I did a ride last night which I presume is saved in the history section. Is there any way I can export it as a .gpx file? If not, how do I do it? If it means riding the loop again and putting the gps in a different mode that's fine, I'll be going that way tonight.

upload it into garmin trainig centre and save it as a TCX file. Then you can upload this into bikehike http://www.bikehike.co.uk or bike route toaster http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com and resave as a gpx or other format

Theres also a program called TCX converter ( a freeware download) that can convert formats. http://www.teambikeolympo.it/TCXConverter/TeamBikeOlympo_-_TCX_Converter/TCX_Converter_ENG.html (but i've found this doesnt always work perfectly for me)

I think with bikehike and bikeroute toaster (maybe TCX converter as well) you can also upload straight from the GPS rather than going through garmin training centre but i'm not 100% certain. I always go through training centre as i like to keep a record of my routes.

Bikehike and bikeroute toaster are also very good for making up routes and courses to load up into the gps

download it to training centre, right click on the ride and export it.

i'm pretty sure it allows you to export as gpx, if not ,just google for one of the many conversion utilities

yeah you can export as gpx
http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=835

"hanges made from version 3.4.5 to 3.5.1:
Added the capability to import gpx files as activities and export activities and courses as gpx files."

ahhh i never knew that i'll have to update my version of training centre

BTW there is a new fimrware for the edge 3.20 released a few days ago

I think the manual you get with the 705 has to be one of the worst GPS manuals i've ever read.

Only because the 705, while a brilliant bit of kit, is about as user friendly as a cornered rat.

3 tools you might like to google for. And if you ever get a month off work, it might be nearly enough to find how to use it.

GPSbabel
Gpx2Crs.exe
TcxConverter

I have opened up Training Centre but can't right click on the specific ride, the only option seems to be to convert the whole of the "history" file and there's over 2 years worth of data in there. I'm on the Mac version if that helps.

You can convert a "history" ride into a course in the 705 itself. As courses (.crs files) are the best things to follow this might be a good idea.

How do I do that? RTFM I know but as a quick fix? I have gone into history, selected the ride and the options seem to be OK and Delete, that's it!

Can't remember. But a lot of the options pop up where you don't expect them. Try OK. Or go into Training, Courses and see if there's something there. The idea of converting a history into a course is so you can race against the pacemaker (or something).

Done that! 🙂

It was via the training menu. Now to extract it to something useful!

Cheers guys!