As many of you have read, Seattle and its environs continue to suffer the after effects of one of the worst storms on record. Many homes remain without power, and residents who use gasoline powered generators or charcoal fired grills indoors are being hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning.
I went to Eddie Bauer today and ordered a radio that is powered by cranking it. Seattle has sold out, but there a few still on the shelves in one of their stores in MN. While doing so, it occurred to me, that someone could build a generator that is powered by bicycling indoors which would have the benefit of 0 production of carbon monoxide, while adding the benefit of increasing one's stamina and overall health as a result. I mentioned it on a diary talking about the Seattle storm, but think it is important enough to raise on its own.
More below the fold.
I can't tell you the number of health gyms I drive by and see folks working out on their exercise bicycles. Perhaps you are laughing to yourself, saying how foolish. Well, it was not so foolish to a young British chap who powered the lights and media on his one man play, "The History of Oil," that you can see here:
http://video.google.com/...
Now, who can we contact to get this set in motion? The Pacific NW is only the latest region of our country to be hit by a natural disaster which cancelled our electricity. Even if this could only power a few lights at home, plus the electronic ignition for oil and gas furnaces, it would be very, very worthwhile.
Ideas, please.