Lesson 3. Garmin Tread XL Baja Race Edition. GPX Files
GOOD MAYHEM RACING LLC is an Authorized Dealer for GARMIN®. This training seminar is written by Nathan Sumrall of Good Mayhem Racing, by desert racers for desert racers. This blog will be continuously updated with images, stories, and details as time goes on. Please refer to this from time to time, as it will get better.
Topic for Today’s Training Seminar:
3. GPX Files
What are GPX Files
When to edit GPX Files
Who edits GPX Files
What kind of content should be in a GPX File
How to edit GPX Files on a phone or ipad.
How to edit GPX Files on the computer
How to edit GPX Files on a Tread XL
How to upload GPX Files to the Garmin Tread XL Baja Race and Chase Edition
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Assignment (Recommended for Seminar. Required for Certification)
3.1. What are GPX Files
3.1.1. GPX files store GPS Data. .GPX is a file type that combines waypoints, routes and tracks. Most offroad racing is done with a basic .GPX track and collection of waypoints. Race organizers release a GPX file that includes the racecourse and limited information, like race miles, pit locations and, if you’re lucky, dangers on the racecourse. Everything else is left to you, the racing team, such as pre-run notes, adding offline notes and adding your race plan to the GPX file.
3.1.2. There are multiple, different GPX formats, and non-Garmin versions (like Lowrance) will not work with Garmin’s UI. Refer to Lesson 1 Paragraph 1.1.4 for details.
3.1.3. Always upload and test the GPX file in the Garmin Tread XL the evening before the race starts.
3.2. When to edit GPX Files
3.2.1. GPX files should be edited if you have more than five days before the race. The earlier the file is handed off to the GPX Editor, the more data it can have. The best Baja racing teams will edit a file for a month if they can get the file that early.
3.2.2. If the race is within 5 days, it’s unlikely that editing the GPX file will be worth your time and effort. Editing a GPX file without a solid prerun, satellite study or race plan will make for more confusion on race day than not. This is when contracting a 3rd party for an engineered file makes sense.
3.2.3. When prerunning is done for the day, the new waypoint notes and GPX tracks are edited that night and the following day. The co-driver needs to be prerunning, so this GPX editing will fall to another team member. As a rule of thumb, 12 Hours of prerunning translates to 4 Hours of GPX Editing. More on that in 3.3.
3.2.4. GPX Files should be edited when the team has a solid race plan. Radio calls, pit plans, and fuel stops should be added to the GPX file. Out of anything that could be added in the five-day window, this is it.
3.2.5. GPX Files should be edited when the team has studied the terrain w/ satellite imagery. No matter if you’re editing the GPX file on a phone, a computer or the Tread device itself, you will probably have access to satellite imagery. A solid, 75% GPX file is way easier to prerun than a blank slate. That helps the co-driver focus on the prerun and only add notes when needed.
3.3. Who edits GPX Files
3.3.1. The Race Team Owner must task this to a dedicated team member or pay for an outside service to customize the race file for their team.
3.3.2. The Co-driver is often tasked with editing the GPX file, but this is a significant stack on their workload, and GPX editing should be given to another team member.
3.3.3. Editing a GPX file is a full-time job on the trip. The person, the “GPX Editor” can easily take 40-60 Hours during a trip to make a solid GPX file. That person is going to combine pre-running notes, race plan and satellite studies.
3.3.4. Again, editing the GPX file is a dedicated task and done by someone who can make real time for it.
3.3.5. As a rule of thumb, 12 Hours of prerunning translates to 4 Hours of GPX Editing.
3.3.6. If you have a tech-wiz on the team, this is their role.
3.3.7. If you have a person who’s good with computers, they can be a GPX Editor.
3.3.8. If you have a person who’s got a computer or an ipad on the trip, they can be a GPX Editor
3.3.9. If you have someone prepping the car, they should not be editing the GPX files.
3.3.2. The Co-driver is often tasked with editing the GPX file, but this is a significant stack on their workload,
The responsibility of GPX editing should be given to another team member.
3.4. What kind of content should be in a GPX File
3.4.1. GPX Files should have all of the info provided by the race organizer and following custom info that’s specific for your racing team.
