Sherpa

Sherpa is a cycling route planning platform that generates custom routes based on detailed preferences for terrain, gradient, and surface type. It uses AI-powered surface classification and integrates real-time weather and amenity data to optimize ride conditions and logistical needs.

Updated 2 months ago

Funding

Funding not disclosed

Funding rounds are not available yet.

Founders

Founder details are not available yet.

Product

Problem

Cyclists often struggle to plan routes that accurately match their preferences for terrain, gradient, and surface type, especially when transitioning between paved and unpaved sections. Existing tools lack granular control over these parameters and do not effectively integrate real-time environmental data into the planning process.

Solution

Sherpa provides an advanced cycling route planning platform that allows users to generate custom routes based on detailed preferences, including skill level, terrain type, and gradient. The platform leverages AI-driven surface classification, utilizing satellite imagery to identify and predict road surface conditions beyond standard OpenStreetMap data. Users can incorporate real-time weather forecasts and a comprehensive database of amenities into their route planning, optimizing for ride conditions and logistical needs. Sherpa also offers tools for route analysis, such as elevation profiles, surface percentage breakdowns, and tailwind calculations, enabling cyclists to fine-tune their journeys.

Target Audience

The primary users are cyclists, ranging from recreational riders to competitive athletes, who require detailed route planning capabilities that account for diverse terrain, environmental factors, and personal preferences.

Features

AI-powered road surface classification using satellite imagery to identify and predict unpaved and gravel sections.
Customizable route generation based on 28 distinct profiles, including preferences for paved, unpaved, gravel, leisure, and race conditions.
Integration of real-time weather data, including wind direction and intensity, temperature, and precipitation forecasts along the route.
Comprehensive amenity mapping, allowing users to overlay points of interest such as parking, water fountains, restrooms, cafes, and hotels.
Advanced route editing tools, including waypoint manipulation, route reversal, and the ability to combine start/end points.
GPX file import and export functionality for seamless integration with cycling computers and other devices.
Activity Racer feature for comparing past ride performance and competition analysis.
Route Speed Estimator for predicting ride performance based on route characteristics, rider profile, and weather conditions.
Detailed route analytics, including elevation gain, distance, surface composition breakdown (paved, unpaved, gravel, dirt), and tailwind percentage.
Multiple map layer options, including Google Maps (with traffic and bicycle layers), OpenStreetMap, and MapBox.