Where to Bike New York City Rides can now be downloaded to mobile

 Rides can go to your computer, phone, or head unit.

New York, NY — Thanks to the recent bike boom, people have bikes.  But they don’t always know where to ride. 

 Where to Bike New York City has stepped in to help.  Author J.P. Partland, the writer behind Just Riding Along and Tour Fever, has updated the rides from his WTBNYC book, and adapted them for use in this connected era.  Possibly the first time a bike guidebook has been presented in such a way.  

 He has created downloadable rides that can be purchasedndividually or in a group from the Where To Bike New York City website.  Each individual ride is set up in two electronic files: a PDF file with important ride information and a turn sheet, and a GPX file with the route.  This way people can refer to the PDF, either by downloading it to a phone or tablet or by printing it out, so riders know what they’re getting in to, to bring along to refer to during the ride, and use the GPX file to allow their mobile device or bike computer to both show and tell them where to go while in the midst of the ride. 

 Partland believes this could be better than the book.  “While I love books, taking a book on a ride is cumbersome.  With downloadable rides, people can have a stash of knowledge that they can either get a feel for pre-ride and/or take along, and have a mapping app helping direct them during the ride.”

 He also believes this is better than building rides via a mapping app or scrolling through rides on social media. 

 "I’ve been using mapping apps for years.  At first, they didn’t work for bike riding, directing you onto highways, favoring busy streets, and taking you around roads, paths, and trails you could ride.  They’ve gotten better, but there are still issues.  While social media mapping sites can be easier, as you can find rides people have actually done, you still have the problem of not knowing anything but the little string trail; you don’t know what roads are busy, what roads are empty, what roads are paved, which ones are bike paths.  I once followed a route that took me through a grassy field between two roads.  I kept on doubting the directions until I rode through the grass to find a road on the other side.  Another time, I ended up on a loose clay road that sunk my 25mm tires.  And more than once, I’ve been deep in a ride without any idea of where to find water.  I hope my rides make it easier for people to get out riding, as they’ll know what to expect.”

 He has published rides located in all five boroughs of NYC, as well as Westchester and Rockland Counties, and eventually Orange County in

Partland loves a good wormhole; bike riding is fun and an adventure, and he likes to go beyond what’s known.  These rides will put you in the know; giving you confidence and helping you get out the door.

 Find the rides at http://www.wheretobikenyc.com/shop.