tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20746378006400821482024-03-13T03:04:29.106-07:002024: My 17th Year of Digital NarcissismDavid Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.comBlogger382125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-15267077941535659972023-07-16T15:17:00.000-07:002023-07-16T15:17:05.241-07:00VermontStrong: Support the Green Mountain State<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aYEDo88gAAVVGxjWjpjDetorjsRDAM7jxsCchPwNCBsAul9DwvKsEsyE61itQ7WLRDDgQo2ZAkFEdKZx8T8JAzyWeXJXUAPKDZb4MLyT4T0p3vcyhXaaI5F3ja3A-_CDw2uSA22fNPY8f97W7uFHC69cBaiIC7EghiUlIuAbguDWHoS00VOGowJR5gzX/s3264/vermont-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2928" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aYEDo88gAAVVGxjWjpjDetorjsRDAM7jxsCchPwNCBsAul9DwvKsEsyE61itQ7WLRDDgQo2ZAkFEdKZx8T8JAzyWeXJXUAPKDZb4MLyT4T0p3vcyhXaaI5F3ja3A-_CDw2uSA22fNPY8f97W7uFHC69cBaiIC7EghiUlIuAbguDWHoS00VOGowJR5gzX/s320/vermont-1.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>It's no secret that I love Vermont. I love the riding and the landscape, but it's the people that give the Green Mountain State such a great vibe. Well, parts of Vermont got destroyed with the recent floods. I'm sure you've seen the new footage from places like <a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/07/14/ludlow-vermont-cleanup-community" target="_blank">Ludlow</a> and <a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/07/13/montpelier-vermont-flood-clean-up" target="_blank">Montpelier</a>. I'm hundreds of miles away from the devastation but my spirit is there with the people. <p></p><p>If you're interested in helping, here are some resources:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/wmur9-pub.html/">Montpelier Foundation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/wmur9-pub.html/" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a></li><li><a href="https://www.okemomountainschool.org/okemo-valley-flood-relief-fund">Okemo Valley Flood Relief</a></li><li><a href="https://vermontcf.org/our-impact/programs-and-funds/vt-flood-response/" target="_blank">Vermont Community Foundation</a></li></ul><p></p><p>Or you can buy gift cards from some of the local businesses to give them a cash boost for now:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.onionriver.com/giftcard/" target="_blank">Onion River Outdoors</a></li><li><a href="https://www.bearpondbooks.com/bear-pond-gift-card" target="_blank">Bear Pond Books</a></li></ul><div>Know of another way to help? Another resource? Another business to add? Let me know!</div><p></p><p><br /></p>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-3058616140731050402023-07-07T19:22:00.006-07:002023-07-15T12:50:00.593-07:00SafeTrails: Feel The Heat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4_W4oHYrqbpa4YyKCHrU_pQTEZuzuLc4itbG-Lsa-ieXFCthGqnuc13kOlvyCgryrjpcRgdwsN4qlQ2aYBQW7oKcQKQWU6_GQU3ijPe96c73yVtGzMtx_xqMhhccDUGv91t0IqEGCs0uW_g2VsQELI1bYGb2CJ9_1QZaN07s6Cfm6WUr3zeQP1lQXzue/s2048/IMG_9339.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4_W4oHYrqbpa4YyKCHrU_pQTEZuzuLc4itbG-Lsa-ieXFCthGqnuc13kOlvyCgryrjpcRgdwsN4qlQ2aYBQW7oKcQKQWU6_GQU3ijPe96c73yVtGzMtx_xqMhhccDUGv91t0IqEGCs0uW_g2VsQELI1bYGb2CJ9_1QZaN07s6Cfm6WUr3zeQP1lQXzue/s320/IMG_9339.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>It’s been a hot summer, and <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2207183120" target="_blank">climate scientists predict </a>that the season is going to continue to get hotter and hotter every year. Here in New England, we’ve typically had our share of “hazy, hot, and humid,” days, but we’re seeing more; although other parts of the country (Hello Texas), and the world (Hello China) are suffering more than we are. That being said, the heat here CAN still be dangerous and it’s often the temperature combined with humidity that causes problems.<span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><p>The primary way the human body sheds excess heat is through perspiration, via evaporation, and air movement helps this form of convective heat transfer. However, with higher humidity the effectiveness of perspiration is decreased. Because the relative humidity has such an impact, a “<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ama/heatindex#:~:text=%22It%27s%20not%20the%20heat%2C%20it%27s,combined%20with%20the%20air%20temperature." target="_blank">heat index</a>” can be calculated to give a better estimate of how the weather will impact you. The news and weather stations will often talk about the heat index much like they talk about “wind chill factors,” because the temperature is only part of the story. A more scientific and complicated number is the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). This is “<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/wbgt#:~:text=The%20Wet%20Bulb%20Globe%20Temperature,sun%20angle%2C%20and%20cloud%20cover." target="_blank">an indicator of heat related stress on the human body at work (or play) in direct sunlight. It takes into account multiple atmospheric variables, including: temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover</a>.” While WBGT may be more accurate, the heat index is more commonly used.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6VqyH4QIXkPK7aXv4XMTGbYpDuDjj_o2BcYU77FXcXcIGF9TLZINSn032huaOROa40vcyUKVJp1k4A0A4ImqnivkHYU1aTsykNi6cpyFMe2G_A_zMGC0fa0CiuSs-xPKqsp_Czok8A7g7M76xfFd7pTwyqQXJlKUqzXPcftmgITt8-rjq5y6P5Vd8XYV/s1435/IMG_9343.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6VqyH4QIXkPK7aXv4XMTGbYpDuDjj_o2BcYU77FXcXcIGF9TLZINSn032huaOROa40vcyUKVJp1k4A0A4ImqnivkHYU1aTsykNi6cpyFMe2G_A_zMGC0fa0CiuSs-xPKqsp_Czok8A7g7M76xfFd7pTwyqQXJlKUqzXPcftmgITt8-rjq5y6P5Vd8XYV/w288-h320/IMG_9343.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>But what does this mean to you? It means that, sometimes the smart thing to do is to chill out, figuratively and literally.</p><p>I know I personally like a “good sweat,” but I do try take a few precautions to help prevent any problems:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I try drink lots of fluids; I’m not really a water person, but I do try to keep up with the sports drinks and electrolytes.</li><li>I use sunscreen; this habit was beaten into me by my wife (who is much smarter than I am), and this is important because burned skin is less effective at sweating.</li><li>I’ll sometimes change my ride plans to include more shade and/or just an easier loop.</li></ul><p></p><p>Despite fluids and mellow efforts, “exertional heat illnesses” (EHI) can still occur. Here’s what to look for:</p><p><b>Heat Cramps: </b>While not specifically related to the heat, cramping tends to occur more as the temperature goes up. No one *really* knows what causes cramps but most theories focus on electrolytes and hydration—both of which are affected by exertion in the heat. If you start cramping up on a ride or run, it’s probably going to continue, so it’s probably time to slow down and call it a day. Some people have had success with pickle juice, but I personally would prefer to be crying in a cramping ball of pain than drink that vile liquid.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4YeL6EXIC8NRf9ofCdIWWvOWXOwdATKddaHck0m4v3EKDPF54S4LHTLs4uxQz-lscfl6e257mr-7jd6pxKW1IgM2CbY1or5ylrV99rowLoReG_3IdNgjqnIfa0EVZREA82EIDONFlLZINqAy-02RVeCSAv_MuIQr8L2VkrWPcEWt7kyRfNV0_DKCbdUd/s2048/unnamed.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4YeL6EXIC8NRf9ofCdIWWvOWXOwdATKddaHck0m4v3EKDPF54S4LHTLs4uxQz-lscfl6e257mr-7jd6pxKW1IgM2CbY1or5ylrV99rowLoReG_3IdNgjqnIfa0EVZREA82EIDONFlLZINqAy-02RVeCSAv_MuIQr8L2VkrWPcEWt7kyRfNV0_DKCbdUd/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Heat Exhaustion: </b>Heat cramps will be localized—cramping in the legs for example—but with heat exhaustion, a person will start showing diffuse or systemic symptoms such as generalized weakness, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and/or headache. The important distinction with Heat Exhaustion is that mental function is normal, without confusion or anything else. <div><br /></div><div>Assuming that mental status is normal, the treatment here is stopping, resting, hydrating, and cooling. Sit in the shade? Dip in a pond? Cold water on the face? Yes to all. The best thing to do is to cut your excursion short, get to some air conditioning and enjoy a cool beverage.<p></p><p><b>Heat Stroke: </b>This is a true emergency, and one myth that still persists is that people are sweaty with heat exhaustion but dry with heat stroke; this is untrue. </p><p>Heat stroke includes a core body temperature of more than 104F, but unless you carry a rectal thermometer the things to look for on the trail are confusion, disorientation, irritability, decreased levels of alertness all the way to coma or seizure. There will be serious effects to the organs as well, but nothing that can be diagnosed in the field. If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, call 911 and do whatever can be done to cool the person. Things like ice water immersion or other therapies are unlikely to be available in the woods or on the trails, but do whatever can be done until help arrives.</p><p>This chart, courtesy of the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html" target="_blank">CDC</a> provides a good rundown (although, interestingly, still describes Heat Stroke as dry):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fojopBPErXadefMzJ4E_MVSf43LA3n6pSzTCMgf_7FVafpbJ8ccIKWvjtip8Y731fF7d1U5pKfZG3iMbI5UIZkqApGaYnChYCjcBzDRnwrKHg9VLnJP56Y-qt5flGGUqygUoM9pbHh9WoxMceDXvFVyWVFxuZlxhakyeFmLsI1NWtW8PAtkMkxKgQaIB/s1008/Heat_Related_Illness.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="612" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fojopBPErXadefMzJ4E_MVSf43LA3n6pSzTCMgf_7FVafpbJ8ccIKWvjtip8Y731fF7d1U5pKfZG3iMbI5UIZkqApGaYnChYCjcBzDRnwrKHg9VLnJP56Y-qt5flGGUqygUoM9pbHh9WoxMceDXvFVyWVFxuZlxhakyeFmLsI1NWtW8PAtkMkxKgQaIB/w390-h640/Heat_Related_Illness.jpg" width="390" /></a></div><p>You can do a lot to help yourself feel better AFTER a hard day in the heat by continuing to stay well hydrated and focusing on electrolyte replacement. I like the fact that one of the drink mixes I consume has “Gatorade Level” electrolytes, whatever that means. Anyway, we often dream of warmer weather while we endure the cold, dark days of winter, so play it safe so you can keep enjoying our summers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Yfok4fgimsvdAMWgQugI8X13gNWZVUgUakLRpswgAclUCasMESnMegU2KEBehgof7Ncb0R3nsAXMKXr-AVSIdtqkQqDJxNxTx9H3LJSSdQsqdoQQKvLxNsbr7PyZhj00WHh44rzsk5gpUIj9Avpli4r3YYIic9Cd-0dt6_ZSRTvuwaIrH9DDPJvEVU3p/s1693/RenderedImage.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1693" data-original-width="1623" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Yfok4fgimsvdAMWgQugI8X13gNWZVUgUakLRpswgAclUCasMESnMegU2KEBehgof7Ncb0R3nsAXMKXr-AVSIdtqkQqDJxNxTx9H3LJSSdQsqdoQQKvLxNsbr7PyZhj00WHh44rzsk5gpUIj9Avpli4r3YYIic9Cd-0dt6_ZSRTvuwaIrH9DDPJvEVU3p/w616-h640/RenderedImage.jpeg" width="616" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SIoaVFH7MEoHqQ8KXA-P2-UxwF4rDbH4Y57s0xaXsssSfT80u2LXspg5Gidi77MAs0Gyi1B2R1jhdPwKi-3m3Jh-ZoYIDDG7aJ9w7TbPzvJRg0WGqF8nm32BOSNccvmt9J4XjeB92vz_Op3gN5UKxeRyz7G50z84I-70dVL3o1OVl71w0FSJ5eXAWE9G/s600/05-18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="600" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SIoaVFH7MEoHqQ8KXA-P2-UxwF4rDbH4Y57s0xaXsssSfT80u2LXspg5Gidi77MAs0Gyi1B2R1jhdPwKi-3m3Jh-ZoYIDDG7aJ9w7TbPzvJRg0WGqF8nm32BOSNccvmt9J4XjeB92vz_Op3gN5UKxeRyz7G50z84I-70dVL3o1OVl71w0FSJ5eXAWE9G/w400-h301/05-18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWGT9XSOfhjxbuh-Ngsljbz2Nnc0PFrAZk42pSpF1dWIYEbapYRAQd1OEf6SRDFImi3bdxx_0FF1oJ64UWHNvCZtP0Oe1OkpWVLpGbTA1qYyryNDP2F3t9DSLfnXDXSMPOkHtUE5-lMvrfx-7epKFIircgXAg5FTguEuDWO026mS-pxZZgr2NWWh5Glix/s917/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-07%20at%2010.17.01%20PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="917" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWGT9XSOfhjxbuh-Ngsljbz2Nnc0PFrAZk42pSpF1dWIYEbapYRAQd1OEf6SRDFImi3bdxx_0FF1oJ64UWHNvCZtP0Oe1OkpWVLpGbTA1qYyryNDP2F3t9DSLfnXDXSMPOkHtUE5-lMvrfx-7epKFIircgXAg5FTguEuDWO026mS-pxZZgr2NWWh5Glix/w640-h594/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-07%20at%2010.17.01%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From UpToDate</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3R52VBvl7pQu2Cq_i6pByp9PR9l2GzhOHSLA7gmrcWWQNM0a_dU6WW_pvZF_NsfieyD2P5V9SB5Qwzp4BsR1EgHB9LRgjAFpbYQkEJTpJWAqyV3sHO83g9qGLwYL16GpqiFaC8b_7pgn--OsHkzPxE7rdDPCZUcvLN4kyI3hQZVTFpCGuhio2DyduZN7/s1500/safetrailsticker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1500" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3R52VBvl7pQu2Cq_i6pByp9PR9l2GzhOHSLA7gmrcWWQNM0a_dU6WW_pvZF_NsfieyD2P5V9SB5Qwzp4BsR1EgHB9LRgjAFpbYQkEJTpJWAqyV3sHO83g9qGLwYL16GpqiFaC8b_7pgn--OsHkzPxE7rdDPCZUcvLN4kyI3hQZVTFpCGuhio2DyduZN7/w400-h80/safetrailsticker.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><i style="text-align: center;">Please remember, the information presented here, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.</i><br /><p> </p></div>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-53327572717598096212023-07-02T16:39:00.002-07:002023-07-02T16:44:48.428-07:00Central Vermont Cycling Tour<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchsiqd7-_YY_ZkxW92KrkrrtbGUveGb4qFNTG57jQYNgvVRtB6B41KMb5XtVw8y5Lw60hxj9f-8QEK11Kec1gMksPww14-_i0w5LxHi91YiStMK8CHh145hbKTzj1ml3gfBlxcazCBEEL2btoBoz_VyF9YRS_84xwx2EsgyRqo2It2Ho2idPmE_17x2ed/s2048/IMG_9026.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchsiqd7-_YY_ZkxW92KrkrrtbGUveGb4qFNTG57jQYNgvVRtB6B41KMb5XtVw8y5Lw60hxj9f-8QEK11Kec1gMksPww14-_i0w5LxHi91YiStMK8CHh145hbKTzj1ml3gfBlxcazCBEEL2btoBoz_VyF9YRS_84xwx2EsgyRqo2It2Ho2idPmE_17x2ed/s320/IMG_9026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ah, the good old <a href="https://crossvermont.org/events/cvct/about.php" target="_blank">CVCT</a>. This was one of the earliest gravel rides Jean and I did, back in <a href="https://beardedbiker.blogspot.com/2016/06/central-vermont-cycling-tour.html" target="_blank">2016</a>. We had actually signed up in <a href="https://beardedbiker.blogspot.com/2015/06/central-vermont-distraction-from-chaos.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, but the weather was so torrentially bad, it was cancelled. Anyway, fast forward through a pandemic and other stuff, seven years later, and we're back.<p></p><p>It was a great weekend of camping with our friends Liz and Dan at one of our favorite campgrounds, <a href="https://properties.camping.com/lazy-lions-campground/overview" target="_blank">Lazy Lions</a> in Graniteville, VT. Clean, quiet, and nearby trails to walk the mutts, what more could we ask for?<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Jean and I got to Vermont on Thursday evening and had Friday to chill. And by chill, I mean go on a nice little <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/9320814478/overview" target="_blank">leg stretcher of a gravel ride</a> around Montpelier. Most of the 1000ft of climbing was in the first couple of miles, but by this point, Jean just knows to expect it. Liz and Dan arrived later that evening and it was time for the festivities to begin with a campfire and adult beverages. This was our only chance for a campfire because rain was heading in.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iZ2JjmUbHFjvj1H0HGjLK6h2vhrM_OSM5UXQDIk-75cRZeDcDxp5ybc8V6m-hD9UQYSj3aI-H8WCFUVVKVxn5mW1oMib35-UHTbpprEuoNJgxwQAgDwxQpxYJdhYcl2_LpV6LJhOtaTb2CfERKoW78eKimBy8vfVXzfBXPuc45al27XNFmKkKi1ylRfu/s2048/IMG_8994.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1826" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iZ2JjmUbHFjvj1H0HGjLK6h2vhrM_OSM5UXQDIk-75cRZeDcDxp5ybc8V6m-hD9UQYSj3aI-H8WCFUVVKVxn5mW1oMib35-UHTbpprEuoNJgxwQAgDwxQpxYJdhYcl2_LpV6LJhOtaTb2CfERKoW78eKimBy8vfVXzfBXPuc45al27XNFmKkKi1ylRfu/s320/IMG_8994.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>And the rain stuck around just about all of Saturday, sometimes heavy, sometimes just a drizzle. It made for a relaxing day to lounge about Montpelier and bolster the local economy a bit, including a stop at <a href="https://www.onionriver.com" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Onion River Outdoors</a><span style="text-align: left;"> to stock up on snacks and fenders.</span><p></p><p>When it comes to bike events, I really do enjoy the pageantry of it all--the sign-in table, the volunteers, the numbers, the start line, the pre-ride meeting--all of it. So the fact that the CVCT has a "start whenever you want," policy was bummer for me. That being said, it was quite fortuitous because we had an *incident* on Sunday morning that would have otherwise made us miss the start. Jean and I got locked out of our travel trailer. We considered several options to *break in,* but ultimately decided to call a mobile locksmith to get us back in. <a href="https://www.gwlocksmithvt.com" target="_blank">GW Locksmiths</a> had us in the trailer about 30 min after we called them, so, thanks!</p><p>We got ready as quickly as we could and rolled in to<a href="https://www.morsefarm.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwwISlBhD6ARIsAESAmp6EZzrSk4ze88uAGlwcdS6cGSzE31BA7FuQ8juXF15N7pjOkwzPSmsaAgGsEALw_wcB" target="_blank"> Morse Farm</a> at the end of the event's rolling start window. I don't think it was strictly enforced per se, but we didn't want to be *those people.*</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP-WrsoNco9Azmp4y2sjy21uBGg1DFdI0vDWVLmK7l3Mu0-5xIrUKsF_TnVifhEwD5O4ut3xr7kMU9Hw0-J6iXSNW_UOp4XJqjhHKv6TDwEkAVc25dknA0Yn-e6C2yvjunMd-E-Vb9iTUwvCmWyC_Omdx-1M5jvY-e_Wb1xrjvKuODeEpgfBVbZNuhYx1/s2048/IMG_9055.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP-WrsoNco9Azmp4y2sjy21uBGg1DFdI0vDWVLmK7l3Mu0-5xIrUKsF_TnVifhEwD5O4ut3xr7kMU9Hw0-J6iXSNW_UOp4XJqjhHKv6TDwEkAVc25dknA0Yn-e6C2yvjunMd-E-Vb9iTUwvCmWyC_Omdx-1M5jvY-e_Wb1xrjvKuODeEpgfBVbZNuhYx1/s320/IMG_9055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anyway, the weather was perfect, and not a bit of mud despite all the rain the previous day. Liz and Jean rolled out first, and then Dan and I started, he and I opting for the <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/trips/125926265" target="_blank">33 mile loop</a>.<p></p><p>The course was typical Vermont gravel; scenic, bucolic, gravelly, and hilly. </p><p>Two hills stood out, one at about mile 18 and the other at about mile 27. Both were a couple of miles long, and both had some super steep sections. I may not be fast, but I do love to climb. Dan had swapped out his front chainring from a 42t to a 38t and I think he was happy with that decision, perhaps as happy as being able to eat two <a href="https://travelikealocalvt.com/2016/07/09/best-creemees-vermont/" target="_blank">Creemees</a> at the end of the ride!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFh3owOLi0gSB0Ry5G2JnkbBEXUmjfnZk-uh3mBUN1ZcZXH4UfXU-eQzwRgIALOMj2OMcvc39Oz3t4YFt2hPY_EsasgefEdKoG2yei7zHmlRudFWMwuT1jCJvIlqnqNlNdOzVjI3ueUCXll7sBgZuhIeU7cv8JFC_KDQdqW-Ls_Wp3nkmDn3ioOcWY9oR9/s2048/IMG_9019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1985" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFh3owOLi0gSB0Ry5G2JnkbBEXUmjfnZk-uh3mBUN1ZcZXH4UfXU-eQzwRgIALOMj2OMcvc39Oz3t4YFt2hPY_EsasgefEdKoG2yei7zHmlRudFWMwuT1jCJvIlqnqNlNdOzVjI3ueUCXll7sBgZuhIeU7cv8JFC_KDQdqW-Ls_Wp3nkmDn3ioOcWY9oR9/w622-h640/IMG_9019.jpg" width="622" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSREQ6l4IFlL0rChiIbgKdV_hs-Hf-wdXp5w7q-i5r503SRubruv4plb3tq5d62JixY2OMtnYbVwgc5_kRRGn0gIS0BV02guvPrE4Gqh1fE_GKh55kP9yzdijvducdfvVmvpYg2D5kdgAQCtayweo169dHhCifK2TJ341dipMP6-ppLRZfHbJKHcly2kTj/s2048/IMG_9018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1950" data-original-width="2048" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSREQ6l4IFlL0rChiIbgKdV_hs-Hf-wdXp5w7q-i5r503SRubruv4plb3tq5d62JixY2OMtnYbVwgc5_kRRGn0gIS0BV02guvPrE4Gqh1fE_GKh55kP9yzdijvducdfvVmvpYg2D5kdgAQCtayweo169dHhCifK2TJ341dipMP6-ppLRZfHbJKHcly2kTj/w640-h610/IMG_9018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7bZ2GT1Tycr_XThvrKHSeNahWOVtb4FaFJxkCYzJ6O5sFDyPsvt-4r5IwnJSVnsrNrvYlKzUXPoRHWv0it-4Iih_O90bMAlu-qQ4mXFXPJukkFy6kBOHl1MzPhpNh2hBVvDw9OEe8EhLQkiZRCOFlVBvjiDxiOZkrhbYukjbokbeuzUfIObefiGlUiwc/s2048/IMG_0879.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="2048" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzI64S73UaJ_l1oBu_wbn35R5SZB7NX-5QDtDdPcOznFX4z5MnBwe350Jfn_a_Wgc4hZe-OxRi0NthgcSViwZfL6nQBTO1a6DAYLC4BVvjjahGfAu_pZPH1kYbkpBs7ozUKFVPsFf0N3VLvK9oW8kldfvZi-WuNfwkcIVIOrGyit0aPzFWS2hv9c2pZGgj/w640-h472/IMG_9013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznZw4eyBwRwPj1MqFaKHbPELOTgLg3ntOET_3uIUZZFusyLkydOyw953AYA7gnF72jI7o_QAg3Jh4t2AaJJ3bma91AQY8UnI9BFBDFT9TGrPJK-MTrew2WYdpGjSRbwIDhpUcz8hi1i-Lh0_Bg1kZH-rO-BhpAw7qg_DbeOUBAQB2mzuRR-uIZfBkouNM/s2048/IMG_9014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznZw4eyBwRwPj1MqFaKHbPELOTgLg3ntOET_3uIUZZFusyLkydOyw953AYA7gnF72jI7o_QAg3Jh4t2AaJJ3bma91AQY8UnI9BFBDFT9TGrPJK-MTrew2WYdpGjSRbwIDhpUcz8hi1i-Lh0_Bg1kZH-rO-BhpAw7qg_DbeOUBAQB2mzuRR-uIZfBkouNM/w640-h480/IMG_9014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHIITsHpQkh0mYLxZvOjz16Wd65aKOf0-Uzl5_j5k9HQFtjpLaVgB3LRLx2i6sZSIKUB60MFJMmABbc0k9UM7okSDbGZ_t3xTFI9DQePEMhpSeUWTCRrQ1lrWXtMYk64Ebz4qJHKzd40OqcceP_Y-sMWFhHAsVXw5fDxs9b4DGb0QuQ_ofhDgdzAus42-/s2048/IMG_9041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="2048" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHIITsHpQkh0mYLxZvOjz16Wd65aKOf0-Uzl5_j5k9HQFtjpLaVgB3LRLx2i6sZSIKUB60MFJMmABbc0k9UM7okSDbGZ_t3xTFI9DQePEMhpSeUWTCRrQ1lrWXtMYk64Ebz4qJHKzd40OqcceP_Y-sMWFhHAsVXw5fDxs9b4DGb0QuQ_ofhDgdzAus42-/w640-h432/IMG_9041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>All in all, it was another great day on the bike. None of us had any mechanical issues, no one got lost (thanks to great signage), the aid stations were well stocked, and I even ran into a buddy along the ride (who ended up having his own "locked out," problem).</p><p>Looking forward to more riding and camping in Vermont!</p><p><br /></p>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-37038086278488937442023-06-24T05:47:00.010-07:002023-07-15T12:50:14.136-07:00SafeTrails: Ticks in New England<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikScWurHE41wocEUlX6dOO8cHlEn14bN-S2y2AsgS59brrM_4QLaQ6wvx6BoZ45GzWcYqrPLEPly5nyH9GGUw6LS0OGDk2AuRYydyUyNjW9ZtsAAyPPpb4wUQFZsjnJpyfILaqpm2OUg32NaE_LyjF84y6gltq5MJBVZgjq5DQ3y6JXuG99b601__o3Sbd/s3311/IMG_8846.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3311" data-original-width="2797" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikScWurHE41wocEUlX6dOO8cHlEn14bN-S2y2AsgS59brrM_4QLaQ6wvx6BoZ45GzWcYqrPLEPly5nyH9GGUw6LS0OGDk2AuRYydyUyNjW9ZtsAAyPPpb4wUQFZsjnJpyfILaqpm2OUg32NaE_LyjF84y6gltq5MJBVZgjq5DQ3y6JXuG99b601__o3Sbd/s320/IMG_8846.jpeg" width="270" /></a></div>Let’s face it, ticks suck. Figuratively and literally. It seems like every year the news features stories that claim "<a href="https://time.com/6287950/worst-tick-season-ever/" target="_blank">this will be the worst year for ticks</a>," and every year, we ARE seeing more and more.<p></p><p>Unfortunately, they’re part of the outdoors, and while New Canaan Nature considers them “<a href="https://newcanaannature.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ticks-and-poison-ivy-2019.pdf" target="_blank">a strong and important link in the food chain,</a>” I’d personally be happy to see them gone.</p><p>But, they're not going anywhere, and thanks to the effects of climate change (warmer winters with less snow), we will keep having "<a href="https://www.today.com/health/health/tick-season-2023-rcna21986" target="_blank">the worst year,</a>" over and over. Especially with the fact that ticks can be active any time of year when the temperatures are above freezing.