While we like to report on software that actually gets you moving, one game stands out year after year as a sports related title that is worth taking a break from activity. No, we’re not talking about Madden; we’re talking about Pro Cycling Manger from La Vuelta. This year’s 2010 title is available now, with a new patch in time for the start of this week’s Tour de France in Rotterdam.
The game is available for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation Portable (the latter meaning you could even take the game with you on those long training rides). This year’s game lets you take part in 180 races and international classics, where you can get a better understand of the daily aspects of general management including training, finances and even contracts. After all there is much to professional cycling than just riding expensive bikes.
And be sure to check back over the next three weeks, as we’ll be reporting on any technology updates happening at the tour, including news on the latest bikes and hardware.
Sandals: Not Just for Romans and Hippies Anymore
- Sandals fit for a Roman Emperor
Sandals always brings three things to mind to me. First, the Romans – OK, in fairness the Greeks and others probably wore sandals first, but it was the Romans who brought the flat shoes with them everywhere they went. This did prove that the sandal wasn’t just for being laid back, because after all, any army or general that can conquer the world while wearing them must be pretty tough. But the next thought that comes to mind are hippies. Maybe hippies go barefoot, but I get a whole summer of love vibe when I see sandals, and the problem there is that it doesn’t evoke sport and competition. Finally, Peppermint Patty comes to mind when I think of sandals – and while Patty might have been a cool Tomboy she was kind of annoying.
So the question is what to wear following a long run or bike race when you just have to get out of the shoes? Barefoot is clearly too much like the aforementioned hippie thing, and there aren’t many places a germphobe like me will want to walk sans shoes. So when I go sans shoes I can go for sandals. The Montrail Molokai Flip feature a textured thermo-moldable PRFRM footbed that should be like walking on a cloud, but because it is made of 100 percent hydrophobic synthetic upper material it will still keep your feet cool and dry.
As the Molokai is made up of up to 30 percent recycled rubber hippies should like it too. We like these because at $55.00 they’re affordable and fairly stylish, but mostly they’ll just feel good after a long race. Imagine what Caesar could have done if he had these sandals?
Wet Suits To Change for 2013
Thin is in, especially for many tri-athletes. After all that swimming, cycling and running you’re sure to burn some calories. But come 2013 another type of thin will be in, as in the rules. Beginning in 2013 the thickness of wet suits will be the name of the game. The USA Triathlon announced that beginning on “January 1, 2013 swimmers wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than five millimeters shall be disqualified.”
Thus those greater than the thickness will not be permitted at USAT-sanctioned events. According to the press release:
“Our board has been considering this issue and the impact it might have with our athletes for some time,” said USA Triathlon CEO Skip Gilbert. “The overall feeling is that it makes perfect sense to align with the guidelines set by our international federation and multisport enthusiasts around the world. This is a standard that is good for the athlete community and our sport overall.”
So what does this mean? Well, nothing more than the USAT will be in line with the international standard of five millimeters, which is already recognized by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and other National Governing Bodies. Fortunately as many suits are currently greater in thickness, there will be a grace period as these suits are phased out.
[Via Competitor.com: USA Triathlon Adopts New Wetsuit Regulation Starting In 2013]
(Sports)Band on the Run
One thing that technology has improved is the style in “sports” gear. Remember those old cassette Walkman players? The sports one was always so bulky and big. The same thing has been true more recently for headphones. Yes, durable is good, but frankly my shooting earmuffs have more style than many fitness headsets.
Now JayBird has the word, with its line of Bluetooth headphones. The new Sportsband offers nine colors, from Limonade Green and Sonic Blue, to Snow Wite and Runner’s Red. More importantly these wireless headsets provide a high fidelity bass response so you can feel the music as much as hear it. The Sportsband headsets are also compatible with mobile phones, so you won’t have to miss a call while off on a run.
And least you think these are too much about fashion, and not enough about fitness, it should be noted that the headphones offer a lifetime warranty against sweat. The Sportsband headphones are available now for $99.
Poseidon in the Pool
The Greek God Poseidon ruled over the water, and now technology bearing his name is being used in some YMCA pools to help monitor swimmers. CBS42.com is reporting that this technology utilizes three cameras in each corner of the pool, along with software to detect when there is no motion. This is used in conjunction with actual lifeguards.
The computer-aided drowning detection system is being called a lifeguard’s third eye that never blinks. It can analyze activity in the pool, and in water that is less than nine feet deep can work simply with overhead cameras. It can also aid lifeguards to a simmer in trouble. It uses a network of small, digital cameras that can quickly identify situations that could be life-threatening, such as when a person is motionless underwater.
