GPX / TCX Courses

Now that I'm starting to cycle more again (see my cycling page), I thought I might as well share some of the courses I've recorded using my Garmin Edge 705. Having looked for courses on the Internet before riding events I've had mixed success; some are available, others not, and of those which are available not all are particularly accurate.

If I've gone off course for any reason then I've attempted to detail it in the index below. Do keep in mind that these files relate to courses which might change year by year; don't assume that it will be indentical. I've given my times so that you can use the TCX files to compare your pace with mine - but obviously don't aim to keep pace with me if you're planning to win! 

The TCX files also inculde elevation data. This is recorded by the 705 using its barometric altimeter, which tends to gradually change its readings during the course of a ride; in other words, if you were able to ride a perfectly flat course you'd probably find that it would record a long, gentle slope, either uphill or downhill. Therefore, whilst you are probably safe in assuming that a short, sharp hill on the profile will be there, you can't assume that the start and finish altitudes are particularly relevant.

Openstreetmap is a (fantastic) mapping project, and well worth looking into if you use a GPS. The GPX files I've linked to there are conversions from my TCX files, but can't be viewed overlaid onto the map on the site itself (except for editing purposes). There are a number of sites that will allow you to do this, or you can simply drag and drop the file into Google Earth.

Garmin Training Centre will need the TCX files, but the wonderful SportTracks (far, far better) will import any of these files (as well as your own, almost certainly) perfectly. 

Course / Event / Date Distance / Time Other notes Available downloads
E18/20 - Maldon & Dist CC Hilly - March 1st 2009 20 miles / 55:14 The short hill just after South Woodham Ferrers doesn't look as spectacular as Danbury on the course profile, but it's the one to take note of. Trust me, and if you don't, look at my speed at that point... Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)
E14/28 - Hainault RC Hilly - March 8th 2009 29 miles / 1:23:40 I suggest not doing the little diversion around Passingford Bridge roundabout - it slows you down. annoyed smiley Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)
BS31R - West Suffolk Wheelers 21 - March 14th 2009 21 miles / 55:16 Recording stopped maybe 50m beyond the finish line. Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)
E99/25 - Chelmer CC Hardriders 25 - March 29th 2009 25.5 miles / 1:08:51 Complete with convenient stops for traffic at some of the busier points on the course... Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)
BS5 - Haverhill Wheelers Hilly 20 - April 5th 2009 19.8 miles / 51:51 A fairly clear run on this one, apart from one driver who appeared not to understand what "one way" means in Clare High Street. There are two significant hills on this one, both in the second half. Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)
E9/25 - Essex Roads CC 25 - July 19th 2009 25 miles / 1:02:47 A clear ride - no delays. The wind was WSW 14mph - mostly crosswind -  so this tends to be fairly even all the way with a fast approach to the turn and finish. (and slower bits in the opposite direction...) Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)
B-25-17 - Diss & Dist CC 25 - July 26th 200925 miles / 1:01:16I died a bit (well, quite a lot, actually!) towards the end of this ride. No delays.Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)
E22/47 - Colchester Rovers 47 - August 2nd 200947.4 miles / 2:02:12A nice clear ride, with two fairly evenly paced laps. The altitude readings at the start are a bit out - you'll be able to see this because the two laps are at different elevations!Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)
B-10-38
Stowmarket & Dist CC 10 - September 6th 2009		10 miles / 23:12When I started cycling "seriously" again at the start of 2009 I said I wouldn't ride dual carriageway courses. I'd managed it until this ride, which reminded me why. Phil Hollingsworth, and East Anglian CC time trialling stalwart who's been around since I started time trialling  in 1983, was in collision with a car. Hope you're okay, Phil - get well soon. Anyway, I had a pretty clear run; it was a westerly wind, so it's much faster to the turn than the return leg. Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)
B-10-39R - CC Sudbury Club 10 - May 28th 2009 10 miles / 0:24:45 Fairly straightforward. This is the "10" course CC Sudbury use for their evening time trials, though they do also use several non-standard distance courses, too. Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)
CC Sudbury's Brent Eleigh course - July 2nd 2009 8.25 miles / 0:20:16 This course is actually downhill. It just doesn't feel like it! It's one of four courses CC Sudbury use for their evening time trials. GPX file / TCX file (zipped)
CC Sudbury's Acton course - July 9th 20098.1 miles / 0:20:32This is one of the four courses CC Sudbury use for their evening time trials. It's quite easy for the first two miles...GPX file / TCX file (zipped)
West Bergholt - VC Revolution Reliability Trial - February 1st 2009 50.3 miles / 2:46:28 I was the first rider back in the "silver" group, aiming for 2:45. This course would be useful if you are aiming for that standard. It was a windy day, so the pace fluctuates a bit! Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)
Playford - Ipswich BC Reliability Trial - February 22nd 2009 64.7 miles / 3:13:49 The group went off course at two points (Hollesley, where we missed the first left, and south of Woodbridge on the way back, where we avoided Sandy Lane). I was within 30 seconds of the first riders back in the fast ("3:30") group.  Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)
London Phoenix Easter Classic (sportive / reliability trial) - Fairlop - April 13th 2009 71 miles / 3:29:38 My actual time was 3:37, but the GPS was set to disregard "stopped" periods, of which there were several, due to (other people's) crashes as well as the check. There's one short section where I doubled back due to a crash; this may confuse the GPS slightly if following the route. Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)
Essex DA Windmill Ride 200km audax - June 28th 2009 131.5 miles / 8:40:35 (including stops -  7:34:08 without) This is a really lovely route. It should be almost exactly 130 miles, but I missed the Victoria CC club hut  at Ugley and had to double back to the checkpoint. The route will still work, although the distance to go will be slightly too great until that point. Openstreetmap GPX / TCX file (zipped)