your country.

Will the application drain my battery ?

The app uses some battery. You can conserve battery by taking the following steps: download the maps for offline use before you arrive, put your phone on Airplane mode while riding, keep the screen off as much as possible when not in use, turn off other apps, reduce screen brightness and charge your phone whenever you have access to an outlet. We recommend bringing a portable cell phone power bank to recharge your phone on the go. We also recommend a local electrical adapter if traveling to a foreign country.

How much phone memory will downloading maps and routes ?

The phone memory used in downloading a map and route will vary depending on the length of a route. A typical 30 mile route will take about 10MB of space.

How will I see the map ?

You should not need to see the map unless you want to stop and turn your screen on to look at it. You will use the turn-by-turn voice navigation. A visual cue for a turn notification will flash over the lock screen to go with the audio alerts.

How will I attach my phone on the bike ?

We will provide a universal mount that fits most standard-sized phones.

What happens if I go off the route ?

Unlike a car GPS, the RWGPS app will not re-route you if you go off-course. The app will give you a notification sound and a written prompt as to the direction and distance to get yourself back to the course from where you left it. You may wish to stop and look at the map on your phone’s screen to visualize getting back to the route.

User Tips

Ideas for phone safety and efficiency:

  • Protect your phone with an external phone cover and a screen protector.
  • Always keep your phone with you when you are not on your bicycle.
  • When removing your phone from the bike mount, always keep one hand on the phone.
  • If you do not need to make or receive calls and messages, then place your phone on airplane mode while riding.
  • Monitor your battery level and consider bringing a portable power bank to recharge your phone mid-day. Keep Active Tours paper route notes with you as a backup.
  • Recharge your phone completely each evening.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Active Tours will not be responsible for any loss or damage to your personal smartphone, nor for any data charges incurred at any time. It is your sole responsibility to manage your personal property.

Click to discover the instructions for using the application