Cycling Contemplations

Strava

Planning Routes in Unfamiliar Territory

Smooth asphalt, low traffic, great views, and maybe a coffee mid-way. That’s all I ask for when cycling, and what I aim for when planning routes. Beginnings were difficult. I tried to guess which way to take, then usually hit potholes or gravel. With time, I collected techniques and tools that feed me the information I need to plan a quality ride.

Strava, What Are You?

Strava is having a crisis. They may not know it. They may even deny it vehemently, but it’s clear that Strava does not know what it wants to be. The really cool features remain underdeveloped, the important, but missing ones, are neglected, while random stuff gets piled on top. Without focus they’ll either sell out or shut down.

Strava Should Do Better Than Athlete Posts

Strava is transitioning, from one-of-many sports apps into the world’s first, proper social network for athletes. I find that very welcome, but the way they’re trying to get there—by inviting random content, marketed as Athlete Posts—is just copying what every other social network does already. It won’t help them build a feasible product.