SPOT a satellite personal tracker could be a life saver for those that ride in the backcountry where cell service is not available. I purchased one of these units recently and have tested it out on a couple of rides and it worked as advertised. The unit can send pre-programed messages to email addresses and/or cell phones that you specify and can also do live tracking where your family/friends can watch your movement on Google Earth. I now carry this unit with me whenever I know I will be riding in areas where cell coverage is questionable.

The unit has 4 modes of operation:

Send OK message - sends an email and/or cellphone message to those you specify letting everyone know you are OK. The message includes GPS coordinates of your location and also a link for Goggle Maps so the recipients can see exactly where you are.

Send Help Message - sends an email and/or cell phone message to those you specify that you need non-emergency help. The message includes GPS coordinates of your location and also a link for Goggle Maps so the recipients can see exactly where you are.

Send 911 message - sends a message to a control center that you need emergency help. The message includes GPS coordinates of your location and so emergency help can be dispatched to your location.

Live Tracking - allows anyone you give access to watch your movement on Google Earth in real time.

Read more about it here: SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker Website

The unit is small and has a belt-clip or what I do is carry it in my jacket chest pocket.

I like what I see , what was the cost on this item ? Oh are they willing to throw the 50 bucks in on each purchase(laughing)

I think it is great you are hook up to some type of safety, travel in the bush last week and no cell service

which was not bad as it was not cold, but if you were in trouble, they would be able to find you

$149 for the unit

You activate the unit online from home.
the $99 basic subscription is required for the OK, Help and 911 service
the $49 tracking service is optional...you buy it only if you want to do live tracking