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Recreate your favourite rides to keep the memory forever - in 3D print

North Wales start-up PrintMyRoute produces terrific-looking 3D models from GPS data

Have you done a memorable ride this year, or know someone else who has and still haven’t decided what to get them for Christmas?

Well, thanks to North Wales-based PrintMyRoute, launched earlier this year, you can get a 3D printed model of your ride based on your GPS data of it.

So, whether it was a major sportive in the UK, or that ascent of the Col du Tourmalet, Alpe d’Huez or Mont Ventoux that you’ve been planning to tackle for ages, you can have a permanent memento of it long after the aches and pains have faded.

PrintMyRoute - Zwift Wattopia.PNG

PrintMyRoute Zwift Wattopia

Founded in Colwyn Bay by Jake Morgan, PrintMyRoute doesn’t just specialise in cycling – they will also transform trail running or full or half marathon routes, for example, into 3D.

Morgan, who purchased his first 3D printer just four months ago drawing his inspiration from visualisations of Tour de France stage profiles, started off by printing his own rides in Snowdonia and the Colwyn Bay area.

“I love working with data and maps and I thought it would be a cool idea to see what a 3D printed model of my own local cycle rides would look like,” said Morgan, who is a member of the Rhos-on-Sea Cycle Club. 

“They turned out looking great and I decided to show a few of my local cycling club friends (Rhos-on-Sea cycle club) who were impressed with the uniqueness of the 3D prints.” 

PrintMyRoute - Sa Calobra.PNG

PrintMyRoute Sa Calobra

With Morgan concentrating on design and print and his fiancée Jodie Davies looking after the marketing and social media side of business, it has grown quickly, primarily through word of mouth.

Routes can be recreated through data captured on a Garmin or other GPS device, Strava uploads or even from scratch given a decent description of it, with the 3D model taking between two and six hours to print the finished model, depending how detailed it is.

A variety of options are available for the finished product, such as a Linear Profile, Map Profile or even a 3D print mounted in a box with a plaque, while a range of colours is available.

More examples of PrintMyRoute’s work, plus full details of pricing and finishing options, can be found on its website.

PrintMyRoute - JOGLE.PNG

PrintMyRoute JOGLE

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

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6 comments

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munkster | 3 days ago
0 likes

Holy thread resurrection, but here's an up-to-date version: https://store.printmyride.uk/

 

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billymansell | 7 years ago
0 likes

Brilliant idea. I don't do ornaments or photos at home but having something that evokes achievements from my cycling travels certainly appeals to me.

Avatar
handlebarcam | 7 years ago
2 likes

How long before someone requests one of these be 3D-printed? Probably not the cheapest way to buy sex toys, but if you're an MP, say, not wanting to be caught making improper usage of Parliamentary computers, it would look like an uncontroversial, wholesome purchase.

Avatar
DrG82 replied to handlebarcam | 7 years ago
1 like
handlebarcam wrote:

How long before someone requests one of these be 3D-printed? Probably not the cheapest way to buy sex toys, but if you're an MP, say, not wanting to be caught making improper usage of Parliamentary computers, it would look like an uncontroversial, wholesome purchase.

I was certain that would be a bloke drawing cocks in gpx but was astonished to read it's a woman! Finally true sex equality, women with a sense of humour as juvenile as most men.

Avatar
Sven Van Anders | 7 years ago
2 likes

Really nice idea. I wish him well with the venture.
Might need to make hay while the sun shines though if 3D printers become ubiquitous; perhaps market a natty app to easily convert GPX. into a printable format?

Avatar
Edsonytic replied to Sven Van Anders | 7 years ago
0 likes

Sven Van Anders wrote:

Really nice idea. I wish him well with the venture. Might need to make hay while the sun shines though if 3D printers become ubiquitous; perhaps market a natty app to easily convert GPX. into a printable format?

They have that at least partially covered with their 3D Printable Design (for printer owners!) service.

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