</p><p>I think plenty of people are aware of Lyme disease and at least know some of the symptoms, but Lyme is just one of several diseases that can be spread by ticks in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/surveillance/TickbornePathogens.html" target="_blank">New England</a>.</p><p>Let's first dive into the different ticks found here in the northeast <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html" target="_blank">(data from CDC.gov</a>)</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><b>(See pic at further down for comparison of all the different ticks)</b><div><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuONd_EtgvEB4DEU_6LiDA7-srz4k5LBrRpLqx54pT9A0yUbuNQv2Cvef9HrBWl1NsFWtP-QZzw0RZbz3oeVFXSIG1VjibFz3l2BpJKX2GZqoP-lCaOgFcRiH1NSExNDXS3oXf1KrCQ5V6r30FB_rFm_xGzAqesHscMEJYIc-4JOP2dG5icCGyZQsZGW8s/s2247/IMG_8749.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2054" data-original-width="2247" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuONd_EtgvEB4DEU_6LiDA7-srz4k5LBrRpLqx54pT9A0yUbuNQv2Cvef9HrBWl1NsFWtP-QZzw0RZbz3oeVFXSIG1VjibFz3l2BpJKX2GZqoP-lCaOgFcRiH1NSExNDXS3oXf1KrCQ5V6r30FB_rFm_xGzAqesHscMEJYIc-4JOP2dG5icCGyZQsZGW8s/w640-h586/IMG_8749.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b><b>Black-Legged Tick (Ixodes scapularis): </b>Also known as the deer tick, the black-legged tick is the primary carrier of Lyme disease in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/surveillance/TickbornePathogens.html" target="_blank">New England</a>. It is a small tick with black legs and a reddish-brown body. The nymphs and adult females are usually responsible for transmitting: <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> and <i>B. mayonii </i>(which cause <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/" target="_blank">Lyme disease</a>), <i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</i> (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/anaplasmosis/index.html" target="_blank">anaplasmosis</a>), <i>B. miyamotoi </i>(<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/relapsing-fever/miyamotoi/index.html" target="_blank">hard tick relapsing fever</a>), <i>Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis</i> (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ehrlichiosis/" target="_blank">ehrlichiosis</a>), <i>Babesia microti</i> (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/babesiosis/" target="_blank">babesiosis</a>), and Powassan virus <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/powassan/index.html" target="_blank">(Powassan virus disease</a>). <b><br /></b><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeWl8BENvsR2t4Z6Mp_w5-qmXudeYwnoepgPXH4mBRwN2_boQe_CzYHXrBfXXqxJvQ17FB5MmWOgzadtXleeyEFljnqhnuB2fCZT_wEPZ9zZn83Tubl7il_TiZrH0BemB1ih3fYwCZtuElO20YYxfYJUdnFuyweXwpDR6jMHLW2H8r8DSKBCBI8F5d_le/s900/lgmap-blacklegged_tick.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="900" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeWl8BENvsR2t4Z6Mp_w5-qmXudeYwnoepgPXH4mBRwN2_boQe_CzYHXrBfXXqxJvQ17FB5MmWOgzadtXleeyEFljnqhnuB2fCZT_wEPZ9zZn83Tubl7il_TiZrH0BemB1ih3fYwCZtuElO20YYxfYJUdnFuyweXwpDR6jMHLW2H8r8DSKBCBI8F5d_le/w400-h250/lgmap-blacklegged_tick.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis): </b>The American dog tick is a larger tick species and can transmit diseases such as <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tularemia/" target="_blank">Tularemia</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rmsf/" target="_blank">Rocky Mountain spotted fever</a>. It has distinctive white markings on its back and is commonly found in grassy areas, along trails, and in open spaces where mammals frequent, and Adult females are most likely to bite humans.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Zf6wfC4XIa82s2ZLzoJVjXJnlpu6zMT77YW5AGAqdAZ2J-u6b9T5pIqnY2WVZ-O7VTMPRw48knOI3aU9iqDzCVbXvlEQVHG9GcF29OEwxVIN4WZXrUCU9qgitVGU00z_ESyIbEERajAlQTIEy2-cWs6MFVTXVRxNiqpPrtRGN2Zq9-H4l6vZksvOn5-_/s900/lgmap-american_dog_tick.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="900" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Zf6wfC4XIa82s2ZLzoJVjXJnlpu6zMT77YW5AGAqdAZ2J-u6b9T5pIqnY2WVZ-O7VTMPRw48knOI3aU9iqDzCVbXvlEQVHG9GcF29OEwxVIN4WZXrUCU9qgitVGU00z_ESyIbEERajAlQTIEy2-cWs6MFVTXVRxNiqpPrtRGN2Zq9-H4l6vZksvOn5-_/w400-h244/lgmap-american_dog_tick.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div><b>Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus): </b>While less common in New England, the brown dog tick can still be found in the region. It is a reddish-brown tick that primarily infests dogs. Brown dog ticks can transmit diseases like <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rmsf/" target="_blank">Rocky Mountain spotted fever</a> (in the southwestern U.S. and along the U.S.-Mexico border), but may also transmit <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ehrlichiosis/" target="_blank">ehrlichiosis</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/babesiosis/" target="_blank">babesiosis</a> to both dogs and humans.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIf8r7TS8K1CYYaYm8n2fTg2aOKXbLebhNIGuXZ_bqqtCI10EY02QoghxFflpt4x_CYcYBzntRHTl8hE0-eaADJN5kMaxT6R3BUaHK6wbzVAcAE7QdPTx-jk66ZYhSR6pHMZ4PQ7ikSQDx0GE-JlKC7W05xeNiMFJqoesJBNJN36eaC0osvDxWl7LUEFA/s900/lgmap-brown_dog_tick.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="900" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIf8r7TS8K1CYYaYm8n2fTg2aOKXbLebhNIGuXZ_bqqtCI10EY02QoghxFflpt4x_CYcYBzntRHTl8hE0-eaADJN5kMaxT6R3BUaHK6wbzVAcAE7QdPTx-jk66ZYhSR6pHMZ4PQ7ikSQDx0GE-JlKC7W05xeNiMFJqoesJBNJN36eaC0osvDxWl7LUEFA/w400-h244/lgmap-brown_dog_tick.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum): </b>The lone star tick is less prevalent in New England but has been expanding its range in recent years and is now widely distributed in the eastern, southeastern, and south-central United States. It is identified by a white dot or "lone star" on the back of adult females. While the lone star tick is not known to transmit Lyme disease, it can transmit other diseases and pathogens such as <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bourbon-virus/index.html" target="_blank">Bourbon virus</a> (not known in New England), Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii (which cause human <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ehrlichiosis/" target="_blank">ehrlichiosis</a>), <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/heartland-virus/index.html" target="_blank">Heartland virus</a> (not seen in New England yet), <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tularemia/" target="_blank">Tularemia</a>, and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/stari/" target="_blank">STARI</a>. Also, growing evidence suggests that <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/alpha-gal/index.html#:~:text=What%20is%20alpha%2Dgal%3F,milk%2C%20and%20milk%20products)." target="_blank">alpha-gal syndrome</a> (red meat allergy) may be triggered by the bite of lone star ticks; however, other tick species have not been ruled out. The CDC further notes that this is "<i>a very aggressive tick that bites humans. The adult female is distinguished by a white dot or *lone star* on her back. Lone star tick saliva can be irritating; redness and discomfort at a bite site does not necessarily indicate an infection. The nymph and adult females most frequently bite humans and transmit disease</i>."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivP8UFC98LU6AugU5JdZVH1guEFIqugRIsWlz_6KLcbvL1rD1GDyQqPcvEkvdAgXBXH_L3FudyWsZWotc_XDsl7_krY3jETgENoWa1-C90rRJh0oLvaLFB_R8FiaRq3NFAyVvO3S1z8vRIiAOYZ1t_un1DF4_r3J_4ZuMB7Umt_cE28q2vnxYtEpFzGohK/s900/lgmap-lone_star_tick.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="900" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivP8UFC98LU6AugU5JdZVH1guEFIqugRIsWlz_6KLcbvL1rD1GDyQqPcvEkvdAgXBXH_L3FudyWsZWotc_XDsl7_krY3jETgENoWa1-C90rRJh0oLvaLFB_R8FiaRq3NFAyVvO3S1z8vRIiAOYZ1t_un1DF4_r3J_4ZuMB7Umt_cE28q2vnxYtEpFzGohK/w400-h244/lgmap-lone_star_tick.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Groundhog Tick (Ixodes cookei): </b>The groundhog tick is closely related to the black-legged tick and can be found in similar habitats. It primarily feeds on groundhogs and according to the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tick-species/sls-20147911?s=5" target="_blank">Mayo Clinic,</a> rarely bites humans. Groundhog ticks are known to transmit <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/powassan/index.html" target="_blank">Powassan virus disease</a>, which is a rare but potentially severe tickborne illness.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1i6gHSpxmVxH9g1iNhOhH2Gl4x4hjo4giDwjsB6cdMrGkER0alb2zm03K2d-iqb7HhUX5WgTEX59Z5Bt5Ol2bDEi2fTMgWUAgz9iN6wf4QHvk7zHsj5gDIyEgQheYetn-w0HM4WslX6kp997d6JV7CNoNP9LThWEG9RV5VAXXJfg_taHqxs362w4Zp761/s1034/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-23%20at%205.50.18%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="996" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1i6gHSpxmVxH9g1iNhOhH2Gl4x4hjo4giDwjsB6cdMrGkER0alb2zm03K2d-iqb7HhUX5WgTEX59Z5Bt5Ol2bDEi2fTMgWUAgz9iN6wf4QHvk7zHsj5gDIyEgQheYetn-w0HM4WslX6kp997d6JV7CNoNP9LThWEG9RV5VAXXJfg_taHqxs362w4Zp761/w385-h400/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-23%20at%205.50.18%20PM.png" width="385" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Asian Longhorned Tick: </b>Not really found in New England--yet--but probably coming soon, and will be bringing more <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tick-species/sls-20147911?s=9" target="_blank">anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and rickettsiosis</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJNe1qNOkKFPXYf3b4DtfQDJdpNFRxXEGsxJILLk5GEKOJPnOmHttrAbuRcwNkUBDXlpBAFSnGLd3OKFaQ6y-CVqJaJFVYAQRZtVvTk61UUBYQW-GcWGshPvtm2lxajB766TlkiMuzUNnpWsy_1adQ2ihxb8w3koFmFKMkU79BD5yfRqdImKrbX0Azi6x/s1080/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-23%20at%205.57.28%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="962" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJNe1qNOkKFPXYf3b4DtfQDJdpNFRxXEGsxJILLk5GEKOJPnOmHttrAbuRcwNkUBDXlpBAFSnGLd3OKFaQ6y-CVqJaJFVYAQRZtVvTk61UUBYQW-GcWGshPvtm2lxajB766TlkiMuzUNnpWsy_1adQ2ihxb8w3koFmFKMkU79BD5yfRqdImKrbX0Azi6x/w356-h400/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-23%20at%205.57.28%20PM.png" width="356" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkPh6LKN59vQMT_Xrw5kRwb29hrHVJhw9j6fnpK322dxyj42GLog_O4vsacAN91pRRcQFRE0Id8zREllTOy9s8PjpjQ86M5heY8IAhCuaJ3bYixlzyfQzg9JAP3syP1hXohxqIRuWZ_A7v61Dzya6z198Zbtvln_jTw6wfjotQJTdhq78R8Bc-5Saza6b/s4032/IMG_9001.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkPh6LKN59vQMT_Xrw5kRwb29hrHVJhw9j6fnpK322dxyj42GLog_O4vsacAN91pRRcQFRE0Id8zREllTOy9s8PjpjQ86M5heY8IAhCuaJ3bYixlzyfQzg9JAP3syP1hXohxqIRuWZ_A7v61Dzya6z198Zbtvln_jTw6wfjotQJTdhq78R8Bc-5Saza6b/s320/IMG_9001.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Tickborne Diseases</b></div><div><div>So now that we know that there's plenty of different species of little blood suckers out there, let's briefly discuss some of the different diseases they can spread. You'll see--which is is great for us that have to try to diagnose these conditions--that the symptoms are very similar and often very nonspecific, such as fevers, chills, and muscle/joint pains, and in some cases very mild. And, it's possible to catch more than one disease from a tick bite.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/" target="_blank">Lyme disease</a>: Lyme disease is the most prevalent tickborne illness in New England and is primarily transmitted by the black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick). The symptoms of Lyme disease can range from mild to severe and may include fatigue, fever, headache, muscle aches, and may include the characteristic "bull's-eye" rash. Symptoms can occur 3-30 days after tick bite. Blood tests specifically looking for Lyme will often be normal for the first few weeks of an infection, but other lab abnormalities *may* be seen. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system. There is wide controversy, even among infectious disease specialists regarding "chronic Lyme," and to whether or not there are long term effects and/or if long courses of antibiotics are required.</li><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/relapsing-fever/miyamotoi/index.html" target="_blank">Hard Tick Relapsing Fever</a>: Spread by the black-legged tick, this disease can manifest 3 weeks to 6 weeks after a bite and symptoms may be so mild that an infected person wouldn't notice, or could include fever, chills, fatigue, muscle or joint pains and relapsing fevers. This usually resolves on its own but can be severe in people with a compromised immune system.</li><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/anaplasmosis/index.html" target="_blank">Anaplasmosis</a>: Anaplasmosis is caused by the bacterium <i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</i>, which is also transmitted by the black-legged tick. The symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue (like many of the other tick diseases), occurring 5-14 days after a bite.</li><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ehrlichiosis/" target="_blank">Ehrlichiosis</a>: Caused by <i>Ehrlichia chaffeensis</i>, <i>E. ewingii</i> or <i>E. muris</i>, this is spread by lone star ticks and black-legged ticks and is similar to anaplasmosis but may also include gastrointestinal symptoms.</li><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rmsf/" target="_blank">Rocky Mountain spotted fever</a>: RMSF, caused by <i>Rickettsia rickettsii</i>, hasn't been too prevalent in New England, but it's an important disease to be aware of. If not diagnosed early enough, this can be fatal. Spread by the American dog tick, RMSF can cause high fevers, severe headache, fatigue, swelling around the eyes and hands, and then progress to confusion, coma and multi-organ system failure. A spotted rash is common, but is usually a later symptom and is absent in about 10% of cases.</li><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tularemia/" target="_blank">Tularemia</a>: This can be spread by several species of ticks, and in some cases, but infected deer flies. The CDC does say this is common in some parts of Massachusetts, but that's mostly in Martha's Vineyard. Caused by <i>Francisella tularensi</i>s, symptoms (3-5 days after a bite but up to 21 days) can be nonspecific (fever, chills, fatigue), may include gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea), but may also have a cough, swollen lymph nodes, eye pain, sore throat, and skin ulcerations. </li><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/babesiosis/" target="_blank">Babesiosis</a>: Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites, <i>Babesia microti</i>, that infect red blood cells. Symptoms starting 1-4 weeks after bite include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and sometimes anemia. Severe cases can involve a swollen spleen or liver, yellowish skin (jaundice) and lead to severe bleeding abnormalities and death. </li><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/powassan/index.html" target="_blank">Powassan virus disease</a>: While relatively rare, Powassan virus is a potentially serious tickborne illness found in New England. The virus is transmitted by the black-legged tick and the groundhog tick. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms to more severe complications, such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). There is no specific treatment for Powassan virus, so prevention becomes even more critical. </li></ul></div></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU0v4c1smMaob6diEwtk2kPU3S3J69d0LjBguopMkrB2JsADMFd8HATlxOgRFK1a8bkvwLfsrr9hjK1c0nVJMQG7kd3RFSQaE5oF2TIaBwvv4cxuLpT5hv7a913KtA2suevg1kR1V1XBBm6W5VTp6M32kpZ9IPzsWwlzhyNp6PbUEs_cXnAEoYGsvY3DR/s2048/IMG_4434.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="2048" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU0v4c1smMaob6diEwtk2kPU3S3J69d0LjBguopMkrB2JsADMFd8HATlxOgRFK1a8bkvwLfsrr9hjK1c0nVJMQG7kd3RFSQaE5oF2TIaBwvv4cxuLpT5hv7a913KtA2suevg1kR1V1XBBm6W5VTp6M32kpZ9IPzsWwlzhyNp6PbUEs_cXnAEoYGsvY3DR/w640-h608/IMG_4434.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Prevention Strategies: </b></div><div>If after reading all of this you're as disturbed about the all the tick borne illness as I am after writing this, you'll want to avoid being bitten in the first place. Obviously, for outdoors people, avoiding the woods isn't an option. So here are some tips to help:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpDX4QRZdxajUnbgej6oTa7Vm7PPWm4h9dB3wk7fX8y3UfeK4T_cluL74YeLbiKB2x9kx_0166mtUaU6JW6_31JlMOWlVdtR_7O3BmWYnt2DBcW8I_aTkrvm3z02PP1S2L9exLDBYOvukchIwalVz6iWk9b-3M5ohkdwjShe7es98TRCQmyMGJMUtEJKl/s3024/3AB6B07D-B7D5-43EE-A9A8-9A9A3BD65339.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpDX4QRZdxajUnbgej6oTa7Vm7PPWm4h9dB3wk7fX8y3UfeK4T_cluL74YeLbiKB2x9kx_0166mtUaU6JW6_31JlMOWlVdtR_7O3BmWYnt2DBcW8I_aTkrvm3z02PP1S2L9exLDBYOvukchIwalVz6iWk9b-3M5ohkdwjShe7es98TRCQmyMGJMUtEJKl/s320/3AB6B07D-B7D5-43EE-A9A8-9A9A3BD65339.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Wear protective clothing: </b>When venturing into tick-prone areas, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks, and closed-toe shoes to minimize skin exposure. Tucking pant legs into socks might work for hikers, but trail runners and mountain bikers, not so much. I *have* been known to wear leggings specifically for summer use--they're designed to cover legs (or arms) and provide protection from the sun and insect. They're certainly a fashion statement, but if you know me, you know fashion isn't high on my priority list.</li><li><b>Use insect repellents: </b>Apply Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing. You can also use permethrin on clothes (either spray on yourself or buy clothes with this already in the fabric).</li><li><b>Perform tick checks: </b>After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body and clothing for ticks. Pay extra attention to hidden areas such as underarms, groin, scalp, and behind the knees.</li><li><b>Seek medical attention: </b>If you develop symptoms consistent with tickborne diseases, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.</li></ol></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82W49nlPe3Q8s58IMzNevaUlR4ph7_ojGxBKAbIm1fnr_flU1O3d5VuYI6jvsxEjpY76FCMsz0pswaQ7tQy29GNH0PR45wAtd_DFWdyKn-qepHPushP3bFQ_8bGDV7hd__Y2ViyqeCa0B9kxLI0FpTCkS-QoKpUj1pwKi9Jlmfl9OKQH3MccjfIDDPtz7/s4032/IMG_6972.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82W49nlPe3Q8s58IMzNevaUlR4ph7_ojGxBKAbIm1fnr_flU1O3d5VuYI6jvsxEjpY76FCMsz0pswaQ7tQy29GNH0PR45wAtd_DFWdyKn-qepHPushP3bFQ_8bGDV7hd__Y2ViyqeCa0B9kxLI0FpTCkS-QoKpUj1pwKi9Jlmfl9OKQH3MccjfIDDPtz7/w400-h300/IMG_6972.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>If you do get bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Some diseases, like Lyme, need a tick to feed on you for longer than 24 hours before the infection can be transmitted. The data is still unclear about some of the other illnesses, but I've read that Powassan virus can be transmitted in as little at 15 minutes. The best way to remove a tick is to use a sharp pair of tweezers, grab it as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight out. Don't worry about "leaving the head." Just remove it as best you can, and if there IS anything left, your body will deal with it. You (or a healthcare provider) can do more local tissue damage by trying to remove anything that's inconsequential. Just clean the area with soap or disinfectant and keep it clean.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9Vadt_FVg5pTyJ81T0WjBN8JNuG7hepMkn928btTEQuqL5eI03ygL5fLVmF2CRwwym2vTKxuYXqJZnKrwegSEo0XvlcYrKDn7P2ZT591An3hW3WnYAtjEVy-Ww8CtvHq_Xj0P_2AHOS1iJ1Biu4-C_1Z796Rlyr54wpRihsX1U498FNRZrzTjXB2Q_yF/s1138/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-24%20at%208.38.28%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="908" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9Vadt_FVg5pTyJ81T0WjBN8JNuG7hepMkn928btTEQuqL5eI03ygL5fLVmF2CRwwym2vTKxuYXqJZnKrwegSEo0XvlcYrKDn7P2ZT591An3hW3WnYAtjEVy-Ww8CtvHq_Xj0P_2AHOS1iJ1Biu4-C_1Z796Rlyr54wpRihsX1U498FNRZrzTjXB2Q_yF/w512-h640/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-24%20at%208.38.28%20AM.png" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This image from <a href="https://ticksafety.com/" target="_blank">TickSafety.com</a> compares the different species with each other: </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVunHAVhTfaYKU69LbZ2IncW9vkmHvjxT_7ZG274YvOGr135Gig3NQxlJFj1MaVPRLpOq7nINpcN_moLD_DRVP5HBqoLqR3LCYdFGg3NxxcIobKIKWn95xXI0HtjlOoHSRofduRI_v-eqKo4sA0u6x68O-lTBvPQMuRfL-iQGBCu9Mkq8y0As5jivcez7/s1346/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-23%20at%206.07.29%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1002" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVunHAVhTfaYKU69LbZ2IncW9vkmHvjxT_7ZG274YvOGr135Gig3NQxlJFj1MaVPRLpOq7nINpcN_moLD_DRVP5HBqoLqR3LCYdFGg3NxxcIobKIKWn95xXI0HtjlOoHSRofduRI_v-eqKo4sA0u6x68O-lTBvPQMuRfL-iQGBCu9Mkq8y0As5jivcez7/w478-h640/Screen%20Shot%202023-06-23%20at%206.07.29%20PM.png" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Bottom line, do everything you can to avoid getting ticks on you in the first place.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to geek out on more info, check out this great video from <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2302440" target="_blank">New England Journal of Medicine</a> or this <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickbornediseases/TickborneDiseases-P.pdf" target="_blank">booklet from the CDC</a>, otherwise, be safe out there!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zKg2VArJxGJl5Esmu8zsydHj-iwbt6ut3HMTFYthnhLIQYPMvxAe5soJZYe7m4lK_Uwga_P3PsvbX3OYNRgKg-h88ZhSwpd-1NbHwnYSFZPQ9wq1Wm-_vocU8DZ78SgXqEX3uu4r6ZCIxsUOd0ogdgtKJVQFJPRuBI2ETHvqMUldxyIB6e8HqrLy75Yo/s1500/safetrailsticker%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1500" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zKg2VArJxGJl5Esmu8zsydHj-iwbt6ut3HMTFYthnhLIQYPMvxAe5soJZYe7m4lK_Uwga_P3PsvbX3OYNRgKg-h88ZhSwpd-1NbHwnYSFZPQ9wq1Wm-_vocU8DZ78SgXqEX3uu4r6ZCIxsUOd0ogdgtKJVQFJPRuBI2ETHvqMUldxyIB6e8HqrLy75Yo/w400-h80/safetrailsticker%20copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><i style="text-align: center;">Please remember, the information presented here, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.</i><br /></div><div><i style="text-align: center;"><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div><p></p><p></p></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-376144685517451092023-03-27T17:10:00.011-07:002023-03-28T01:33:18.457-07:00NEMBA’s Philip Keyes Leadership Summit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdaafjdtWWF3IfmbneBLhj922Ug25eeQERTG-6-BAM-nCaA2qZPRkk6j9vOdsW6UZzD7ie_MzTY_W3fjIZGPPSFL9SyMoMFh34T7L2fAGlq0cY4ckGY8-hiwnECyPaTKdxV5MDqpZJO_ryZ9cDOjqofF9csD6WGpQdKtTI7gfoCjv78GApcQEntGGDw/s2048/IMG_6151-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1572" data-original-width="2048" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdaafjdtWWF3IfmbneBLhj922Ug25eeQERTG-6-BAM-nCaA2qZPRkk6j9vOdsW6UZzD7ie_MzTY_W3fjIZGPPSFL9SyMoMFh34T7L2fAGlq0cY4ckGY8-hiwnECyPaTKdxV5MDqpZJO_ryZ9cDOjqofF9csD6WGpQdKtTI7gfoCjv78GApcQEntGGDw/s320/IMG_6151-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Got to head down to Cape Cod to check out NEMBA’s Philip Keyes Leadership Summit, March 24th-26th.
