[Berto]

Hi all - This weekend I'm riding in the MS150 bike race from Houston to Austin (175 miles). I missed out on having their "RiderConnect" devices, so I'm wondering if my BlackBerry can do something similar.

Verizon blocks GPS of course, but does anyone know of any apps that will triangulate my signal (like Google Maps does) and send that data to the web? I can then put that on my web site.

That'd be a neat app for this race so that my family and friends can check my progress.

Thanks, let me know if anyone knows how to post my location to the web.
Berto

PS - If anyone wants to donate to this race, you can click here. No rush though, I already hit my donations minimum!

[kellydcarter]

There is a new and free app that will work with your BlackBerry 8130. With Verizon, you'll need an external GPS device. You need to be on roads where you have phone coverage, too, of course.

The app you need is Blip by Blackline GPS. Learn about it here: Welcome to BlackLine GPS Inc.. It allows people you choose to track on the web your location and movements using your GPS.

For a review on an inexpensive external Bluetooth GPS, see an article I wrote here: Review: GlobalSat BT-359 GPS « My BlackBerry Pearl 8130.

I've tested Blip on my Verizon 8130 using the BT-359 GPS and it worked. I'm planning to write an article on Blip but there's probably no way I can get it done before your bike race this weekend. But what a WAY COOL idea that is.

If you end up doing this, please contact me at and let me know.

[Sith_Apprentice]

MobileGMaps will also allow you to post to a website. You still need the GPS puck but it will work in much the same way. The link is in the aftermarket section. You can use mobileGmaps without a data connection for directions. it will obviously not upload your progress until you return to the data network, but unlike BB Maps or Google Maps it is not required to have a continuous data connection for you to see your progress.

[Berto]

Thanks guys! I launch tomorrow, and leave for Houston today in 6 hours, so I have little time to figure this out. I'm gonna get on it and will let you guys know afterwards.

I might have some updates at my blog Mike Robertoxxx8217;s Blog

[Berto]

By the way, Kelly, I agree with your thoughts on Verizon locking down GPS. Someone's gotta figure out how to crack that so other apps can use it!

I'm registered for Blip and will figure out how to have people monitor my progress. Preferably as a widget on my blog, but not a big deal if I need to send them to gps-snitch.com

Thanks again!