Originally Posted by
ooga-booga
haven’t used the global strava heatmap to determine rides. have tho, used my personal “all-time” one to remind me of places i should investigate or revisit. not adverse to a certain amount of winging it. specific climbs are generally a little easier to get info on (i guess we’re all moving so slow, there’s plenty o’ time to analyze/memorize details) vs specifics riding in a certain area. i usually try to have a backup ride/area/street(s) in case something is trespassing, closed for whatever reason, too rough for my skinny tires, or if i wimp out.
if it's an area i've never reconned or looking for excruciating detail, have generally had decent results posting here in the appropriate regional discussions (depending on exactly how active said appropriate regional discussion forum is)
or road cycling or, generally (imho) most helpful, the touring forum.