Adventure Cycling Association Forum
Bicycle Travel => General Discussion => Topic started by: tB41 on December 03, 2008, 12:57:24 pm
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I plan to do the Southern Tier next spring and would like to download mileage, speed, heart-rate data from my bike computer every couple of days, and am thinking of picking up a new/used mini-laptop (2 lbs) for this purpose. Obviously, it would be nice to have e-mail and internet access at same time. If any forum members have lit on particularly efficient or useful methods of downloading data while on tour, I'd appreciate learning about your solutions. For example, is it possible to run and save data to a program like Polar Precision Performance off a flash drive?
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If it adds value to your tour then do it, but I would advise considering if any of that is really worth it.
The following is what I recommend. It is just one person's opinion after one coast to coast tour.
Touring should be laid back and fun. The more you fuss with average speed, heart rate, etc. the less it can be. Riding long hard days is OK, but why worry about collecting a lot of data?
Scribble some notes about how you felt, what you saw, who you met, and where you stayed and forget about the rest. A few extra pounds and then needing to plan your tour around charging and internet access will detract more than it will add to the experience. When the trip is done the notes you scribble will be far more valuable than heart rate data.
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I would just write it down in a tiny spiral-bound notebook, the next size down from 3x5", or take my microcassette recorder which is about the size of a PowerBar. I used the recorder last year as I rode a route to make a very detailed route slip. I kept it in my jersey pocket in a small re-sealable plastic bag to protect it from sweat, and used a small piece of packing tape to wrap the excess bag material snugly around the recorder, then stapled the top only partly closed with some open-cell foam over the microphone area so there wouldn't be buffeting wind noise on the recording. At every turn or check point, I pulled the recorder out of my jersey pocket and spoke into it the exact mileage and what to do there, things to look out for, etc., all without slowing down. (Just don't drop it!) Since the actual running time was such a small percentage of the ride time, a single tape might last for weeks.
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> would like to download mileage, speed, heart-rate data from my
bike computer every couple of days, and am thinking of picking up a
new/used mini-laptop (2 lbs) for this purpose. Obviously, it would be
nice to have e-mail and internet access at same time.<
Wee see these questions often, "How much electronics do I need to
carry to have fun?" Those of us over 50 wonder; we have used
postcards,
mail drops, and pay phones or just rolled along for weeks without
checking in with anyone.
Here's something else we know about carrying expensive stuff: it gets
stolen, lost, broken, soaked, worried about, or sat upon.
Once you figure it out, I suggest you test your rig on a few extended
weekenders and see if the data you are collecting really means enough
to hassle with the hardware.
david boise ID
go, ristretto, FCP/AE
"Read the manual."
This message was edited by bogiesan on 12-6-08 @ 6:56 AM
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Instead of lugging a computer with you, could you carry a USB thumb drive and download the data to it using the computers in public libraries or internet cafes? These thumb drives are available in very large capacities these days and should hold months worth of data. You could even e-mail the files home for later analysis.
Then again, I'm with those who recommend you don't over analyze your trip. Record daily distance, ride time and plenty of notes about what you saw and did. The only major electronic devices I'd want would be a plain cyclocomputer, a good camera and a small cell phone. I assume this is a vacation and pleasure trip, not a highly structured training ride.
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I wish I could help you on that score, but I have never bothered with any of that except for keeping a journal by hand. I just cannot see the point in all that. When I tour I tour. It is not a matter of keeping track of health matters. I do know that I feel much better, more alert, and healthier after a long tour. There is nothing wrong with my heart, so I do not monitor it. I know that my mind works more efficienly after a long tour, probably because of all that extra oxygen flowing through it.
I had my heart checked out thoroughly. The Dr. said I had never had a heart attack, and never will. So, I am sure it is in good condition.
If you are concerned, perhaps you should take the trouble to record the data. I just know that I would not bother with it myself.
