UO, OSU students launch social networking website for outdoor enthusiasts
EUGENE - Zach Ham is always in search of the perfect motorcycle ride.
"No traffic, good pavement, good visibility, sharp corners, preferably banked," the University of Oregon senior explained.
Ham believes others are searching too. With the help of a friend at Oregon State University, he launched a website, RidewithGPS.com, to lead the way.
"There's a lot of cool motorcycle roads if you go out to Florence, for example, that never touch 126," said Ham. "But if you're new to the area, you don't know about these roads.
RidewithGPS.com lets outdoor enthusiasts share everything from running and hiking trails to cycling routes.
It combines data from GPS devices, like heart rate and cadence, and the U.S. Geological Survey, like elevation gain, to help both serious athletes and recreational riders map out their next adventure.
Users create profiles, share pictures and can even meet riding partners.
"He might say, oh that looks like an interesting ride, clicks on it and views my description," said Ham. "He might say, oh that looks like a tough ride and it looks like he went on a ride with some friends. Maybe I'd like to go ride with him sometime and drop me a message."
Eighty people have signed up for the website so far.
The college senior is excited to see where this road will take him.
"It looks like we have some people from Washington, some older guys who have BMW motorcycles. I don't know who these people are, but it's cool they're getting on the site and thinking it's a good idea. It's exciting."
To check out the free website, visit Ridewithgps.com.
"No traffic, good pavement, good visibility, sharp corners, preferably banked," the University of Oregon senior explained.
Ham believes others are searching too. With the help of a friend at Oregon State University, he launched a website, RidewithGPS.com, to lead the way.
"There's a lot of cool motorcycle roads if you go out to Florence, for example, that never touch 126," said Ham. "But if you're new to the area, you don't know about these roads.
RidewithGPS.com lets outdoor enthusiasts share everything from running and hiking trails to cycling routes.
It combines data from GPS devices, like heart rate and cadence, and the U.S. Geological Survey, like elevation gain, to help both serious athletes and recreational riders map out their next adventure.
Users create profiles, share pictures and can even meet riding partners.
"He might say, oh that looks like an interesting ride, clicks on it and views my description," said Ham. "He might say, oh that looks like a tough ride and it looks like he went on a ride with some friends. Maybe I'd like to go ride with him sometime and drop me a message."
Eighty people have signed up for the website so far.
The college senior is excited to see where this road will take him.
"It looks like we have some people from Washington, some older guys who have BMW motorcycles. I don't know who these people are, but it's cool they're getting on the site and thinking it's a good idea. It's exciting."
To check out the free website, visit Ridewithgps.com.
