Notes: Out of all of the cool rarities for the NES, I’d have to say this is one of the most unique, if not THE most. Loose, the cartridge is practically worthless, though it is definitely not easy to find. It’s shaped oddly with a small handle-like top and four heavy-duty screw things, two on each side. The game was designed for professional bike riders for training. It’s really impressive. The components you will need to use it include a toploading system (it actually came packaged with this, so keep that in mind), a small interface module, and different hook-ups. The essential parts for the NES version (they still make newer Racermate models for PC) are the toploader, the cartridge, and the interface module. There is also a wheel connector that goes on the back wheel to adjust tension and record your abilities, as well as a heart rate monitor. Basically, you hook up a normal racing or mountain bike to the back mount, set up the NES according to the directions that come with it (you really need these), and then race against the computer on different courses. After racing the computer shows you your pedal abilities, speed, and so forth. You can then race against yourself. Also, you can adjust the specs to match actual bike courses around the world like the Tour de France. It’s really an incredible device that deserves more attention. Luckily, the heart rate monitor and bike mount can still be purchased (they’re expensive) from the company, but not anything else. If you get your hands on this, be proud.
Notes: I’m assuming it was their hope for this to be the “Bases Loaded” of NES tennis games. Unfortunately, it ends up being the “Bad News Baseball” of NES tennis games.
