MBlog

Bike-to-Work

It all happens in May, Bike-to-Work month, week and day; a significant time for bike commuters and the cycling coalition. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the two-wheeled celebration. It's that special time of year when we applaud each other with subtle nods and pedal for a higher cause.

The League of American Bicyclists promotes this week, May 15-19, as Bike-to-Work week. If you're not already involved, it's not too late. The jewel, Bike-to-Work day, still lies ahead. According to the LoAB the national day is Friday, May 19th, but it may be different in your community. Here's where it gets confusing. In the Bay Area and most of California, it's May 18 th, most everywhere else it's May 19th. Check here of local info and events.

Every year we like to honor an MB user that tracks their commutes. Last year it was rwarren and tcazzard from The Great State of Maine (that's what he calls it). This year, the TrailNetwork watched an ambitious commuter arise from New York. Bowood came on strong, tracking an impressive 372 commutes over the Manhattan Bridge. Good on ya bowood.

 

Data Recording

More data isn't always better! Data points that is. The new Forerunner and Edge 205/305 devices have two data recording settings – 'Smart Recording' and 'Every Second'. Even though the owners manual says, "most accurate record possible", 'Every Second' should ONLY be used for specific activities that are short, fast, and tight. Like track running, track cycling, or downhill mountain biking. You may think all your activities are 'Every Second' worthy, but that’s not the point and most of the time it works against you.

Things to know about 'Every Second' recording.

• Usage - 'Every Second' isn't bad. If used properly it's a great recording technique, but should be reserved for special circumstances.

• Storage - Device storage is limited. 'Every Second' fills up the memory in approximately 3 1/2 hours, then starts erasing/overwriting data. 'Smart Recording' allows for days of recording.

• File Size - Large activity files slowdown MotionBased, and even may be rejected. Transfer time, processing speed, and page loads (especially the Map Player) are negatively affected.

• Quality - Because it's recording more track points doesn't necessarily mean the data is more useful.
  

'Smart Recording' is smarter than you think. It continuously monitors your speed, direction, and location, and records track points when it detects change. If descending a winding route at varying speed, the device will record more track points than a steady pace on a straight path. Smart Recording is the default setting. So unless you have specific need, don't change it.