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Just under 100 participants from nearly all of NEMBA’s 33 chapters got together to discuss strategy and how to ensure the success of the organization and mountain biking in general, and of course, ride.
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After some energetic opening remarks from <a href="https://www.nemba.org/staff-board" target="_blank">Nicole Freedman</a>, NEMBA’s new executive director, the brainstorming began
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<div><br /></div><div>First, we were broken down loosely into three groups and each group was tasked with answering a question:<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What is your favorite place to ride and why?</li><li>What was your favorite athletic event (didn’t have to be mountain biking) and why?</li><li>What are the attributes that make a great leader.</li></ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrcci9U0y3L10OBZf6BDORHJI6N9COsofVTAWxpSAzN-LWuFce_SiZkkIXcEqAnXOM_gOxkbk7sJUVVwWNKLE-EV1ORZCOfm4AjJ5PdNjlV-E7NVm-VxWeNEdMLAdwKsfs-QkVdbc2otaIJ9unTSuOiuPTuOsPKx6lWe_Gwt453IDjFcZyuPaMxAwjg/s2048/IMG_6166.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrcci9U0y3L10OBZf6BDORHJI6N9COsofVTAWxpSAzN-LWuFce_SiZkkIXcEqAnXOM_gOxkbk7sJUVVwWNKLE-EV1ORZCOfm4AjJ5PdNjlV-E7NVm-VxWeNEdMLAdwKsfs-QkVdbc2otaIJ9unTSuOiuPTuOsPKx6lWe_Gwt453IDjFcZyuPaMxAwjg/w400-h269/IMG_6166.jpg" width="400" /> </a>
As you can imagine, there were many commonalities in the answers as most of the favorite trails were fun, or scenic, or accessible, and likely all of the above. Most of the favored events were festive, had inclusive vibes, and brought people together. And a great leader, would be a person that can also bring people together and make the magic happen. Looking for these common themes would help provide direction for trails, events, and of course training, all with the goal of keeping NEMBA strong and the sport mountain biking thriving
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We also had several topics that we could up-vote or down-vote based on a sticker system, and if we liked something, it got a green sticker, and if we didn’t like something, it got a red sticker. The yellow sticker was essentially a “meh.”<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8sXP1cwNCqeomqpZLXAQ3AYF_zADb6GWpD_PKw6RUv2owsrH0d5QHXBUqVCCbVE9LaWjWQwo2XE_FThSh5cTudQFkWf_s4x-vHYe9UdC_qFo5OKrrTOIGEn99FBTJWAuedyCTIDyrpCjrVaSNZ2tZQNsI0cWToqEQPmPwjxql0uzpyTyXnRPD2jsIA/s2048/IMG_6183-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmukt3sdgjSvSXWg17KPQK9N2tVQXTHK8kha4B9FqdIQWxIzHwBKqIyqhVsodNbk44wFd480bjc_4COLD8Nwl-Q5kGwf626mrq3z5PI1IAmg9EwlXw4icpLGbvnbmhrGh2TFuT2cEEQn5x9uA5LiWUEC5aMhWNWO5ukA5gIp_tr5JW8CAEYCcOtIuYA/s2048/IMG_6183-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1732" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmukt3sdgjSvSXWg17KPQK9N2tVQXTHK8kha4B9FqdIQWxIzHwBKqIyqhVsodNbk44wFd480bjc_4COLD8Nwl-Q5kGwf626mrq3z5PI1IAmg9EwlXw4icpLGbvnbmhrGh2TFuT2cEEQn5x9uA5LiWUEC5aMhWNWO5ukA5gIp_tr5JW8CAEYCcOtIuYA/s320/IMG_6183-2.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>Some of the ideas that were well received (more green dots) were “more skills parks,” a “cross state/cross New England connected trail,” “youth intro to MTB programs,” “trailhead signage to promote NEMBA,” and more “adaptive trails and riding.” Surprisingly, eBikes had more green dots than yellow and red, and fared better than “bikepacking,” “gravel riding,” and “competitive MTB.”
<br /><br />The morning's sessions and workshops included a <i>Mountain Bike Adventure Series</i> <i>and Fun Ride Panel</i>, <i>Youth Programming Panel</i> and <i>Skills Park Panel</i>.
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As I’ve been trying to get a bike park in <a href="http://www.beverlybikepark.com/">Beverly</a> for a couple of years, I attended the latter. Presentations from the;<a href="https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/central_berkshires/springside-park-mountain-bike-memorandum-of-understanding/article_690c8aa0-6804-11ec-87e3-ffae69eb481a.html">Berkshire County Chapter</a>, <a href="https://fundrazr.com/426LX5?ref=ab_8OvVg8TvG7E8OvVg8TvG7E">Housatonic Valley Chapter</a>, and <a href="https://www.keenebikepark.org/">Brattleboro-Keene Chapters</a> highlighted some of the challenges each of those projects faced and how they were overcome. If you’ve tried something like this in your neck of the woods, you probably know what those challenges are, but the bottom line was that there was no magic bullet. It takes patience, perseverance, and you need to battle misinformation or misconceptions along the way and find ways to show how projects like this add value to the community. There are many success stories out there, and the more parks that get put in, it makes the case for their acceptance easier. At least, that’s what I hope. Either way, I’ll be making the rounds with my municipal contacts to let them know that I’m still hoping to make this happen. </div><div><br />
Après lunch we could choose from <i>Ride with Gratitude</i>, <i>Financials for Chapters</i>, <i>New Rider Development </i>and <i>Social Media Best Practices Panels</i>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIEdnC-aYwqL7ABhkSYr_rh1QMD8Nmm2dvrREqYtWxaBt8O_EAp-eGgnepV-gO5OCLKtHQkNX2_6RGZKoifnoTNfujY4wBfqNk6zBBXUtgelSlwoom_K9BuBd3qomUz0yrSVUnszodo_Ch7euztVynCsaAC6i9cjTgieTjUdJvh8Kx_Et865lvtjUiA/s2048/IMG_6186-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="2048" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIEdnC-aYwqL7ABhkSYr_rh1QMD8Nmm2dvrREqYtWxaBt8O_EAp-eGgnepV-gO5OCLKtHQkNX2_6RGZKoifnoTNfujY4wBfqNk6zBBXUtgelSlwoom_K9BuBd3qomUz0yrSVUnszodo_Ch7euztVynCsaAC6i9cjTgieTjUdJvh8Kx_Et865lvtjUiA/s320/IMG_6186-2.jpg" width="320" /></a> <div><br /></div><div>Of that list, I again chose the latter, and <a href="https://www.nemba.org/staff-board" target="_blank">Mick Ferraro</a> had a great talk about the how to maximize Facebook and Instagram. For those who don’t know, social media marketing actually requires strategy, and you need to have a goal in mind when you post, whether in NEMBA’s case it’s to attract new members, promote an event, or just to strengthen a brand image. Posting irregularly or erratically, (my personal social media strategy) isn’t going to get the reach and it’s a missed opportunity to connect with potential or current members. The old adage of “fail to plan is to plan to fail,” rings true here. </div><div><br /></div>
After a few hours of conference rooms and talking about riding it was time to actually ride. Well, for some of us. The weather was *suboptimal* and I instead did some work. I had an awesome ride Friday evening, so that would have to get me by. </div><div> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w5HnSKrwnqfN56cP64GAnRfGOuWxmA5xGkFfSQcpzkxmviBtbtEXRGazpO0edoJE8fVmcioPuGMjdKmU2mcQMVjJYJMmm7VKCH2BZi8PPq4KnIfNe7PVG8dehU1Bb7I6vy4igD2j82KGs0cI9nLcf0zzVRuyIcoGF0aDN0KjxCPKjG99yu3HpczQUg/s2048/IMG_6139.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="2048" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w5HnSKrwnqfN56cP64GAnRfGOuWxmA5xGkFfSQcpzkxmviBtbtEXRGazpO0edoJE8fVmcioPuGMjdKmU2mcQMVjJYJMmm7VKCH2BZi8PPq4KnIfNe7PVG8dehU1Bb7I6vy4igD2j82KGs0cI9nLcf0zzVRuyIcoGF0aDN0KjxCPKjG99yu3HpczQUg/w400-h255/IMG_6139.jpg" width="400" /></a>Sunday morning, we were back at it for another round of informative panel discussions, and I participated in a talk about <a href="https://www.trailforks.com/">TrailForks</a>. I have to admit, I’ve *<i>used</i>* <a href="https://www.trailforks.com/">TrailForks</a>, but not to its fullest potential, and it seems to have new features coming out fairly regularly. For example, it can *learn* what kind of rider you are, based on the types of trails you ride (lots of climbing, lots of black trails, etc), and if you use its “Ride Finder” option when you go to a new area, an algorithm will try to create a ride based on your preferences. There’s also a version that EMS providers can use so if a rider (or hiker or anyone using the app) gets hurt and uses it to call 911, the injured person’s location and a map get sent to EMS that can be used for rescue. There was more, a lot more, and I’m going to do a deep dive into all its features. Stay tuned for more.<br /><br />
Anyway, I blasted off after that and headed home. I definitely got a taste of some of the great <a href="https://www.trailforks.com/ridelog/view/50342001/">riding down there</a>, and someone from the <a href="https://www.pinkbike.com/directory/9008/cape-cod-nemba/">Cape Cod NEMBA Chapter</a> mentioned that there were 1000 miles of trails on the Cape. That’s worth a road trip for sure.
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The weekend was great and NEMBA seems to be positioning itself for another 35 years of successful trail advocacy.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMZLhO-i0AXlfcKJ2AUbcTXKTiiW4ozaFmJAf-cWOlj_ZELZnz4xoo2a-p0OH1VRymD_lUox9pHAesGueXSgSDBptBiyRyqSNKkyGk3cU_5IzcZ2-_ZVyLI8ummsQ0QNY7Y-E9k6BA7pHQzy-HjU7UQAR143HKY9byfwErfHSeaHAeyDBKYJ-uqZpBg/s2048/IMG_6146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1467" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMZLhO-i0AXlfcKJ2AUbcTXKTiiW4ozaFmJAf-cWOlj_ZELZnz4xoo2a-p0OH1VRymD_lUox9pHAesGueXSgSDBptBiyRyqSNKkyGk3cU_5IzcZ2-_ZVyLI8ummsQ0QNY7Y-E9k6BA7pHQzy-HjU7UQAR143HKY9byfwErfHSeaHAeyDBKYJ-uqZpBg/w640-h458/IMG_6146.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-64716903321336713132023-03-01T13:33:00.001-08:002023-03-01T13:33:33.102-08:00Boning Up<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-eV91RVO9ou57UGr132FKVytRINqurTntMsxGMgCc7v3Hn6_JTz0SW7KdHh4qE_RFeNRCAevmD7Dd1ckLqr7kdntWjQ31Aoe1w_XPDiSKTlY68UfheO0tiHOSIvYMCAd_5LR4e2k4pb241P_8Ij6l6SyHJA9TBu3cRtkfhMvaFmzStPF7aBRPFQGbw/s2048/IMG_5330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="2048" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-eV91RVO9ou57UGr132FKVytRINqurTntMsxGMgCc7v3Hn6_JTz0SW7KdHh4qE_RFeNRCAevmD7Dd1ckLqr7kdntWjQ31Aoe1w_XPDiSKTlY68UfheO0tiHOSIvYMCAd_5LR4e2k4pb241P_8Ij6l6SyHJA9TBu3cRtkfhMvaFmzStPF7aBRPFQGbw/s320/IMG_5330.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> NOT MY FEMUR</td></tr></tbody></table>Getting older has never been billed as being fun, at least not once you get past that magical age of ”21” (which was so, so, long ago).</p><p>But, just like trying to keep an old car or an old bike up and running, our older bodies (or sbould I say "classic") need more maintenance as time goes on. Here is <a href="https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/988531?ecd=wnl_sci_tech_230301_MSCPEDIT&uac=68484CY&impID=5203246" target="_blank">yet another article</a> that discusses the importance of weight and strength training as a way to stave off osteoporosis and osteopenia. </p><p>The reality is, exercises like cycling, and swimming, just don’t cut it when it comes to bone strength. The more you stress the bones, the stronger they will become, providing you have adequate nutrition with <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/calcium/" target="_blank">calcium</a> and <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/" target="_blank">vitamin D</a>.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><i>“ <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499863/#_article-18453_s1_" target="_blank">Wolff's Law</a> states that bones will adapt to the degree of mechanical loading, such that an increase in loading will cause the architecture of the internal, spongy bone to strengthen, followed by the strengthening of the cortical layer.” </i></p><p>And while I'm targeting my message to my peers (cranky old cyclists), this is important for everyone, and the article above also talked about the risks of inactivity in adolescence and how that leads to weaker bones (among other health issues) later in life. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRkJE6Oww13nra0npAEvB4XX2GQ4Uyp5p2iAzfcDnp8jCAHXCW2P_slZUKPoLyHPTuKv-wBgrp-UwCaVQZTIHs9waJCBTOhAKyPBFabqWqanGYhEToFT6jd6DWDCSN7N9ogwHnzYjKgALb_pjvSA8hJICFyOs2dLHSVRUv8H4c-X9H4Ctsyi7pySbwg/s2048/IMG_8446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1515" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRkJE6Oww13nra0npAEvB4XX2GQ4Uyp5p2iAzfcDnp8jCAHXCW2P_slZUKPoLyHPTuKv-wBgrp-UwCaVQZTIHs9waJCBTOhAKyPBFabqWqanGYhEToFT6jd6DWDCSN7N9ogwHnzYjKgALb_pjvSA8hJICFyOs2dLHSVRUv8H4c-X9H4Ctsyi7pySbwg/s320/IMG_8446.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>As to what exercises you should participate in, well, there are about a million ways to <a href="https://youtu.be/QitgZ5gnK-o" target="_blank">build strength</a>, some using weights, some using tractor tires, and lately I’ve been tossing and carrying around 40 pound sandbags while also wearing a 30lb back pack. Find what works for you but find something that’s fun and something that works on your weak areas. Cyclists tend to work on the legs, because those muscles are the primary movers in cycling, but you really want to build upper body strength to promote good bone health in your arms and shoulders. Broken wrists and collarbones can be very common after sailing over the bars.<p></p>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-65339845911863124862022-12-30T11:42:00.000-08:002022-12-30T11:42:02.317-08:00How a Trail is Born<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWokaLnhLLZq_0pBtSAA3AvX_c5ySPl4ufd6unE5FfgqbD68dEkFGWcBEKvvvPUtlFcldnz5ShcKjz1PnTjFjhIatOnDvh7dY-dqXQ7TBu5g342NfhHwZ8HeCCDVCaengWLq3lKLDjIes2NYPbwWXxW8y6EDtuZAquf3ZNm5ekCxWsB5Yz6OczdcnTmg/s2048/IMG_3522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1839" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWokaLnhLLZq_0pBtSAA3AvX_c5ySPl4ufd6unE5FfgqbD68dEkFGWcBEKvvvPUtlFcldnz5ShcKjz1PnTjFjhIatOnDvh7dY-dqXQ7TBu5g342NfhHwZ8HeCCDVCaengWLq3lKLDjIes2NYPbwWXxW8y6EDtuZAquf3ZNm5ekCxWsB5Yz6OczdcnTmg/s320/IMG_3522.JPG" width="287" /></a></div>When you are blasting down a trail, enjoying the flow, or struggling up a climb that seems to go on forever, do you ever wonder how that trail came into being? If so, check out <a href="https://www.bikeandmountain.com/mtb-101/trails-dont-build-themselves/" target="_blank">Trails Don't Build Themselves</a>, as part of the <a href="https://www.bikeandmountain.com/mtb-101/" target="_blank">MTB 101 series</a>, and wonder no more.<p></p>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-58376715149104272852022-11-20T16:14:00.003-08:002023-01-05T10:42:18.285-08:00Bay Circuit Trail (Just a Taste)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/772615256?h=296d9957b2" title="vimeo-player" width="640"></iframe> <div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was at a trail building workshop recently and one of the questions that was presented to us was, “what’s your favorite trail?” <span><a name='more'></a></span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I started scouring my memories, would it be Joe’s Ridge in Fruita? Black Bear at Kingdom Trails? Flow Trail in Santa Cruz? All killer trails, but then the more I thought about it, I finally settled on the Massachusetts' own <a href="https://www.baycircuit.org" target="_blank">Bay Circuit Trail</a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">This isn’t just some sweet section of killer singletrack, nor is it even off road for its entirety, but, the BCT checks many of the boxes on my list of best trail features. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">First off, it’s long, and admittedly, I’ve only done a relatively small portion. The whole trail is 230 miles and runs from Newburyport to Kingston, essentially between rt 128 and 495. I like trails that “go somewhere” and prefer that as opposed to going to one spot and going round and round on a 3 or 4 mile loop. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because the trail is so long, it relies on many, many, many connections and I am in awe of the amount of work it must have taken to form partnerships with so many public and private landowners and agencies. Just in the portion I’ve done a few times, the trail crosses a <a href="https://www.ectaonline.org/trails/willowdale-state-forest-east/" target="_blank">State Forest</a>, a <a href="https://www.mass.gov/locations/bradley-palmer-state-park" target="_blank">State Park</a>, property managed by <a href="https://ecga.org/Property/Pingree-Woodland" target="_blank">Essex County Greenbelt Association</a> and <a href="https://thetrustees.org/place/old-town-hill/" target="_blank">The Trustees of Reservation</a>, municipal properties and more. I love seeing networks of trails that connect communities. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">And, the trail is fun. Again, I have only done a portion—a portion that I can take the commuter rail to the start and ride home—but what I have done is a blast. Great trails, some good climbs, some killer views, and a wide diversity of terrain and habitat. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Doing the whole trail is on my bucket list, and hopefully I'll check that off soon. Until then, I'll certainly continue to enjoy the portion I have close to home.</span></div></div>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-32216451778496505032022-11-15T05:47:00.000-08:002022-11-15T05:47:09.536-08:00What is Mountain Biking?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9Ih47yF6NrFL3AwOT_yafKMO6qc_9H_YfpvC5_TmRt3daOwxSfW4Je4wH3twe7_VFe9WtAR5ExCYRfa1_X7FPvp_wwzDe-ISGCcPv8bdPwjXkFa-HeAf4tD8y0BlXR9scs9PyOwVmrVGXH86mv7tVQu43QZax4WSVwSdlbd3wO-5eTv3NEORIRTnJg/s2582/whatisMTB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1721" data-original-width="2582" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9Ih47yF6NrFL3AwOT_yafKMO6qc_9H_YfpvC5_TmRt3daOwxSfW4Je4wH3twe7_VFe9WtAR5ExCYRfa1_X7FPvp_wwzDe-ISGCcPv8bdPwjXkFa-HeAf4tD8y0BlXR9scs9PyOwVmrVGXH86mv7tVQu43QZax4WSVwSdlbd3wO-5eTv3NEORIRTnJg/s320/whatisMTB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What is <a href="https://www.bikeandmountain.com/mtb-101/what-is-mountain-biking/" target="_blank">mountain biking</a>? Definitions may vary, but see how I unpack the different types of riding in this new series <a href="https://www.bikeandmountain.com/mtb-101/what-is-mountain-biking/" target="_blank">MTB 101</a>... class is now in session.<p></p>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-78355600562959442022-09-05T14:35:00.006-07:002023-04-27T19:32:40.502-07:00First Aid Kits Only Help If You Bring Them With You<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDbpGfCFLWwUClR7l2z5JYngvuboMgqFI05GsPgrGK6ewMuw3EHiJS-3X6foVIEQsbQodmBya1tFjuUSpVCja2pXtGkUbuQ6h6SzcCwyD9ELATSLb8OIpQ2TQwbVGUVQnM--60LaFGCwfyy_rwYx5U8tDREl_MPbzvVbfgMRF7rzZvfuBUx2sIk9rdQ/s1000/crash-5.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="697" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDbpGfCFLWwUClR7l2z5JYngvuboMgqFI05GsPgrGK6ewMuw3EHiJS-3X6foVIEQsbQodmBya1tFjuUSpVCja2pXtGkUbuQ6h6SzcCwyD9ELATSLb8OIpQ2TQwbVGUVQnM--60LaFGCwfyy_rwYx5U8tDREl_MPbzvVbfgMRF7rzZvfuBUx2sIk9rdQ/s320/crash-5.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, the same "crash photos" <br />seen in a previous post.</td></tr></tbody></table>I used to carry a first aid kit when I went riding but I had gotten out of the habit. I mostly stopped wearing a hydration pack, and without one, I limited my *stuff* to the bike necessities: tube, CO2, multi-tool; and a couple of water bottles. <a href="https://beardedbiker.blogspot.com/2022/08/frontenac-secteur-sud-national-park.html" target="_blank">My recent ride that went a bit sideways</a> made me rethink this approach. <p></p><p>Let's face it, it's inevitable that you or one of your riding compatriots is going to crash. Hopefully there will be no serious injuries and all you'll get is a good story and a good laugh, maybe make it on to <a href="https://youtu.be/F4fUvWVrpiw" target="_blank">#fridayfail on Pinkbike.com</a>. But, someday, something more significant might happen so you should probably be ready.</p><p>In my mind, being ready requires two things: knowledge and supplies. I do happen to have a fair bit of medical knowledge, but until research is done to determine if oak leaves are better for packing a wound over maple leaves, I'd prefer some good old fashioned medical supplies.</p><p>If you don't have much medical knowledge, I strongly encourage you to take a f<a href="https://beardedbiker.blogspot.com/p/first-aid.html" target="_blank">irst aid class,</a> especially if it can be <a href="https://beardedbiker.blogspot.com/p/first-aid.html" target="_blank">geared towards the outdoors</a>. You should also take a <a href="https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class?scode=PSG00000E017&cid=generator&med=cpc&source=google&gclid=CjwKCAjwvNaYBhA3EiwACgndgpeixt-X40g9DCx9ngj3x5x9imb41UjHwVmAVaiobA-qaog7NQXY1hoCCa0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">CPR course</a> and a <a href="https://www.stopthebleed.org" target="_blank">Stop the Bleed</a> course.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Once you've got enough knowledge to be dangerous, it's time to put a kit together. You *could* buy a first aid kit, but I really don't think most of the commercially available kits are that great. Most seem to favor quantity over quality and include stuff that I personally think is unnecessary. I don't want 20 little band-aids, I want a tourniquet. Some kits I found included items like sunscreen or lip balm, which to me, is almost like carrying hair gel.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzQ9inROUIRiH77Hij8JpytJDqMufka0LvMQ8UoyPC9wZjcLU0nuOD6WPYgobSq1O9xFeU9kJkOnzSBW-FmmvyJB1DuxwCYWgCx5wcN2V5eT66ezdom9hvkzjd28q3Ak6g5aAE1cHYHYD_KnGTESVJKnsVce_O2ewc9RnTZ6OMnf9Ea0mYueQxpV8nA/s1000/crash-7.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzQ9inROUIRiH77Hij8JpytJDqMufka0LvMQ8UoyPC9wZjcLU0nuOD6WPYgobSq1O9xFeU9kJkOnzSBW-FmmvyJB1DuxwCYWgCx5wcN2V5eT66ezdom9hvkzjd28q3Ak6g5aAE1cHYHYD_KnGTESVJKnsVce_O2ewc9RnTZ6OMnf9Ea0mYueQxpV8nA/s320/crash-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He only hurt his pride.