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Creating an event

Upload a route, add segments, and publish your event.

Creating an event

Events on ParcorPlus start with a clear route and a timing approach that matches the style of ride you’re running. Some events use segments, others don’t — both are valid.

This guide walks you through setting up an event that is easy to understand, fair to ride, and safe for everyone.

Overview

Every event starts with a route.

From there, you choose:

  • whether the event is timed over the whole route, specific sections, or both
  • how riders are grouped or started

Segments are optional and only needed for certain timing modes.

Step 1: Upload a route GPX

Prepare a clean GPX file that represents the full route riders will follow.

Good routes:

  • Have a clear start and finish
  • Follow logical roads or trails
  • Match the ride type (road, gravel, MTB)

When you upload the GPX, ParcorPlus uses it to:

  • Display the route map to riders
  • Calculate distance and elevation
  • Provide navigation context during the ride

Tip: If riders are likely to load the route onto their devices, keep the GPX clean and simple.

Step 2: Choose a timing mode

Timing mode defines how the event is scored.

Not all modes use segments.

Route-based timing (no segments required)

  • Time Trial (TT) Riders are timed over the full route, either individually or in allocated start slots.

  • Group Ride The focus is on completing the route together rather than racing. Timing may be informational rather than competitive.

Segment-based timing

  • Timed Sectors Specific segments of the route are timed. Results are based on performance within those sectors rather than overall ride time.

  • Handicap Segments are used to apply adjustments so riders of different abilities can compete more evenly.

➡️ See Timing modes for a detailed explanation of how each mode works.

Step 3: Add segments (if required)

If your chosen timing mode uses segments, you’ll add them here.

Segments define the parts of the route where effort is measured. Choose a small number of meaningful segments rather than many short ones.

Good segment choices:

  • Climbs or sustained efforts
  • Clear start and finish points
  • Locations where riders can focus on riding, not traffic

Things to avoid:

  • Traffic-heavy roads
  • Blind corners
  • Technical descents or sharp turns near segment ends

You can start with one or two segments and build from there.

Publish & invite

Before publishing:

  • Preview the event page
  • Confirm distance, elevation, and timing mode
  • Check segment placement (if applicable)

Once published:

  • Share the invite link with your riders
  • Remind participants to sync and test their devices beforehand

Riders can then record their ride and link it to the event after finishing.

Safety notes (important)

ParcorPlus is designed to encourage effort without encouraging risk.

When creating routes and segments:

  • Avoid steep downhill finishes
  • Skip busy intersections and blind corners
  • Do not end segments at stop signs or traffic signals

If something feels sketchy, adjust the route or remove the segment.