1989: Steve Roberts - 16K Miles on a Bike - 2 of 2

in 1983, Steve Roberts packed up a Tandy 100 laptop and a 5-watt solar panel, fleeing suburbia on his recumbent bicycle on what would become a 17,000 mile journey that forever cemented his place in the geek pantheon...not just as a technology hacker, but as one of the preeminent "life hackers," pursuing his own dreams on his own terms and inspiring others to do the same.

In this recently-unearthed video from 1989, Roberts reflects on the first 16,000 miles of his voyage, detailing some of the technology that went into his then-current ride, the Winnebiko II.

(Uploaded with permission of the copyright holder.)

Follow Steve's adventures at http://microship.com

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• steve
• steven
• roberts
• computing
• across
• america
• winnebiko
• behemoth
• recumbent
• bike
• bicycle
• ham
• radio

[bcdon1]

One day as a teenager I stayed home 'sick,' and was watching Phil Donahue who just happened to have Mr. Steve Roberts on. As a budding geek I was so impressed with BEHEMOTH... These days I follow Steve's exploits over at microshipdotcom. I'm an engineer now but have yet to try such an adventurous lifestyle. One day.. until then, I'll keep checking in on my childhood hero. Thank you Mr. Roberts.

[bobowzki]

What kind of real time control do you need on a bike?? :-)

[melloajello]

Seriously awesome!! I'm impressed, I thought I had it bad on my bike trip. "Huge 640 x 480," oh technology. lol

[paulsanchez]

wow amazing! thanks for posting!

[eolake]

Hey Steve,

So, you and Adam Engst (marathon runner) are proof that not all geeks are wobbly-legged weaklings!