Ben Shaw has been a rider since August 2007, when, freshly returned from multiple combat tours with the US Marines in Iraq, he purchased a Yamaha Virago 250. Ten days later, dissatisfied with its small size, he purchased an 1100.
In 2008, Shaw rode cross-country, expecting to cover 5,500 miles in roughly a month. Four and a half months and 9,500 photographs later, he returned – having ridden 13,500 miles. Since then, he has undertaken several shorter rides, and looks forward to available time to cross the United States on a northern route.
Shaw’s experience with riding is that there is danger, beautiful scenery, long, low curves through beautiful countryside, and a profusion of interesting people met along the way – often just as savory or unbelievable as the ride itself. The most important thing about biking, thus, is being simply curious about everything. Without fail, schedules never work, the weather never cooperates, weird and amazing people abound, but it all becomes the stuff of stories riders will tell for years to come. As any rider knows, strange things always happen on the road.
Shaw currently resides in Virginia, and works as a combat journalist and veteran advocacy writer.
MH
madmoto
[...] There’s something about a motorcycle that’s almost universally appealing. Something about the way it hugs the road in curves and bolts up the long inclines that cars struggle to climb. Or the deep rumble as you cut through tunnels and under overpasses. Maybe it’s the subtle statement that, “I can go fast if I want to, but I’m happy just relishing the ride.” All you naysayers, we’ll win you over yet. And then, we’ll see you out there on a bike of your own. You can’t help it; it’s just fun. About Ben Shaw, the author [...]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2010
Contact: Michael Hill, Founder
Email: MShaneHill@TheDownTag.com
PEPSI PROVIDES CHANCE TO SAVE MOTORCYCLISTS LIVES
Lack of Information During Traumatic or Medical Emergencies Leads To More Lives Lost; Pepsi’s Refresh Project May be the Blessing Motorcycle Riders, EMS, and Hospital Workers Have Been Waiting For
Starting August 1, DownTag, a Southern California startup focusing on providing emergency medical information when it’s needed most, will be a contender in the Pepsi Refresh Project for a $250k grant, allowing them to turn a life saving idea into a life saving reality. Votes will be accepted (via website, Facebook, and text message) starting at 12:01am EST on 8/1/10 through 11:59pm EST on 8/31/10.
Successfully winning the $250k grant would allow DownTag to launch their emergency medical records database, dispatch center, and begin work on their GPS tracking capabilities to monitor motorcycle riders on longer trips across the country, with the ability to dispatch rescue and EMS should the rider be involved in an accident and is unable to call for help on their own, similar to the service On Star provides motorists.
During a recent open discussion and Q&A session about DownTag, a Southern California law enforcement officer stated, “As a former accident investigator, now full-time traffic enforcement officer, I can vouch for the importance of info[rmation] at a collision scene and follow-up.”
DownTag was founded in 2009 by ex-EMS worker and daily motorcycle rider Michael Hill to solve issues with lack of information following motorcycle and vehicle accidents. Through the use of a 24 hour dispatch center, like that used by 911, DownTag seeks to provide access to emergency medical records and emergency contact information when those charged with saving a life need it most, at low to no cost to the general public.
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If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with DownTag’s founder, Michael Hill, please email MShaneHill@TheDownTag.com
Saving lives…one tag at a time,
M. Shane Hill
Founder/CEO
DownTag
MShaneHill@TheDownTag.com
http://www.TheDownTag.com