WhatsApp

Your primary communication tool on tour is WhatsApp. Think of it as the thread that keeps everything connected.

Before the trip, download the app and get comfortable with it. Once we’re on the ground, we’ll set up a dedicated RAID group chat. That’s where the day flows—route notes, timing updates, weather shifts, small changes that matter. It’s also how you stay connected to the team and to each other.

You can use it as much or as little as you want. Some riders check in occasionally. Others stay active—sharing photos, quick updates, or the kind of stories that only make sense after a long day on the bike. It becomes part of the rhythm.

It’s also practical. If you need something, you reach us there. If plans shift, you’ll see it there. And if you find yourself off route, the simplest solution is to share your location directly in the chat—we’ll see exactly where you are and move accordingly.

No radios. No chasing signals. Just one clean line of communication—simple, immediate, and always there when you need it.

To watch videos about how to use WhatsApp, links below:

MAPOUT

MapOut is a clean, map-based navigation app designed for riding in remote areas. It lets you download maps and follow your route offline, so you’re never reliant on signal. Simple, fast, and easy to read, it’s a reliable backup tool for checking your position and staying on track throughout the day. MapOut works only on Apple devices: iPhone, iPad. It does not run on: Android phones, Garmin / Wahoo bike computers or Desktop computers.

We recommend this inexpensive, powerful app for all your travels. It’s an excellent backup—if your Garmin, Wahoo, or bike computer ever stops working, you can rely on MapOut at any time to quickly confirm where you are and where you’re headed. Beyond riding, it’s also useful in cities, with layers for hotels, restaurants, and key points of interest. You can even record your walks or routes, leaving a clear line on the map so you can easily find your way back. A simple tool—and a great companion to have with you. LINK HERE TO LEARN MORE

EPIC RIDE WEATHER

Epic Ride Weather is a weather app designed specifically for riders, showing conditions along your actual route rather than a single location. By uploading a GPX file or mapping your ride, it reveals how the day will unfold—wind direction, temperature, and potential rain—hour by hour as you move. It’s especially useful for understanding where headwinds or tailwinds will impact your ride, helping you adjust pacing, gear, and expectations before you roll out. Simple, focused, and highly practical—it gives you a clear sense of what the day will feel like, not just what the forecast says.

Each day, a member of the RAID team will post a screenshot from Epic Ride Weather into the WhatsApp group, showing the day’s forecast—temperature, wind, and overall conditions along the route. It’s a simple but powerful tool to help guide your kit choices, pacing, and even route decisions. The data is tied to our planned start and finish times, with each route uploaded in advance, so what you’re seeing reflects the actual conditions you’ll experience on the bike—not a generic forecast. You don’t need to purchase the app for the trip, but it’s a great addition to your riding toolkit if you want to use it beyond the RAID. If you want to learn more, visit: www.epicrideweather.com