How to Plan and Share Routes with Your Convoy

Picture this: You're leading a group of 12 motorcycles on a weekend ride through mountain roads. You've picked the perfect route with scenic overlooks, great twisty sections, and a legendary burger joint for lunch.

So you text screenshots of your Google Maps route to the group chat. Half the people don't see it. Three people try to follow it but miss the lunch stop. Two riders take "shortcuts" and get completely lost. By the time everyone regroups, the mood is tense and you've burned an hour just trying to get everyone on the same page.

Sound familiar?

Route planning for convoys has always been unnecessarily complicated. We've been trying to force individual navigation tools to work for groups—and they just weren't designed for it.

This guide covers everything you need to know about modern convoy route planning: what actually works, what doesn't, and how to share routes so everyone knows exactly where you're going.

The Problem with Traditional Route Sharing

Method 1: Texting the Route

"I'll just text everyone the route before we leave."

What happens:

• Screenshots get buried in group chat history
• People join the ride last-minute and never see the route
• Route details are unclear (which gas station? which exit?)
• No way to track who's at which waypoint
• Route changes mid-trip require retexting everyone

Method 2: Google Maps Link Sharing

"I'll share the Google Maps link to the group."

What happens:

• Link only shows final destination, not intermediate stops
• Everyone navigates independently (different routes, different ETAs)
• Can't see waypoint progress for the group
• Requires switching apps constantly (maps → messaging → maps)
• No integration with group communication

Method 3: Everyone Follows the Leader

"Just follow me, I know where we're going."

What happens:

• Someone gets separated at a light or exit
• They have no idea where you're headed next
• Entire convoy has to pull over and wait
• No one knows where the planned stops are
• If leader makes a wrong turn, everyone follows blindly

Method 4: Verbal Instructions Over Radio

"Okay everyone, we're taking Highway 50 to Exit 127, then left on Mountain View Road..."

What happens:

• People forget the instructions 10 minutes later
• Radio signal cuts out mid-instruction
• Can't refer back to written directions
• New riders joining mid-trip have no reference
• Distances and waypoints are unclear

What Actually Works: Shared Waypoint Planning

The solution isn't complicated—it's just been missing from most convoy tools. Here's what you actually need:

Key Features of Good Convoy Route Planning

1. Leader Plans the Route Once — Search for destinations, add waypoints, set the order
2. One-Tap Sharing — Share the entire route (all waypoints) with every convoy member instantly
3. Everyone Sees the Same Route — All riders have identical waypoints on their maps
4. Live Distance Tracking — See exact road distance to each upcoming stop
5. Progress Awareness — Know which waypoint you're approaching and what's next
6. Tap to Navigate — Open any waypoint in Apple Maps or Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation
7. Integrated Communication — Route planning lives in the same app as your convoy comms

How Modern Convoy Route Planning Works

Step 1: Leader Creates the Route

The convoy leader (usually the ride organizer) opens the route planning interface and searches for destinations:

• Starting Point: "Joe's Motorcycle Shop, Seattle"
• Waypoint 1: "Snoqualmie Falls Overlook" (scenic stop)
• Waypoint 2: "Roslyn Cafe" (lunch)
• Waypoint 3: "Chevron Gas Station, Cle Elum" (fuel stop)
• Final Destination: "Leavenworth, WA" (end point)

Each waypoint is searchable by name or address. The app calculates road distances between each stop using actual routing APIs (not straight-line crow-flies distance).

Step 2: Share Route with Convoy

Once the route looks good, leader taps "Share Route" and it instantly broadcasts to everyone in the convoy trip. No links to copy, no screenshots, no separate messaging.

Every convoy member gets a notification: "Route updated by [Leader Name]"

Step 3: Everyone Sees the Route

All riders now see:

• Map markers for each waypoint (numbered in order)
• Distance labels showing road distance to each stop
• Waypoint list with names and distances
• Color-coded markers (green = start, teal = waypoints, red = finish)

Everyone's on the same page. No confusion about where you're stopping or in what order.

Step 4: Track Progress in Real-Time

As the convoy travels, the app uses geofencing (200-meter radius) to detect when riders arrive at each waypoint. Progress updates automatically:

• "You've arrived at Snoqualmie Falls Overlook"
• "Next stop: Roslyn Cafe, 47 miles"

This prevents riders from accidentally skipping waypoints or getting confused about which stop is next.

