Best Buddies New York Wood Map

Best Buddies NY – Layered Wood Map

Creating a Layered Wood Map of the Best Buddies New York Route

Some projects begin with an interesting GPS track, and others begin with a landscape that naturally belongs in wood. The Best Buddies Challenge: New York route had both. From the structured streets near Central Park West to the curves of the Hudson River and the forested climb toward Bear Mountain, the course translates beautifully into a multi-layer wooden map.

I received a GPX file from a rider who completed the inaugural 100-mile event, and that became the starting point for this build.

From GPX Lines to Physical Layers

A GPX file is simple on a screen, but translating that digital line into a physical, layered artwork requires planning. The aim is always to capture the structure of the ride while keeping the final piece clean, modern, and well balanced.

The map is built from four primary layers:

Blue Water Layer: Cut from basswood and painted to represent the Hudson River, lakes, and coastline.
Natural Basswood Layer: Engraved with minor roads and park areas. Tiny islands and delicate features are engraved for stability.
Grey Road Network: Major roads and expressways, giving structure and contrast to the composition.
Orange Route Line: The rider’s exact GPX path, recreated with every curve, climb, and detail intact.

Why This Route Works So Well in Wood

Not every cycling route makes an effective wooden map, but this one offers visual variety: straight city lines, sweeping river curves, dense parkland, and the clean final run toward Glenmere Mansion. The composition guides the eye naturally from top to bottom, just like the ride itself.

Personalisation Options

Optional engraving can be added to make the piece fully custom, including:

Name
Ride date
Distance
Elevation gain
Moving time (metric or imperial)

Finishing the Artwork

Each layer is cut, engraved, sanded, and painted before being aligned and assembled by hand. A matte lacquer finish protects the wood while keeping its natural texture. The final artwork is framed and ready to display.

This Best Buddies New York map has a calm, balanced presence on the wall, with enough detail to reward close viewing.