Newsletter - Nov 2011

Newsletter - November 2011

Hey all!

I just wanted to let everyone know about a few NEW features on WhereAmIRiding.com that you may not be aware of. If you are, that's great! If not, you have a few very cool new features to check out before your next ride.

You can now view your map in FULL SCREEN. When you click on your map page from the 'User List' or from your specialty link (Eg: http://strega.whereamiriding.com), there is a link right below the map to view it in FULL SCREEN. This is awesome for embedding on your own website with an iframe or viewing it from a mobile device like an iPhone, Droid, iPad, etc. Thanks to Chuck for the design idea! Chuck can be found over at http://trailridewith.us/. They put on some great rides so check them out.

SPOT II on the trail

I also moved the map above the profile information so that it's easier to view and takes up more real estate without the menu stuff on the right side. I figured since this site is about viewing the map, why not have the map as big as possible right there on top! Your Username and FULL SCREEN map link are right below your map.

I've added some new options for your profile that you may find useful that are NOT required when registering your account. To check on these profile settings, hover your mouse over the Edit tab on your profile page, then click on 'Update user profile'. There are new tabs for Bike Info, Misc Info, and Emergency Info. The Emergency Info cannot be seen by ANY user on the site other than the admin staff. The reason this tab exists is that we are in the process of storing all of the trip data in a database for data retention and for for anyone that hits their HELP or EMERGENCY 911 button on their SPOT.

SPOT II

The server will run a check every 10 minutes to see if anyone that's a registered user that's out riding has hit their HELP button. If someone has hit the button needing help, our admin team gets an email, and we can go to your account and contact the appropriate people just as a backup to the safety plan you already have in place when you ride. This server feature is just one extra set of eyes that will follow you when you're riding once this feature is put in place. As soon as it is, I'll let you all know. Don't have a safety plan when you ride? MAKE ONE, it's important! There needs to be a plan, written down somewhere, where your friends and family can access it and coordinate a rescue without 3 or 4 separate groups doing things on their own. Before you go ride, designate 2 or 3 people as your 'eyes' and email them all the contact info necessary to get ahold of all the important people. Having them familiar with posting on ADVRider in your area is a HUGE bonus. I'll post up a template in the coming weeks as well as a good safety item list such as a RoadID.com bracelet, first aid kit, etc.


If you're a Facebook user, you can find us HERE and we'd very much appreciate if you 'liked' the page and spread the news to your friends. I personally feel like this is such a great project that is not only fun for users, but potentially a life saver if you do ever need assistance. Though, I hope no one ever does and you all keep the rubber side down!


There are still a couple bugs on the site and I appreciate all of you that have reported them to me. There is still an issue with Internet Explorer prior to IE9 that has yet to be resolved. This is an IE issue with the Google Maps API. If you updated to IE9 it will work fine. Personally I prefer Google Chrome and Firefox as my default browser. Also, clicking on 'My Profile' won't show your own map. The work around here is to use your simple link (Eg: http://strega.whereamiriding.com) or find your name in the User List and click on it. That will take you to your profile page including your map.

If you're somewhat savvy with all things computer related, or maybe just a few things computer related and you want to embed your full screen map on another site, you can do so with this link: http://whereamiriding.com/gpsfiles/map/LatLng.php?username=Strega. Just replace 'Strega' with your username. Using that link in an iframe tag will allow you to embed it on your site, or on a forum that will allow it. If you need some iframe assistance, you can get it HERE or email me and I will do my best to help you out.


If you or anyone you know is looking for a rack for the back of their Dual-Sport bike, check out http://www.Nomadic-Racks.com. Justin makes some really awesome racks and does really great work. I don't get paid to advertise for him I just believe in his product. I hope you'll check his site out.



Don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions, comments, concerns, ideas, or just want to say hello.


Ride safe!

Roger 'Strega' Sewell

Site Admin - http://www.WhereAmIRiding.com

Where Am I Riding

Other Ways to Connect

Facebook

Site Design


By: Roger Sewell