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3.4.1.1. Race Miles
3.4.1.2. Radio Calls
3.4.1.3. Pit Points / Plans
3.4.1.4. Fuel Stops
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3.4.1.5.1. Chase Access points
3.4.1.5.2. Auto part Stores
3.4.1.5.3. Random Gas Stations
3.4.1.5.4. Hospitals
3.4.1.5.5. Military Checkpoints
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3.4.1.6.1. Washouts
3.4.1.6.2. Whoops
3.4.1.6.3. Rollers
3.4.1.6.4. Split Trails, or Y’s
3.4.1.6.5. Cliffs
3.4.1.6.6. G-Outs
3.4.1.6.7. Dangers
3.4.1.6.8. Fences
3.4.1.6.9. Gates
3.4.1.6.10. Powerlines
3.4.1.6.11. Landmarks
3.4.1.6.12. Junk that can be seen from space
3.4.1.6.13. Mudholes
3.4.1.6.14. Landmarks
3.5. How to edit GPX Files on a phone or tablet.
3.5.1. There are three programs that can build GPX files
3.5.1.1. Garmin Tread App
3.5.1.2. LeadNav
3.5.1.3. OnX Offroad
3.5.1.4. Honorable mention: Google Earth
3.5.2. Garmin Tread App
3.5.2.1. The Garmin Tread App is native to your Garmin Tread Baja Race and Chase Edition devices. Everything you do in the Tread App will work in the device.
3.5.2.2. Add waypoints and add them to your race file collection.
3.5.2.3. Easily change waypoint symbols to match your description
3.5.2.4. Syncs with your device, but that can be unstable after updates. As an alternative, upload to the Tread device with a memory card.
3.5.2.5. Syncing the collection via the App makes for a cleaner, more readable experience compared to the memory card. More on that later.
3.5.2.6. Can be a backup Nav incase the main nav fails.
3.5.3. LeadNav
3.5.3.1. This is the legacy prerunning app. Many legacy desert racers learned how to prerun with this app, and it’s solid. Mostly people over 45 years old will prerun with LeadNav.
3.5.3.2. It’s not native to Garmin, and the GPX files that it outputs may not be compatible. You may have to convert the GPX file beforehand.
3.5.3.3. Symbols will not transfer.
3.5.3.4. This app does not talk to the Garmin at all. Transferring via the Garmin Tread App or a memory card will be required.
3.5.3.5. Can be a backup Nav incase the main nav fails.
3.5.4. OnX Offroad
3.5.4.1. OnX Offroad is a 3rd party app that caters to the overland and outdoors crowd. People who come from the offroading community will likely start with this app first. However, it’s not good for adding prerunning notes.
3.5.4.2. It’s good for making reference-only course files. For example, if you’re trying to recreate KOH’s race file from the live pre-show, use OnX Offroad.
3.5.4.3. Waypoints can be added, but it’s clunky and unintuitive compared to Garmin’s Tread App
3.5.4.4. Easy to share with other people in your party.
3.5.4.5. GPX files may not be compatible with the Garmin. They may have to be converted before use.
3.5.4.6. This app does not talk to the Garmin at all. Transferring via the Garmin Tread App or a memory card will be required.
3.5.4.7. Can be a backup Nav incase the main nav fails, but waypoints will be lacking detail.
3.5.5. Honorable mention: Google Earth
3.5.5.1. Google Earth on a tablet does not export GPX files, but many legacy desert racers will use this like LeadNav.
3.5.5.2. Adding waypoints is easy, and high res satellite imagery helps with study.
3.5.5.3. Easy to share with friends online. If you can share the project file with multiple people, they all can edit it.
3.5.5.4. Outputs KML or KMZ files. Does not export GPX files. Will need to convert to Garmin compatible GPX files. Warning: most free GPX converters are Lowrance GPX filetypes rather than Garmin.
3.6. How to Edit GPX Files on the Computer
3.6.1. This is the fastest way to build a GPX file. It’s not the easiest though, it’s easier to use the Tread App.
3.6.2. Programs on PC
3.6.2.1. BlueStack5 w/ Garmin Tread App (recommended)
3.6.2.2. Google Earth Pro
3.6.2.3. Gaia
3.6.2.4. OnX Offroad (not recommended)
3.6.2.5. Garmin’s BaseCamp (not recommended)
3.6.3. BlueStack5 w/ Garmin Tread App
3.6.3.1. This is a hardcore approach, but it is the fastest way to build GPX files on a PC. This is for advanced PC users with performance, gaming computers. Do not do this if you have a basic PC.
