GPS devices have many different file types that can be uploaded and downloaded using many different software. The most widely used file type is the .gpx file type. GPS Rides are best uploaded in the .gpx format as it is compatible with the most GPS software.

Using software to upload and download to your GPS unit
There is many different software available for you to use in getting your GPS data to and from your GPS unit. Each software may use their own file format when saving the data. These different file formats pose problems when sharing GPS data. The most commonly used file format for GPS data is .gpx.

GPSMotoRiders.com uses .gpx file format for all rides posted. A free and easy software for uploading and downloading gps files to your GPS can be found at www.easygps.com. I personally use the Expertgps that can be purchased from this site, however, the free version (EasyGPS) will allow you to get your GPS data from your unit to the website.

Preparing your GPS ride for upload
Once you have your Tracks and Waypoints loaded into your computer through your software; you will need to make sure your Ride file only has Track logs and Waypoints for that ride. Usually when you upload Tracks and Waypoints from your GPS to your computer you end up loading all of them. So, pulling out Waypoints and Tracks that are not part of your Ride will make things less confusing for people to follow and the reviews from other riders will be good.

Rides for Enduro, Sport Riding, and other rides that have unique trails or tracks can be marked with a Track log and any Waypoints for points of interest such as food, gas, or lodging. At a minimum a simple Track log will be needed for these rides.

Rides for Motocross Tracks, Road Racing Tracks or other places to ride where it is an organized place to ride can be marked with a single waypoint.

Once you have prepared your ride, save it as a stand alone file. This will make it easy for you to post it on the website and make it clear for people to follow.

Converting your GPS file to .gpx
If you prefer another software that saves Rides on a different format, that's OK too. At www.GPSbabel.org there is a free converter tool you can download. The software lets you convert most GPS file formats from one format to another. For GPSMotoRiders.com you should convert your files to .gpx. This tool is provided by a non-profit project on the web. The tool is free to download, but please donate to the project if you can. You can also upload your files to GPSMotoRiders.com in different formats, although some of the mapping features will not work until I go through and convert the file.

Uploading your Ride to the Website
Once you have prepared your ride for uploading to the website, log into the website. You will need to have a membership to upload Rides. If you have not registered, click on Register Now! to get your free membership. Log into your account and click on Submit a GPS Ride. Fill out the form and then click on submit. Once you have posted a site, you can view it in the search page unless the Ride is not a .gpx file. If your file is another format, it may take some time for us to get around to converting and reposting the file.

Now sit back and watch the review comments from people that have downloaded your Ride.

Downloading a Ride
To download a Ride, log into your account. Then click on the search button on the top left corner. On the search page, enter your search criteria and hit the search button. Go to the Ride you want then click the download button. Then save the file to a folder you can access from your software you use to upload it to your GPS. Now all you have to do is upload the ride to your GPS and go out and ride!