Step 5: Navigate to Any Waypoint

Need turn-by-turn directions to the next stop? Tap the waypoint marker and select "Navigate". The app opens your preferred navigation app (Apple Maps or Google Maps) with that destination loaded.

This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds:

• Convoy coordination lives in the convoy app
• Turn-by-turn navigation uses your preferred maps app

Choosing the Right Waypoints

Not all waypoints are created equal. Here's how to pick stops that make your convoy run smoothly:

Fuel Stops

• Choose stations with multiple pumps (6+ is ideal for large convoys)
• Pick stations with amenities (restrooms, food, shade)
• Consider the shortest fuel range in your group
• Avoid tiny rural stations that can't handle 10+ vehicles at once
• Mark stations near highway exits for easy on/off access

Food & Beverage Stops

• Restaurants with large parking lots (motorcycle groups need space)
• Quick service options for short breaks (coffee shops, fast food)
• Sit-down restaurants for longer meal stops
• Consider group size capacity (can they seat 12+ people?)
• Check hours of operation (especially on Sundays/holidays)

Scenic Overlooks & Photo Stops

• Safe pull-off areas with adequate parking
• Views worth the stop (don't over-stop for mediocre scenery)
• Keep scenic stops short (10-15 min) unless it's a planned break
• Bonus points for bathrooms or shade nearby

Rest Breaks

• Plan breaks every 1.5-2 hours for rider comfort
• Highway rest areas are perfect (free, bathrooms, picnic tables)
• Combine rest breaks with fuel or food when possible
• RV groups need pull-through parking and dump stations

Emergency/Safety Waypoints

• Mark hospitals along the route (just in case)
• Note motorcycle shops or repair services in remote areas
• Identify safe regrouping points if convoy gets separated

Distance Planning: How Much is Too Much?

One of the biggest mistakes in convoy planning is overestimating daily mileage. Here's realistic guidance:

Convoy Type	Daily Mileage	Average Speed	Notes
Motorcycle Groups	200-300 miles	45-55 mph	Twisty roads slower; highway cruising faster
RV Caravans	150-250 miles	50-60 mph	Larger vehicles = more fatigue, slower avg speed
Car Convoys	250-400 miles	55-65 mph	Can cover more ground, but factor in stops
Family Groups	150-250 miles	45-55 mph	Frequent stops for kids = lower averages
Off-Road Convoys	50-150 miles	10-25 mph	Trails are SLOW; plan accordingly

Route Planning Best Practices

Before the Trip

• Share the route 24-48 hours in advance so riders can review and ask questions
• Include estimated arrival times for major stops (helps with meal reservations)
• Mark optional waypoints vs. mandatory stops (clarity reduces confusion)
• Check road conditions and weather forecasts for the route
• Have a backup route in case of closures or bad weather
• Communicate expectations (pace, stop frequency, riding style)

During the Trip

• Announce upcoming waypoints over comms ("Next stop in 15 miles: gas station")
• Confirm waypoint arrivals ("Everyone made it to the overlook?")
• Be flexible with timing (don't rush if the group needs a break)
• Adjust route as needed (weather changes, mechanical issues, group preferences)
• Use waypoints as regrouping points if convoy gets separated

Multi-Day Trips

• Plan each day separately (don't overload the map with 5 days of waypoints)
• Share next day's route each evening at dinner or campfire
• Mark hotels/campgrounds clearly with check-in info in notes
• Build in rest days for longer trips (nobody wants to ride hard 7 days straight)
• Allow local exploration (not every mile needs to be convoy-style)

Comparison: Different Route Sharing Methods

Method	Pros	Cons
Text Screenshots	Quick, no special app needed	Gets buried, unclear details, no live updates, no distance tracking
Google Maps Links	Shows destination clearly	No waypoints, individual navigation, requires app switching
Printed Cue Sheets	No tech needed, works offline	Hard to read while moving, no GPS, easy to lose, can't update
GPX File Sharing	Precise routing data	Technical, requires compatible GPS, confusing for non-tech riders
Convoy App with Waypoints	Instant sharing, live distances, integrated comms, progress tracking	Requires app (but you're using it for comms anyway)

Common Route Planning Mistakes

1. Too Many Waypoints
Don't mark every single turn. Focus on major stops (fuel, food, scenic) and let navigation apps handle the turn-by-turn.