3.6.3.2. BlueStack5 is an android gaming emulator. It simulates an android phone on your computer, and allows you to run phone apps on your PC instead.
3.6.3.3. Install the Garmin Tread App inside of BlueStack5, and begin.
3.6.3.4. FYI: The higher the resolution, the slower the frame rate.
3.6.3.5. Pro Tip: Make sure you’ve logged into the Tread App and registered your Tread Device on your own phone first. That way, when you logged into the Tread App in BlueStack 5, it will let you use satellite imagery in BlueStack5.
3.6.3.6. Everything you modify in your collections through BlueStack5 will be automatically synced to your phone’s Tread App, and even your Garmin Tread if it’s syncing to the phone.
3.6.3.7. If you have a basic computer, this will fry your PC. Only use BlueStack5 with a gaming computer.
3.6.4. Google Earth Pro
3.6.4.1. Google Earth Pro on PC does not export GPX files, but many legacy desert racers will use this.
3.6.4.2. Adding waypoints is easy, and high res satellite imagery helps with study. Symbols will not transfer.
3.6.4.3. Easy to share with friends online. If you can share the project file with multiple people, they all can edit it.
3.6.4.4. Outputs KML or KMZ files. Does not export GPX files. Will need to convert to Garmin compatible GPX files. Warning: most free GPX converters are Lowrance GPX filetypes rather than Garmin.
3.6.5. Gaia
3.6.5.1. This is a web browser mapping program. It has similar credentials to OnX Offroad.
3.6.5.2. People who are pissed off at LeadNav and Garmin generally prefer Gaia.
3.6.5.3. Adding waypoints are easy. Symbols do not transfer
3.6.5.4. Usually exports Garmin compatible GPX files.
3.6.5.5. Has multiple map layers
3.6.5.6. Can be used on a phone or ipad.
3.6.5.7. This app does not talk to the Garmin at all. Transferring via the Garmin Tread App or a memory card will be required.
3.6.6. OnX Offroad
3.6.6.1. This is a web browser mapping program.
3.6.6.2. It’s good for making reference-only course files. For example, if you’re trying to recreate KOH’s race file from the live pre-show, use OnX Offroad.
3.6.6.3. Waypoints can be added, but it’s clunky and unintuitive compared to Garmin’s Tread App
3.6.6.4. Easy to share with other people in your party.
3.6.6.5. Multiple Map Layers
3.6.6.6. GPX files may not be compatible with the Garmin. They may have to be converted before use.
3.6.6.7. This app does not talk to the Garmin at all. Transferring via the Garmin Tread App or a memory card will be required.
3.6.7. Garmin’s BaseCamp (not recommended)
3.6.7.1. Garmin BaseCamp is old, outdated software that is no longer supported. That, and you can’t use satellite imagery at all.
3.6.7.2. Crashes easily
3.6.7.3. Really only useful for outputting data logs from the device after a race.
3.6.7.4. When it works, BaseCamp can:
3.6.7.4.1. Easily create and modify courses
3.6.7.4.2. Easily create waypoints
3.6.7.4.3. Exports Garmin compatible GPX files
3.6.7.4.4. Symbols do transfer
3.6.7.4.5. Can be wired up to the Garmin Tread to sync
3.7. How to edit GPX Files on a Tread XL
3.7.1. This is the slowest way to modify GPX files. However, you can still do it if you have no other technology available.
3.7.1.1. Waypoints:
3.7.1.1.1. Make sure all of the waypoints are in the collection you want to edit.
3.7.1.1.2. From the chase map, make sure that the collection is visible.
3.7.1.1.3. Touch each waypoint and edit as needed.
3.7.1.1.4. Pro-tip: Rumor has it that a keyboard can be connected to make typing easier. I’ve never seen anyone do it though
