ARWC 2015 Brazil - Pantanal
Dealing With the Unknown - You, not the Racers
Rob Howard / 13.11.2015
It’s not just the racers going into the wilderness with an uncertain outcome, that goes for the press too, and to some extent to you dear reader. Yes, you, the online audience out there.
You need to be prepared.
In your always ‘connected’ world where you look at your phone every few minutes and data is online when you need it there will certainly be some frustrations in the week ahead as you ‘follow’ the progress of ARWC Pantanal. You need to take a deep breath and promise yourself not to hurl the mouse across the room or swear at the screen (especially if you are in the office).
Wilderness is a concept most of the modern world does not get – even the AR World Champs normally takes place in areas where you can drive somewhere to get to a mobile signal or wifi of some kind, even if it’ a 5 hour drive on dirt road to get a connection at dial up speed ... but not this time, not here in Pantanal.
I’ll be with the race, in the Pantanal, along with the rest of the media entourage, but you may have much more idea what is going on than I do. You’ll be able to see the YB Trackers and know where the teams are - I won’t. I have no idea how we’ll find them ... or if we’ll find them. And when we do and there is a story to tell I don’t know how we’ll share it with you. Reporting is not entirely impossible, just very, very difficult and uncertain.
I’m told there ‘may be some internet at some transitions’ but that is as far as it goes. There is no mobile signal where we are going that’s for sure ... yes really. It’ll be a while before they get 3G, let alone 4G. Hard to believe I know, but true.
If there connection anywhere it will likely be too slow for photos let alone video and will surely overload when a boat load of slightly crazed and internet starved media arrive. I fear there may be tantrums and severe cases of social media deprivation which may not be covered by travel insurance.
Satellite transmission may be the only option, and this can be done by some of the latest YB Trackers, which is something I hope to do, though its untested at this stage. My hope is to get text out at least – and it will be succinct – we’ll be being charged by the word. I don’t expect to publish any photos until towards the end of the race. If it happens I’ll be happy, but I’m not getting my hopes up and nor should you.
I’ve sent out stories by fishing boat and by satellite before, from places as remote as this, so it’s been done before. I’d say ‘watch this space’ but I know you will anyway, even if there is nothing to see – if that happens just keep calm and carry on. Watch the dots and be grateful you can do that.
SleepMonsters