</td></tr></tbody></table>Anyway, I figure that most medical issues that arise on the trails can be broken down into minor, moderate, and severe. <p></p><p>Minor injuries, or what another writer simply called "boo-boos" are the small cuts and scrapes that probably won't slow a ride down. I really don't need a "<a href="https://www.twowheeledwanderer.com/posts/mountain-biking-first-aid-kit/">boo-boo kit</a>." If I *need* a band-aid, well, I don't really need one.</p><p>So, I think about a kit that will have supplies for moderate to severe injuries; injuries that will either significantly curtail a ride or require some outside assistance. I want a kit that I can take with me on all my rides, one that will have important stuff, but not be so onerous that I'll stop carrying it; a kit that will work for most common injuries that would occur on a ride and would provide an hour's worth of stabilization and support. A kit like this takes a lot of thought and judgement. I can't carry everything for every possibility, and let's face it, like most ER providers, I'm mostly useless without a CT scanner. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTQl6YurQWPGpDePxeYDMkaRhz6R8pUFSeGLveEZMLtQVw-fvWgp5nAym9x70BkOU6As35v6iRvodc4dPHlc_444GBaLBwOn3sK5NR7ICKsAouAKtk8sVuaZZbPslhf0Ze0-HrQmWvsMqrtFvc2EkQxIT7k_JARoiqN3CtUGaR_xkr7zRpEH6lu36Ww/s1000/crash-6.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTQl6YurQWPGpDePxeYDMkaRhz6R8pUFSeGLveEZMLtQVw-fvWgp5nAym9x70BkOU6As35v6iRvodc4dPHlc_444GBaLBwOn3sK5NR7ICKsAouAKtk8sVuaZZbPslhf0Ze0-HrQmWvsMqrtFvc2EkQxIT7k_JARoiqN3CtUGaR_xkr7zRpEH6lu36Ww/s320/crash-6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What will I take? An off-the-shelf tourniquet could be life or limb saving, is inexpensive, and light enough to pack easily. An ACE wrap might be good enough as a tourniquet if needed, with a stick or long Allen wrench used to crank it tight, and an ACE wrap could also of course be used to help close a wound or stabilize a sprain or fracture. Should I pack & carry both? There's no right or wrong answer on what to take, and there's probably going to be something I'd wish I'd had, even if I had a kit 7 times as big. <p></p><p>I came up with a supply list that I think will have lots of uses, and will be relatively easy to carry.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rw1_sr9jxsu2bXm8mN7QoT9s7QEJuH9mHvPaflCtkaLuiusf5WO1Hy7DqyRqD0cHV6QZ1uR_horFJyz8rHXbCEm2FOYSHqH7cCnsWDLzYABCTD_0vAAdC8iUKJiACCHg4bW23TW5Wjmb5xltfJ6JU5t_ulIaQ20uR9bnYDyL0JyvftP4NMZjMRr8vw/s2048/IMG_1567-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1395" data-original-width="2048" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rw1_sr9jxsu2bXm8mN7QoT9s7QEJuH9mHvPaflCtkaLuiusf5WO1Hy7DqyRqD0cHV6QZ1uR_horFJyz8rHXbCEm2FOYSHqH7cCnsWDLzYABCTD_0vAAdC8iUKJiACCHg4bW23TW5Wjmb5xltfJ6JU5t_ulIaQ20uR9bnYDyL0JyvftP4NMZjMRr8vw/w640-h438/IMG_1567-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>But, before I talk about the contents, I'll mention the pack I chose. It's the <a href="https://leadoutgear.com/products/lead-out-mini-frame-bag/" target="_blank">mini frame bag by Lead Out</a>. At just under $75, it's not cheap, but was at that perfect intersection of small enough, but big enough, and easily transferrable to and from all my bikes. Seems well constructed and should be durable.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80ojwj6QHH2tO10DSCDPm9lzFz_F6JHjtnOg1n3U6PjYrJb0bG5mTm46jSN08-qWZN-w5lFxX6z3lqcbzpk1seLuJpSCUtWkBrDZaeaE0dU4NNhE7cXeqXePxDBx0JGzqP8Eyf0eev9gzvTl5E6kW8WQxn597M0qhv9CLMOlLXcXA6lmpNh5mvXlBSg/s2048/IMG_1566-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1391" data-original-width="2048" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80ojwj6QHH2tO10DSCDPm9lzFz_F6JHjtnOg1n3U6PjYrJb0bG5mTm46jSN08-qWZN-w5lFxX6z3lqcbzpk1seLuJpSCUtWkBrDZaeaE0dU4NNhE7cXeqXePxDBx0JGzqP8Eyf0eev9gzvTl5E6kW8WQxn597M0qhv9CLMOlLXcXA6lmpNh5mvXlBSg/w640-h434/IMG_1566-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3CWqL2B" target="_blank">emergency whistle</a> </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3cSf0Q8" target="_blank">nitrile gloves</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3BgUIci" target="_blank">QuickClot</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3RA58ZS" target="_blank">ACE wrap (folded, not rolled)</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3RIhf7n" target="_blank">Non-stick pads</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3TImBkO" target="_blank">Steri-strips</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3cMCg1V" target="_blank">Gauze wrap</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3epigD0" target="_blank">Small packs of antibiotic ointment</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3QruHLW" target="_blank">Triangular bandage w/ safety pins</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3THPa1N" target="_blank">Large band-aids</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3ANixqR" target="_blank">Roll of tape</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3KMFtuX" target="_blank">Skin marker</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3epxbgv" target="_blank">Small pack of tools (small scissors</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3wXMPpK" target="_blank">needle tweezers, etc)</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3Vb4zc4" target="_blank">Tourniquet</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3QdsIux" target="_blank">Small pill box with</a>: 1000mg acetaminophen, 800mg of ibuprofen, 81mg chewable aspirin x 4, 50mg of diphenhydramine (benadryl), 40mg of famotidine (pepcid), 60mg of prednisone</li><li><i>I'd like to add an EpiPen eventually</i></li><li>I have a <a href="https://amzn.to/3n8t1hH" target="_blank">splint</a> that I'd like to start carrying, will probably put in a different spot</li></ul><p></p><p>Is this too much?</p><p>Too little?</p><p>Something you'd recommend? <i>(Note: this is my "everyday" kit, and I'd augment this for longer ventures or times when I'm really "out there.")</i></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YMCvLw5CJ17yxMOnvh5-VqjRDneSmc1lfJehDy7YMiXfp-Ml__6GEc42OW-acNLA1YK8lYbqONN2qsYY2gW5fGxeBEsQYkIgbxG6i9JVMdbObw8MQE7ivuR-YdTOfGhwsr--g0Fzpmru2Hfk-TKOCG6Pn1aUvHNOhP-kGSTC-tWICY_U3QDCKI8-aA/s558/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-05%20at%204.46.07%20PM.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YMCvLw5CJ17yxMOnvh5-VqjRDneSmc1lfJehDy7YMiXfp-Ml__6GEc42OW-acNLA1YK8lYbqONN2qsYY2gW5fGxeBEsQYkIgbxG6i9JVMdbObw8MQE7ivuR-YdTOfGhwsr--g0Fzpmru2Hfk-TKOCG6Pn1aUvHNOhP-kGSTC-tWICY_U3QDCKI8-aA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-05%20at%204.46.07%20PM.png" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You Are Here.</td></tr></tbody></table>Some people simply rely on their phones and the ability to call for help if needed. As I think we all know, network coverage can be hit or miss, you can go from 4 bars to no bars pretty quickly. Assuming you do have a good connection, you should be prepared to give your location, and "the trail with the two bridges," or any one of several local trail names probably won't help. The ability of a 911 responder to know your location (even if the phone pings a GPS location), and the ability of someone to get to you quickly will be widely variable. If your location does pop up on a map, it might simply be a pin in the middle of a green area, with no trails shown. <p></p><p>If trails ARE shown, emergency responders may not know that one trail could be accessed somewhat easily with an EMS stretcher and another trail may be steep, off-camber, technical rock-garden. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyclWie-7UriuvVSJ7cJqi9JDFh_4eG0siw_7bFXmSUa7_16PhcWrTm_XenB8pT8Ex_MRMgDJvTv-Gl7Xy_PqlhE4m7r9Ff57tqHzQVnfWpoGSJJeCuCn91Z9t8HmAKrq-glea9jbVTwWuTz_WL1lrUNAIqV9ehEZi-M6t9S9eWBgT5TwevDIxcAQEYw/s1640/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-05%20at%204.49.20%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1640" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyclWie-7UriuvVSJ7cJqi9JDFh_4eG0siw_7bFXmSUa7_16PhcWrTm_XenB8pT8Ex_MRMgDJvTv-Gl7Xy_PqlhE4m7r9Ff57tqHzQVnfWpoGSJJeCuCn91Z9t8HmAKrq-glea9jbVTwWuTz_WL1lrUNAIqV9ehEZi-M6t9S9eWBgT5TwevDIxcAQEYw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-05%20at%204.49.20%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>And, let's say that your EMS responders DO know where you are, and how to get there, how long will that take? Do EMS providers need to get a forest road gate unlocked? Does the service have special gear for wooded rescues? <p></p><p>An area with robust trail networks might have a well- established wilderness search and rescue team, but many trails we ride are simply in suburban areas and a local ambulance and fire department will likely be the ones to answer the call. They probably won't have an ATV and will have to walk in and walk out. If you're only a mile from a trailhead, you could be looking at more than an hour before you're in the back of an ambulance. </p><p>With this in mind, I've decided to be more prepared and will hopefully never need this kit. And if I'm the one that goes down, I hope whomever I'm with is prepared too.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWERI9Y9oF3sdtg7Po7XhLCIu5XoWeO8iJ8o_CPlTWcBVrVnH5AFQiyvHaGAxihpZh9P-dnEPk0WUZV-7z-hveJ2-F4SFOT80IvASjzOkCoklQ61wxLmIyXFxQwVcEjUGvYMKGN8CWWg-HcGWqMtLhfB1b_wlfhtjueNdExhd1s75L9FUPI-asDHJLcw/s2048/IMG_1105.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWERI9Y9oF3sdtg7Po7XhLCIu5XoWeO8iJ8o_CPlTWcBVrVnH5AFQiyvHaGAxihpZh9P-dnEPk0WUZV-7z-hveJ2-F4SFOT80IvASjzOkCoklQ61wxLmIyXFxQwVcEjUGvYMKGN8CWWg-HcGWqMtLhfB1b_wlfhtjueNdExhd1s75L9FUPI-asDHJLcw/w640-h480/IMG_1105.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No chance of breaking an ankle while walking through this, none at all.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><div><br /></div>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-52922592386922375712022-08-25T06:25:00.001-07:002022-08-25T06:25:15.200-07:00Frontenac Secteur SUD National Park Adventure<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWso9J9nx0iDPqZPwH5sL8pQf5LwO-21q2K5nNIRzd30jHC5auuTf-SosE6Ggyw3xeWAr2pabYaFMKTMRG8qcuSlftbd6cX43w7VK7AJbc7RUn1_AYOJ7tadUv7SzkS-1--39aZRFaXpt20toj_Nu1D1-rbiW81ncNAxBc6asfkf2lx9fXZYyw-dK6lw/s3134/HellRide-9.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2089" data-original-width="3134" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWso9J9nx0iDPqZPwH5sL8pQf5LwO-21q2K5nNIRzd30jHC5auuTf-SosE6Ggyw3xeWAr2pabYaFMKTMRG8qcuSlftbd6cX43w7VK7AJbc7RUn1_AYOJ7tadUv7SzkS-1--39aZRFaXpt20toj_Nu1D1-rbiW81ncNAxBc6asfkf2lx9fXZYyw-dK6lw/s320/HellRide-9.jpg" width="320" /></a>It’s not common for a 30 mile gravel ride to rise to the level of needing a story about it, but this one does. This ride wasn’t a ride, it was a journey, an experience, a shit show. A shit show that I got to enjoy with my lovely wife and our two friends, Liz and Dan.</p><p>I’m typically tasked with finding and leading rides (or hikes) whenever we travel. I do have a reputation for taking my wife and our friends on rides that are a *bit* harder than I might advertise, or with a wee bit more climbing than mentioned. That’s part of what I do, but I HONESTLY don’t set out to do it. This just sort of happens, there’s “one more hill,” or we’ve only got “a few more miles to go.”<br />
<br />Anyone who has tried to find a ride hundreds of miles from home knows the challenges associated with choosing loops purely based on GPS tracks. Be it <a href="https://www.trailforks.com">TrailForks</a> or <a href="https://ridewithgps.com">RideWithGPS</a>, it’s caveat emptor when you download that GPS file and hit start.<span></span><br /></p><a name='more'></a><p>So I really tried to double check some gravel rides I had chosen on RideWithGPS for a recent trip to VT and Canada. I looked at the loops and the the roads all seemed to make sense. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AgKitFhpWQT9c0wleKE-pNyZTuK5ucFqsWJUXfMKyTIuVqIyDWIVexAoFmpJM5ogUpL6SwTzGt9bnb_rrAsalAhO_eL_ivIpbK7NKCvajaTl80JVuOS9vC_pKKe6-rnMHN0O30oORjHepslarP60iszSazS92YAi6j3Nap4hINfo4o02oaEKTHloEA/s3012/HellRide-3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2008" data-original-width="3012" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AgKitFhpWQT9c0wleKE-pNyZTuK5ucFqsWJUXfMKyTIuVqIyDWIVexAoFmpJM5ogUpL6SwTzGt9bnb_rrAsalAhO_eL_ivIpbK7NKCvajaTl80JVuOS9vC_pKKe6-rnMHN0O30oORjHepslarP60iszSazS92YAi6j3Nap4hINfo4o02oaEKTHloEA/s320/HellRide-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The first ride we did from Island Pond in northern Vermont was exactly as advertised. <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/7677642514">The ride was 28 miles</a>, had plenty of hills and didn’t have any surprises. It was a hard ride, but easy to follow and allowed us to have some well earned adult beverages.<p>With that successful ride in the bag, our next venture promised to be a wee bit longer, 31 miles as opposed to 28, but about half the climbing, at about 1400ft. It was through a national park, on *mixed surfaces,* and my mind went to Acadia National Park’s carriage roads. I thought we’d be in for a fun ride… maybe 2-3 hours. What I would a call a “two water bottle ride.”<br />
<br />I was wrong.<br />
<br />Looking back, it’s funny how my compatriots were initially a bit annoyed at riding through some water that was *just* deep enough to get your feet wet. <br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGqhV2SdzC0hXtKxU2nrh-S1NKnRkXkoRSZ0-iaYHIWrhlYFVjDqFl04zic9nHWrO3uJ6Y_bJbAq4xDQqm1gUtiPo-p2ui_JhHUhVq8wbk26C6TS3u6_sW5kVsLpeuM2PLxI6nB7WXQNddU5ajwuk3is9Yr5KJNFTygDrrE7QDIs7pUVg34Zmo4cv5Q/s3304/HellRide-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2203" data-original-width="3304" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGqhV2SdzC0hXtKxU2nrh-S1NKnRkXkoRSZ0-iaYHIWrhlYFVjDqFl04zic9nHWrO3uJ6Y_bJbAq4xDQqm1gUtiPo-p2ui_JhHUhVq8wbk26C6TS3u6_sW5kVsLpeuM2PLxI6nB7WXQNddU5ajwuk3is9Yr5KJNFTygDrrE7QDIs7pUVg34Zmo4cv5Q/w640-h426/HellRide-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It got worse.<br />
<br />The first seven or so miles were beautiful and what I was expecting: gravel roads, forests, fresh air, and gently rolling hills.<br /><br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/7688741071/embed/f7e1b2ea91fbc2e9d29550e0308f403667c94d5b" width="590"></iframe> <div>We then turned down some trail that was more double track than gravel road, but still totally fine. Okay, it was starting to get muddier—which coming from a part of the US that’s in an extreme drought—was novel. Anyway, a little more double track, a little more mud, but still all fun and fine—nothing compared to some of the double track class 4 roads I’ve ridden in Vermont.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSALl4-52qUcYIvZMnE004pt9J5Clhx61LeMN5BbPd2nFBAWH_UyeL-j2QUUkgq0viXV381uEQ1ifBb10GjAaFkxxWTDlAfTw1BbmN0uswpLX3sNOsSa4mWum1WEMy4so-HaSAXo-shcyCgjznnkg_jPziLFe27XttSRRVHtJrpLDjwWo7FZL3TFN8dA/s4032/IMG_1107%202.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2594" data-original-width="4032" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSALl4-52qUcYIvZMnE004pt9J5Clhx61LeMN5BbPd2nFBAWH_UyeL-j2QUUkgq0viXV381uEQ1ifBb10GjAaFkxxWTDlAfTw1BbmN0uswpLX3sNOsSa4mWum1WEMy4so-HaSAXo-shcyCgjznnkg_jPziLFe27XttSRRVHtJrpLDjwWo7FZL3TFN8dA/w400-h258/IMG_1107%202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>My Garmin chirped and displayed “turn right on trail,” and there was no trail. Okay, there was a faint remnant of a trail. Much like sophisticated satellites can pick up background radiation that can be traced back to the big bang, there was sort of a trail. If you squinted. There was clearly a huge beaver damn, and according to the map the trail went between two lakes so it seemed like the industrious semi-aquatic rodents flooded what would be a trail. I thought that once we got past this section between the two lakes that the trail would open up. <p>We just had to push, pull, carry our bikes through a knee deep bog where you really couldn’t see where you were stepping. is that a log? A snake? A body? Best not to question and to just keep moving. We finally made it across the bog to a more upland area and back on to a trail. Not a maintained trail mind you, but a trail that had once been a trail and was now just a path of dirt through the woods with trees down blocking the way about every 20 paces interspersed with little ravines. It was enough to make it not really rideable, but better than the bog, and at least easy to follow.<br />
<br />Until it wasn’t.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraR0pzUE7v8vn9G0142OlLQ2OyW6i62r6_jQ48lyjduwf6qjNoCiseWeMEfREJ0f_dAhR3bsOChr4pXeO7bHe22nscvbbq25LuKXIuaPQYMId2RFzrJn2QHaWqLlHqLL9e_qRG-5T0IgyXGMq1n_8dmgX2gcPFrxbpL90L5QQnVl-OTyXFd37RR6JAA/s3568/IMG_1131.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="3568" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraR0pzUE7v8vn9G0142OlLQ2OyW6i62r6_jQ48lyjduwf6qjNoCiseWeMEfREJ0f_dAhR3bsOChr4pXeO7bHe22nscvbbq25LuKXIuaPQYMId2RFzrJn2QHaWqLlHqLL9e_qRG-5T0IgyXGMq1n_8dmgX2gcPFrxbpL90L5QQnVl-OTyXFd37RR6JAA/w400-h296/IMG_1131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The dirt path just petered out. We were still on “the trail” according to our GPS devices, but there was no trail. No path. Nothing. We spent the next hour or so totally bushwacking. We’d be “off course” or “on course,” but neither made a difference. We were again pushing, pulling, and carrying our bikes through the forest understory, over rocks, under fallen trees, over fallen trees, through brambles and brush.<p>Between the bog, the trail that wasn’t really a trail, and then just forging through the woodlands and thickets, we spent about two hours *enjoying* our ride. It was humid, buggy, and started to get to the point of thinking: <br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What’s the Canadian 911 equivalent? </li><li>I wish I had brought a first aid kit.</li><li>I should have brought more water.</li><li>I should have packed snacks.</li><li>Who’s idea was this?</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtA6EnbjZBLRe66PKRk_pQirQCXTaHXB-GrP_OEscIn60WUrw3M7r0yKcscqDVDNQWNtLhA5nYp4IrnhgfDLeZJ_LdLB3C_4Ipmo3Dq2mv0FsaoNNxzYtjlpC8m-aYMQxX0mnUfcCaNGsYRDHVGVWHki5XUaqJjYjsRY0qkLthLrbV48THkEHNZKzRfA/s3222/IMG_7915.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2171" data-original-width="3222" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtA6EnbjZBLRe66PKRk_pQirQCXTaHXB-GrP_OEscIn60WUrw3M7r0yKcscqDVDNQWNtLhA5nYp4IrnhgfDLeZJ_LdLB3C_4Ipmo3Dq2mv0FsaoNNxzYtjlpC8m-aYMQxX0mnUfcCaNGsYRDHVGVWHki5XUaqJjYjsRY0qkLthLrbV48THkEHNZKzRfA/w400-h270/IMG_7915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As we were plodding along in the enchanted forest, and I was hoping my three charges weren’t going to murder me and leave me in the woods, we just kept trying to stay on course directionally, even though there was no trail. Dan noticed that a road was sort of nearby and while it would put us farther away on the actual loop (to ultimately get back to the truck), it would get us out of the muggy, buggy, rough, and rocky terrain. <p>
And, then finally, we were on a road. A beautiful gravel road.<br />
<br /><br />
We had gone about 14 miles total. <br />
<br />We had another 17 or so to go.<br /><br />
We were at the bottom of a loose, steep hill.<br /><br />
Every other option for roads led us farther away from the truck.<br /><br />
Oh, and Dan wasn’t wearing cycling shorts.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHjM-NXJz94ylNxAbldlx4tudYeoiHT1DWdERaFTuhPjT5F45ljs88Yb3Xr8J84G9161rp0I0e0m-jN0Ji12NoyjpTyj693oTZCl0SYigRlSSmvIURlUipS5LVVbHQxM736OGmAl3sH5CWsXxix7nBBrNUbcLg8fbuUVDJ_vmuMSahBwefpNRUBs-ug/s3347/HellRide-10.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2231" data-original-width="3347" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHjM-NXJz94ylNxAbldlx4tudYeoiHT1DWdERaFTuhPjT5F45ljs88Yb3Xr8J84G9161rp0I0e0m-jN0Ji12NoyjpTyj693oTZCl0SYigRlSSmvIURlUipS5LVVbHQxM736OGmAl3sH5CWsXxix7nBBrNUbcLg8fbuUVDJ_vmuMSahBwefpNRUBs-ug/w400-h266/HellRide-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We still had lots of fun ahead.<p>Including, the loop taking us up to, and in theory, past, a large “Private Property” gate. Not wanting to end up in a Canadian prison (which are probably nice), we back tracked to get around this portion and it was a great opportunity to add a couple of miles to the ride. <br /><br />
Which is what everyone was asking for.<br />
<br />From here, when they asked me how much was left, and it was still more than 10 miles, I made vague noncommittal sounds. Just under 4 miles later we hit pavement, and from there it was only about 7 miles (and one big climb) back to the truck.<br />
<br />That’s when it started pouring.<br /><br />
Sheets of near-blinding rain.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yoV6j65q9eFhvUGBif4zZp_UEajS-Jve_RRBA_4Sbpc2W9M2NYuY69Yem5AQGn1iHNGb94R2EOOIy8XoUU92XpUY6PoLUa3BogKZsDikC6lSYOmk_huLnQvcbPr7old6lJcn-qaK0PEG5KihQm_06KutbTRZYFkbr7Zhs5D1LMOG64mHmWlXtKf7nw/s4025/IMG_1124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2726" data-original-width="4025" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yoV6j65q9eFhvUGBif4zZp_UEajS-Jve_RRBA_4Sbpc2W9M2NYuY69Yem5AQGn1iHNGb94R2EOOIy8XoUU92XpUY6PoLUa3BogKZsDikC6lSYOmk_huLnQvcbPr7old6lJcn-qaK0PEG5KihQm_06KutbTRZYFkbr7Zhs5D1LMOG64mHmWlXtKf7nw/w640-h434/IMG_1124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Because, of course. <p>It was a refreshing end to a not so refreshing ride.<br /><br />