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if you are plannin to travel with a laptop and collect data then that is
great, esp if it works for you. i know that i used to be interested in all
that stuff and have been a "lab rat" for testing accelerade prodcuts vs
gatorade, etc and think it's neat to accumulate and graph that data. on
a tour, i might consider doing it for a shorter tour...or maybe you
could graph the start of your tour and then the last week of your tour
and see if there's a big change in your fitness (well, since we all know
you'll get in better shape, at least HOW much of a change). regarding
the laptop issue, a fair number of folks seem to use them....just like
some folks carry really nice cameras along on tour with them. or, some
folks have gear that is WAY too expensive for what it's really worth (i.e.
panniers, bicycle, etc). but check out following site. this couple carries
along laptop and lots of camera gear with them and they talk about
how they deal with, and why, they bother carrying it all along. in my
opinion, seeing their end results (photos, essays) it's well worth the
effort. if you are able to incorporate a hobby or interest into a xc bike
tour i think that's great and will only make it that much more
memorable. so i say go for it and have fun with it. that's the beauty of
bike touring, it's the same route but different experience for everyone.
http://outsideforever.com/
regards.
michael
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one more thought i had right after i pressed the "reply to topic" is that
we all like to take pictures while on tour, and collecting this type of
data is just another way of taking a "self portrait", physiologically
speaking, of how your body is handling the physical stress. the more I
think about it the cooler i think it would be. not sure if you have
access to lab equipment, but if you drew labs on yourself (if your
stomach can handle it) and had a way of analyzing the data then and
there that'd be pretty sweet to see what your blood levels are doing
with muscle breakdown, blood sugars, etc., etc.
michael
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I don't carry my laptop on the bicycle but I do carry electronics when travelling on my motorcycle. If you want to take a lap top check out the new 9 inch computers from dell, Asus, and Acer. Another option would be to see if you can use an Apple iTouch with your software. I use one to check my emails on the road, nice and small.
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I too have decided to include electronics on my TA trip. Instead of a laptop, I bought a PDA (HP iPaq 111). I like the PDA more because it is smaller, lighter, cheaper, and consumes less power. I don't how your bike computer interfaces, but the PDA includes an SD card slot. It supports WiFi and Bluetooth, but not USB. You can always just enter the numbers in a spreadsheet. The PDA includes eMail and an internet browser as well as an instant messenger. Also, remember you must charge your device. A solar panel is a good solution to this problem (mine is by SunLinq). However, only the largest portable solar panels will be able to charge a full blown laptop. If all you need to record is numerical data, I'd suggest just bringing some paper and a pencil. It's lighter, cheaper and much less likely to break or get stolen. A bit less convenient but a million times easier (if that makes sense).
Personally, I wrote a program for the PDA that keeps track of my journals and pictures. When I find an internet connection, I push a button and it updates my website automagically. I don't ever have to take it out of my pocket. If I were you, I'd do a similar thing, but for the metrics you plan on tracking.
You can run programs off of a flash drive, but on public computers the security measures usually prevent that.
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I'm planning to take off on a bike sometime in June, and as a photographer and editor for a magazine, I'd hate to think I couldn't have my DSLR and macbook pro, but I'm also considering the weight advantages of carrying smaller stuff to "get the job done only." It's a hard decision for sure.
Chris
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When I first started touring, I carried 4 panniers, a handlebar bag, and lots of stuff pile on top of the rear rack.
Now it mostly fits in the 4 panniers, and one of those panniers is relegated to what I call "electronics". I suffer from sleep apnea, and I now need a machine to regulate by breathing when I sleep. I do not want anyone's pity. I accept this condition as it reminds me of why people did not live past their 30s, not so long ago. My electronics bag is about the same size and weigh as my food bag, and holds a CAP machine (and associated stuff), AC cord, 2 5AH battery packs (and charger), cell phone (and charger), a camera, and spare batteries (lots of AAs).
If I tour this way, I am sure that you can tour with a small laptop and DSLR.
I might suggest that you use a handlebar bag to keep your camera in. The accessability is good, and you can detach the bag and take it with you when you make a stop. JandD makes a nice one. Mine is from the Canadian equivalent to REI, MEC.
My space saving were obtained by being ruthless with what clothes I bring, going to a 45F rated bag, and a really thin Thermarest. If you can manage a down bag, they are even smaller (just don't get it wet or be allergic to down). MSG make a cook set that will hold a gas stove (sans fuel bottle). Now I am experimenting with alcohol stoves, and expect to bring my weight down even more.
