Shikoku Tours CEO Rod Walters has been a keen cyclist for the thirty years he’s been in Japan. Back in the days before the Internet, Google Maps, and mobile phones, he estimated ride distances by arranging wet thread on a paper map and measuring it. It wasn’t a very satisfactory procedure, but it was the only way at the time. Fortunately, technology has made strides since then, and today we have Ride with GPS, a very convenient app for planning and recording rides. You can use the app on mobile devices, PCs, and ride computers.

Ride with GPS is great for planning rides. You can map out where you want to go in advance, on a PC or directly in your mobile phone. The app tells you how long the route is and shows elevation gained and lost, so you know what you’re in for. Then you can use the planned route to navigate. As you cycle, the app can record your route and speed. Also, photos that you take can be saved to the route at the end of the ride. You can share the finished route directly with friends, and you can post it to social media.

The app is used by people all over the world. To introduce great rides in various countries to these users, the company has introduced the Ride with GPS Ambassador program. Trusted tour operators in each region are assigned to post the best rides on the Ambassador page to showcase the cycling resources there. Shikoku Tours is the Ambassador for Shikoku, and we’re gradually assembling a selection of some cracking good rides on the island.

When you come to Shikoku, there’s a good chance you’ll spend some time on a bicycle. Before you start your ride, we recommend that you install Ride with GPS on your phone and make a record of your ride.