I have to give major credit to three winners of the “Good Sport” awards, Jean, Liz, and Dan, who did not try to kill me, but in fact found some humor in the whole event. I think. <br /><br />Read their Yelp reviews for my guide services:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFa20GUoMKk6iyusCu3boFF9RdDIU2kMQ2GZnBH7eP_uC1JJJEgf9njDnPtfSUoPACRFzJiMn-YnCcfwtwyG1pg0dVZyovC8CzOw9XArXz9nlr6DOfNN79l4m3l_lb2XHcAttJVHNV3CYXaeo_DZ9xAaA6JAVxt4kZmhsiObM4GuQVEu9N9F8nyChtw/s2048/IMG_1166.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFa20GUoMKk6iyusCu3boFF9RdDIU2kMQ2GZnBH7eP_uC1JJJEgf9njDnPtfSUoPACRFzJiMn-YnCcfwtwyG1pg0dVZyovC8CzOw9XArXz9nlr6DOfNN79l4m3l_lb2XHcAttJVHNV3CYXaeo_DZ9xAaA6JAVxt4kZmhsiObM4GuQVEu9N9F8nyChtw/s320/IMG_1166.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Elizabeth "Dirty Vans" Sweetman</b><div>“This wild ride has everything! Follow the bearded biker on an agonizing ride (promising easy hills, maybe 10 miles) where you will regret ever being born. You will pray for a rainout day after this hot mess because you can’t walk-let alone ride, and will sing praises to the campground washer/dryer for removing the stink of swamp funk and tears-of-despair from of your cycling kit. Skill level: Insane. Added notes: Not for the faint of heart or those who suffer from mushroom aversion.” <br /><br /><b>Jean "Should Have Known" Alden St. Pierre</b><br />Our ride through the Canadian wilderness was exactly the type of ride the bearded biker would organize. </div><div><br /></div><div>The ride was described to his gullible wife and friends as “a gravel ride, easier than yesterday”. I think we all knew this was not going to be easy, but we always, without fail, underestimate the fuckery ahead of us. Like three lemmings, we follow him off the cliff. <br /> <br />This ride started out fine, as they always do. Although I had some reservations when the “gravel” ride started looking suspiciously like mountain biking. There were some complaints about riding through puddles (ah, had we known then what was ahead of us...) but all was passable, albeit quite stinky. It all went to hell when we turned onto a trail that turned into a bog.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsTN-e1YT-g8Imaoj7XSEfxL9-i3eCHvol_dRo6FYqRi6WMqKVnl3zpGRMQG1oMeXp2t3CdYu6nDEruq_JYdZjuT8r1QZoG6z1sCe2hfid_YpjOrqg9z5ZX3lVhz7-ffYVJMBxx-QOwCILWaKvePvfTD_SsPwl8pt_baGK3xWEqgYMeWhoMlSCGFe0g/s3279/HellRide-6.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2186" data-original-width="3279" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsTN-e1YT-g8Imaoj7XSEfxL9-i3eCHvol_dRo6FYqRi6WMqKVnl3zpGRMQG1oMeXp2t3CdYu6nDEruq_JYdZjuT8r1QZoG6z1sCe2hfid_YpjOrqg9z5ZX3lVhz7-ffYVJMBxx-QOwCILWaKvePvfTD_SsPwl8pt_baGK3xWEqgYMeWhoMlSCGFe0g/w400-h266/HellRide-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We could have gone around the lake like normal people, but no, we thought we would tough it out. Liz’s brand-new white vans would ultimately pay the price for this decision. After struggling through ankle deep sludge created by the impressively industrious beavers, we naively assumed it would be temporary. It was not. The “trail” as it was often referred to, was a mirage. It was pure bushwhacking, over and through blackberry brambles, over berms, rotting logs and other forest detritus. Our leader often gave us false hope by calling out that we were “back on the trail”, which was a lie. There was no trail. <p>The lemmings fought their way through the brush, with me in the back flailing about trying to distract the mosquitos who had descended on me like I was their last meal. Thankfully I never saw the spiders who built the webs I cleared with my face. After three miles of looking at nothing but rotting underbrush and bizarre mushrooms, we made it to a road. Alas, we still had 17 miles to go. <br /> <br />The ride then flipped back to hills, hills, hills. Then, as a finale, the heavens opened, and we were in a complete downpour for the last mile. The day ended with us in the truck, sodden, filthy, and happy to not be sleeping in the beaver’s lodge overnight. <br /> <br />Ride Rating: 100% on brand for the Bearded Biker.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwqhGyXIvo-rBKkuiiwufz2tMylEQHo3sU_igbPWsnyxgk54WMT51e4lQ3e52LLBCdxlu1Fk9xmm-KBU0EdnHmNQ9m7Pj7183W9WjUn7K5qiSWZ-rkexeqWTGTb5XBUb-m2SaPqDxKinyz5hkYbJyDsY-IDbmiPHRb2mVZ5_hL5GJLpVxiaZZTWfjSQ/s3977/IMG_1084.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2484" data-original-width="3977" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwqhGyXIvo-rBKkuiiwufz2tMylEQHo3sU_igbPWsnyxgk54WMT51e4lQ3e52LLBCdxlu1Fk9xmm-KBU0EdnHmNQ9m7Pj7183W9WjUn7K5qiSWZ-rkexeqWTGTb5XBUb-m2SaPqDxKinyz5hkYbJyDsY-IDbmiPHRb2mVZ5_hL5GJLpVxiaZZTWfjSQ/w640-h400/IMG_1084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIbtBB8yR_P4f5150y7mR7Z2y37Vf99ga8gjQ2E8h8ouornxfWN_p5LYIr36hg-PXH1KIHvm7FJXVI7ryITK3KuXkCFOKSDF25b1Nbs1XdQPT6TouFVZhY6R6WIRcmKXtBKxTfywHMPx--aJrTJT-KQQfFMMpGGmn7cwGGH61AlJFJCUQjRODZrGAow/s3260/HellRide-7.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3260" data-original-width="2173" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIbtBB8yR_P4f5150y7mR7Z2y37Vf99ga8gjQ2E8h8ouornxfWN_p5LYIr36hg-PXH1KIHvm7FJXVI7ryITK3KuXkCFOKSDF25b1Nbs1XdQPT6TouFVZhY6R6WIRcmKXtBKxTfywHMPx--aJrTJT-KQQfFMMpGGmn7cwGGH61AlJFJCUQjRODZrGAow/w266-h400/HellRide-7.jpg" width="266" /></a></b></div><b>Dan "No Chamois" Boschen</b></div><div>The ride with my wife Liz and our friends Jean and Dave (“The Bearded Biker”) started out like any other boring ride; wide expanses of hard gravel roads on reasonably flat terrain passing through beautiful green canopied forest with fresh summer air at the perfect temperature.</div><div><br />It was just too comfortable and “fun” and I was just about to complain when Dave and I ahead of our spouses came across a gated path that said “<i>Ne passe pas cette putain de porte</i>”, which we translated as “Best ride this way!” and proceeded to open the gate to let the lovely ladies through. <br /><br />This started off as a simple test of our ability to ride through ankle high Giardia water which we all did easily, not knowing how much better the ride would get.<br /><br />It was starting to get boring again when The Bearded Biker spotted a narrow break in the pricker bushes. He simply muttered “Jean isn’t going to like this” and disappeared into the bush to further explore. With his approval, we proceeded into a wild adventure of beaver pond traversing, bike dragging, swamp-stepping wonderfulness. <br /> <br />Upon making it to the other side, we found ourselves in the Woods of the Giant Mushroom Boner, which gives “wild mushrooms” a whole new meaning. The trail dissipated mysteriously into a non-trail as our GPS kept announcing we were off a course that never existed. Upon scraping our way out of the Impossible Forest of the Misfit Mushrooms, we found ourselves at the bottom of the Mountain of Mayhem, which we had to climb in order to get to what we thought what would be a dry luxurious and downhill ride home.<br /><br />Upon traversing the mountain, the sky suddenly darkened to its greatest dark, and a pouring of all pours rained down upon us for the rest of the ride home. <br /><br />We did make it through the beaver swamp, past the mushroom decoys and over that incredible mountain, and through that massive rainstorm of rainstorms without a complaint from anyone. Upon finishing, we simply looked at each other knowingly with slight nods of approval; as we knew, at that point, that we were truly <a href="http://www.racer-x.cx">Racer-X</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSFdq2vHkN9RaPLhykcIdVwU-oLF83wrhjA_RoSZrchlTPOYU_ARGA_2xT3HKM_eaBXpz6XM2lPTQqJr_C-Gqc1nGqQygPBc8LKEjIMeTGsUnWJK0GoQsB_D0Sw2NCiiMvGOgCsXukfkcPE_OuAL4BsWXqBHI81kgJ89kcokN5EKBZhILkUX_NR9s_g/s3577/HellRide-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2385" data-original-width="3577" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSFdq2vHkN9RaPLhykcIdVwU-oLF83wrhjA_RoSZrchlTPOYU_ARGA_2xT3HKM_eaBXpz6XM2lPTQqJr_C-Gqc1nGqQygPBc8LKEjIMeTGsUnWJK0GoQsB_D0Sw2NCiiMvGOgCsXukfkcPE_OuAL4BsWXqBHI81kgJ89kcokN5EKBZhILkUX_NR9s_g/w640-h426/HellRide-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3310" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-rqgufnU_NP1QYCZebQsRU5gJzGSRsO0uwoKVjGndFcWDh6J4O8VHKGZHwZ6pXIYBnNU4MIZRm9NyxLk3YHP-wTjA-2s53G0GfSMap8XArRGNpHaneZR9z_YFgFuhFRzcoOAg1B_csZKINjqx-vC4qIjyyIEdJcNtQBhdLVnhlLEHCXUpcdzQZkYVg/w584-h640/IMG_1115.JPG" width="584" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9birCYPoGuB9ruY2zbsuITWFZlQ55hw7VDtROuaFgwplwXpsuoaA20MMiXsaPS290uXhV7lhXa21AKSOkUbQb8iXVH-nqkQXyZPiPn-cfBkL9jsIsAjagIZNSr1W4K1HSzBBU_Cvib-zob42-zTHKaNnYVcD-xDYjRxcBSkVjVVul8wvhx1-x0avmWg/s3069/IMG_1134.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2802" data-original-width="3069" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9birCYPoGuB9ruY2zbsuITWFZlQ55hw7VDtROuaFgwplwXpsuoaA20MMiXsaPS290uXhV7lhXa21AKSOkUbQb8iXVH-nqkQXyZPiPn-cfBkL9jsIsAjagIZNSr1W4K1HSzBBU_Cvib-zob42-zTHKaNnYVcD-xDYjRxcBSkVjVVul8wvhx1-x0avmWg/w640-h584/IMG_1134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p></div>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0Lambton, QC G0M 1H0, Canada45.8406595 -71.089080217.530425663821156 -106.2453302 74.150893336178854 -35.9328302tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-45804598480515644492022-08-03T10:52:00.009-07:002022-08-03T11:00:53.031-07:00ECGA Gravel Goodness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVp4gEh0nK0diBAoadgbK7tMIotUqCa_REbqCIE4Rlz6oOL589Np6qSCZBYZpzM4CIwYdy6WtNBn28rFPteUoQJj8y_eYcc5yGRMg8m6GA1nHaocFXfTqOT1vWvj1fb0hNEnspkrh86WaF3eizKCYOCSA_9DTs2JG_SVkmF3FVsI1F2cXF0bUTZei4w/s1851/ECGA-gravelgoodness-122.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="1851" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVp4gEh0nK0diBAoadgbK7tMIotUqCa_REbqCIE4Rlz6oOL589Np6qSCZBYZpzM4CIwYdy6WtNBn28rFPteUoQJj8y_eYcc5yGRMg8m6GA1nHaocFXfTqOT1vWvj1fb0hNEnspkrh86WaF3eizKCYOCSA_9DTs2JG_SVkmF3FVsI1F2cXF0bUTZei4w/s320/ECGA-gravelgoodness-122.jpg" width="320" />
</a>
On Saturday July 30, Noah Leavitt and Dan Tieger, along with some other folks, worked with the <a href="https://ecga.org/">Essex County Greenbelt Association </a>to host an informal gravel ride starting in West Newbury. <br /> <br />The roughly 25-mile loop included a mix of road and off-road accessing <a href="https://www.mass.gov/locations/maudslay-state-park">Maudslay State Park</a>, the <a href="https://www.mass.gov/news/masswildlife-property-spotlight-martin-burns-wma">Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area</a>, the abandoned J.B. Little Road, trails around the <a href="https://ecga.org/Property/Indian-Hill-Conservation-Area">Indian Hill Reservoir</a>, and some quiet paved roads.<br /> <br />About 30 riders set out in multiple groups broken down by an estimated average speed. I tried to go back and forth between everyone, but the fast riders were long gone. That being said,<a href="https://davealden.smugmug.com/ECGA-Gravel-Goodness" target="_blank"> I was able to snap a bunch of shots of the majority of the participants</a>, and from the smiling faces, it seemed like everyone was having a good time. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="488" scrolling="no" src="https://davealden.smugmug.com/frame/slideshow?key=twrbdX&speed=3&transition=fade&autoStart=1&captions=0&navigation=0&playButton=0&randomize=0&transitionSpeed=2" width="650"></iframe>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was hotter than I anticipated, but clear and sunny, and overall a great ride. I got to hit some spots that are in my proverbial backyard that I've never seen before, so that's always exciting, and it was fun to see many friends, old and new. <br/><br/></div>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/7554683642/embed/78170b428f39e95ad8a1a0cbb26a51c8d28deb43" width="590"></iframe>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The ride was a great teaser for the <a href="https://www.tourdegreenbelt.org">Tour de Greenbelt</a> coming up in September which offers a fun gravel course in addition to road loops. See you there! </div>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-31838453872268890732022-05-04T07:51:00.001-07:002022-05-04T07:51:18.266-07:00Muddy Onion 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Cd1Xb0PDzeIuyGpWtR_Gb_p_NYiu9gjq5VrKKzWqwjiOr0VLLSxuO951gp93K6Icgqy3vSND3tE9sXWyZknRaEmZUy3pS_5JA69qn31gOXv1noqtFP5QgWf9avMRNHUtpuFYqrYYDskU9r7KYHJ4vFgHtfiKH1sRPj1p9oB2UXOPQZ4Iuqhj6VYdLQ/s2048/IMG_6950.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="2048" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Cd1Xb0PDzeIuyGpWtR_Gb_p_NYiu9gjq5VrKKzWqwjiOr0VLLSxuO951gp93K6Icgqy3vSND3tE9sXWyZknRaEmZUy3pS_5JA69qn31gOXv1noqtFP5QgWf9avMRNHUtpuFYqrYYDskU9r7KYHJ4vFgHtfiKH1sRPj1p9oB2UXOPQZ4Iuqhj6VYdLQ/s320/IMG_6950.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I love bikes, Vermont, and hills, and the Muddy Onion gravel ride combines all three. This has been one of my favorite gravel rides since "gravel rides" were a thing, and after being on hold for the past two years because of the 'rona, it was great to be back for this early season test of fitness. <p></p><p>Rolling out of Montpelier, the Muddy Onion offers two route options, 21 and 39 miles, the latter with about 3500 ft of climbing. I chose the 39'er, as did Jason G and Glen G, and in total there were about 697 other riders lined up with us on Saturday morning.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxKovewmuF7fOAV7-4hy-x6Kwa6L3VqfrXSeJBwm_7T1YAbQ5FF2m0U7ONyHd4JuzVLkHmcsBW8qVvWe0AZwA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>I was quite happy that the ride was on a Saturday because I had a crazy weekend planned with the idea of driving to Portland, Maine on Friday to drop off my travel trailer (and Jean) and then zipping up to Montpelier for the Muddy Onion, and then driving back to Portland, for a 10-mile running event on Sunday. I was sort of *ready* to bang out both events, but the fickle finger of fate, which is a middle finger, forced a re-shuffle, and we ended up not doing the running event so I was only on the hook for the Onion. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0q80EW9Elvy5lp3Bv_figDoPhz99cqnIU4YGF9R_UbrdZ4wf9gaLEVSoI1-Fc1ZvCco8phg6zZtfUPUi7t0DYyz4ISGWA-MAhlctLfFu5FVl85gV2qpFSPQulPLszdhkjKxYnxlgMc-jcSeI9nDnx-eK9afttxy4pXT-XlJlZ7ETdqrbSiywMxZq2w/s2048/IMG_6888.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="2048" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0q80EW9Elvy5lp3Bv_figDoPhz99cqnIU4YGF9R_UbrdZ4wf9gaLEVSoI1-Fc1ZvCco8phg6zZtfUPUi7t0DYyz4ISGWA-MAhlctLfFu5FVl85gV2qpFSPQulPLszdhkjKxYnxlgMc-jcSeI9nDnx-eK9afttxy4pXT-XlJlZ7ETdqrbSiywMxZq2w/s320/IMG_6888.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The drive to Montpelier was uneventful, and as always, there's an almost palpable feeling of calm when crossing over the border into Vermont. I made it to <a href="https://www.onionriver.com" target="_blank">Onion Rivers Outdoors</a> in time to pick up our race packets and then it was down to the <a href="https://www.innatmontpelier.com" target="_blank">Inn at Montpelier</a>, a 200-year old hotel which is just a stone's throw to the ride start.</p><p>The weather for Saturday morning was clear, some clouds, and temps around 39F. I hate temps in the high 30's. One day, 39F can feel absolutely freezing, and on another day I can be in just a t-shirt. I had lots of perseverating about what to wear, how many layers I'd need, and how to potentially carry any layers I'd need to add or subtract. In other words, I nerded out for a while with my gear, and after Glen and Jason arrived, settled in on my tiny twin bed for some shut-eye.</p><p>With a very civilized ride start time of 9:30am, and the fact that we were so close to the event, we had time for some proper pre-ride fueling with classic breakfast fare and plenty of coffee. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7t0MQ8HHtJ7JWHDWJUgU8BTzMjlHiOwICQCvMrHWQcVlihKTpoP07nAUEAstDFYNopkcbas_wY6XTtnf5LvcUEBp-Hd3YsCRSoFS9sLoTn9ZbgoUxiB4IQxupvKWHpDTzoicLbko0TQWboFMVATMSscADmu0oaLZORw3gIxUppE_CYwST8leiU5JIA/s2048/IMG_6904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7t0MQ8HHtJ7JWHDWJUgU8BTzMjlHiOwICQCvMrHWQcVlihKTpoP07nAUEAstDFYNopkcbas_wY6XTtnf5LvcUEBp-Hd3YsCRSoFS9sLoTn9ZbgoUxiB4IQxupvKWHpDTzoicLbko0TQWboFMVATMSscADmu0oaLZORw3gIxUppE_CYwST8leiU5JIA/w640-h480/IMG_6904.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarF05ky6x3bsjKQWRYwBA7_KNOco6booXjxVMnEhZoS5wTMJ6ujTjyTNFb_4eK77dayUojhupPhXr07UvBYXChQYkfLS_RRTqDym4JOwHkZGtZiW20BS_QIJ4vXaFWE-5cBV6Kgpvmqz5dTGj6zQ7QJhMSpwwMt_t9BiNvzaULqUMxpWw3j5_1X6j8A/s2048/IMG_6915.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="2048" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarF05ky6x3bsjKQWRYwBA7_KNOco6booXjxVMnEhZoS5wTMJ6ujTjyTNFb_4eK77dayUojhupPhXr07UvBYXChQYkfLS_RRTqDym4JOwHkZGtZiW20BS_QIJ4vXaFWE-5cBV6Kgpvmqz5dTGj6zQ7QJhMSpwwMt_t9BiNvzaULqUMxpWw3j5_1X6j8A/w640-h316/IMG_6915.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2p7iVH5xy06XLso0Rn17HQQK_Gesf9X122967fD4ekZODUmWZKLQa1yU4GQCXJ6mlANOA-5Ms6wJ7IppugvWYmyj8Ab-oy0HZulAa3lYoh-u4qMrHiAgs-Rl-MgORf-1YPQU0g7bIQMixKB5EOXOS81SllynhImR3joEW6py6lVBZx6rBfI1w2DMFw/s2048/IMG_6919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="2048" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2p7iVH5xy06XLso0Rn17HQQK_Gesf9X122967fD4ekZODUmWZKLQa1yU4GQCXJ6mlANOA-5Ms6wJ7IppugvWYmyj8Ab-oy0HZulAa3lYoh-u4qMrHiAgs-Rl-MgORf-1YPQU0g7bIQMixKB5EOXOS81SllynhImR3joEW6py6lVBZx6rBfI1w2DMFw/w640-h362/IMG_6919.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>One of the main reasons I love events like this is that they bring together so many types of riders and so many types of bikes. Sure, there are plenty of people who drank the bike industry Kool Aid and are on dedicated "gravel bikes," and many of them are obsessing over a millimeter or two of tire width or a PSI or two of tire pressure, but for every one of them, there are many more on 20-yr old mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, fat bikes (which I still hate), touring bikes, singlespeeds (which I still love), and more. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbU-l-fSLjIyt7dZFyP_3xDNi0z_UF5GstC8tcd_Q67j3irwJTelW88Pfv2DCZ5dM06FFgP3a6urhrhiRPv3jGZV-f_bmNIAiElKckcgtjLbp6U2z4ML6EBaoe_ft9J_bmpezqgRZpRwhw976UVkz-0ji_gdCmLuvYpDemaMg-9kMGbqdQP0-Iyu_6Q/s2048/IMG_6956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1947" data-original-width="2048" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbU-l-fSLjIyt7dZFyP_3xDNi0z_UF5GstC8tcd_Q67j3irwJTelW88Pfv2DCZ5dM06FFgP3a6urhrhiRPv3jGZV-f_bmNIAiElKckcgtjLbp6U2z4ML6EBaoe_ft9J_bmpezqgRZpRwhw976UVkz-0ji_gdCmLuvYpDemaMg-9kMGbqdQP0-Iyu_6Q/w640-h608/IMG_6956.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9ZCH6vKlUwDR3XCSbd6OLstL4_bSZrho9zHiZfYmzWIU1P-0VYcguDSqV31Yehr3uSbKnL4TmJDfPSN2UI9Tbee4GjrXwYoqr2LbrdJoXzyGcnGgdZ3R6-guCipwyi-UBrD3R6mPEZYM5_wU68augKDVpGCV38RRO4YrlKQI2sueCpAbPtE1L0gM5A/s2048/IMG_6922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2048" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9ZCH6vKlUwDR3XCSbd6OLstL4_bSZrho9zHiZfYmzWIU1P-0VYcguDSqV31Yehr3uSbKnL4TmJDfPSN2UI9Tbee4GjrXwYoqr2LbrdJoXzyGcnGgdZ3R6-guCipwyi-UBrD3R6mPEZYM5_wU68augKDVpGCV38RRO4YrlKQI2sueCpAbPtE1L0gM5A/w640-h478/IMG_6922.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvrtz8-KRZ04AP1EPI9m5AHBTbVbcCJVwMY2DgouqKdFrupdrodJyiTgVrxKDVQSswg2fy6GCmA9mn5TZoO-ShplbxzSXRiEE5M8eBanJPBboEFzp6PCn5ISoU5g4lHD1iVyLR12FTy3-qZMR8D0yXPdIVJk8dT5_XsSFSj98aSxoGdLnZRNVGkC6kw/s2048/IMG_6952.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1878" data-original-width="2048" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvrtz8-KRZ04AP1EPI9m5AHBTbVbcCJVwMY2DgouqKdFrupdrodJyiTgVrxKDVQSswg2fy6GCmA9mn5TZoO-ShplbxzSXRiEE5M8eBanJPBboEFzp6PCn5ISoU5g4lHD1iVyLR12FTy3-qZMR8D0yXPdIVJk8dT5_XsSFSj98aSxoGdLnZRNVGkC6kw/w640-h586/IMG_6952.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><p>Of course, the other reason I love rides like this is that they typically have great courses full of challenging climbs and amazing scenery, and the Muddy Onion is no exception.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3_rEPXMOZVcqjQfMsC12g46Jn6iLTqtFBrFz0xf3KQFLsl0eOEJInUcG7U7M-JNotMiLeLmcj-y_s_RwHvt0uhqGtDMy7aiiG0Eg9fNqmHnOPafr7xfwWLm1coUykrhxJ76elMVDtr1HUDtHRoq1PKTjGHLi77ILQyBVkuB2JHXqzmlQwtEIYx_XwA/s2048/IMG_6969.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="2048" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3_rEPXMOZVcqjQfMsC12g46Jn6iLTqtFBrFz0xf3KQFLsl0eOEJInUcG7U7M-JNotMiLeLmcj-y_s_RwHvt0uhqGtDMy7aiiG0Eg9fNqmHnOPafr7xfwWLm1coUykrhxJ76elMVDtr1HUDtHRoq1PKTjGHLi77ILQyBVkuB2JHXqzmlQwtEIYx_XwA/w640-h626/IMG_6969.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyWhkbhb1rfkD2uz-H_wxd1j67g2yccnuJr_cwzbvs87l0ZhBNOP-lKdgdrsbZGs6FWDCDpPVscuUhTj727rDideEs2h3m8hn8UusvgK3Gx8U1XM59VsFvlFM1ty9kgttLBMn41AfD22fL3vGlWTYMnPxF0txzX7vOzk2W1oLWVbHNfV7WElU4fRasw/s2048/IMG_6971.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="2048" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyWhkbhb1rfkD2uz-H_wxd1j67g2yccnuJr_cwzbvs87l0ZhBNOP-lKdgdrsbZGs6FWDCDpPVscuUhTj727rDideEs2h3m8hn8UusvgK3Gx8U1XM59VsFvlFM1ty9kgttLBMn41AfD22fL3vGlWTYMnPxF0txzX7vOzk2W1oLWVbHNfV7WElU4fRasw/w640-h468/IMG_6971.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9p0MPm0aKvhJz09YEmxlfl5kLRiG8ml_v64iS1WauKeoyGvtv9AQlOHmQrCcnYh17L96mjf4ViN_6vz8wRrk_vt_Cd6Uvxgmp3KldjcUQ5SerH7VJZB7TeEAYJ9zEjXGtXZJoOJIDR3XaeHWdnDJNG2wea5O1Q2EyM0I4n9q--bjvjcEeZRChHKDkg/s2048/IMG_6974.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9p0MPm0aKvhJz09YEmxlfl5kLRiG8ml_v64iS1WauKeoyGvtv9AQlOHmQrCcnYh17L96mjf4ViN_6vz8wRrk_vt_Cd6Uvxgmp3KldjcUQ5SerH7VJZB7TeEAYJ9zEjXGtXZJoOJIDR3XaeHWdnDJNG2wea5O1Q2EyM0I4n9q--bjvjcEeZRChHKDkg/w640-h480/IMG_6974.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>From a rider's perspective, Onion River Outdoors did a stellar job as the ride was well marked, the rest stop was well stocked, and the post ride party was great. Vermont did a great job of providing excellent climbs and views, and the weather gods were kind too. You'll be happy to know that I chose well as it pertained to my clothing (not too hot, nor too cold), and my bike did its job like the noble steed that it is, with one glitch. The wheels (which are standard 29'er wheels with 135mm/100mm QR hubs) are old, and unfortunately use proprietary spokes, which, are no longer available. So, one broken spoke translated into me buying new wheels. d'oh.