GPS data acquired from bicycle computers, infotainment systems, and other telematics are often difficult to convert into a recon-friendly format. Further, some programs (like Garmin’s Basecamp) can subsample the data, concealing potentially vital info.

My friend Joe Manning recently brought a sweet solution to my attention, Golden Cheetah [GC]. I’ve been running some Garmin and Harley-Davidson Boom! Box data through the program this week and I’ve been really impressed.

Historically, I import Boom! Box data into Basecamp, export a csv, and perform semi-painful math in Excel to establish speed. However, GC accepts the data and reports speed straight out of the gate. You can also see a map of the session and a table of the raw data. Very sweet, very handy.

Raw data from a Garmin device, shown in Golden Cheetah.

The program can be used to interrogate devices as well, but for forensic reasons, I expect to continue using native software for imaging and bringing recovered data into Golden Cheetah for another look. The program accepts tons of formats including, but not limited to:

  • FIT

  • TCX

  • SML

  • KML

  • CSV

  • GPX

  • WKO

Another free tool to throw in the kit, I hope it comes in handy. Thanks for reading, keep exploring!

Lou Peck
​Lightpoint | Axiom