using a cell phone for tracking while cycling

[BDF]

You can enable Garmin's "Live Tracking". I'm not sure if the Forerunner 705 can do it though. When enabled, it sends an email ling to whoever you want. They click the link, it opens a map with all your tracking date, including HR, speed and all those things. I use it when I am out on my own for a long ride. You need the Garmin app on your phone to be open and active, and you need your phone to be connected (via BT) to the head unit.

 

Life 360 is far easier though!

All these chomp battery though.

[WrightJnr]

Life360. Been using it for over a year now. My Mrs can see where I'm suffering on my early morning rides. Works brilliantly across many platforms and it's free!!

[J∆kk∆ls]

The Lady and I use Friend Finder App iOS. It works a charm! 

[Messier87]

ViewRanger's buddy beacon is another option. Being tracked or tracking others will obviously require signal, but the app is useful without signal as well. You can download offline terrain maps if going into remote areas.You can also set how often it uploads your position and hence limit battery usage.

 

Been using it a lot some time ago. There is a slight learning curve and I'm sure easier options exist. As far as I know the app is aimed at outdoors type usage and even rescue services.

 

When riding alone in unknown areas I always download a topographical map of the area (which often include the trails) and then I am able to navigate by myself without too much trouble.

 

Position can be seen by another mobile buddy or on a PC at home.

[scotty]

Google have an android find phone function using a PC, claims to be accurate to within 23 meters. 

 

 

[New Landy new life]

You can use the endomondo app - it's free but your wife will need to be on your "friend" list so she can view it via the website.  You put on the app while riding and she can view your tracks live 

[PhilipV]

We use life360. It can even cross over the ithingy/android divide.

I have an older phone that I give to my driver to phone me, and I sommer use it to track him as well.

[confused_biker_chic]

You can use mySOS's Track Me function. Set the timer for however long your ride is going to be, if you don't clear the timer an sms is sent to your emergency contacts with your route info (mySOS keeps tracking the phone). Otherwise route and updated positions can be viewed on the website. Battery life not an issue, I've used it for 8 hour rides.

[michaelbiker]

Find Friends on iOS if you have an iPhone. Wife uses it all the time, I can't even sneak out for a pint at the pub without her knowing! You have been warned...

 

Cyclemeter has this interesting feature where it will post when you start a ride to Facebook and then it will read back comments your mates make while you are riding.

[Slowbee]

thanks guys - but lets say you are out for longer than 10 hrs, you will need to find a way to power the cell phone if you are using apps. Something I am trying to avoid - but we will see.

 

I found a usefull thread (changed keyword search)

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/156934-personal-tracking-device/page-2

 

I might throw a bit of money at this as the wife likes the idea of knowing where I am on a ride and this seems a good long term solution. I particularly like the idea of an SOS function on the unit if something goes wrong.

 

But then again, need to weigh up keeping a cell phone charged and it using an app.

 

http://africa.findmespot.com/en/

[Pieter1]

If you and your wife both happen to have iPhone, your wife can track your position via the messaging service (by clicking on your name at the top of the screen), however you need to first allow this tracking from your phone.

How do I turn this feature on?

#nevermind I figured it out. It is pretty sweet. My wife often gets worried if I go on a long ride/run.

[Skylark]

thanks guys - but lets say you are out for longer than 10 hrs, you will need to find a way to power the cell phone if you are using apps. Something I am trying to avoid - but we will see.

 

I found a usefull thread (changed keyword search)

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/156934-personal-tracking-device/page-2

 

I might throw a bit of money at this as the wife likes the idea of knowing where I am on a ride and this seems a good long term solution. I particularly like the idea of an SOS function on the unit if something goes wrong.

 

But then again, need to weigh up keeping a cell phone charged and it using an app.

 

http://africa.findmespot.com/en/

A 10000mah powerbank which is not much larger than a pack of ciggies can fully charge most phones 3 times per charge, that's a good few days of riding if you only really use the phone for tracking your movements.

[Bateleur1]

Find Friends on iOS if you have an iPhone. Wife uses it all the time, I can't even sneak out for a pint at the pub without her knowing! You have been warned...

 

Cyclemeter has this interesting feature where it will post when you start a ride to Facebook and then it will read back comments your mates make while you are riding.

 

This is an indication that it is time to find your local Facebook Anonymous group. 

[BDF]

This is an indication that it is time to find your local Facebook Anonymous group. 

Would that be: FAG for short?

[Bateleur1]

Would that be: FAG for short?

 

[Slowbee]

so I looked at the spot 3

http://www.findmespot.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=29

 

umm about R3000 for the unit in south africa and about R2550 a year for subscription.

 

Lots of pro's for having a device like this, but it is expensive. An sos button, a button to press if you are ok and fixing a mechanical. Not cell phone reliant (so can use when 4 x 4ing). Also has a function to send upto 10 ppl a message that all is ok. 

 

BUT, a cell phone with power bank offers the same thing, assuming you have signal!