2. Unclear Waypoint Names
"Gas station on Highway 50" is unclear. "Chevron at Exit 127 - Highway 50" is specific.

3. Ignoring Vehicle Capabilities
Your sport bike can do 300 miles on a tank. Your buddy's cruiser might only do 150. Plan around the shortest range.

4. No Buffer Time
If the route is 200 miles and takes 4 hours solo, it'll take your convoy 5-6 hours. Budget accordingly.

5. Assuming Everyone Checks Their Phone
Share routes in the app, but also announce major waypoints verbally over comms.

6. Forgetting About Bathrooms
Seriously. Plan bathroom stops. Nobody wants to be "that person" who needs an emergency pull-over.

7. Overplanning the First Day
Keep Day 1 shorter and easier. Let the group find their rhythm before tackling long days.

Advanced Route Planning Features

Geofence-Based Arrival Detection

Modern convoy apps use geofencing (typically 200-meter radius around each waypoint) to automatically detect when you arrive. This means:

• No manual check-ins required
• Progress updates automatically for everyone
• You know who's at which waypoint at any time
• System prevents accidentally skipping waypoints (forward-only progression)

Road Distance Calculation

Straight-line distance is useless for convoy planning. You need actual road distance via routing APIs:

• Accounts for curves, switchbacks, and road networks
• Gives accurate fuel range planning
• Helps estimate realistic arrival times
• Shows true distance to next stop (not "as the crow flies")

Visual Waypoint Markers

Good convoy route planning uses color-coded, numbered markers:

• Green (start icon): Starting point
• Teal (numbered 1, 2, 3...): Intermediate waypoints
• Red (flag icon): Final destination

At a glance, you know the route order and where you're headed.

Real-World Scenario: Planning a Weekend Ride

Let's walk through a real example:

Scenario: 8 motorcycles, 2-day mountain loop, mix of twisty roads and scenic stops.

Day 1 Route:

1. Start: Bob's Garage, Portland (8:00 AM meetup)
2. Waypoint 1: Multnomah Falls Overlook (20 mi) — photo stop
3. Waypoint 2: Hood River Coffee Shop (45 mi) — coffee break
4. Waypoint 3: Shell Gas Station, The Dalles (75 mi) — fuel
5. Waypoint 4: Scenic Viewpoint Rd 21 (110 mi) — lunch spot
6. Destination: Bend Motorcycle Inn (200 mi) — hotel for night

How it works:

• Leader creates route Friday night, shares with group
• Everyone reviews waypoints, asks questions in group chat
• Saturday morning: Everyone joins trip, sees route on map
• As they ride, app shows: "Next: Multnomah Falls, 12 miles"
• Arrive at falls, app auto-detects: "Arrived at Waypoint 1. Next: Coffee shop, 25 miles"
• Leader uses comms: "Taking a 10-min break here, then heading to coffee"
• Everyone's map updates in sync, no confusion

Day 2: Leader creates new route with 5 waypoints back to Portland via different scenic roads. Shares it at dinner. Process repeats.

Why Route Planning Matters More Than You Think

Good route planning isn't just about efficiency—it's about group cohesion. When everyone knows the plan, trusts the leader, and can see progress, the vibe stays positive.

Bad route planning leads to:

• Stress and frustration
• People getting separated or lost
• Wasted time regrouping
• Arguments about directions
• Riders dropping out early because "this is too chaotic"

Good route planning creates:

• Smooth, enjoyable rides
• Clear expectations for everyone
• More time enjoying the journey, less time solving logistics
• Happy riders who want to join the next trip
• Memories of great roads, not navigation nightmares

The Future of Convoy Route Planning

We're moving toward integrated convoy systems where route planning, communication, and tracking are one unified experience. No more juggling five different apps.

What's coming:

• AI-suggested routes based on group preferences and riding style
• Weather-aware routing that avoids storms automatically
• Community-shared routes ("Top 10 Pacific Coast Highway stops")
• Integration with hotel/restaurant bookings at waypoints
• Real-time ETA adjustments based on convoy speed

But the core principle remains: Plan once, share instantly, everyone stays together.

Final Thoughts

Route planning doesn't have to be complicated. With the right tools, it's as simple as:

1. Leader searches for waypoints
2. Adds them to the route
3. Shares with one tap
4. Everyone sees the same route
5. Convoy stays together

Stop texting screenshots. Stop copying Google Maps links. Stop hoping everyone just "follows the leader."

Use tools designed for convoys, not individuals.