I also got a lot better at getting my bags close to the same size and weight. Maybe this is natural to some people, but I used to be such a putz at it.
Good luck. You make me wish I was a carefree youngster again.
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Thanks for the help man. I'm trying to decide between panniers and a trailer, my existing mountain bike or a Trek 520, Cannondale Touring 1, or Surly Long Haul Trucker. So many decisions... :) MY macbook pro is a brand new 17" model, so it's not small, unfortunately. My DSLR is a D300, and I'll have my iphone, as well as a GPS and SPOT. I'm sure I can make it all fit, though.
Chris
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Thanks for the help man. I'm trying to decide between panniers and a trailer, my existing mountain bike or a Trek 520, Cannondale Touring 1, or Surly Long Haul Trucker. So many decisions... :) MY macbook pro is a brand new 17" model, so it's not small, unfortunately. My DSLR is a D300, and I'll have my iphone, as well as a GPS and SPOT. I'm sure I can make it all fit, though.
Chris
Chris, with all due respect, that's a lot of redundant electronics there. Are you sure you need all that? Last summer I rode with someone (met on the road) who brought too much stuff and quit her trip after a couple of days b/c she was working too hard. as paddleboy17 said - be ruthless with yourself.
(now I'm going to go try to follow my own advice next time)
peace.
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Hey Valygrl,
I can appreciate your comments, but I'm not convinced anything I listed is redundant. I'd like to post to my blog with pictures and details from each day using my laptop, take tons of pictures, have the GPS and SPOT for route planning and emergencies, and my iphone for my telephone.
I've only been on 2 week long tours, one supported and one un-supported hotel-to-hotel trip, so I'll admit I'm very in-experienced, to say the least. :)
Chris
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I guess if it was me I would get rid of the SPOT and the GPS. I just don't get the utility of the SPOT for a road-based first-world tour (I'm making assumptions here, possibly incorrect). And the GPS is a horrible medium-long distance planning tool. Paper maps are much easier to use. If you really want on-board computerized mapping capability, you could load some mapping software on the laptop, and the iPhone's GPS will be useful in some places as well.
Anyway, I don't mean to be critical, I'm just offering some suggestions. The amount of weight you carry can really have a huge impact on how happy you are on your tour. Don't forget to add up all the extra batteries and chargers and downloading cords when you look at what you are taking.
It's amazing how fast all the stuff can add up. You have to think it all through with all the rest of your gear too - camping, cooking, clothes, tools....
Back to the OP, downloading data about my rides is something I also enjoy for my local road riding. On my last tour, I had to take a laptop (for work), and considered bringing my Garmin 305 and the downloader cord... but it didn't make the cut. Mainly, because it would have meant I felt really obligated (to myself) to not miss any data, which would mean obtaining a daily charge for the Garmin. In the end, I didn't want to put myself through that, so I did what I always do - just write down the miles and stuff off my regular bike computer in a little notebook.
I think everyone has to find their own balance on what they think is important to take with them vs. what they might enjoy but are willing to live without. I think I fall in the middle/heavy range, and am trying to work my way towards lighter.
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I agree with Valygrl.
It is your call of course, but I know that once in the mountains a few days my opinion on what to carry changed drastically. All kinds of stuff that seemed necessary, got boxed up and sent home. I didn't pack all that heavy to start with but still sent several batches of stuff home. I can tell you that getting rid of a few pounds makes a huge difference in the comfort of the trip. iPod, GPS, and all kinds of other stuff went home early in the trip. Clothes got cut to a minimum too as did lots on little comfort items.
The one big splurge I might make weight-wise is a DSLR, but only if photography was one of the primary reasons for the trip. Memory cards are cheap and very light weight, so just take enough for all the pictures that you will take instead of carrying the laptop. If it was me, I would forget the daily journal updates and photo uploads. Do a quick journal entry only when you happen to have the opportunity without too much inconvenience. Once in a while upload a picture or two. You will be able to do this from a public library or host's home. If it is once a week, two weeks, or even three weeks fine.
Keep a paper journal and transfer it to your online journal when you get home.
As I said, I would skip the laptop entirely, but if not at least go with something like the eepc. I would also skip the Spot and the GPS. If someone at home is super paranoid and was going to pay for it I might carry the Spot, but only if it would set some very worried family member's mind at ease.
