Technology

One aim of the trip is to experiment with technology in order to report back and publish in real-time - or at least as close to real-time as possible. Or at least that's what I say to myself. Perhaps it's more to do with simply playing with gadgets. Anyways, we have various gadget devices with us for this trip.

It all starts with the iPad. Light yet elegant and, yes, quite handy. To provide an easy method of sending updates, I created a blog site w 'Blogger' using inspiration from Bob & Colin for the name and then installed the requisite iPad software. I have also ensured it's easy to upload photos and videos so expect some of those. No doubt there are easier ways of doing this but I'm confident I can make it happened provided we have Internet access along the way.

Both Bob and Colin are bringing expensive Cameras and I'm assuming a correlation between quality and weight. Very cool as they won't be in my bag. I also have an adaptor that can transfer files from an SD card directly to the iPad. My only worry is the file size of the photos and how this can be easily presented on the blog without too much processing time. I'll sort it out.

Next is the video camera. For this trip I am testing an 'action camera' that can be bolted onto the bike. I'm excited. To see the results and will test this tomorrow.

There is also the GPS-enabled bike computer that will be on my bike at all times and will provides up will valuable info so as to not get lost on the trip. This will be supplemented by maps I have already printed for each day's journey.

In addition, we are aiming to purchase 1 or 2 SIM cards in Jordan for local use within our mobile phones. All of this means a plethora - yes, a plethora - of cords, adapters and chargers to ensure everything works. Is it worth it ? shouldn't we seek. To go on the trip sans gadgetry? Perhaps so but I will be secretly trying to make sure that Colin carries the gadget bag each day.