Using Garmin Connect with incompatible GPS devices

Most people in the club are likely to be using Garmin devices that are compatible with Garmin Connect. However, if you're using an incompatible GPS device there is a way to export the GPX file from Garmin Connect, so you can get the club run routes onto your device. This method has been tested using Google Chrome only, but similar extensions may exist for other browsers.

1. Download Google Chrome, if you don't already have it:

www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/

2. Go to the Google Chrome Webstore:

chrome.google.com/webstore/category/apps

3. Search for: Garmin Connect

4. This should return one result for "GPX Downloader by Felix Kosmalla"

5. Click on the app icon to add the extension to Google Chrome

6. Once installed, you will see a new icon to the right of the address bar

7. Logon to Garmin Connect

8. Go to: Plan -->> Courses -->> Click on the route you want in the left-hand pane -->> View Details

9. Once the route is displayed fully, if the GPX Downloader extension is running properly, you will see a "GPX" button near the "Send to Device" button

10. Click on the GPX button to download the GPX file

11. Upload to your device using your normal method

12. Ride safe in the knowledge you will never get lost again*

This process was successfully tested using a Garmin Etrex device. Good luck.

--
Andy Mc

*You may still get lost

is it 'backwards compatible' to get the Sportive route onto a Garmin? ...... or am I just being not very good at technology??

I've got the sportive route in Garmin Connect here for anyone who wants it:

connect.garmin.com/activity/355551959

To put a route into Garmin Connect from a GPX file downloaded from elsewhere, you can go to:

*Upload
*Manual Upload
*Choose File
*Upload activities from file

That should do the trick

--
Andy Mc

Andy, thanks on doing the sportive route in Garmin Connect, was going to do that tonight so saved me at least one task.

Also while I do have a Garmin this is useful info as I've had a few friends and work colleagues ask similar questions about Connect and non-Garmin devices. Much appreciated.

thanks Andy.

I'll put my inability to get the GPX file onto my Garmin down to 'pilot error'

cheers

GarethS wrote:

Andy, thanks on doing the sportive route in Garmin Connect, was going to do that tonight so saved me at least one task.

No problem, all I did was export the GPX file from Mapometer and import it to Connect using the manual upload method.

It is possible to bypass Connect entirely, I believe, if you're just loading a route for personal use only. With the Garmin device connected, open the device in explorer and navigate to the Garmin/NewFiles folder and drag the GPX file into there. Once the Garmin is disconnected and started, any GPX files should be processed as courses. I haven't used this method in a long time, though, so I may not be 100% accurate with this.

--
Andy Mc

I can confirm that solution works fine as described. Don't forget you have to manually enable turn-by-turn guidance with new courses on the Garmin.

Note that using the above with an older Garmin (e.g. 705) it actually requires a different file to do directions. If you load it on as a "course" from Garmin Connect you can't seem to do directions from it

Hence why I just run it as a course and having looked at the route beforehand use it more as a prompt checking when memory tells me a turn is coming up.

Also (and again this might be only older Garmins) trying to use GPX files in anything other "tracks" from mapometer or mapmyride says it has too many points and causes the course/route to fail (had this for club 100 and last year's sportive from memory. Excuse to upgrade at some point I guess!

On my Etrex G, if a route has more than 50 waypoints, I can't create a route and use turn by turn navigation. I use basecamp to adjust the amount of waypoints should I want that option. You might want to investigate if your unit has a maximum amount.


FWIW, this also works on smartphone apps where you can import .gpx files. I tested it a couple of android apps and the route showed up fine.


Tony.

I'm glad to know its not just me that can only seem to import routes for 'training' rather than 'course' purposes. As you say, its a good excuse for a new toy at some point

Does anyone else use ride with GPS. As I find this one is more user friendly than garmim connect.
As I personally find it easier to read and map routes.