Poseidon Official Site
[Via CBS42.com: Poseidon of the Pool]
Stopping Bicycle Thieves
The classic Italian movie The Bicycle Thief (1948) tells the story of how a life can be changed when a bike is stolen. While most such thefts today don’t mean the difference between life and death (or at least in feeding one’s family), bike theft remains a problem. In fact, the FBI estimates that more than 1.5 million people fall victim to a bicycle theft each year, meaning that a bike is stolen about every 20 seconds! Fortunately some companies are starting to fight back. One such example is BaitBike, which provides specially monitored bikes that are meant to be stolen.
This is sort of a type of a trap to would-be thieves, leaving a bike in an area where similar thefts have occurred. In this case the BaitBike has electronic tracking gear, which in turn allows law enforcement to find said bike and arrest the thieves. While this technology isn’t yet available to the public, hopefully soon we can see a low-jack of sorts for bikes.
But the best advice is to lock your bike if you must leave it, but the better method is to avoid the locks and just never leave your bike out of your sight!
Insect Spotted, Shields Up
Have you ever seen those Orkin bug commercials where the human size (or larger) insect comes to the door – or in one case to the hot tub? That is probably an all too familiar feeling that many people get around insects. Obviously bug spray and a professional exterminator is great for the home, but what do you do when you venture to the territory of the bugs?
One solution is to dress up, as in wear appropriate attire that will protect you from insects. Insect Shield’s line of clothing and gear repels a variety of insects including mosquitoes and ticks, and best of all this specially treated clothing has protection that is invisible, orderless and long lasting. So you can still wash the gear after trekking through the woods. The company offers a range of products for outdoor adventure, as well as simple hats and scarves for gardening. There are even products designed for kids and infants too, so you can take the young ones with you on the next hike.
For more extreme journeys there is gear for hunting, complete with camouflage patterns, as well as insect shield bug suits, head nets and bug socks. While not exactly the most stylish gear its better than scratching bug bites afterward.
Wounded Warriors Rehab With Nintendo Wii
We can never say thank you enough to our men and women in uniform who serve overseas, often in dangerous and hostile regions. Sadly our thanks are not nearly enough, and this is especially true to those soldiers who have been wounded in the line of duty. Fortunately there are programs to help, including the newly announced Rehabbing with the Troops from the Wounded Warrior Project. This project has a simple goal, to create a virtual community, called the Wounded Warrior Arena, in which soldiers can find common ground and a mutual understanding while working on their physical rehabilitation and emotional well-being.
This partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO, and sponsored by Armed Forces Insurance, resulted in Pro vs. GI Joe creating Rehabbing the Troops, which uses the concept of connecting pros and troops through video games. These include workouts with the Nintendo Wii while professional athletes act as the trainers. This project will run through the summer season, with pro trainers from the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints.
The 10-week season will conclude in New Orleans on August 21. Troops will complete their final workout, receive, receive awards at an AFI-sponsored luncheon and then get to watch the New Orleans Saints pre-season home opening game at the Louisiana Superdome.
Air Ball
This week the California Institute of Technology gave new meaning to the concept of “air ball” as aerospace engineers at the prestigious school put the controversial new “Jabulani” football (that’s soccer to most of us Americans) to the test in a wind tunnel. The ball, which was developed by adidas, is currently being used in the World Cup, where players, coaches and fans have blamed it for missed shots. So much for blaming bad play?
According to reports two balls were put into the Lucas Wind Tunnel and exposed to wind speeds of about 10 meters per second, which is actually slower than a typical kicked ball. To determine the movement of air around said balls, a smoke machine was called in. This helped the engineers visualize the air movement. The findings actually matched some complaints from teams in the World Cup. The ball reportedly had some “bizarre trajectories.”
Developed by the adidas Innovation Team (a.i.t.), the ball has been tested as new “match ball” for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. This mean tests under the toughest laboratory conditions, but it isn’t clear if this is in fact the first time the ball went into a wind tunnel. At this point it doesn’t look as if the ball will pulled, but with more studies coming dare we say that the wind of change is blowing through.
Adiddas World Cup Jabulani Ball at Amazon.com
[Via Reuters: Geeks give new Cup ball a wind tunnel workout]
E3 2010: Kinect Fitness Games for the Kinect Launch
Microsoft is taking video game motion controls to a new level with their new accessory for the Xbox 360 called Kinect. Kinect will allow you to be able to play video games hands free. While the Nintendo Wii Fit definitely revolutionized fitness gaming, it had some drawbacks. Having to hold controllers or be limited by the balance board was definitely a drawback for a true workout. Kinect will change all of that because it will be truly free of any hindrances. It will allow you to workout in the privacy of your own home, but also get the real-time one-on-one feedback on how well you are doing the exercises, just like you would get from a personal trainer.
