Meet Ray Maker (pictured above). Via his website "DC Rainmaker", and his podcast by the same name, Ray single-handedly tests, reviews and reports on nearly every self-quantification device that hits the market, including the latest devices from established players like Garmin and Polar, along with new companies like Strava, Zwift, Stages Cycling, 4iiii, and other brands that attract the attention of both the tech world, the bike market, the triathlon industry and beyond - often testing prototypes months before a product is brought to market. Ray often operates beneath the radar of the traditional, brick-and-mortar, ink-on-paper side of the bike world, but shockingly, his site, which he runs entirely by himself, is the sixth most popular bicycling website on the planet. He's even been listed in Runner's World as one of "The 50 Most Influential People In Running". Ray is an avid triathlete and runner, and despite operating DC Rainmaker still works full-time in the IT industry, in a position that requires him to travel the world constantly. He's an American, but now lives in Paris, France, with his wife. His far-flung trips are part of the appeal of his website, as he reports not just on technology, but also on his adventures running, biking and swimming around the globe. A true fitness geek, Ray puts the gadgets he tests through rigorous evaluations, reporting on the nitty gritty details, flaws, benefits, pros, cons, and even delivers the first-hand reports on the latest firmware updates for various devices. He does things like mount multiple power meters on his bike, or wears several heart monitors at once, and often delivers intricate multi-thousand word reports and reviews on every device he tests. During our discussion, you'll discover: -Ray's crazy story of testing the waterproof potential of an Apple watch... -How Ray makes money on his website by reviewing devices... -The coolest piece of self-quantification technology Ray has ever used... -Ray's most recommended piece of technology... -How much of racing and training technology is just the 'same ol', vs. truly groundbreaking technology... -What a device must do to break the mold and fit into that ground-breaking category... -How Ray keeps from being "biased" by products he receives and reviews... -What Ray uses to track sleep... -The effects of alcohol on training... -Ray's thoughts on the potential "biological danger" of bluetooth, wireless and wifi devices? -Whether Ray just "unplugs" and go by feel... -Ray's #1 recommended vacation and must-see spot for active people or athletes... -What Ray thinks is the next biggest trend in athlete quantification... Resources from this episode: -The Airdog drone that follows you as you train -Garmin Forerunner technology -Suunto Ambit3 Peak GPS Watch -Mio Heart Rate Monitoring via Optical Sensor -TrainingPeaks -Withings Aura sleep monitoring -EmFit for tracking sleep and HRV -Stryd power meter for running Do you have questions, comments or feedback for DC Rainmaker or I? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and one of us will reply!
