As we are moving into Week 3 of the 100 Mile Sportive Programme, the rides are starting to become quite lengthy, and the long ride is over 25 miles. You may ride the same general routes because you know where to go and what to expect. But while familiar roads and trails are nice, the training plan will require you to switch it up so that you can hit the target distance or elevation. Other times you may not have a choice – you may be travelling with work and need to find out where to go cycling.

When you are ready to step out of your comfort zone and venture onto new roads, planning a cycle route will be very important. Firstly, ask other cyclists about their favourite routes and use local knowledge about which roads are quietest, and which of the busier ones have cycle lanes; secondly, take a look at the website of a local cycling club who will often publish routes.

Hopefully, you will be looking for an adventure, wanting to ride in unfamiliar places and that’s where maps and mapping software comes in. Kerry Bircher, head coach at Revolution Cycling rounds up the best online mapping tools, which allow you to easily map your cycling routes and view routes saved by others.