FIGURE C

Here's a summary of the miles I've ridden during the past four weeks.

Cyclists's Log is available for $10 at http://www.fitnesslogs.com.

BikeBrain
I think I have found proof that if you have a need for a specific type of Palm OS software, someone will build it. That is certainly the case with BikeBrain from VeloTrend (at http://www.velotrend.com).

BikeBrain, pictured in Figure D, allows your device to function just like a cyclocomputer.

FIGURE D

BikeBrain allows your Palm handheld to function just like a cyclocomputer.

It keeps track of the distance you ride (in either miles or kilometers), miles or kilometers per hour, and your maximum and minimum speeds.

If you're afraid to use that brand-spanking new Palm handheld while bicycling all over the place, there's no need to worry. BikeBrain's case is secure and easy to install. Figure E shows you how it's installed on my bike.

FIGURE E

You don't have to worry about your Palm handheld falling while you're riding. Click picture for a larger image.

Another great thing about BikeBrain is that you can HotSync the information with your PC and view the information there. BikeBrain will also create graphs of your trek, like the one shown in Figure F.

FIGURE F

Here's what a ride looks like on BikeBrain's desktop software. Click picture for a larger image.

You can also create and install routes on BikeBrain, like the one shown in Figure G. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to read a given route on your device in bright sunlight.

FIGURE G

BikeBrain can keep your route on your Palm handheld.

Compared to other cyclocomputers on the market, BikeBrain is reliable and easy to use.

BikeBrain is available from VeloTrend for $99.95 for Handspring Visors or Palm V handhelds. For the Palm III series, it's $89.95. BikeBrain isn't recommended for the Palm IIIc because the color screen is as good as invisible in sunlight. You're even in luck if you still have a PalmPilot Professional, Personal, or Pilot 5000 or 1000. For those models, BikeBrain is available for $89.95.

The kits include BikeBrain for Palm OS, the BikeBrain Desktop for both Windows & Mac, a wheel sensor kit, a case, a mounting grip, and a strap.

The Athlete's Diary
The third program I use for training is The Athlete's Diary from Stevens Creek Software (at http://www.stevenscreek.com). It's pretty simple to use, and it also has the ability to HotSync with both Windows and Mac computers. Figure H shows a log of my workouts on the desktop software.

FIGURE H

Here's how my training log looks on the desktop. Click picture for a larger image.

You can enter information on the Palm handheld, as shown in Figure I.

FIGURE I

The Athlete's Diary provides plenty of room for notes and your route or weightlifting routine.

What I like about The Athlete's Diary is that it provides plenty of room for notes and your route or weightlifting routine. It also calculates your pace.

The software can also create graphs that summarize either the distance ridden or time spent training. You can see the graph for my training in Figure J.

FIGURE J

The Athlete's Diary creates graphs that summarize either the distance ridden or time spent training.