The best way to create a route is to upload directly from your Garmin GPS unit using our upload tools here. This link is available off of the ladders page by clicking the "Upload My Ride" button.
If your GPS is not supported by these tools, it is also possible to create a route by uploading a GPX file; however, due to the wide variety of tools used to create GPX files and variable conformance to the GPX file format, our support for this route creation method is limited.
It is necessary that the GPX file you upload have a .gpx extension.
All that is necessary for the initial route creation is a name for the route, and the .GPX file. These can be uploaded to the geoLadders site from the route creation page.
If you make a route publically viewable, please make sure that it is a legal route, not crossing private property, and note safety information prominently.
If you want other people to be able to ride the route, or wish to get more points for riding the route, you will need to create route directions. This involves capturing waypoints in your GPS unit at places where the path forks, or where other people riding the route might need information to follow the trail correctly and safely.
While you are capturing waypoints, it is a good idea to take pictures with a digital camera of these points, or other sites of interest. These pictures can help jog your mind about the trail as you write directions, as well as helping others to see what you are talking about.