Originally Posted by
BBassett
The cable system proposed in the 40s was Way ahead if its time. Like a big super WAN and just like a lot of WANs now would provide its own internal timing, it had to, there was no other source. That's probably how they do it in China or where ever it's necessary for security to have absolute control of the internet by providing the timing source. It wasn't until the 70s that cable TV began its explosive growth, 10 years after the advent of GPS and around the same time that the atomic clock was invented. It wasn't until 1983 that the Reagan Administration allowed GPS use for civilian purposes. Currently, the same atomic clock that provides the GPS timing source provides the source for anything that connects to the internet. With the internet and cable TV being so intertwined I bet even cable tv requires GPS data today. ,
Ah, see John! That's why I have to go to such extraordinary biblical means to support my views in this wolf's den! It's not dependence on GPS, it's having the common sense to use a tool that's at your disposal. Why leave that club in the bag just because you didn't have it when you were a kid? You used the crap out of maps I bet, so did I when I had to. Used then for 20+ years on three continents, yada yada. But when dealing with applications that require accuracy down to the meter, GPSs made actions possible in a fraction of the time setting new standards of accuracy. I didn't have GPS phobia like I see displayed here when I was 1st able to use GPS. It's no more of a crutch than a map is. So here in Bike Forum, I have to deal with the stigma of having an electric motor on my bike, touting the obvious advantages of using a GPS that could save your life. And last but not least for not being ashamed of using the latest greatest modern conveniences to make bike touring more comfortable and fun. I'm pretty sure it's the audience I'm preaching to, maybe the screens are too small for most of these.... individuals. I know for a fact that kids today can tell you and show you exactly where they are at any given moment, and where the closest Starbucks is. All this being said I would no more tour without a map then I would without a GPS. It's only common sense. In my case 3 or 4 GPSs, a Garmin 1000 to collect the ride data that I use to determine battery usage (screen IS too small to use to follow city street maps). A Garmin NUVI for roads and city streets, same as I use in the car. GPS in the cell phone, GPS in the laptop.
Do you use a belt a suspenders to hold up your bike shorts?
I believe as some have pointed out that most of us use our experience, training, knowledge, practiced skills, and physical and mental stamina to get us through most situations. I use technology as a tool, but if it fails or we can't finder a charger for a day or two it is not a big deal. I did not hear anyone say they were ashamed of using modern technology, or that they could not afford it; they just said all the modern technology and redundant systems are not
absolutely necessary for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable bike tour.
I think one of the problems that you are encountering with the "audience you are preaching to", is that many have a lot of experience and have a different perception of what bike touring is about than you do. You have every right to tour the way you please, but when your sermons tell folks that they are ignorant for not using an e-bike, carrying 4 sleep systems, 4 GPS capable devices, not know their location within a meter at all times, and not sharing your approach to bike touring ; it comes across as arrogant.
Some of the posts remind me of a quote from John Wooden, UCLA basketball coach:
"It is what you learn after you know it all that counts."