I love living a technology-filled life. On any given day, I engage in multiple cell phone conversations, conduct several email exchanges, send and receive too-many-to-count text messages, respond to instant messages when prompted and provide remote support and/or coordinate online meetings with one or more clients in a variety of geographical locations – all from the offices of Wired Northwest.
Although it’s exciting and challenging, at times I feel like the man behind the curtain – communicating with the world and simultaneously sequestered from it. However, when time allows I enjoy wandering outdoors to ride my bicycle and commune with nature, unless there’s an electrical storm or a drenching deluge hampering my effort. Even so, as a bicycling enthusiast, I find creative ways to satisfy my craving.
This week, both the Tour de France and the STP (Seattle to Portland) bicycle races are in the spotlight and I’m in heaven! Although I won’t be physically participating in either one, I will be staying in touch with them both – thanks to technology.
The Tour de France is exclusively available on the Versus© Network – channel 34 analog; channel 665 HD. The race is 21 days and 3,554 kilometers—that’s approximately 2,132 miles! There are a number of websites with plenty of video and commentary dedicated to exploiting the “thrill of victory and . . .” well, you know the rest. And while you can find these sites with a simple web search, I’ve chosen to keep it simple and have my own Tour de France experience in a less-hyped fashion. I set my DVR to record the live race, which starts every morning up to and including July 27th at 5:30 a.m. PST. I can then watch it at my leisure on my television or on my computer. And, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a stationary bicycle workout.
Closer to home is the STP. Things have changed a little since I rode the STP in 1993. Most everyone in this year’s ride, including a friend of mine, will have a networked cell phone with a built-in digital camera and a satellite-connected odometer that keeps track of everything from miles traveled to wind velocity to the estimated time of arrival at a pre-plotted destination. This is very cool, indeed!
The ability to not only document, but to share your adventures as they unfold with those who matter most, is empowering and provides for a richer more memorable experience. Not to mention a cheerleading section. And although the STP is already filled to capacity at 10,000 riders, there will be thousands more who ride along in spirit – all because of technology.
I love living a technology-filled life.
Remember your hands-free device and ride on!
Wayne Nelson and Jeremy Self own and operate Wired Northwest, LLC in Redmond. Submit your questions to: techtalk@wired-nw.com. Contact Wired Northwest, LLC at www.wired-nw.com or call 206-788-7975 or 206-788-7898.
