iMapMyRide

Developer: MapMyFitness
Category: Healthcare & Fitness
Version: 1.1.7
Release Date: February 20, 2009
Size: 1.3 MB
Price: Free
Rating 9/10

Did you know that the new stimulus package has a part that is all about biking? In the next 20 years 825 million bucks will be spent on this country's alternative transportation infrastructure. Hopefully a lot of that money will be spent here in Boston, where being a bike commuter is downright terrifying at times. But I still do it, logging at least 14 miles a day on my bike, messenger bag strapped to my back, weaving between cars and always on the look out for that deadly door swinging open. I have a little handlebar computer that logs my mileage, speed and a few other stats, but I recently began using iMapMyRide and last week I stopped bringing my computer with me altogether.

iMapMyRide uses the iPhone's GPS to track the distance, time and pace of your rides, as well as the route itself. Where it starts to move ahead of my computer is that it synchs with the my iMapMyRide account online at iMapMyRide.com. With the website I can view my rides in Google Earth and if I wanted post them to my blog or web-site I could. It would actually be cooler if I could put that info on my Facebook account where my other riding friends could easily view it, maybe in an update. On the phone itself I can keep a complete, easy to read history of my ride stats.

The app has a social networking aspect to it if you are a pack rider. There are forums covering every topic available in the bike world, as well as a section where you can find riding partners. There are also lists of cycling events, and the app can even download classic tour routes if you are on a cycling vacation like say France (dream). When someone puts out a handlebar clip for the iPhone this app will be complete, and will be able to replace any computer for cyclists who are not overly weight conscious. As an aside, iMapMyRide also has settings for runners and walkers too.

I've got to plug commuting by cycling. You will arrive at work energized, you get some introspective time, you save literally hundreds and hundreds of dollars on gas, you reduce carbon emissions, you lose weight and tone up and lots of other good things. This free app is a great one for riders of all abilities, and if you are a newcomer, I think it will amaze you when you look at your collective stats and see just how much ground you can cover in an earth and body friendly manner. get out and ride, and if you've got an iPhone, use iMapMyRide. It's a no risk addition to your life.