How to Use PedalsandPeaks GPX Files for Indoor Training

Indoor training doesn’t have to feel like you’re just staring at a wall, turning the pedals. With PedalsandPeaks, you can load real-world routes onto your devices and ride them indoors, following the exact climbs and terrain you see in the videos.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what a GPX file is, how to download it from the PedalsandPeaks website, and how to use it with your indoor training setup.

What Is a GPX File (and Why Should You Care)?

A GPX file is a simple file that contains route information:

• The path of the ride (the line on the map)

• Elevation changes

• Distance and turns along the way

Think of it as the blueprint of a ride.

With a GPX file, you can:

• Load the route onto a bike computer

• Use it inside compatible indoor training apps

• Recreate the PedalsandPeaks rides on your smart trainer

• Ride the same routes outdoors when the weather is good

It’s the link that connects the video you see on YouTube to the data your devices need.

Step 1: Downloading a GPX File from PedalsandPeaks

Using GPX files from PedalsandPeaks is simple. Here’s the basic flow:

1. Visit the PedalsandPeaks website
   Head to the ride or route page that matches the session you want to ride.

2. Find the GPX download section
   Look for a button or link labelled something like and purchase the route you like.

   • “Download GPX”

   • “Get Route GPX”

   • “Download Route”

3. Click to download
   Your browser will download a file with a .gpx extension.

   • On a computer, it will usually go into your Downloads folder.

   • On a phone or tablet, it may appear in your Files app or Downloads area.

4. (Optional) Rename it for clarity
   You can rename the file to something like:
   pedalsandpeaks_hill_climb_route.gpx
   This makes it easier to find later when you have multiple routes.

Now you’re ready to load it into your chosen device or app.

Step 2: Loading the GPX onto a Bike Computer

If you use a bike computer (like Garmin, Wahoo, etc.), you can follow the route indoors or outdoors.

General Process (Garmin, Wahoo, and similar devices)

Exact menus vary by brand, but the basic steps are the same.

1. Connect your bike computer to your computer or app

   • Via USB cable to your laptop/PC, or

   • Via the official smartphone app (Garmin Connect, Wahoo ELEMNT, etc.).

2. Import the GPX file

   • On desktop:

     • Open the brand’s route builder or uploader.

     • Choose Import or Upload GPX.

   • On mobile:

     • Open the app, look for Courses, Routes, or Navigation, then import the GPX file from your files.

3. Sync the device
   Once imported, sync your device so the route appears on your bike computer.

4. Ride the route indoors

   • If your bike computer is connected to a smart trainer, select the route and let the device control resistance (if supported).

   • If not, you can still follow along manually: watch your gradient on the screen and adjust trainer resistance to match.

5. Pair with a PedalsandPeaks video

   • Open the matching ride on the PedalsandPeaks YouTube channel.

   • Start the video and the route at the same time.

   • Now you’re riding the same climbs you see on-screen.

Step 3: Using GPX Files with Indoor Training Apps

Many indoor training platforms allow you to upload your own routes. While each app has its own layout, the idea is similar.

Typical Steps for Indoor Apps

1. Open your chosen training app
   Look for a menu like Routes, Custom Workouts, or Import.

2. Upload or import the GPX file

   • Choose the .gpx file you downloaded from PedalsandPeaks.

   • The app will convert it into a route with distance and elevation.

3. Select the route for your next session
   You’ll now see it listed among your available rides.

4. Pair your smart trainer and sensors
   Make sure your trainer, heart rate monitor, power meter, etc. are all connected.

5. Hit start and ride
   The trainer will usually change resistance to match the gradients from the GPX file, so you feel the climbs and descents.

6. Optional: Play the PedalsandPeaks video alongside
   You can run the training app on one screen and the YouTube video on another for a more immersive, “ride-along” experience.

Step 4: Training Tips for GPX-Based Indoor Rides

Once you’re comfortable loading routes, you can start using them more intentionally in your training.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Use Perceived Effort or Power Zones

Instead of just “riding until it hurts,” try:

• Assigning effort levels to different sections (easy, steady, hard)

• Matching your effort on climbs to a specific power zone or heart rate range

2. Repeat Routes to Track Progress

Choose a favourite PedalsandPeaks route and:

• Ride it once a week or once a month

• Track changes in:

  • Time to complete

  • Average power

  • Average heart rate

  • How it feels (RPE)

You’ll start to see fitness improvements in a very tangible way.

3. Mix Routes into a Weekly Plan

You can build a simple weekly structure, for example:

• Day 1 – Climb Focus: A hilly PedalsandPeaks route

• Day 2 – Endurance: A longer, steadier route

• Day 3 – Recovery: A shorter, easier session while still following a scenic ride

GPX files make it easy to repeat and structure those rides.

Common Questions

Do I need a smart trainer?
No, but it helps. With a smart trainer, the resistance changes automatically based on the route. With a basic trainer, you can still follow the route and video manually by adjusting resistance yourself.

Can I use the same GPX file indoors and outdoors?
Yes. You can ride it inside now and then load it again on your bike computer for an outdoor attempt later.

What if I’ve never used a GPX file before?
That’s okay. Start simple: download one route, load it onto your device or app, and just experiment. After you’ve done it once, it becomes second nature.

Ride the Route, Not Just the Trainer

GPX files are the bridge between PedalsandPeaks videos and your indoor training setup.

Instead of random rides, you can:

• Follow real routes

• Feel real climbs

• Track real progress

Explore the rides on the PedalsandPeaks website, download a GPX file that catches your eye, and give it a try on your next indoor session.

PedalsandPeaks is here to make your indoor rides feel like an adventure.
See you on the next climb. 🚴‍♂️⛰️