3.7.1.2. GPX tracks / Race courses
3.7.1.2.1. Go to Race files, and select the track you want to edit
3.7.1.2.2. Touch Edit
3.7.1.2.3. All GPX dots that make the track are editable, one at a time.
3.8. How to upload GPX files to the Garmin Tread XL Baja Race and Chase Editions
3.8.1. Officially Programmed methods:
3.8.1.1. Sync via Garmin Tread App
3.8.1.2. Upload via Memory Card (recommended)
3.8.1.3. Upload via PC
3.8.2. Off-label methods
3.8.2.1. Web browser downloads
3.8.3. Remember that only Garmin compatible GPX files will work. Lowrance GPX filetypes will not work.
3.8.4. Sync via Garmin Tread App
3.8.4.1. The Garmin Tread App’s ability to sync with your Garmin is the best way to add GPX files…when it works.
3.8.4.2. This is a buggy process that requires lots of trust from the user.
3.8.4.3. May break after an update or a master reset.
3.8.4.4. Follow the prompts in the Tread App
3.8.4.5. Make sure it worked. If not, defer to the memory card and PC methods.
3.8.5. Upload via Memory Card (recommended)
3.8.5.1. Old faithful method.
3.8.5.2. Export GPX file from the Tread to the memory card.
3.8.5.3. Take that memory card and put it in another tread device.
3.8.5.4. Restart the new tread device, and Import GPX file.
3.8.5.4.1. Pro-tip: share GPX files with clean, sat-imagery free memory cards. If any map data is on a memory card and is inserted into another Garmin Tread, it’ll throw error codes.
3.8.5.4.2. If the new device doesn’t see the new GPX files to import, restart it.
3.8.5.5. GPX files import with ##’s behind repeated waypoint descriptions. Annoying at best, if your co-driver hates clutter on a screen, the extra #’s can be distracting.
3.8.5.6. Folder structure is as follows:
3.8.5.6.1. Memory card\Garmin\GPX
3.8.6. Upload via PC
3.8.6.1. Use the PC to upload a GPX file directly to the Garmin Tread or a memory card. Same file structure applies for both.
3.8.6.2. Warning: It’s easy to delete files on the Garmin Tread by accident. Your computer will not store the deleted files in the recycle bin. You’ll break the device if you delete anything while connected to the PC.
3.8.6.3. Restart your device and import the GPX file, just like the memory card method.
3.8.7. Web browser downloads
3.8.7.1. Web browser downloads is an unpublished, back door method of downloading race files. It’s effective if you have an internet connection to your device, and it works for any Garmin compatible GPX file available on the internet.
3.8.7.2. [SETTINGS > ABOUT DEVICE > BUILD NUMBER (tap really fast over and over until Developer Mode is unlocked)]
3.8.7.3. [SETTINGS > DEVELOPER MODE > SEARCH > TYPE “BROWSER” > BROWSER
3.8.7.4. Access the website where the GPX file is located (like SCORE, BITD, Ultra4, NORRA) and download the file.
3.8.7.4.1. It’ll likely download to the general android OS’s file storage location, not the GPX file location on the Garmin.
3.8.7.4.2. Your goal is to move the GPX file to the folder that Garmin uses to access GPX files.
3.8.7.4.3. Move or Copy the GPX file to the correct folder.
3.8.7.4.4. Import GPX file like normal, into the Tread device’s collections.
3.9. Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
3.9.1. If the GPX file is not found for import, restart the device.
3.9.2. Make sure to cut/paste GPX files into the correct folder location on the device and/or memory card.
3.9.3. Navigation and GPX files are a critical operation. Don’t leave any of this until last minute. There’s no day to learn like the night before a race. You’re on your own if you wait too long.
3.9.4. Choose a GPX-editor early. That person has a lot to learn before the trip starts.
3.9.5. Lend the GPX-editor a Garmin Tread Baja Chase or Race edition. They need to know how to work this kit before the trip starts.
3.10 Assignment (Recommended for seminar. Required for Certification)
3.10.0 TBD. Sorry, long day.
STAY TUNED FOR LESSON 4: COMMUNICATION
Baja 1000 footage
By the end of this Training Seminar, you will be able to:
Race confidently with the Garmin Tread XL, Baja Race edition.
Prerun effectively with the Garmin equipment, taking notes and waypoints down like a pro.
Edit GPX files with impunity, using everything from Apps to hard coding.
Communicate with the Garmin Inreach, Iridium Satellite system concisely.
Diagnose install issues in race cars, prerunners, chase vechiles and the pits.
This Advanced Training Seminar is provided for free by Good Mayhem Racing LLC. The information is not reviewed nor endorsed by GARMIN®. Motorsports are inherently dangerous. The information in this training seminar is provided without warranty, expressed or implied. No warranty or representation is made as to the ability of this information to protect the user from injury or death. The user assumes all risk.
Lesson 4 arriving by late March 2026.
Want to test drive the Garmin Tread XL Baja Race Edition before you buy one?
Come visit us at our Brick and Mortar Store on 11505 Todd St. Houston TX.
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