Running With Perseverance

The Garmin Fenix pretty much maxes out the technology I can have on my wrist, so I’ve had to turn my technology obsession to bike computers. Several people who do the Conte’s hill ride have some version of the Wahoo Elemnt, and once I saw its clear mapping and heard about its turn-by-turn directions, I couldn’t resist for long.

The perfect Father’s Day gift–for me! 🙂 

What Is The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt?

What is the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt? It’s a GPS bike computer that can track and display ALL your ride data. It can be paired with various sensors and heart rate monitors, but for now I’m content with focusing on MPH rather than RPM, so I didn’t get the full bundle.

After eyeing the display at Conte’s for a few weeks, I finally succumbed last weekend. I charged the device and download the Wahoo Elemnt app while my husband attached the holder to my handlebars. The basic set up was a cinch, but it took some playing around to figure out how to get routes loaded onto the app. (Once there, they automatically synch to the device.)

I linked the Elemnt app with my Strava and RideWithGPS accounts, but then realized I didn’t have the Conte’s route saved on Strava. I emailed the gpx file from Conte’s Strava page to myself and then was able to open the file into the Elemnt app. For RideWithGPS, I figured out that pinned routes–but not saved routes–would synch automatically.  

Testing Out The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt

I was eager to test out the turn-by-turn directions function, and luckily found a route on RideWithGPS that starts at a bike shop just a few miles from home. We rode there, and then I started the route. 

The detail and clarity of the map is amazing! I could read everything clearly even wearing (polarized) sunglasses on a bright sunny day.  When you’re following a route, the map shows a dotted track of where you’re going, and lists the next turn (direction, street name, distance) at the top. It beeps shortly before a turn, and beeps repeatedly if you miss a turn.

I had a general idea of where this route would take us, but didn’t memorize the details. The turn-by-turn directions were fantastic and I only got confused twice–at the same point coming and going. It also was interesting having my pace right in front of me. I was pleased to maintain 17-19 mph on the flat stretches and a bit chagrined to see 8 mph as I climbed the last hill home. 

I can’t wait to try the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt again on the Conte’s ride this weekend–and then at the Farm to Fork Fondo-Pennsylvania Dutch ride next week! While I’m still wary of cycling on the roads, at least this eliminates the worry of missing a turn and getting lost! 

I’m joining the Friday link up at Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness. 

Do you get obsessed with fitness gadgets?