</p><p>Can't wait for more 2022 events!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9JtFhl5A0boXzRNQ99NXTnhgQ5-1Qx1XDLDyM0PzHzprzPXqL_NjIn__J1t-AXlrjL7TbHYFJ1H55xUD8BZwczZtwL7MaFaKA2gACBVNPIy0h6zt7bt0NCzbGrgbS-K3lz0kVoxB51PuiGPIUYNQ_TUBe-cKvKYopLI_fvtEFcLPYXRyswX5xheiKA/s2048/IMG_6911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1957" data-original-width="2048" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9JtFhl5A0boXzRNQ99NXTnhgQ5-1Qx1XDLDyM0PzHzprzPXqL_NjIn__J1t-AXlrjL7TbHYFJ1H55xUD8BZwczZtwL7MaFaKA2gACBVNPIy0h6zt7bt0NCzbGrgbS-K3lz0kVoxB51PuiGPIUYNQ_TUBe-cKvKYopLI_fvtEFcLPYXRyswX5xheiKA/w640-h612/IMG_6911.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXYAsMz9sVQDMLOcvdLMIwIe-AP1WXsK0SjRRET2ANaJ12MhI8KQ1NCiHmHr-vGDtecYVd6c_DqxJ27Dz7vL0ciVkU1jaDgpokPiDAf_I8NaqniA9CivDsmX0PBB5hKbNW9kW9m1uukCChwdrkN6dhygjUG1Q9KT55J77LYhZv6Nokk-3evdde42DmA/s2048/IMG_6903.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="947" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXYAsMz9sVQDMLOcvdLMIwIe-AP1WXsK0SjRRET2ANaJ12MhI8KQ1NCiHmHr-vGDtecYVd6c_DqxJ27Dz7vL0ciVkU1jaDgpokPiDAf_I8NaqniA9CivDsmX0PBB5hKbNW9kW9m1uukCChwdrkN6dhygjUG1Q9KT55J77LYhZv6Nokk-3evdde42DmA/w296-h640/IMG_6903.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-12811201575478289662021-09-12T08:38:00.001-07:002021-09-12T08:41:05.229-07:00Gran Prix Beverly Cyclocross<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_59SKXeSiFkLl6qc6tSY1meDAaaQuDsI1zhUjM5lfx5HDH2lyEvQTw9V5aA9ECQD0L1M_BmNzn8iQNyWk1Dus6tvVbt6p7pmrA7Y9r9bBOQ_41hoK3UP3_zmDXKIeqH0SBO7zuhhu24Q/s2048/IMG_0763.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="2048" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_59SKXeSiFkLl6qc6tSY1meDAaaQuDsI1zhUjM5lfx5HDH2lyEvQTw9V5aA9ECQD0L1M_BmNzn8iQNyWk1Dus6tvVbt6p7pmrA7Y9r9bBOQ_41hoK3UP3_zmDXKIeqH0SBO7zuhhu24Q/s320/IMG_0763.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can tell by the fact that you can't see any <br />riders behind me how far out front I am...<br />Thanks Jen Carter for the pic!</td></tr></tbody></table>So there it was, my triumphant return to <a href="https://www.gpb-cx.com" target="_blank">cyclocross racing</a>. And, by *triumphant* I mean I didn't die. About 10 years ago I was racing quite a bit, but it's been a while since I worried about which side I needed to pin my number on or obsessed about tire pressure. Okay, I NEVER obsessed about tire pressure, but you get the point. </div><p></p><p>With the race happening in my proverbial <a href="https://www.bevrec.com/beaches" target="_blank">back yard</a>, I had to do it, lack of training or semblance of fitness be damned. In fact, the entirety of my "training" for the race consisted of the one-lap pre-ride I did shortly before the start. </p><p>If you want to skip past my ramblings and see some pics of my teammate/work colleague/bro, scroll below, but if you want to subject yourself to a tiresome description of the course, read on.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MJBZJcFzX7SNf9sEjb_MjCsK40hefMsZNcDPHHxPUW7T-YQ7QbNyAYFRk75xoevL-ayHkndQoP9YiTdQh_-IIO9zw8ELACzI3hy1QtHFKnFE1HXqXzDsXlUjnPV-QgNpqD9T_IsHIxBT/s2048/IMG_0749.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MJBZJcFzX7SNf9sEjb_MjCsK40hefMsZNcDPHHxPUW7T-YQ7QbNyAYFRk75xoevL-ayHkndQoP9YiTdQh_-IIO9zw8ELACzI3hy1QtHFKnFE1HXqXzDsXlUjnPV-QgNpqD9T_IsHIxBT/s320/IMG_0749.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The race started as many races do, with a starting line. With 70 racers in my heat, we had to be staged in some order and that order was your <a href="http://Crossresults.com">Crossresults.com</a> points. Better points = closer to the front, so if you've been an active racer, your chance of getting a better starting position was higher. As I mentioned, I haven't raced in years so I was pointless (something I've been told before). As the race official called out numbers to get in line, it ultimately came to "and everyone else," and I took my rightful place at the back of the pack.<p></p><p>The roughly 1.5 mile loop went as follows: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We rolled up Lothrop street, took a slight right onto the sidewalk and then grass and went up a little slope. </li><li>Then we took a right turn to go up a bit more and then made a hard 180 right turn to go down a bit. </li><li>Then, we made another hard 180 turn to the left to go back up. </li><li>Then another 180 turn to the right to go back down. </li><li>Then, another 180 turn to the left to go back up. </li><li>Then, another 180 turn to the right to go back down. </li><li>Then a 180 turn to the left to go back up. </li><li>We went straight for a bit and then turned right to go down a short hill. </li><li>We immediately turned 180 to the right to go up, only to turn 180 to the left to go down but then we turned 180 to the right to go back up but then, surprise, we turned 180 to the left to go back down when suddenly we turned 180 to the right to go back up. </li><li>There was a gentle swoop to the left then right, a couple of plank barriers, then a gentle 180 turn to the left, down a short hill into a very short section of sand. </li><li>It was then up a bit to the right, then left, and then into the first <a href="https://lumiere-a.akamaihd.net/v1/images/databank_sarlacc_01_169_c5356bf9.jpeg?region=0%2C49%2C1560%2C780" target="_blank">Sand Section of Despair</a>. </li><li>That first sand section was about 9 miles long (give or take), uphill (not really), and was followed by a hard right and a run up 85 (3 really) stairs. </li><li>There was a gentle arc to the right then a log barrier with a hard left through more <a href="https://previews.123rf.com/images/elarina/elarina1704/elarina170401319/76573860-industrial-sand-quarry-sand-pit-sand-special-for-construction-construction-industry-.jpg" target="_blank">Sand of Sorrow</a>, but this took you past the Beer Tent of Mockery. </li><li>Next, there was a right turn followed by a 180 turn to the left. </li><li>Right, right, left, and then another 180 turn to the left and another 180 turn to the right and some more <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/place/nri/20180325/places/B9ABA965-1DD8-B71B-0B948BD8A9C5CA3E/B9ABA965-1DD8-B71B-0B948BD8A9C5CA3E.jpg" target="_blank">Sand of Sadness</a>. </li><li>Straight, then right, then left, then 180 to the left, then 180 to the right, then more <a href="https://media.kasperskycontenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/67/2017/02/10025302/desert-stroll-1.jpg" target="_blank">Sand of Tsoris</a> before a slight incline with a 180 turn to the right. </li><li>Straight for a bit, then 180 turn to the left, followed by--and this is a shocker--a 180 turn to the right, then left, then right--but up over a little berm that seemed like it had plants, another 180 to the left, then a right turn up back on to Lothrop St where we went straight for a bit then took a hard right and hopped up over the curb back on to the grass, followed by a gentle 180 turn to the right, 90 turn to the left, then a 180 turn to the left, followed by a right, then a left. </li><li>Straight past the 2nd Pit Zone and a 180 turn to the left, and a 180 turn to the right and we're back on Lothrop again and past the Start/Finish, and back out again. </li><li>And again. </li><li>And again...</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3ctRd3RKTNr4fcF4I1n-w40BWOHHAS3rlrOhae7VFj2In_bK8EnqAloEbMA1Qu8P4QiOCuoWBfrDBC4M0OwRMEc8odtlDB_-WUoPuCwTnjQyDIuGvPire6qmOvd2pbJb6yp3tw9DINse/s617/course-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="617" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3ctRd3RKTNr4fcF4I1n-w40BWOHHAS3rlrOhae7VFj2In_bK8EnqAloEbMA1Qu8P4QiOCuoWBfrDBC4M0OwRMEc8odtlDB_-WUoPuCwTnjQyDIuGvPire6qmOvd2pbJb6yp3tw9DINse/w640-h312/course-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p></p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="https://www.strava.com/activities/5944257824/embed/1d502fd9c8eb84d9e82a6a0da7db78b5067480fc" width="590"></iframe><div>It was *fun* to be back out there and I can't believe it's been ten years since I really races lots of 'cross events. This might have been the hook I needed.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsSB3c5g-1daSA6TE9iQpegYH5BDt_GCD-LYKnxUPlJHoA5wRNH-DZUF08gVTXn6mp3SZ52oSJpdQRyr0kD-5plCdWVlx2uLNBz1eESrRfLda5jD7KbY3wcKPiiA-3_54-rNTGg170ped/s2048/IMG_0744.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsSB3c5g-1daSA6TE9iQpegYH5BDt_GCD-LYKnxUPlJHoA5wRNH-DZUF08gVTXn6mp3SZ52oSJpdQRyr0kD-5plCdWVlx2uLNBz1eESrRfLda5jD7KbY3wcKPiiA-3_54-rNTGg170ped/w640-h480/IMG_0744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3UcvI0OgH-H0p5NN9f_WLMk6fl-l1G9zBjW1IUoO5BPHh4macu-ujtxMm2k9_Fc-5WBi4v98TuVpfzdKu8g5vpJ-7cJJ3jchdCte-_boU7iI8girRmXmLRC8UiEhkZxlFUB5q88M81hT/s2048/IMG_0748.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="2048" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3UcvI0OgH-H0p5NN9f_WLMk6fl-l1G9zBjW1IUoO5BPHh4macu-ujtxMm2k9_Fc-5WBi4v98TuVpfzdKu8g5vpJ-7cJJ3jchdCte-_boU7iI8girRmXmLRC8UiEhkZxlFUB5q88M81hT/w640-h418/IMG_0748.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxtZQaW62WtBAlmNazXBqNMGYmd2pnGAFZjZ9z93_XQtpnVjFcmGN5WHtV6YEbExsyvXqX7vhAWb_STuIb9xIlD1qxXZSYqAx9Q5jgmNTceLOV3V6EhHzX-d7ZeoSmnUux04gs4rDRHFJ/s2048/IMG_0766.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1604" data-original-width="2048" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxtZQaW62WtBAlmNazXBqNMGYmd2pnGAFZjZ9z93_XQtpnVjFcmGN5WHtV6YEbExsyvXqX7vhAWb_STuIb9xIlD1qxXZSYqAx9Q5jgmNTceLOV3V6EhHzX-d7ZeoSmnUux04gs4rDRHFJ/w640-h502/IMG_0766.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsMZR6EZQAK3psyrH9Suvgl71a1KqjxTqXPvTdsa7LDOK149P67Ovt1sMBhBclw5QTpw2EOxwHiSxAEp8_fiBlvgYg0vxdFfygKP96VKuvfmDcC6OwUC_bl94DJnDpOUu4RJYtCgIrX9j/s2048/cross-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsMZR6EZQAK3psyrH9Suvgl71a1KqjxTqXPvTdsa7LDOK149P67Ovt1sMBhBclw5QTpw2EOxwHiSxAEp8_fiBlvgYg0vxdFfygKP96VKuvfmDcC6OwUC_bl94DJnDpOUu4RJYtCgIrX9j/w640-h426/cross-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-80079567056636860302021-07-18T08:52:00.005-07:002022-05-27T15:52:09.298-07:00Kill Your Lawn, Grow "Weeds."<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_Kk9QsTqjwaB7U-dX8ucC5iaCi041HIsbztRsMKNcFccl_7I5XWdGtsJbIazvmgAFO1xNMJScQl4kXJD_EstUvGWnshzXgyPH6nuag90AgMWIU2UQAcnNfHurhQojxTZ-ccSQwZKes4J/s2048/IMG_8508.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_Kk9QsTqjwaB7U-dX8ucC5iaCi041HIsbztRsMKNcFccl_7I5XWdGtsJbIazvmgAFO1xNMJScQl4kXJD_EstUvGWnshzXgyPH6nuag90AgMWIU2UQAcnNfHurhQojxTZ-ccSQwZKes4J/s320/IMG_8508.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Over the past few years, my view of lawns has shifted from just apathy to total disdain. <p></p><p>I've never been a "lawn guy," I've never really cared enough to dedicate much time, effort and resources to my grass. Sure, I *tried* and had done some stuff... watering, fertilizer, de-thatching, aerating, overseeding, etc, which, when I actually list it out, seems like a lot, but I was only barely interested and didn't do all of these things often enough or consistently. My lawn's appearance matched my efforts, but it was usually "good enough," and I was fine with that. The weeds were green, the grub patches weren't too bad, and I had better things to do. And while I wasn't a dedicated grass guy, my OCD made sure that what I did have was usually neat and clean.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtRHtKQuY7kymyo1sUcACkP9zLpOvNmY8j66WNsklciLAH9oTODuBOeadmI6-c6Jng1sp8A9an8YgWyHO9qidxESM9WVRgD6pk_DPwpvUmf7JKoFcZHBxjxp-zNwbQRzIWyKNe2cn4V2s/s2048/IMG_8517.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1185" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtRHtKQuY7kymyo1sUcACkP9zLpOvNmY8j66WNsklciLAH9oTODuBOeadmI6-c6Jng1sp8A9an8YgWyHO9qidxESM9WVRgD6pk_DPwpvUmf7JKoFcZHBxjxp-zNwbQRzIWyKNe2cn4V2s/w231-h400/IMG_8517.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><br />Then, more and more articles came out that really highlighted the problems with modern lawns. <p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/26/realestate/lawn-mowing-gardening.html" target="_blank">New York Times</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/opinion/lawn-pesticides-insect-extinction.html" target="_blank">New York Times Opinion</a></li><li><a href="http://realestate.boston.com/ask-the-expert/2020/05/13/why-you-should-kill-your-lawn/" target="_blank">Boston.com's RealEstate</a></li><li><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/08/04/lawns-are-a-soul-crushing-timesuck-and-most-of-us-would-be-better-off-without-them/" target="_blank">Washington Post</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/lets-get-rid-of-all-the-lawns-1429893325" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a></li><li><a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/lawn-garden/a28197493/give-your-yard-back-to-nature/" target="_blank">Popular Mechanics</a></li><li><a href="https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/why-you-should-kill-your-lawn-and-switch-to-native-landscaping/" target="_blank">Men's Journal</a></li></ul><p></p><p>From an environmental perspective, lawns are horrible. People with huge lots just dumping water and chemicals into the soil while growing a plant that offers no benefit to the ecosystem whatsoever. Then, the army of gas powered tools used to maintain these lawns adds another layer of negative impacts to the environment. And don't even get me started talking about commercial and municipal properties that are similarly watered, fertilized, and maintained, all for no good reason. </p><p>When I see one of my neighbor's yards with pure green grass, but with little signs indicating that some chemicals have just been applied, so kids and pets should stay off, I think "what the hell are we doing?"</p><p>Now, don't get me wrong, I think *some* grass is okay, and certainly I'm not advocating for a total elimination. If you, like me, have a yard for the enjoyment of yourself, family, or pets, then yes, the grass is good, but I'd say that the vast majority of homes that I see never have anyone out enjoying the yards, and not every square foot.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLvFXQEfQ4vSoFNR_Wepf0AzpQHCtLVFaAr5sDkUx2OhHN6UJOGCvxg99-Q_2xKMvlBMQuctX1zQCZ8weNXMwVDQ4cy_4qUCPJDX3j8uB4IE7ALuTKaHRzb0rwQBtbQimI4PYD7JxHmw6/s2048/IMG_8510.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLvFXQEfQ4vSoFNR_Wepf0AzpQHCtLVFaAr5sDkUx2OhHN6UJOGCvxg99-Q_2xKMvlBMQuctX1zQCZ8weNXMwVDQ4cy_4qUCPJDX3j8uB4IE7ALuTKaHRzb0rwQBtbQimI4PYD7JxHmw6/s320/IMG_8510.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />If everyone would just reduce the size of their manicured lawns, that alone would reduce the resources dumped into environment for the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/americas-biggest-crop-is-grass-2016-2" target="_blank">most prolific, but useless, crop in the US</a>.<p></p><p>As I stand now, I'm working to eliminate as much as my lawn as possible, and I'm doing so in a couple of different ways. First, I'm planting vegetables. IF I'm going to put time and watering into my yard, I might as well get food in return. There's a "<a href="https://www.foodnotlawns.com" target="_blank">grow food not lawns</a>," movement out there, and I'm on board.</p><p>Next, I'm just letting parts of my yard just grow. What's growing you ask? Well, that's an interesting question. Some would say that "weeds" are growing, but I think that highlights the perceived duality of lawns; there is either grass or weeds, thus if something isn't grass, it's a weed and it's bad, and should be eliminated.</p><p>But, turns out, there are really no real "weeds" per se. The generally accepted definition of a weed is that it's something that's growing where it's not wanted, regardless of the species. A dandelion in the middle of an expanse of green Kentucky Bluegrass could be considered a weed, but so would a tomato plant, or a sun flower, or rose bush. According to Wikipedia, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weed" target="_blank">the term "weed" has no botanical significance</a>.</p><p>As I've learned more about the plants that are considered weeds, I've come to realize that many of these plants have value and have beauty and are way better than turf grasses. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb7szPU8xgDblyiBSZS0PFiLAIjVXX-DflT4U0d-QRb49vZXmG5z6IpThA7HL3gu8HT1Xv8brMsMOO0NUOzeZp7VqWZYqH0gc7X6OpUp5bbXH9SAZY_fD14kMty8WtiY6k1sG0MO17t1g/s2048/IMG_8514.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb7szPU8xgDblyiBSZS0PFiLAIjVXX-DflT4U0d-QRb49vZXmG5z6IpThA7HL3gu8HT1Xv8brMsMOO0NUOzeZp7VqWZYqH0gc7X6OpUp5bbXH9SAZY_fD14kMty8WtiY6k1sG0MO17t1g/s320/IMG_8514.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Now, the only line in the sand that I draw is in whether or not a plant is native or non-native/invasive. The topic of non-natives/invasives is one that I won't get into here, but needless to say, my next phase of yard transformation will be in not only working to eliminate the aggressive invasives (some Oriental Bittersweet growing in the border of my yard), but the non-natives that we purposefully planted like my hydrangeas and Butterfly bush.<p></p><p>So, as I've left parts of my yard to just grow, it's been interesting to see what has cropped up. These are all plants that most would consider weeds, but they have names and potential uses.</p><p>Here's a list of some of what I'm growing:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQM62Z6buqvB_KRXnIW-TOsOwSt80ZpSestts7D_5jSgpRC9ZwCQsUeD3ZP7vPEEPb0qUdEGtTqY2UkTpAqGDe6tNVESZAVaZKkUOL9Jfeu8C82cR1KHe8bX7WvqCsjs86FHkyuEUDZmpw/s2048/American_fireweed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQM62Z6buqvB_KRXnIW-TOsOwSt80ZpSestts7D_5jSgpRC9ZwCQsUeD3ZP7vPEEPb0qUdEGtTqY2UkTpAqGDe6tNVESZAVaZKkUOL9Jfeu8C82cR1KHe8bX7WvqCsjs86FHkyuEUDZmpw/w400-h300/American_fireweed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Fireweed<br /><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://eattheplanet.org/fireweed-love-it-or-hate-it-a-bold-and-versatile-herb/">https://eattheplanet.org/fireweed-love-it-or-hate-it-a-bold-and-versatile-herb/</a></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYA9BRJ4p7MnzzX6COsrLpHsqMJP68-_El7nuZ7jJ17uKs3h79aSjI5UUj1ApR4tzYyPebhUBwF5fZ1ZyQgALYSBoauhC9LkfAZJ0M1FgGI166KEKAxhwut5l83Sg4N_uLFEwxgpyuojAJ/s2048/broadleaf-plantain.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYA9BRJ4p7MnzzX6COsrLpHsqMJP68-_El7nuZ7jJ17uKs3h79aSjI5UUj1ApR4tzYyPebhUBwF5fZ1ZyQgALYSBoauhC9LkfAZJ0M1FgGI166KEKAxhwut5l83Sg4N_uLFEwxgpyuojAJ/w400-h300/broadleaf-plantain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broadleaf Plantain<br /><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/broadleaf-plantain-a-wonderful-weed-zbcz2007">https://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/broadleaf-plantain-a-wonderful-weed-zbcz2007</a></p><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgtgw7fluwrPEGhZse09gYG5ho6PkvIEVb-jDrGDPXR8VB8nxxp6TWs3QB7wlH-bS6El0TwOPsGGrfC3z9LJq7jV-LGTLJLGJ2YmwwAiSTKA4HLUuNqD1P2WbnM8s4h2RNgAqX8nX73LC/s2048/IMG_8492.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgtgw7fluwrPEGhZse09gYG5ho6PkvIEVb-jDrGDPXR8VB8nxxp6TWs3QB7wlH-bS6El0TwOPsGGrfC3z9LJq7jV-LGTLJLGJ2YmwwAiSTKA4HLUuNqD1P2WbnM8s4h2RNgAqX8nX73LC/w400-h300/IMG_8492.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Purslane<br /><a href="https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/powers-of-purslane/">https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/powers-of-purslane/</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtmIgtpykdkbS2cW0_zGGUoBDyC2Pev2pKfZE5AQLOMav6ypZl1ubUbki3I18acP6Rpk6mv7MGui80LcuU0Sv5rs7HjOyCDP6atg8uAeKqFm_8eMqJ3Gdj-2HhQ6_5b5saXVsvThIoycG/s2048/corn_speedwell.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtmIgtpykdkbS2cW0_zGGUoBDyC2Pev2pKfZE5AQLOMav6ypZl1ubUbki3I18acP6Rpk6mv7MGui80LcuU0Sv5rs7HjOyCDP6atg8uAeKqFm_8eMqJ3Gdj-2HhQ6_5b5saXVsvThIoycG/w400-h300/corn_speedwell.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn Speedwell<br /><a href="https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/veronica/arvensis/">https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/veronica/arvensis/<br /><br /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ24w2pSJzbRkdyLnSOKvIe7ES-sWV1BEN9rVqa_q5Amdjq0JmpQZzRKCNiagO_BWbOtstpP6faNCbuTG7NaLb-PsodiEmQOmmqHyvop05AwPYdS7kiZsxAKDxjZxgsJFi0fx-otPsyPPS/s2048/horse_weed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ24w2pSJzbRkdyLnSOKvIe7ES-sWV1BEN9rVqa_q5Amdjq0JmpQZzRKCNiagO_BWbOtstpP6faNCbuTG7NaLb-PsodiEmQOmmqHyvop05AwPYdS7kiZsxAKDxjZxgsJFi0fx-otPsyPPS/w400-h300/horse_weed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horse Weed<br /><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/horseweed-erigeron-canadensis-useful-plant-or-noxious-weed">https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/horseweed-erigeron-canadensis-useful-plant-or-noxious-weed</a></p><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFTljH6wEDiL5Fz4JqbaI9bYw3rLfuklggiq7Qdc-DBYuemQmDsGsbIp4bVmBNf80h2m7xPpRPMkMAsc-8CiXEJ8IaVSWpr91PLFjdJQENFJuTfvq5w5scx3zeSKO_J8k9P6K2hPDqivq/s2048/lady_thumb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFTljH6wEDiL5Fz4JqbaI9bYw3rLfuklggiq7Qdc-DBYuemQmDsGsbIp4bVmBNf80h2m7xPpRPMkMAsc-8CiXEJ8IaVSWpr91PLFjdJQENFJuTfvq5w5scx3zeSKO_J8k9P6K2hPDqivq/w400-h300/lady_thumb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady's thumb, also known as smart weed or red shank. <br /><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.ediblewildfood.com/ladys-thumb.aspx">https://www.ediblewildfood.com/ladys-thumb.aspx</a></p><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx95RctT5GcYDJ-jmmMI-3cmPcktYgwSeDXS395hKECzY2wfGU_GFNVU1Bw6aN-p7c1reuXU7th_B1rW8WtX3jyEYl0YYLkvloATc72KGvtXb1sJIez2GIEMQlDeM_pr3ZyPpW_xaxxwq/s2048/sow_thistle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx95RctT5GcYDJ-jmmMI-3cmPcktYgwSeDXS395hKECzY2wfGU_GFNVU1Bw6aN-p7c1reuXU7th_B1rW8WtX3jyEYl0YYLkvloATc72KGvtXb1sJIez2GIEMQlDeM_pr3ZyPpW_xaxxwq/w400-h300/sow_thistle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sow Thistle, but this one has me wondering...