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Virtual insanity: Cyclist races the length of the UK from the comfort of his living room thanks to
Daily Mail (U.K.) ^ | 8/11/2016 | Emily Chan For Mailonline

Posted on 08/11/2016 4:48:52 AM PDT by simpson96

A cyclist is pedalling across the country from Land's End to John o'Groats - from the comfort of his own living room.

Aaron Puzey, 44, from Dundee, is nearly halfway on his journey, which he is completing through virtual reality technology.

So far, he has cycled over 400 miles, with his route taking him through Cardiff, Bristol and Manchester.

Mr Puzey says it was initially boredom that made him come up with the idea to cycle the 1,500 kilometers via virtual reality software.

He said that he had been using an exercise bike every day for years, but had found it 'monotonous'.

Seeing some places via the virtual reality headset has made him want to visit them in real life.

He said: 'Bristol was a nice place. I'd happily go there for real. I also passed through Weston-super-mare to see Banksy's Dismaland.

'Even just riding through countryside and forests is enjoyable.'

Mr Puzey, a software engineer, has created his own app that links up data from Google Street View, his VR goggles and his exercise bike.

He uses a cadence monitor to measure the speed he is going, which converts into him moving through the virtual world.

(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...


TOPICS: Computers/Internet; Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS:
Full article title: Virtual insanity: Cyclist races the length of the UK from the comfort of his living room thanks to hi-tech VR goggles and an exercise bike


1 posted on 08/11/2016 4:48:52 AM PDT by simpson96
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To: simpson96

I’d go for that.

Most days I really don’t want to leave the driveway most of the time with society as out of whack as it is.


2 posted on 08/11/2016 4:51:32 AM PDT by wally_bert (I didn't get where I am today by selling ice cream tasting of bookends, pumice stone & West Germany)
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To: simpson96

Good for him.

I once won World War II singlehandedly using virtual reality. It was lots of fun, and I didn’t have to get cold or hungry or see real blood or even lose any sleep.


3 posted on 08/11/2016 4:57:11 AM PDT by Jack Hammer
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To: wally_bert

In order to make it more realistic he’d need to be chased by dogs and run over by a car or bus occasionally imho! :)


4 posted on 08/11/2016 5:01:09 AM PDT by BrandtMichaels
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To: simpson96

That bridge looks like it was designed by Escher...


5 posted on 08/11/2016 5:02:49 AM PDT by rjsimmon (The Tree of Liberty Thirsts)
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To: BrandtMichaels

I’d rather have the good parts of cycling if there are any.


6 posted on 08/11/2016 5:02:57 AM PDT by wally_bert (I didn't get where I am today by selling ice cream tasting of bookends, pumice stone & West Germany)
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To: wally_bert

I as thinking the virtual reality setup sounds great, but it would be hard to ride past all of the pubs without being able to stop for a pint.


7 posted on 08/11/2016 5:25:55 AM PDT by Gil4 (And the trees are all kept equal by hatchet, ax and saw)
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To: simpson96

Headline: confusing reality and a simulation of reality.


8 posted on 08/11/2016 5:35:47 AM PDT by I want the USA back (Lying Media: willing and eager allies of the hate-America left.)
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To: Gil4

I don’t drink so I guess I’d be ok.

But museums, castles, and other historical stuff would be another story.


9 posted on 08/11/2016 5:43:15 AM PDT by wally_bert (I didn't get where I am today by selling ice cream tasting of bookends, pumice stone & West Germany)
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To: simpson96

A lot safer than actually doing the cycling. I like to ride my bike on a trail, but I have a stationary bike in front of a screen and I watch a “biking video” of seashore trails while I am riding.

And, at least he is getting exercise.


10 posted on 08/11/2016 5:57:56 AM PDT by Little Ray (Freedom Before Security!)
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To: simpson96

Good on him. This would be a great way to do the narrow country lanes in the UK, where you run the risk of being fly-swatted by speeding cars if you try it for real. The only downside is you don’t get the feel of the fresh air or the smell of a freshly-mowed hayfield if you do the ride inside your flat.


11 posted on 08/11/2016 6:23:14 AM PDT by Little Pig
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To: wally_bert

I have a bike I ride every day when weather allows. I also have a stationary bike. Hate the stationary. It’s boring.


12 posted on 08/11/2016 7:37:45 AM PDT by sheana
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To: simpson96

His chances of being attacked by a moslem terrorist are a bit less that way, I guess.


13 posted on 08/11/2016 8:02:28 PM PDT by Some Fat Guy in L.A. (Still bitterly clinging to rational thought despite it's unfashionability)
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