Indoor cycling app, ROUVY, which lets users ride real routes around the world, has launched ROUVY Route Creator. The new feature allows riders to… ‘Create their own routes in the same quality as ROUVY official routes without any extensive technical knowledge and ride them on the platform.’
ROUVY adds that… ‘Whether you want to train on a race route you’re preparing for or simply ride a favourite local route, with ROUVY Route Creator you can easily convert your personal video recording into a virtual route to ride at home in just a few simple steps.’
Having previously allowed users to upload videos to the platform which could then be ridden in a first-person view, the new ROUVY Route Creator takes this concept to the next level. Riders can now see and interact with one another on a route. Each route can then be customised with other objects.
Using GPS-enabled recording equipment, such as the latest GoPro models, ROUVY users can record and upload routes manually. ROUVY’s system then creates a covering model, working with real shades and route profiles to create a 3D route.
ROUVY’s model adds depth, meaning that whilst riding if a fellow rider’s avatar ahead turns a corner or passes an opaque feature such as a building, tree or roadside verge, they disappear from view as they would in the real world.
This 3D model is applied to the original high-definition video footage, resulting in an immersive rideable environment. This also allows the addition of 3D models such as other riders, start or finish gates, or fans alongside the route.
Accurate gradients are then applied to the finished route and smoothed for compatibility with indoor smart trainers. This is drawn from and verified against a combination of rider-imported GPS and Google API data.
ROUVY already offers users over 1,500 high-definition, augmented reality routes from an array of locations, as well as recognisable routes from around the world and across the sport of cycling. This selection of routes available to users is now set to evolve with new, user-generated contributions.
Co-founder and CEO of ROUVY, Petr Samek, said “What started as an idea from feedback from our users has developed into a unique and innovative platform to further engage with riders and provide them with the best indoor cycling experience possible.
“It’s a hugely exciting step forward both for ROUVY and also the indoor cycling community, leveraging user-generated content and innovative technological processes to further increase the level of global exploration and immersion possible from your own home. We’re really excited to see the routes and rides that our growing global community brings to life in new and unique ways.”
From the basics of lighting conditions and reactive shadow placements to lane positioning and the resulting reactivity when passing other riders on a road to avoid any virtual confrontations with oncoming traffic, a range of customisation is available. This includes a growing range of graphical elements including banners and flags, branded inflatables, roadside support and sound effects.
How It Works
- Route Recording – use a GoPro with GPS (additional recording device compatibility in development) to record a route following a defined set of parameters including camera height and positioning, speed, uninterrupted recording and ideal distances.
- Upload, Preparation and Processing – once happy with the recording, upload the route file onto the Route Creator portal, separate from the ROUVY app. Once complete, users can smooth out any stops or interruptions during the route, such as traffic lights or junction stops. A traffic light system then confirms whether or not the route is ready for processing.
- Customisation – once processed, the user is presented with an augmented route which can be customised with a range of features and tools. These include: initially setting up the shadow positioning in relation to the light conditions on the road to lane positioning around the route, and the range of visibility ahead once other riders are on the route. Then there’s a range of route banners, branding, roadside supporters and fun elements that can be dropped into the route too. Users can even set time splits and segments within the route for training. Furthermore, if so inclined, the user can also edit the gradient of the route to mimic easier or harder conditions.
- Completion – once finished, the route is saved and stored on ROUVY’s servers to avoid any data storage requirements on the user’s end. This route can then be saved as private or public, the latter allowing other users around the world to ride it too.
ROUVY Route Creator is currently available in Beta to waitlist subscribers on a gradual rollout, in order to manage demand as capacity increases. The system will next be publicly showcased at London’s Rouleur Live event in November 2024.