<br /><a href="https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/sonchus/oleraceus/" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;">https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/sonchus/oleraceus/</a><br />I can't really tell if this is an invasive or not. It's not on the MA list.<br /><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.mass.gov/doc/invasive-plant-list/download">https://www.mass.gov/doc/invasive-plant-list/download</a></p><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jYyPQEDkkvPT7tp6DMaWnZ9zRtpD5hz_nm7nbRXtm6zCNUMQ-UkRBntCzzer1FZbU_hzsExjkkOthgj_rSiyA6wHerFcrC5ze8jcWyGNZSn6s5ZQPzI8DuhgKxxCEtjB6SVRQrwrrbzS/s2048/virginia-pepperweed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jYyPQEDkkvPT7tp6DMaWnZ9zRtpD5hz_nm7nbRXtm6zCNUMQ-UkRBntCzzer1FZbU_hzsExjkkOthgj_rSiyA6wHerFcrC5ze8jcWyGNZSn6s5ZQPzI8DuhgKxxCEtjB6SVRQrwrrbzS/w400-h300/virginia-pepperweed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virgina Pepperweed<br /><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><a href="https://watchingforwildflowers.com/tag/virginia-pepperweed/">https://watchingforwildflowers.com/tag/virginia-pepperweed/</a></b></p><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0XOKCd2uS9yuzasGKnfLpwLnymEhg487IqKgvBut9zLfD2FbjlaSON42U3t_ULHE85q_L_0AD6N13QHMC_GSSqVaw4zpy2q-P4Mg0wLfvgW9Sps4UPfpX-34xczMgCffYLg2WFGUhdib/s2048/white_goosefoot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0XOKCd2uS9yuzasGKnfLpwLnymEhg487IqKgvBut9zLfD2FbjlaSON42U3t_ULHE85q_L_0AD6N13QHMC_GSSqVaw4zpy2q-P4Mg0wLfvgW9Sps4UPfpX-34xczMgCffYLg2WFGUhdib/w400-h300/white_goosefoot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Goosefoot<br /><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://insteading.com/plants/wild-spinach/">https://insteading.com/plants/wild-spinach/</a></p><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EoaPlkDQ7JnZV7d13GHdHNuDVyDnA9m3TlPUEutYqHHtRqqSRzRJjt35jFhKwID5Y3K7vlkuB3-n8Z3DL1LpF4la1LFucY79LGktQaJERkTkd3E5-02OEt3_o1HPwpWDDytgDHU5mL9i/s2048/wild_carrot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EoaPlkDQ7JnZV7d13GHdHNuDVyDnA9m3TlPUEutYqHHtRqqSRzRJjt35jFhKwID5Y3K7vlkuB3-n8Z3DL1LpF4la1LFucY79LGktQaJERkTkd3E5-02OEt3_o1HPwpWDDytgDHU5mL9i/w400-h300/wild_carrot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Carrot also known as Queen Anne's Lace. <br /><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.livescience.com/21496-5-edible-garden-weeds.html">https://www.livescience.com/21496-5-edible-garden-weeds.html</a></p>NOT to be confused with hemlock.<br /><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://ravensroots.org/blog/2015/6/26/poison-hemlock-id">http://ravensroots.org/blog/2015/6/26/poison-hemlock-id</a></p><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaYXV-Jq3d_VJKc1yZ6n-PvXDHMvcTZRhi4qHNxezUtWvQchOP0vdZIqBDxMhuwcPrttOus1H8i728lr_zE-IjzK1WsrMjk28ZTMTydYRT0Wr58qcqUf0qFsMQcGgtz7rj763fZCGhFT4/s2048/woodsorrel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaYXV-Jq3d_VJKc1yZ6n-PvXDHMvcTZRhi4qHNxezUtWvQchOP0vdZIqBDxMhuwcPrttOus1H8i728lr_zE-IjzK1WsrMjk28ZTMTydYRT0Wr58qcqUf0qFsMQcGgtz7rj763fZCGhFT4/w400-h300/woodsorrel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Sorrel<br /><p style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.wildedible.com/wild-food-guide/wood-sorrel">https://www.wildedible.com/wild-food-guide/wood-sorrel</a></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>That's just SOME of what's growing and what I've had the chance to identify. I've got more invasives to eliminate (creeping charlie, etc), and more native wildflowers to scatter in, but ultimately, my yard will be a combination of native habitat and food production. </p><p>I'm going all in, and if you are even remotely interested, I can NOT recommend Doug Tallamy's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UV8ZTE/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i2" target="_blank">Bringing Nature Home</a>, enough. It's a "must read," for anyone ready for a philosophical change in the way that we "manage" our yards and the ecosystems beyond.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7K6OzrzH7w9Nd8Pm6yz9mKLcytCFJ5zDHNPHPUG-YMkg3nZiZM6f3C6Hj0ilqIZKRt6Cch04TtaONVgJsXFj-6G14sMdoUAb2YOPbjdynLZj8Z_RVs1r6v3v9qzpxVfJ6CxGxJQoqJFPm/s2048/IMG_8493.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7K6OzrzH7w9Nd8Pm6yz9mKLcytCFJ5zDHNPHPUG-YMkg3nZiZM6f3C6Hj0ilqIZKRt6Cch04TtaONVgJsXFj-6G14sMdoUAb2YOPbjdynLZj8Z_RVs1r6v3v9qzpxVfJ6CxGxJQoqJFPm/w640-h480/IMG_8493.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-2928544041595321392021-03-25T15:39:00.000-07:002021-03-25T15:39:04.062-07:00Arizona!<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/528071463" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-40204504275802654252021-01-21T14:51:00.012-08:002021-04-15T06:45:46.424-07:00Beverly Bike Park?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTCZtQ4uKvwcWfg2YQQpFIFB8rIrnugxk-h94BlXJc7fCXiQ2BBbbMXT0WCtmh_baQUWI9gkKv4VbcuaPQ8SH8o0upudSgr8-jJR09QX8-MmilL3RYnMJgCLg2cXRqwX26Sl_OIH_kphp/s2048/IMG_5622.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTCZtQ4uKvwcWfg2YQQpFIFB8rIrnugxk-h94BlXJc7fCXiQ2BBbbMXT0WCtmh_baQUWI9gkKv4VbcuaPQ8SH8o0upudSgr8-jJR09QX8-MmilL3RYnMJgCLg2cXRqwX26Sl_OIH_kphp/s320/IMG_5622.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I've been kicking around the idea of a bike park somewhere in Beverly.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">UPDATES WILL BE BELOW</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Exactly where? Who knows.</div><div><br /></div><div>How big? Dunno.</div><div><br /></div><div>When? No idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, all things start with an idea, so if you're interested,<a href="https://beardedbiker.blogspot.com/2021/01/beverly-bike-park.html"> please fill out this short form.</a><span><a name='more'></a></span><br /><br /><br /> <iframe frameborder="0" height="2393" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdutsT4WQJZQ6P3d_8K-xGlSZbFRNOS5xdAbp-8Ha_v3g4h3A/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe><br /><br /> Add any additional comments or ideas in the comments section below. Thanks!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIbI1WhJlcsfbkuwaHD4_i5VyOjrFfPfB57KA5zH88wh9AwglIyadNSwx0rBAZ3YmmeivIwQHJA9gCJXBQvFz5r3pN-YBM6OzCPfENoyg_B9yIL5ksq420-3jjan440I2ZP0c7Gzzygit/s882/IMG_5671.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIbI1WhJlcsfbkuwaHD4_i5VyOjrFfPfB57KA5zH88wh9AwglIyadNSwx0rBAZ3YmmeivIwQHJA9gCJXBQvFz5r3pN-YBM6OzCPfENoyg_B9yIL5ksq420-3jjan440I2ZP0c7Gzzygit/s320/IMG_5671.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Updates: </u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><u><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/lgxqhpg79rxsgx9/Draft-Presentation1.pptx?dl=0" target="_blank">Preliminary Proposal</a></u></div><div><br /></div><div><b>17 Feb 2021: </b>Had a brief but productive meeting with Beverly Parks & Recreation Committee. There is initial support for the concept, so now we move forward with selecting appropriate sites. Site selection will be somewhat complicated but not impossible. We'll need a location that's big enough, but NOT already being used for something else, not protected by Wetlands or Conservation restrictions, and already city/municipal property. Anyway, once we know where we can do something, then we can figure out exactly how big or complex of a park could be built and then think about how much that will cost and then think about how to get the funds. All doable. Stay tuned!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>20 Feb 2021:</b> Registered <a href="http://www.beverlybikepark.com">www.beverlybikepark.com</a>, which just goes to this page for now.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>24 Feb 2021: </b>Will likely go <a href="https://www.bevrec.com/new-page-3" target="_blank">with this option for fundraising</a> as it's already in place and funds can be earmarked for a specific park or project.</div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><b>23 Mar 2021:</b> Took a quick trip to Allston to ride the <a href="https://youtu.be/yVA9QJ0ND54" target="_blank">Velosolutions pump track... Super fun</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>25 Mar 2021:</b> Had a productive discussion with representatives from similar efforts in the area including Marblehead, Topsfield and Wenham. It was good to hear of others successes and challenges and speaking of successes, we got to hear from Mike Davern who spearheaded the <a href="https://www.keenebikepark.org" target="_blank">Keene Bike Park</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbDErkpQJb7rSOTt7VC8-FPr1ajqiNd7uk1Nn4_eVK21DYyIQz4hovRwNMR8z8U-vsMfYHAzWxpbfGChLj53_S9VQU_3FJswK4fmoKM4Q5fMnFv7-VhBtTeEsDt8ezrmygbzfkDwYRYnH/s2048/stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbDErkpQJb7rSOTt7VC8-FPr1ajqiNd7uk1Nn4_eVK21DYyIQz4hovRwNMR8z8U-vsMfYHAzWxpbfGChLj53_S9VQU_3FJswK4fmoKM4Q5fMnFv7-VhBtTeEsDt8ezrmygbzfkDwYRYnH/s320/stickers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>14 Apr 2021:</b> Stickers arrived. It's been my experience that nothing good happens without stickers. How will you get one?<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-91506458579763006242020-10-30T08:13:00.008-07:002020-10-31T06:12:43.249-07:00Battle of the Blowers vs Bloviators<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMSpEtqxLyV4OlJ6sE35g1EfIQeVKGwegw_T2aQV4VjjxxnhxtbZdSFMYmEBgSc48Tr7f3IQ33qxHZsWh3ENfVSs8zhAD70R9UuI0r7-rH5SFKOmyrGTbrOgrmtqtVoOGwZYu1iX7MbcP/s2048/IMG_0280.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1955" data-original-width="2048" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMSpEtqxLyV4OlJ6sE35g1EfIQeVKGwegw_T2aQV4VjjxxnhxtbZdSFMYmEBgSc48Tr7f3IQ33qxHZsWh3ENfVSs8zhAD70R9UuI0r7-rH5SFKOmyrGTbrOgrmtqtVoOGwZYu1iX7MbcP/w200-h191/IMG_0280.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>It's that time of year to start the leaf blower battles. The autumn leaves are down, trails are covered and the debate rages as to what is better--"clean" or "natural."<p></p><p>I say there is no universal right or wrong approach, but generally I favor groomed trails. </p><p>In fact, for the most part I don't think leaf removal adversely affects trails and more likely may confer benefits to trail users.</p><p>Before you load your aspersions and invectives in a flaming bag to hurl at me, let's lay out some facts or at least some informed opinions that I'll use to make my case.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITRH7XTRHmgK5LkfxiWS0hurZhhaIBFk4We3Inc2JMc_NLeLbvXT7VlhNijA32stin725NtAzgD1I8eiJ3TjokpszBju8PNMhhAnXPssfApMw6h_lWqb1tUCxs-ovY1ddpFQ6U-Z77u-D/s2048/IMG_0482.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITRH7XTRHmgK5LkfxiWS0hurZhhaIBFk4We3Inc2JMc_NLeLbvXT7VlhNijA32stin725NtAzgD1I8eiJ3TjokpszBju8PNMhhAnXPssfApMw6h_lWqb1tUCxs-ovY1ddpFQ6U-Z77u-D/s320/IMG_0482.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />One of the biggest arguments against leaf removal is that this increases trail erosion, but does it? Here's why I think this may be a false assumption or at least an idea that needs to be taken with a grain of salt.<p></p><p><b>1.) Not all trails are the same and there are WIDE variations in soil, grade/slope, and volume-of-use that all affect erosion.</b></p><p><b>2.) Based on these wide variations, a single example of good or bad outcomes from leaf cover removal can not be used to make broad recommendations one way or another.</b></p><p><b>3.) Poorly designed trails will battle erosion regardless of presence or absence of leaf cover, and the MAJORITY of the trails we use are legacy trails that were in place long before good trail building practices were a prime concern. </b></p><p>In regard to soil types (this may sound like a medieval organization), you should review the <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/class/data/?cid=nrcs142p2_053588" target="_blank">Twelve Orders of Soil Taxonomy</a> on the USDA web site and you can then read the 600+ page<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/class/taxonomy/?cid=nrcs142p2_053580#illustrated" target="_blank"> Illustrated Guide to Soil Taxonomy</a>. The different types of soil handle water, drainage, and erosion differently.</p><p>In one small area of trails near my house (approx 88 acres), there are at least 9 distinct soil types all with different traits and characteristics:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBq4Wx6hhfbJKzY9fs370E5T1Go7Z202wrXd1jjSEac3mviFLK2FwXpPpzD54JkPte2OPyvJp-jeSH6E8aGeObp-TUcni6K5JlLZVW3zc6AVWTy_OPgGncyzwGG_PRn5rKabcVMrVg598/s579/Screen+Shot+2020-10-27+at+5.59.19+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="579" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBq4Wx6hhfbJKzY9fs370E5T1Go7Z202wrXd1jjSEac3mviFLK2FwXpPpzD54JkPte2OPyvJp-jeSH6E8aGeObp-TUcni6K5JlLZVW3zc6AVWTy_OPgGncyzwGG_PRn5rKabcVMrVg598/w640-h568/Screen+Shot+2020-10-27+at+5.59.19+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>31A--Walpole Sandy Loam, 0-3% percent slopes</li><li>31B--Walpole Sandy Loam, 3-8% percent slopes</li><li>43A--Scarboro Mucky Fine Sandy Loam, 0-3% percent slopes</li><li>52A--Freetown Muck, 0-1% slopes</li><li>242C--Hinckley Loamy Sand, 8-15% slopes</li><li>242E--Hinckley Loamy Sand, 25-55% slopes, very rocky</li><li>254B--Merrimac Fine Sandy Loam, 3-8% slopes</li><li>254C--Merrimac Fine Sandy Loam, 8-15% slopes</li><li>600--Gravel Pits</li></ul><p></p><p>Based on that soil type information, one could *<i>start</i>* to calculate what's called the "Universal Soil Loss Equation" using the <a href="https://mepas.pnnl.gov/mepas/formulations/source_term/5_0/5_32/5_32.html" target="_blank">Soil Erodibility Factor.</a></p><p>But, before a conclusion could be made, in addition to soil type and slope, the length of the slope and tree cover/vegetation also play important roles.</p><p>All of these factors come into play, so leaf removal on a steep sandy trail will have very different effects than leaf removal on flat loam or muck.</p><p>Simply put, dirt is not dirt. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qjLZwSvrWn0mZn4jRk7zlASC4bTqJztAnjL0lflt2ym4HfahOAMWRwk-7FI6wP_J1VpigE3o9fLCc2wfjGvEMIr0SDVyIiOeZNguGxNhAUvW9tsldD2huucBrv2wIzkm3D4_aeITMTYu/s2048/IMG_5149.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qjLZwSvrWn0mZn4jRk7zlASC4bTqJztAnjL0lflt2ym4HfahOAMWRwk-7FI6wP_J1VpigE3o9fLCc2wfjGvEMIr0SDVyIiOeZNguGxNhAUvW9tsldD2huucBrv2wIzkm3D4_aeITMTYu/s320/IMG_5149.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Next, leaf cover will actually keep trails wetter longer. Most people think of wood chips/bark when they think of mulch, but technically, mulch is any ground cover--from leaves, to wood chips to plastic sheeting. Mulch is great in the garden to prevent weeds from growing or to keep plantings moist, but that latter property will prevent evaporation and keep trails wetter longer. I believe that uncovered trails will dry faster.<p></p><p>So, what about leaving the leaves on the trail and letting them break down naturally? Yes, I'm 100% in support of this, but another huge factor in this equation is the volume-of-use in a particular trail. Natural leaf decomposition can take up to a year or more but on a well used trail system, this will be accelerated by the mechanical effects of tires, feet, hooves or paws. For popular trails, the leaf removal might be a moot point, but for lesser utilized trails, I think leaf removal is an important component to regular maintenance, just like trimming back overgrowth. So again, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't make sense. </p><p>And one last point as it pertains to erosion, if you've ever been out to the trails immediately after a big storm, you've seen first hand the damage that strong wind and rains can do. Heavy rain will move compacted soil, rocks, and gravel--will a cover of leaves prevent that? Poorly drained trails can have lingering puddles--will leaves prevent those? This goes back to my point that trail design plays a more important role in erosion than anything that's done after the trail is built.</p><p>Don't just take my word for it, according to <a href="https://www.nhstateparks.org/getmedia/3c45de00-e174-4df0-b678-4670b254290d/Best-Management-Practices-For-Erosion-Control-During-Trail-Maintenance-and-Construction.pdf" target="_blank">New Hampshire's Department of Resources and Economic Development Division of Parks & Recreation Bureau of Trails:</a></p><p><i>Here in the Northeast, we have inherited a legacy of poor trail layout. Many of our trails went from point A to point B with no consideration for steepness of terrain. Many trails, especially OHRV or snowmobile trails, have evolved over time on old woods roads or skid trails that were never designed for the type of use they get today. The result is inappropriate water management and erosion which is a trails arch enemy.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3xve7novCUW7t_uRMft-h-rA7Y4MaVz7BuQFXhK6wVww4T0Lp3i-KwAVl0-5OLX59hV3NKG2DIZUkVXAxlqzMXEo-W5NNWiJQsjTo6qLYxFHjP2-RC1mAG92oKfI7nYAa_1z0idAmOL0/s2048/IMG_6379.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3xve7novCUW7t_uRMft-h-rA7Y4MaVz7BuQFXhK6wVww4T0Lp3i-KwAVl0-5OLX59hV3NKG2DIZUkVXAxlqzMXEo-W5NNWiJQsjTo6qLYxFHjP2-RC1mAG92oKfI7nYAa_1z0idAmOL0/w640-h480/IMG_6379.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Now, I get it that gas-powered leaf blowers are loud, no argument there. In true wilderness areas, many power tools are not allowed, but I'd say that most of the places we ride are in the suburbs. Ambient noise from traffic can often be heard, along with other contributors to noise pollution--nearby construction, planes flying overheard, even rowdy trail users. I'm not saying I *want* to add to noise pollution, but a once-a-year brisk walk through with a leaf blower would have minimal impact as an operator should be able to cover about 2-3 miles in an hour. The duration of the noise should be minimal in any one area. This, is vastly different from the duration of noise encountered from landscapers who often have a team of workers in a yard or series of yards with mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers, often in a neighborhood for hours. And, if the noise is your primary argument against leaf blowers, how do you feel about the 13.5HP Briggs & Stratton gas motor on the Snowdog trail groomers? But, I digress...<p></p><p>Does a leaf blower disrupt the natural habitat? Yes, but you know what else does? A trail. Just by having a trail, the area is changed--flora and fauna must adapt to the trail, and if the decision has been made already to have a trail, then that's already happened. Anything and everything about that trail will affect the habitat, whether that's 6 riders on a group ride or one person doing maintenance.</p><p>So, overall, I'd say that in many situations leaf removal is not bad, but why do I think it's good?</p><p>First, I think it makes trail use easier, especially for less experienced users. A common argument against virtually any trail modifications is, "if you want groomed trails, go to a rail trail." I think this is a ridiculous statement, as if there are only two trail types, technical gnar and flat & smooth. Unless a trail system is a dedicated mountain bike area, trails really need to be accessible to *most* users. Not everyone has, nor should have, a $6000 full suspension bike with a dropper post and 150mm of travel. There are plenty of hardtails out there, and plenty of 26" hardtails at that. And, believe it or not, there are hikers and runners that use trails too. Everyone can benefit from a clear path to follow and everyone can benefit from reducing the risk of falling from hitting hidden roots and rocks covered by wet leaves. I see people on some of my local trails with strollers, so why not make their outdoor experience safer?</p><p>Keeping the trail distinct and obvious also keeps people ON the trail and will cut down on people cutting corners, or otherwise widening the trail.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m1E1cMbLMgVPpSRwV4m6o13cudTQ-xw4sF_jA7yIpfFwX5XAcPQniubC0CZnT2VrZc2RFjDSmtXed6PRe2xZ8Ikmj76r4_CY60ns6Psy759Tg55qWuQKe9MR3kbTfx6gsQ2NPpJ9ojET/s399/Screen+Shot+2020-10-30+at+4.57.36+PM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="399" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m1E1cMbLMgVPpSRwV4m6o13cudTQ-xw4sF_jA7yIpfFwX5XAcPQniubC0CZnT2VrZc2RFjDSmtXed6PRe2xZ8Ikmj76r4_CY60ns6Psy759Tg55qWuQKe9MR3kbTfx6gsQ2NPpJ9ojET/w320-h217/Screen+Shot+2020-10-30+at+4.57.36+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Another, less thought-of benefit to keeping trails clean is that this lowers the risk of transmitting tick-borne illnesses. Ticks <a href="https://mainelyticks.com/your-safety/" target="_blank">LOVE leaf litter</a>, so by <a href="https://www.mass.gov/service-details/tick-management-around-the-home" target="_blank">removing their habitat</a>, you'll be less likely to end up with Lyme Disease or Anaplasmosis or Ehrlichiosis or Babesiosis or Powassan virus or Borrelia miyamotoi or, well, you get the point.<p></p><p>If you look up this topic on the interwebs, you'll find plenty of supporting information for both opinions--remove the leaves or leave them. I've found that in situations like this the real answer is somewhere in the middle, and unless a true scientific study could be done, there will never be a final determination. In scientific studies, all variables need to be accounted for, so even if you were to try a small "research" study in your own back yard, one year's drought might confound the results from another year's unusually strong series of storms. Climate change is here, and it's effects on the environment are going to be more profound than clearing some leaves from a ribbon of dirt.</p><p>A conscientious and "light touch" approach to trail clearing can have little to no adverse effects and many potential benefits.</p><p>Besides (tongue firmly in cheek), this is what our president wants:</p><p><i>"I said, you gotta clean your floors, you gotta clean your forests — there are many, many years of leaves and broken trees," </i>said Donald J. Trump, impeached President of the United States, who also questioned the use of injecting disinfectant or shining bright lights into humans to combat the coronavirus.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL4taWJ4K6YKhThpENDBf-JqCmo7SaJvnGOsdZh91zuaopIR_rZKckr8V8skJADL1OtACn0VF7xj8nSresdObLtqm7SVRtBBNAPiXULKJgWL4P83m0jXfzSwdC6Uo5ltq23gp5r5JNiEU/s2048/IMG_0263.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL4taWJ4K6YKhThpENDBf-JqCmo7SaJvnGOsdZh91zuaopIR_rZKckr8V8skJADL1OtACn0VF7xj8nSresdObLtqm7SVRtBBNAPiXULKJgWL4P83m0jXfzSwdC6Uo5ltq23gp5r5JNiEU/w640-h480/IMG_0263.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-4158138381567685482020-05-25T18:40:00.002-07:002020-05-26T05:30:11.392-07:00Poultry Power<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It started innocent enough. Jean's friend in NH asked if we wanted chickens, and of course the answer was, "yes!" They gave us a small coop and all we needed to do was build an enclosure and get a permit from the city...<br />
