by Larry Lagarde

Most bike trips are eco-friendly simply because a bicycle is being used for transportation but 2 recent Canadian engineering grads bicycling across Canada are taking their bike tour to the next level, generating power via solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells while cycling. In the process, they're looking to inspire the next generation to embrace clean energy solutions and healthier, more active lifestyles.

Though the tour began in Victoria, BC on April 23rd, Ben & Eric started planning & preparing for their bike tour 6 months earlier, working out the details of their tour, gear and bicycle training so that everything would be ready.

What really sets apart their trans Canada bike tour from others is their "Gizmo" and the presentations they are making at high schools along the route. The Gizmo is a combination of hardware and software that allow them to generate power for their GPS transmitter, Blackberry mobile phone and camping equipment. The Gizmo also interfaces in real time with their website, tracking their progress on a map and allowing them to blog from the road.

I've written to the guys with several questions about their tour and will provide a follow up with their answers when they reply.

More Info:
http://www.next-generation.ca/

Labels: Next_Generation_bike_tour