Cyclocosmblr

inrng:

[…]

In recent years the motorbike’s been less important with the use of radio radios but it’s remained a useful publicity vehicle.

Now the blackboard is going away and Paris-Nice this weekend will see an electronic display used on the back of a motorbike. […]

I’m no Luddite, but I’m not sure I like this.

1. Chalkboard time is like the dudes with sticks and a 10-yard chain in the NFL. Everyone knows it’s baloney, but it’s a cool mechanical reminder of the sport’s roots. And unlike football, the chalk moto has relatively little impact on the outcome.
   
   
2. The human chalkboard can communicate with the riders beyond just the time. Unless the ASO installs Watson on the back of the moto as well, it’s unlikely open-ended information exchange can take place.
   
   
3. The resolution on that display is atrocious, and red-on-black numbers are VERY hard to see in glare/bright conditions. If we’re going to embrace technology, can we at least do it intelligently?