By Thomas Henson
Smartphones are everywhere. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, these devices seem to be used more for games with an objective of bursting little colorful bubbles than for arguably more healthful activities. Whenever I see useful information about technology that allows people to improve their health, I jump on the opportunity to share it. This month I set out to find a list of apps that I hope will motivate all cyclists to get out and be active. Here are a couple of my favorites, as well as some new ones unveiled by my search.
RGreenway By Eric Majewicz
RGreenway is a fantastic app exclusive to the Capital Area Trail System. Users get the luxury of mapping all of Raleigh’s public recreational trails. The app shows a list of greenway trails closest to their current location, detailed descriptions of each greenway’s mileage, whether the path is paved or unpaved, and additional resources available through Triangle Wiki. With RGreenway expect to always have your next route in Raleigh planned for you to enjoy and explore to the utmost. RGreenway is free to download for iOS and Android users.
Strava By Strava, Inc.
While there are many GPS cycling apps, in my opinion, Strava stands out as one of the most popular and unique. The app allows users to record personalized or locally developed routes, as well as keeping track of ride time, distance, speed, calories burned, elevation gained, and more, through online Strava profiles. But what gives this app an edge over many others is its local leadership board feature. If you’re the competitive type, you will be in cycling paradise, as Strava allows users to view the fastest completion times of local cycling routes. What better way to motivate cyclists to push themselves than to incorporate a friendly competition within the neighborhood? Strava is free to download for iOS and Android users. But if you’re looking to take your training to the next level, then get access to personalized coaching, live feedback, and an advanced analysis of your training progress with Strava Premium. The cost is $6/month or $59/year, and for the Tour de France dreamer in all of us, it may be the best money you ever spend.
Bike Gear Calculator By MatixSoft, Inc.
From physical training to bike maintenance, there are many factors that contribute to a cyclist’s overall performance. So what else can a rider do to optimize his or her cycling experience? More advanced cyclists often set themselves apart with technology and obsessive tracking of information. For those in this category, do yourself a favor and download The Bike Gear Calculator app. This tool offers on-the-spot calculations for riders who crave details such as cadence, crank length, gear and gain ratios, speed, and pedal rotations, all based on personal bike specifications. The app also allows users to create comprehensive tables to record measurements such as gear inches, development, and speed, and even determine the number of pedal rotations a route will require using a particular gear ratio. Bike Gear Calculator offers a free version to download for iOS and Android users but also offers a full version for just $1.99 that gives full access to all of the app’s capabilities.
Bike Repair By Atomic Softwares
Cycling is a sport that depends on proper functioning of our equipment. And while there are great bike repair shops in our area, it’s always rewarding to be able to save a little extra cash by fixing the simpler issues ourselves. Whether or not you are mechanically inclined, the Bike Repair app provides a simple and complete maintenance and repair guide for users. With over 50 detailed photo repair guides and almost 100 tips and tricks, including suggestions on how to alleviate riding aches and pains, the app is healthy for both the bike and rider. And for some added bonuses, the app compares prices among online bike retail stores, headlines cycling news feeds, and notifies users of local weather forecasts. Bike Repair is $3.99 and is available to download for iOS and Android users.
While these apps are examples of the types of tools that can help cyclists, remember the app world is full of wondrous options from which to choose. With a little research, you can find apps that fit your particular needs and personality. So grab your helmet, grab your phone, fire up your favorite app, and hop on your bike!
Ride safe, and I will see you on the road!
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Thomas Henson Jr. is an avid cyclist, and finds much happiness in bike rides with his family and friends. He leads the complex injury litigation department of HensonFuerst Attorneys. He can be contacted at ThomasHenson@lawmed.com.