Here are the Kinect fitness games
that will be available during the Kinect launch or shortly thereafter:
Your Shape: Fitness Evolution is a game that will be available on the Kinect release date. Your Shape will be able to give you a full body scan, and get your measurements in order to keep track of progress in your arms, legs, midsection, etc. It will also provide you with a trainer who will be able to take you through daily workouts. To not always be training hardcore, Your Shape also has mini-games that are fitness-focused, to allow you to have fun and get a good workout at the same time.
EA Sports Active 2.0 will be coming out a few weeks after the Kinect launch. The original EA Sports Active for the Wii defined what fitness gaming should be. This sequel takes exercise gaming to a whole new level. It will feature a wireless heart rate monitor that you’ll be able to wear on your arm, and you’ll be able to get the result on the screen, so you can always keep your heart rate in the optimal range for fat loss. As with all Kinect titles, it will truly be a controller (and distraction) free workout.
The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout is coming out around the same time as Kinect. You will be able to be trainer by Bob and Jillian, giving you a solid workout just as if you were at the ranch. It features nutrition and health tips to help you to lead an overall better lifestyle. You’ll also be able to change up the workouts, and add some fun while working out by competing in various challenges as seen on the TV show.
More on Gesture-Based Exercise Devices
Similar to the Microsoft Kinect we discussed earlier this week, another gesture-based solution is in development to work on more than just the Xbox 360 console. Three companies – Metrological, Softkinetic and Optrima – are working on an integrated 3D gesture-based solution to work with set-top-boxes and televisions to do everything from change the channel and volume to play games. This may open the doors for workout programs similar to kinect Sports and Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, among other games on the horizon.
This solution combines a 3D gesture-recognition platform, iisu from Softkinetic with a 3D and RGB camera called the OptriCam fromOptrima. It’s been optimized to consume a minimum of CPU resources, and integrates into set-top-boxes or televisions. It uses both gesture and voice recognition to do its job. The system is still in development. It remains to be seen whether this partnership’s offering uses the same technology as the Microsoft Kinect, and whether it will see completion.
UCI Cracking Down on Doped Bikes
After winning the Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders Swiss rider Fabian Cancellara came under the spotlight. Not for doping, but rather for using a motor hidden within the bicycle frame. Cancellara has since laughed off the allegations, but apparently not everyone is laughing.
Cycling has taken some bad hits as many high profile riders have been accused of using – and unfortunately even caught using – performance enhancing drugs. But this latest twist is probably one no one saw coming. This week the International Cycling Union, the sports governing body, announced that “a scanner will be used from the time of the Tour de France.” Such a scanner would further bolster “measures that have already been put in place, in particular the visual inspection of bicycles.”
The UCI it has been reported has been in contact with former racers, including Davide Cassani and Chris Boardman. The formers claims that a bike equipped with a concealed motor could help a ride cheat, and that if he were using such a device at 49-years old he’d be able to finish a classic or a Giro stage. We are a bit dubious to say the least. The latter even wrote an editorial for The Telegraph, explaining how the technology could work.
While there have been endless technological upgrades to bicycles in the 100+ years since the founding of the UCI, the idea of a hidden motor to aid a racer seems to be more trouble than it would be worth. Such a motor would need a large power source – one that would add weight to the bike, although Boardman says it is a moot point since bikes come in under weight anyway – and it would need to be reliable. Boardman again offers the opinion that the energy source would be enough to power a motor that in turn could help provide riders with a way to “take a break.” But is this really enough? Riders are pretty much on camera from beginning to end, and sitting on a bike and “faking” the pedaling is a lot of work.
The proper gearing, drafting from other riders and various riding techniques are what already give riders that little bit of edge. Would a mini-motor – something else that could break down – really be worth it? That’s not to say that we encourage anyone to try, so let’s hope that the sport stays clean. And that is with both the riders and the bikes.
Microsoft Kinects with Exercisers
Don’t call it a controller. At E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) last week Microsoft widely showcased its controllerless motion interface previously called Project Natal. This means games will continue to get active. Even more than with the Nintendo Wii remote, games using Microsoft’s Kinect won’t be played sitting down. The Kinect is a hands-free controller that captures your moves and sond through a camera placed in front of the TV. Its mount follows your movements so if you’re playing a really active game, it will still keep up with you. There’s plenty of games in development for the device due out by holiday season.
One category expected to excel is fitness games. EA Sports Active, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, Kinect Sports and Zumba Fitness are just a few. In addition, you have Kinect Adventures where you’ll do activities like block oncoming balls, and steer rafts on water rides, which involve full-body movements. Dance Central from MTV and Harmonix is another one that will have you moving to the beat. We’re on the lookout for heart pounding cardio and strength training fitness games using the Kinect on the horizon and will report here.