8×8 a cloud communications platform, has partnered with Race Across America (RAAM) qualifier Natchez Trace 444. The 444 mile cycling event runs the length of the Natchez Trace Parkway from Nashville, TN to Natchez, MS.
The event will use the 8×8 Open Communications Platform for collaboration with organizers and participants, as well as livestreaming of the event for remote spectators.
Often referred to simply as ‘The 444’, the 50 team cycling event, scheduled for October 2-4, 2020 will take place along the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile two-lane recreational road and scenic drive managed by the USA National Park Service.
The parkway travels through three states and roughly follows the ‘Old Natchez Trace’, a historic travel corridor. According to the National Parks Service, the route takes on a journey through 10,000 years of history, from American Indian mounds and Kaintucks to historic stands and the Civil War.
Teams, composed of solo riders and two-person, and four-person relays, have 44 hours to complete the ride. Social distancing is required throughout the event. Through the use of 8×8 video, support crews and spectators will be able to view the action remotely.
“Back in 2015, we started working with the National Park Service to create the Natchez Trace 444, a truly unique cycling event with no turns, no stop signs and no traffic lights that travels the longest, narrowest National Park in the country,” said George Thomas, Natchez Trace 444 Event Director at Over the Top Productions.
“As video became prevalent in the course of our daily lives due to the global health crisis, we realized how powerful the medium can be for organizing and running the event, especially during these challenging times.”
The 444 will use the 8×8 Open Communications Platform for video and audio briefings with riders and crews, coordination with park officials, screen sharing of maps and the course, and livestreaming of the start and finish for spectators. The livestream of the event will be available on the Natchez Trace 444 YouTube channel, with GPS team tracking available for drop-in livestream viewing.
“8×8 has been an incredible partner to The 444,” added George Thomas. “With the pristine video and audio communication on the 8×8 platform, we’re doing things we’ve never been able to before, creating real connections between participants, organizers and partners long before they arrive at the starting line, and enabling friends and family to track progress and watch the event live from wherever they are.
“The ability to host personalized pre-event meetings with teams and park officials – wherever they are – has been a real game changer compared to the big, in-person race briefings we’re used to. When you combine that with things like video-enabled movement analysis for cyclists, we’re really innovating for the future of endurance sports events.”
Vik Verma, CEO of 8×8, said “The 444 is an incredible experience for cyclists and a unique opportunity to explore our National Parks in the midst of a challenging year for all of us.
“We’re proud to make this event possible on our cloud communications platform and invite spectators around the world to be a part of the ride from afar. We’ll be cheering for all of the cyclists participating, including our 8×8 colleagues.”
The 444 will livestream on YouTube from the starting line, beginning at 07:30 EST on Friday, October 2, 2020, and the finish line, beginning at 12:00 EST on Saturday, October 3, 2020.
www.raceacrossoregon.com/nt444
www.8×8.com