Consider using twitter from your cell phone as your means for frequent updates to home, but don't promise daily contact to any one. Cell service can be pretty spotty and pay phones are becoming extinct. I know we went quite a while at times without calling or contacting home and it really annoyed my wife because I had lead her to expect daily updates before we left.
I know that for me the one of the single biggest factors in whether a trip is enjoyable is the load carried. A few pounds make a huge difference IMO. If in doubt about an item leave it home. Once underway a while review each item and send anything that is iffy home.
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Great info guys...I really appreciate it. I could stand to lose 40-50lbs myself, let alone what I carry...LOL!
Chris
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Thought I would throw a few pennies worth of experience in here.
I use an HP IPAQ handheld for everything; and I do mean everything. It is actually a very small laptop - word processing, spreadsheets, project planning, wireless, Internet, etc. My system has GPS capability which I used extensively when I actually owned a car. I can purchase a GPS unit that fits on the bottom of my system if I want the portability and use of GPS as I travel on my bike. Either a handheld or a mini-computer are great tools for travel or even business use. I started using a handheld a number of years ago and haven't owned a laptop since. I have no difficulty finding free wireless access in most places I travel to; although, the free wireless isn't always the strongest link when you need it to be. I even have Skype loaded on my system and it does work well.
The only drawback is the size of the screen and the fact that some Web sites still do not have alternate sites for mobile units. Otherwise, this isn't a bad way to go, it lets you keep up with all things Internet, listen to music, et.al. Here is a site that even sells handle bar mounts for systems like mine and many others - http://www.ram-mount.com/Products/PDAMounts/tabid/143/Default.aspx
Just a thought.
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I use an HP IPAQ handheld for everything...
Interesting! Is it waterproof? Or do you use a rain cover? Apparently vibration has not hurt your unit; have you heard of problems from other people?
Fred
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No, the unit is not completely waterproof. I have walked roughly 3 miles home in a violent rain storm with the unit attached to my belt and nothing happened. However, this unit is my laptop so I try to exercise care in getting the unit wet. I have a Rhino metal case for this unit and it is a tough case. I dropped this unit twice, on cement sidewalks. Other than a bit of bruising, (scuff marks, etc.) the unit works beautifully. As for vibration - I wear this unit on my belt whenever I ride my bike and nothing has happened to it.
These units are built to withstand quite a bit of roughness. They do break, but do quite a bit of bending first. No, I don't know if this is the case for everyone else. I work for a university and in the college I am assigned to I am the only person using a PDA of any sort. Have no comparison points for now.
I use an HP IPAQ handheld for everything...
Interesting! Is it waterproof? Or do you use a rain cover? Apparently vibration has not hurt your unit; have you heard of problems from other people?
Fred
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Electronic stuff is neat to own, but how do you keep it from being stolen while you're in the market replenishing your food stuffs? How do you keep it dry? Sometimes less is more. Willie Wier has good advice...write your journals and send them back home to Aunt Nellie like letters. If graphs are important you can add the raw data in your journals and then spend the winter reliving the journey while you connect the dots.
That's my personal opinion.
Scott
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Thank you, Cycnus. The questions of wetting and durability have come up in the GPS forum. It is good to have your real experience. Much appreciated.
Fred
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Electronic stuff is neat to own, but how do you keep it from being stolen while you're in the market replenishing your food stuffs? How do you keep it dry?
My handlebar bag goes with me everywhere regardless and is waterproof so neither of these are concerns.
I agree that less is more, but... I am starting to shift more toward using some lightweight electronics in lieu of paper. It is getting to the point where taking an ipod shuffle with audio books and something like a Nokia N800 can be less weight and bulk than a paper notebook, pencil, and a paperback to read. I spec'ed out both ways and come up lighter with the ipod and N800 even including all the associated chargers and so on. My thinking now favors using electronics over paper even more if your cell phone is email capable like for example a black berry. Emails to home can easily serve as your notes and journal entries. I prefer not to pay for data service on my cell though.
I don't want to carry even a mini laptop though. Still, I can see how others might choose to given how small and light they are becoming.