FAQ
Common questions about Boulder Roller.
General
What is Boulder Roller?
Boulder Roller is a pre-alpha platform building a protocol for verifiable cycling effort. Today, we track effort as points and store records off-chain. Tokens and on-chain attestations are planned for a later launch.
Is this like Strava?
No. Strava is a social fitness platform. Boulder Roller is focused on verifiable effort records and long-term ownership of your accomplishments. We integrate with existing training tools rather than replacing them.
Why Solana?
We plan to use Solana for its speed and low fees. Pre-alpha uses an off-chain ledger while we validate the experience.
Is this a cryptocurrency project?
We are building a crypto-native protocol, but tokens are not live in pre-alpha. Effort is tracked as points today; token mechanics will be published before launch.
Climb Patterns
What's a climb pattern?
A climb pattern is a verified record of effort on a specific geographic feature - usually a hill or sustained climb. It is the protocol's way of representing real-world effort.
Why "patterns" and not "segments"?
"Segment" is associated with specific platforms. "Pattern" emphasizes repeatable, verifiable effort that can be matched and owned.
How are climb patterns detected?
Our detection engine analyzes GPS and elevation data to identify qualifying efforts. The process is deterministic: the same ride produces the same patterns.
Can I create my own climb patterns?
Yes. If you complete a climb that is not yet registered, it can become a new pattern and you receive first-roller attribution.
What if a pattern is wrong?
Pattern definitions can be corrected. Governance mechanisms are planned for post-launch.
Points and Tokens
What are points?
Points are how we track rewards in pre-alpha. They are not transferable and have no stated monetary value.
Are protocol tokens live?
No. Protocol tokens are planned for a later launch. We will publish full token economics before launch.
How do I get tokens?
Tokens are not available in pre-alpha. Points are expected to convert later, with details announced before launch.
Is staking available?
Not in pre-alpha. Staking and distribution mechanics are planned for post-launch.
Technical
What data do you store?
We store pattern definitions, effort records, and account metadata. We do not store your full GPS tracks or raw ride files after processing.
Can I delete my data?
Account data and integrations can be deleted. Post-launch, on-chain attestations will be permanent by design.
What if Boulder Roller shuts down?
Post-launch, effort records are designed to be portable on-chain. During pre-alpha, we aim to provide export options if needed.
Getting Started
Do I need crypto experience?
No. Pre-alpha focuses on the riding experience. If a wallet is required for your account, we keep it as simple as possible.
Do I need a wallet?
You may be asked to connect a wallet for identity. No tokens are issued in pre-alpha.
What devices work?
Any device that records GPS cycling data: Garmin, Wahoo, Apple Watch, phone apps. Upload via Strava sync, Garmin Connect sync, or direct FIT/GPX files.
My ride did not detect any patterns. Why?
Possible reasons:
- Flat terrain
- Climbs below thresholds
- Poor GPS data quality
- Ride type not supported (currently cycling only)
Economics
How many points can I earn?
Points depend on pattern difficulty and effort. Exact formulas are being tuned and will be published before launch.
What's the point of staking?
Staking is planned for post-launch to align riders and supporters. It is not available in pre-alpha.
Safety
Is my wallet safe?
We never ask for your seed phrase. If you connect a wallet, you only sign transactions you approve.
Can people fake rides?
GPS spoofing is possible but detectable. We apply sanity checks for impossible speeds and unrealistic patterns.
What about my privacy?
Your full GPS tracks are not stored. Only pattern-level data becomes part of your effort record.
Have a question not covered here? Reach out on Discord or Twitter.