How to get the route onto your navigation device

While we've done everything we can to make this as easy as possible, we know that not everyone has followed a GPS route before.

We've used an app called Komoot to design the Spell It Out route and they have an extensive Support section on their website. But don't hesitate to email georgie@thighsofsteel.com if you're having trouble.

For this to work, you will need the link to your letter route and the free Komoot map code that we emailed you. Contact georgie@thighsofsteel.com if you didn't get an email.

How are you going to navigate?

Smartphone

GPS Computer (Wahoo, Garmin, etc.)

1. Redeem your free Komoot maps by going to www.komoot.com/g and entering the code that we emailed you. You'll need to set up a Komoot account or log into your existing one. Note: this code will ONLY work on www.komoot.com/g
2. Download Komoot onto your smartphone from Google Play or iPhone App Store
3. Click on the link to the letter route that we also emailed you - it should open automatically in the app
4. Click 'Create a Copy of this Tour'
5. BOOM! The tour is now yours and saved on your smartphone. You can find it under your profile, in your pile of planned tours - it'll be the only one if you've only just joined Komoot!
6. When you're ready to roll, hit the green button that says 'NAVIGATION' :))

PRO TIP: We'd recommend flipping the pin toggle 'Store for offline use' so that you can have your phone on airplane mode during the ride to save battery.

1. Redeem your free Komoot maps by going to www.komoot.com/g and entering the code that we emailed you. You'll need to set up a Komoot account or log into your existing one. Note: this code will ONLY work on www.komoot.com/g
2. Click on the VIP link to the letter route that we also emailed you
3. Click 'Create a Copy of this Tour'
4. Follow Komoot's instructions for syncing up with your GPS device
5. BOOM! Your tour should automagically appear on your synced GPS device

If it doesn't, you can do it manually:

1. On the Komoot tour page, click the button that says 'Export to GPS Device'
2. This will download a GPX file
3. Follow your usual rigmarole for getting a GPX file onto your GPS computer

Wait - what the heck is Komoot?

Komoot make brilliant cycling maps and they have given us loads of free ones for you to use during Spell It Out.

As a Spell It Out rider, Komoot are giving YOU a free region bundle of maps (normal price is £8.99 so thanks Komoot!). This allows you to unlock turn-by-turn voice navigation and offline maps — perfect for finding your way around our weird and wonderful letter routes.

What you get:

• Save routes offline: Download your route ahead of time to always know where you’re going — even when you’ve got no internet
• Be told when to turn: With Komoot’s turn-by-turn voice navigation, you’ll never miss a turn
• Track in flight mode: With your route saved to your phone, enable flight mode to use as little battery as possible while still being reliably navigated by Komoot
• Sync with your GPS device: Using Garmin Connect or the Wahoo ELEMNT apps, you can easily sync your route in just a few taps for tracking on your devices

Get your free maps now by going to www.komoot.com/g and entering the secret code that we emailed you.

How to record your ride

Smartphone with Komoot

1. Please make sure that you are at the start of the letter, otherwise Komoot will be clever and navigate to the start for you and the letter will come out looking weird.
   
2. When you're at the start, press NAVIGATION. Komoot will automatically start recording your ride.
   
3. If you're spreading the ride over more than one day, that's totally fine. Just press STOP when you've finished for the day or (IMPORTANT) when you go off route because your campsite is 5km away.
   
4. When you come back to the tour the next day, resume the recording. It's no problem for us if you end up with two or more recorded tours.
   
5. Press STOP when you get to the finish line!
   

GPS Computer (Wahoo, Garmin, etc)

This will obviously depend on your device so please refer to the user manual / Youtube. :)

Double check that your device really is synced with Komoot - that'll make the next phase super easy!

How to upload your ride when you've finished 🏁

CONGRATULATIONS! You did it!

Whether you recorded using Komoot on your smartphone or using a GPS computer connected to Komoot, the process is the same.

1. Follow Thighs of Steel on Komoot if you're not already!
2. Go to your finished tour page on Komoot
3. Click 'Tag participants' - or 'Edit participants' if you've already tagged your team mates
4. Search for your new friend 'Thighs of Steel' and tag us in the tour
   
5. Repeat steps 2-4 if you've got more than one tour to share
   
6. That's it!

What happens next? We'll upload your route to a massive map and you'll be able to see, quite literally, how you have helped make refugees welcome!

If you recorded your ride without using Komoot, that's also fine. Just send the GPX file to georgie@thighsofsteel.com and we'll do the clever stuff.

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Past Rides & Testimonials

First-hand experiences, anecdotes and accolades from past riders