**The Technomadic Journey of Steven K. Roberts and the Winnebiko: Pioneering Mobile Computing in the 1980s**
In the early 1980s, the world of technology was still in its infancy. There were no cell phones, the internet as we know it did not exist, and "working from home" was a radical idea. Amidst this backdrop, Steven K. Roberts set out on a journey that would not only change his life but also foreshadow the rise of the mobile, connected lifestyle that is commonplace today.
Roberts, then 30 years old, was searching for a way to break out of the constraints of suburban Ohio. He dreamed of adventure, freedom, and the ability to combine his love for technology, writing, and travel. After six months of meticulous planning and engineering, he launched his journey in September 1983. His vehicle of choice was not a traditional RV or car, but a custom-built recumbent bicycle, which he dubbed the "Winnebiko." This was no ordinary bike—it was outfitted with a then-innovative solar-powered computer (the Radio Shack Model 100), a CompuServe account for online communication, and an array of antennas and gear that made it a rolling testament to technological ingenuity.
Roberts' initial goal was straightforward: he wanted to stay in touch with clients and publishers while traveling full-time, rendering his physical location irrelevant. As he pedaled across the country, he refined his mobile office setup, embodying the idea that work no longer needed to be tied to a fixed place. In his own words, he evolved from the concept of "work at home" to "work anywhere," signaling a shift in how people could envision their professional lives.
What began as a personal adventure quickly caught the public's imagination. The sight of Roberts riding his high-tech, solar-powered, antenna-laden recumbent bike was captivating. The media became fascinated by his journey, which blended the emerging world of personal computing with a uniquely mobile lifestyle. Roberts found himself not just traveling, but also becoming a symbol of a new frontier—one where technology enabled unprecedented freedom.
As his journey progressed, Roberts chronicled his experiences in articles, columns, and interviews for various magazines. He authored the book *Computing Across America*, which documented his first 10,000 miles on the road. Along the way, he observed the rapid evolution of technology. By late 1984, he had upgraded from the Model 100 to a more capable Hewlett Packard Portable and began designing systems that would allow him to write while riding and maintain a continuous wireless connection with his readers and clients.
Roberts' initial ride spanned from 1983 to 1985 and ultimately covered 17,000 miles. The Winnebiko, which he had painstakingly constructed over six months before his departure, weighed between 135 and 195 pounds, depending on what he was carrying. The bicycle featured a simple