Meet Ściežka: A Free, Wind-Aware Route Planner and Bike Garage for Riders and Hikers
I built Ściežka (pronounced [ sez-ka ] , from the traditional European word for a winding footpath or hidden forest trail) for cyclists, bikepackers, randonneurs, and hikers who just want a fast, honest map without subscription traps. Why Another Route Planner? If you spend your weekends on a bike or on mountain trails, you have probably run into the same frustrations with big commercial apps…
Meet Ściežka, a free route planner and bike garage designed specifically for cyclists, bikepackers, randonneurs, and hikers who desire a straightforward mapping experience without subscription barriers. This tool emerged from personal frustrations with commercial apps like Komoot, Strava, and RideWithGPS, which often impose paywalls, require monthly subscriptions for GPX route exports, ignore wind direction, and lack paper cue sheets for all-day rides.
With Ściežka, users can create routes anywhere in the world by clicking on an interactive map. The platform provides detailed surface previews, categorizing terrain into smooth asphalt, compacted gravel, forest dirt, cobblestones, and singletrack. Once a route is set, users can effortlessly download a GPX file compatible with Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead Karoo, or any mobile navigation app without any cost.
A standout feature of Ściežka is its integration of live wind and weather data along the route. Users input their planned start time and average speed, and the app displays wind arrows for each kilometer of the journey, allowing riders to anticipate the impact of wind on their speed and finish time. This capability transforms a potentially strenuous ride into a more enjoyable experience by revealing stretches with favorable tailwinds and challenging headwinds.
The app even allows users to reverse their route with a single click, positioning the wind in their favor as they return home.
For those who rely on printed directions, Ściežka offers an A4 roadbook and cue sheet generator. This feature enables users to print a compact, foldable sheet detailing turn-by-turn instructions, elevation gains, water stops, and checkpoint times, ensuring that phone batteries or GPS malfunctions do not disrupt the ride. Additionally, the Virtual Bike Garage monitors the wear and usage of each bicycle component, alerting users when it's time to check or replace parts, thereby preventing costly damage to the bike.
All user data, including favorite trails and riding habits, remains private by default, ensuring personal information is secure unless the user decides to share specific routes with friends. Ściežka is currently in public beta, inviting users to test the tool for their next weekend ride or hike at scezka.com and provide feedback on additional features or map layers that could enhance their outdoor experiences.
Written by urgent.news from Dev.to's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
