Cycling Path Analysis

Cycling Path Analysis with TimeTrack Pro – In-Depth Guide

Cycling data in your phone's timeline is surprisingly rich — speeds, stops, routes, and even inferred "on bicycle" activity tags. TimeTrack Pro lets you reconstruct rides, analyze performance, spot improvements, and keep private logs without Strava, Garmin, or any cloud service.

1. What Data Your Phone Captures During Cycling

Android's Location History uses fused provider (GPS + Wi-Fi + cell) even in battery-saving mode:

  • Velocity: Recorded when >10 km/h — helps identify cycling vs walking
  • Activity inference: Often tags "on bicycle" (Android 12+ accuracy improved)
  • Point density: Closer together during motion → clear path shape
  • Accuracy radius: Typically 10–30 m outdoors (better than walking indoors)
  • Altitude: If barometer present, elevation changes visible

2. Step-by-Step: Capturing & Reviewing a Full Ride

  1. Before ride: Confirm Location History is enabled (Settings → Google → Location History)
  2. Ride normally — phone in pocket, handlebar mount, or bag (no extra app needed)
  3. After ride: Export timeline (Settings → Location → Timeline → Export JSON, choose 1–7 days)
  4. Open TimeTrack Pro → Import file (grant storage permission once)
  5. Go to ride date in calendar view → tap to expand entries
  6. Scroll through points → tap any timestamp to copy (arrival/departure at junctions, stops, summit)
  7. Screenshot the full sequence or key segments for visual memory
  8. (Optional) Export that day's data from app for backup (future feature)

3. Advanced Analysis Techniques

  • Pace & speed estimation: Copy time between distant points → divide by map distance (future auto-calc planned)
  • Stop detection: Clusters of slow/low-velocity points = coffee, views, mechanical issues, traffic lights
  • Hill/climb identification: Slower segments on known routes usually = elevation gain
  • Route consistency: Compare multiple rides on same path → spot wind, traffic, or fitness changes
  • Safety audit: Check if you stayed on cycle lanes, avoided busy roads, or had risky intersections
  • Training log: Copy weekly totals → track progress (distance, average speed, longest ride)

4. Privacy, Battery & Comparison Advantages

  • Zero background drain — unlike Strava/Garmin that keep GPS on
  • No data shared — no ride stats sold, no ads, no social pressure
  • Encryption option — protect ride logs if phone lost (Settings → Encryption)
  • Delete instantly — wipe sensitive rides after review
  • Vs dedicated apps: No subscription, no account, works offline forever

5. Pro Tips for Serious Cyclists

  • Use battery-saving mode → excellent path capture with minimal drain
  • Export immediately after long rides → smaller files, fresher memory
  • Combine with photos — match timestamps manually for now (future photo-sync planned)
  • Keep a simple external log: Date | Route name | Duration | Avg speed est. | Notes → paste copied times
  • For group rides: Export from one phone → share screenshots or copied times
  • Winter rides: Larger accuracy radius due to clouds — average multiple points

6. Roadmap Features for Cyclists

  • Auto distance & elevation calculation
  • Route overlay (compare two rides)
  • GPX export for mapping tools
  • Speed/pace graphs from velocity data

Your phone is already your silent cycling companion. TimeTrack Pro just makes every ride visible, analyzable, and 100% yours — no cloud, no tracking, no subscriptions.