FedEx and the Ohio CycleWorks Bike Team -- Showcasing SenseAwareSM technology in This Year's RAAM Race

Would you be able to ride 3,000 miles on a bike, with as little as 90 minutes of sleep a day (and, no more than 4), in 12 days?  I love biking, but I know that I would not be able to do it, even with hours of training.  But, others are taking part in this endurance event, including the Ohio CycleWorks bike team.  Race Across America (RAAM), known as one of the longest endurance sporting events in the world, kicked off June 16 in Oceanside, Calif. The 3,000 mile race crosses 12 states, passes through 88 counties and 350 communities. During this year’s race, FedEx Custom Critical, a division of FedEx specializing in shipping high-value, time-critical items, will be sponsoring the Ohio CycleWorks bike team and tracking a very special human package with a first-of-its-kind technology.  

This is the second year I am following this race.  I first heard about it a few years ago when I was undergoing cancer treatment and a fellow cancer patient was talking about this grueling, yet so satisfying race, and how his dream is to one day ride in the race, and make it to the finish line.  I wish I had kept in touch with this patient, as he was not only brave in his fight with cancer, but the way he talked about this and other aspirations, really kept me staying focused and positive.  Even though I know I am not in the proper shape to compete in a race like this, doesn't stop me from participating in fundraising walks and races.  Who knows, maybe one day I will compete in the RAAM race, or something similar.  But, in the meantime, I am enjoying following the race, playing close attention to the Ohio CycleWorks bike team who are showcasing the capabilities of SenseAwareSM technology, from FedEx, as it treks from coast to coast. 

SenseAware powered by FedEx is a comprehensive tracking and monitoring service used to provide near real-time data about shipments while they are in transit. SenseAware allows customers to stay connected to their shipments by viewing vital statistics such as current location, temperature, barometric pressure, relative humidity and light sensitivity. A SenseAware device will travel with the Ohio CycleWorks bike team throughout the entire 3,000 mile race, allowing select supporters to track the bike team’s location and observe current environmental race conditions through the web-based platform.Follow the Ohio CycleWorks’ SenseAware/RAAM experience by visiting http://senseaware.tumblr.com. Pictures, video and content will be available for download. For details about SenseAware powered by FedEx, log on to www.senseaware.com.

What is SenseAware and How Does It Work?

SenseAware^SM powered by FedEx is a first-of-its-kind service that gives you near real-time data about your shipments — and the ability to share that information collaboratively with your business partners. A multi-sensor device deeply integrated with a powerful web-based application currently enables healthcare and life science
customers to stay connected to their most critical shipments.

With SenseAware, you can:

• Customize alerts so you and invited participants can receive notification of changes in location or environmental data.
  
• Save valuable time and resources by making well-informed decisions faster.
  
• View and share your shipments' vital signs securely — with organizations or individuals.
  
• Collaborate with others when presented with unforeseen situations and take immediate action with a FedEx^® intervention service.
  

Here is a snapshot of the SenseAware device that is traveling with the Ohio CycleWorks Bike Team, and tracking their every move, all while monitoring temperature, humidity and barometric pressure:

The SenseAware(SM) application provides near real-time data about the team’s journey. Here is a snapshot of Monday, June 18, 2012 statistics as the team crossed the San Juan River.

 Location: Highway 191, Utah

   Temperature: 77.9º F

   Humidity: 22%

 Barometric Pressure: 858 mBar

 

In addition to helping showcase the SenseAware device, the Ohio CycleWorks team is racing for a great cause.  The Ohio CycleWorks bike team is raising money for the Akron Children’s Hospital. Akron Children’s Hospital’s pediatric services draw more than 600,000 patient visits each year, and include children, teens and adults from across the country and around the world. Ranked a Best Children’s Hospital overall, Akron Children’s earned special rankings by US News & World Report in the specialties of neonatology and pediatric nephrology, orthopedics and pulmonary medicine. Through a partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network at Akron Children’s Hospital, they are striving to raise $75,000 to benefit the children served by the hospital. Upon completion of the race, they would like to not only present Akron Children’s with a gift of money, but also a donation of bicycles to be given to children we serve.  How great is that?  To learn more about this cause, and to donate and help the Ohio CycleWorks bike team reach their goal, click here now. (FedEx Custom Critical is happy to be a proud supporter of the Akron Children's Hospital and the Ohio CycleWorks team.)

If this is the first time you are hearing about the RAAM race, or this great new device from FedEx, I am so happy to be sharing this news with you.  I hope you continue to follow this race, which will wind down in Maryland on the 26th.  At that time, not only will be see if the Ohio CycleWorks can finish, but if they will reach their donation goal.  Please continue to follow this amazing race here: http://senseaware.tumblr.com.

Disclosure:  I received compensation from FedEx for covering the use of SenseAware® technology during the 2012 Race Across America. My ideas and opinions relayed in this blog post and any related Twitter discussions are the my own and are not provided by FedEx or its affiliates and subsidiaries.