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Well, that started me down a path that involved reclaimed chain link, a nail gun, rain water collection and more, all to build a (hopefully) impenetrable chicken fortress. Before I get into the chicken compound, let's meet the girls. Jean's friend Lauren has about a million hens (not really), and she chose four absolutely beautiful birds for us. And they are:<br />
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<b>Betsy </b>(as in Betsy Ross) is an Ameraucana, and according to <a href="https://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/Ameraucana-B5.aspx">MyPetChicken.com</a>: <i>the Ameraucana breed was derived from blue egg-laying chickens, but they do not have the breeding problems inherent to Araucanas. In addition, rather than ear tufts, they have muffs and a beard, and are very hardy and sweet. They lay eggs in shades of blue, and even have blue (or "slate") legs. Less rare than Araucanas, they are still quite rare and only available through breeders at this time. They should not be confused with Easter Eggers, which can lay blue and green eggs, and do not conform to any breed standard. However, many hatcheries continue to call their Easter Eggers "Americanas" (and other various misspellings). If you are interested in showing your birds, make sure that you have true Ameraucana or Araucana.
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<b>Wellie </b>is a Welsummer which, according to <a href="https://www.cacklehatchery.com/welsummers.html">Cacklehatchery</a> <i>is a Dutch breed named after the village of Welsum in Holland. Developed in the 1900's it was first imported into this country in 1928 for its large brown egg. The Welsummer eggs will vary in tints of dark brown eggs and most of the eggs will have a real dark speckled pigment in the egg shell. The Welsummer is a large, upright, active bird with a broad back, full breast, large full tail and a single comb. Welsummers have a docile and friendly personality. The famed Kellogg’s Rooster was a Welsummer chicken. The Welsummer roosters are glorious with their beautiful shades of red and black. They are a fast growing bird and a very rare breed here in the United States. Admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1991.</i><br />
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<b>Goldie</b> is a Gold Laced Wyandotte. <a href="https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/golden-laced-wyandotte/">TheHappyChickenCoop.com</a> says that <i>The Wyandotte breed was created by four avid poultry men (H.M. Doubleday, J. Ray, L. Whittaker and F. Houdlette). It was named after a helpful and generous Indian tribe of the area – the Wendat (later known as Wyandotte). Their desire was to create a bird that laid well but could also serve as decent table fare, in other words a great utility bird. At this time many chickens around were not the best layers and were pretty tough and scrawny. Although people did eat chicken, it was not top of the list to consider because of its unappealing traits. Many types of chicken were used in the genetics of the Wyandotte, but since no records were kept, it appears unlikely we will ever know the true composition of the Wyandotte. It is suspected that the dark Brahma and the silver spangled Hamburg were involved along the way, but no-one knows for sure. Now as for the Golden Laced Wyandotte, this was created by Joseph McKeen of Wisconsin. He started in 1880 when he crossed Silver laced Wyandottes with a bird described as “a black-red patterned fowl called a Winnebago”. His project was declared successful in 1888 when the Gold Laced Wyandotte was accepted to the APA.</i><br />
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<b>Olivia</b>, The Olive Egger. <a href="https://www.backyardchickens.com/reviews/olive-egger.11356/">BackYardChickens.com</a> describes <i>Olive Eggers as chickens that are produced from a crossing of breeds. Like Easter Eggers, crossing a blue egg layer or chicken carrying a blue egg gene (i.e., Ameraucana, Araucana) to a dark brown layer/gene carrier (i.e., Marans, Welsummer), you will get a layer of olive colored eggs. Breeding results can vary depending on what types of breeds are used and if they are pure. Olive Egger chickens will vary greatly in appearance, body type, etc., and are not an official breed with a set of standards. However, they are becoming quite popular with breeders and backyard enthusiasts as a way to diversify egg colors in your egg basket.</i><br />
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As of this writing, we have had the chickens for one day and we're already seeing that they have different personalities. I'm sure we'll learn more about them as they settle in to their new home. And, speaking of their new home...<br />
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It was almost one year ago that we picked up the coop from our friends in NH. We drove it home, plopped it in the front yard and then my mind started spinning. I wanted to build an enclosure that would connect to the coop to allow the girls to walk around, but they would still need to be confined. I wanted to make sure that they'd be safe from predators as there are foxes nearby, some cats that wander through the yard, hawks and eagles that patrol by air, and fisher cat are apparently also known to this area. I wanted to make it good for all weather and I wanted it to last. My buddy Glen helped with a set of plans and soon the free coop had me buying lots of wood (pressure treated and not), poultry fencing and hardware cloth, corrugated sheet metal roofing, concrete, and lots of hardware, Then, to make construction easier, I needed a nail gun and staple gun, and then, I outgrew my original air compressor so I needed a better compressor. And a miter saw. And some folding work tables, And then I needed to build a rain water collection system so I'd have easy access for water. And...<br />
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And then, I decided that the original coop we had was too small, so I decided to build a bigger one. One with insulation and venting and easy access for cleaning and a door on a timer and removable nesting boxes and auxiliary storage.<br />
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I used as much scrap wood and supplies as I could, from cedar shingles to an old window, and the framing is all from old pallets. The construction of the coop itself was definitely a "figure it out as I go" process, but I think it came out pretty good.</div>
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One of the reasons it took so long to finish was, of course, that I demo'ed our kitchen and back room to start the ball rolling on a major renovation in the house. But don't worry, I did the grunt work only, and the skilled work was done by professionals. Anyway, while that was going on, my basement was almost completely inaccessible and my garage was full of stuff, I couldn't wrap up the coop until all that stuff was done, and that's a whole other story.</div>
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We had to get a permit from the city so our neighbors knew we were getting chickens and I felt like a loser because it was taking forever for me to finish the chicken plaza, And while, a little thing like a global pandemic put a wrinkle in my ability to get some final supplies, when a final layer of hardware cloth was lawn stapled to ground surrounding the enclosure (to prevent anything from going up to the edge and then trying to dig in), construction was complete--it was time to get the girls!</div>
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I also built a "chicken tractor" which is a portable enclosure on wheels to let them explore different parts of the yard. In many places, chickens can just roam freely, and I hear that they will rarely go beyond a 50ft radius of their coop, but we live next to a busy street and we've got the aforementioned predators, so our permit requires that they be enclosed at all times. Simple enough. I'm going to let them get used to their main house before I take them in their mobile home...</div>
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Now, truth be told, I have no idea what I'm doing, I've read a bunch, but for the most part I'm going with the "it can't be that hard" philosophy which is of course almost always wrong. </div>
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Expect more chicken news including their live web cam channel!</div>
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<br />David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-31937352834535826492020-02-25T16:21:00.005-08:002021-01-25T11:14:06.723-08:00Arizona Adventures<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">I’ve never been one to shy away from biting off more than I can chew, so when Glen tossed out the idea of a one day epic 100-mile ride along the very remote Arizona Trail, I was in. I even started to train for it, but then, well, life got hectic, and “training” turned into drinking lots of coffee hoping that it would be a suitable replacement for proper sleep, diet, and exercise. </span><br />
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<a name='more'></a>I flew out of Logan airport bright and early on a Thursday morning. My 6am flight required a 4am wake up and the early morning’s snow and ice erased any wiggle room I had in my schedule, and I boarded the plane without being properly caffeinated. Six and a half hours later I was getting my bike and gear from the baggage carousel, getting my rental van, and heading to the hotel to meet Glen who arrived a day in advance. </div>
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Sadly, I’m a bit out of practice when it comes to re-assembling my travel bike, and it took me a bit more than an hour to be mostly up and running. I did need to pick up a new quick link so we headed to a local bike shop before hitting the trails. Yeah, up at 4a, 6.5hr flight, build the bike, and get out there for ride. We made the hour drive to the Picket Post trail head and... realized that Glen had left his shoes back at the hotel. We cruised out for a few miles, but to be honest I was fairly delirious at this point, so a slow 5 mile ride was perfect in my mind. I had spent a total of about 10hrs in planes and cars so I was one beer away from passing out.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">When I woke up Friday morning, Glen had already been up and out on a coffee run and was plotting our rides.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">The original grand plan was to ride a portion of the Arizona Trail, from south to north, starting at Tiger Mine and ending at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/b3eAFamFwxPAiKPo8">Picket Post</a>. There was also a “race” going on on the same section of the Arizona Trail, the Gila 100, but starting and finishing in the opposite direction. Glen’s meticulous calculations had determined that the northern direction would be more fun. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">With a loose plan in place, there were still some logistical challenges. First, because we were out there without a “support team,” we’d need a car at both the start and end which would involve driving to the end at some point and then driving to the start, riding 100 miles, and then at the end of the ride driving back more than 100 miles to pick up the car at the start all before then driving back to the hotel. That’s independent of the fact that the start of the ride was about a 2hr drive from the hotel. So, presumably, if we dropped the finish car off ahead of time, and we wanted an early start for the ride, we’d be looking at getting up at about 3am to be up and on the road and ready to ride by about 6am. My eagerness for this epic was starting to wane. </span></div>
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The next obstacle to consider was the “pull the plug” option. Let’s say, for example, for some reason, I wasn’t in good enough shape to do the whole ride, and 60 miles in, I was crying next to a cactus. The trail is REMOTE and in a “best case” scenario, it would be a ride of several miles (10? 20?) to get to “civilization.” I had planned on being prepared by bringing an emergency sleeping bag and updating my <a href="https://www.findmespot.com/en-us/products-services/spot-x" target="_blank">Spot</a>… As I was putting together my bike pack, and including things like a trauma tourniquet and quick-clot gauze, Jean was making sure my life insurance policy was up to date. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">All that being said, I was still willing to make a go of something. We thought maybe rather than a 100 mile ride, we could logistically make a 60-ish mile ride more simple. So, Friday we drove to the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/fD51yX1iB7C7foeD9">Kelvin Bridge trail head</a> dropped off a car, then drove down to the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ppaRjBJgEhh6trfq5">Freeman Road trail head</a>. Glen connected with his cousin and was able to get some supplies that he had mailed to himself ahead of time, and while he remembered his shoes this time, he did forget his riding jersey. (#rookie). </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">We took off and all I can say is that the Arizona Trail was awesome. The riding was remote, beautiful, fun, challenging, and everything that mountain biking should be. We rode just under 30 miles of amazing desert single track under perfect blue skies. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">The post-ride beers were delicious and the only thing left to do was to drive back to the start to get the other car and then drive back to the hotel… In total, that was about 5.5hrs of total driving time for the day… And, unfortunately, I got back to Phoenix too late to connect with <a href="https://x-blog-x-team-x.blogspot.com/2020/02/phoenix-to-tucson-how-west-was-won.html" target="_blank">Jason Fitzgerald who was also in the area for some riding</a>, but was flying out that night.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Anyway, for Saturday, we decided to stay more local and check out some of the trails at McDowell Mountain Park in Fountain Hills. The park has a dedicated “<a href="https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/mcdowel-competitive-8x11.pdf" target="_blank">competitive track</a>” for mountain biking at “speed,” and consists of a Long Loop, Sport Loop and Technical Loop, all starting from a huge parking lot with shade tents and rest rooms. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">The trails were fast, flowing, and fun. With more time, I’d love to check out the rest of the park, as the competitive track is only a wee portion, but for someplace to ride that doesn’t require any planning, this was awesome.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Our post-ride discussions got back to how we could possibly make the big ride happen, and we came up with a solution. The first key was that I wouldn’t attempt it, and would instead do logistical support. The next big step was that Glen would stay at his cousin’s house near Tucson and he’d get a ride to the start at Tiger Mine. I’d drive to the Freemen Road and Kelvin Bridge trailheads and then finally to Picket Post. That way I’d be on hand for whatever was needed along the way. Based on our ride on Friday, it seemed that cell service was pretty strong and if Glen didn’t show up approximately when I anticipated, I’d be able to go out to identify the carcass. </span></div>
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With that settled, I drove Glen down to Tucson and then back to the hotel, which resulted in another 5hrs of driving… I should note however, that the Dodge Caravan I rented was a great van, and if I didn’t need a vehicle that could tow a large trailer, I’d be all over the mini-van. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Sunday morning I got up and headed out to Freeman Road to await Glen’s arrival. I honestly had no problem spending a leisurely day cruising around Arizona. I took some pics and really just chilled. While waiting for Glen, I (we) experienced quite the sonic BOOM from a fighter jet that flew by at well over the speed of sound… I did get a bit antsy while waiting and cruised out for what I hoped wouldn’t be a search and rescue, and fortunately, Glen rolled around the corner and completed the first leg without a hitch. He said the sunrise from the trail was amazing, and I’m sure it was.</span></div>
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He headed off for the next leg and I drove to the next intersection, while stopping and taking pics along the way. I might have even taken a nap in the van while waiting, but sure enough, Glen rolled in to the Kelvin Bridge trailhead at about the anticipated time.</div>
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At that point, he was 9hrs into the ride, and decided to pull the plug. Nine hours in the saddle, 50+ miles, and more than 6K ft of climbing was more than I would have done for sure. Maybe he (we) will attempt this again in the future.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">With some daylight still available, we headed back to McDowell Mountain Park so I could bang a quick ride out before packing up to head home. I wanted to grab some “sweet footie” with my GoPro too, so this was very important. Yeah, this was another day of more than 5hrs of driving, but everything was so far in Arizona!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">All that was left was for us to disassemble and pack our respective bikes and prepare for the journey home. I was lucky enough to switch to an earlier flight while Glen was stuck on his red-eye. </span><br />
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I’m doing some major housecleaning in iMovie, so stay tuned for my video to drop at some point! But for now, it's back to work and back to dreaming about the next trip…<br />
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David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0Phoenix, AZ, USA33.4483771 -112.074037332.6020036 -113.3649308 34.2947506 -110.7831438tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-49584974915133382322020-02-24T16:15:00.001-08:002020-02-24T16:19:21.312-08:00Let Me Tell You About My Shovel<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4ZJPOuhIgRvWtuZKZilXzQXXfiQVlmEhBZv0rXuTkKGWRCwuxfR5fKBeJoEsFaHTHqispxEqGO4ugk9-t6aPKt__0L7DvtZ8f3QyRnRYPAfMR7-O_XeExjsv3-9CY-Ln0Gi1UT8vuL50/s1600/tQ5sFHP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="650" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4ZJPOuhIgRvWtuZKZilXzQXXfiQVlmEhBZv0rXuTkKGWRCwuxfR5fKBeJoEsFaHTHqispxEqGO4ugk9-t6aPKt__0L7DvtZ8f3QyRnRYPAfMR7-O_XeExjsv3-9CY-Ln0Gi1UT8vuL50/s320/tQ5sFHP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William Macy's Shoveler from the 1999 Mystery Men</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">I’ve mentioned before that I’m always looking for convenient and efficient ways to get tools out to the trails. Many times the best tool for the job is relatively big, or heavy, or both, and in those cases I will either schlep that stuff out by foot or load up the bike trailer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">There are, however, some pretty kick-ass tools out there that are strong enough to do real work, yet packable enough to stow in a bag. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Enter the <a href="https://dmoscollective.com/products/delta-shovel-steel?variant=29530433683567">DMOS Delta Shovel</a>. Available in both steel and aluminum, it folds down to be easily carried in a back pack, and it extends to allow you to dig, move rocks and do anything you want a shovel to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I’ve had some other folding shovels in the past, primarily to be kept in the car for those “just in case” moments. I never thought about those as actual tools, just something to be used when I didn’t have another option. So far, on the few times I’ve used the Delta shovel, I’ve been very impressed with the strength it offers. It doesn’t feel like a flimsy folding shovel, it just feels like, well, a shovel. I’ve used it a few times to dig through New England “soil” which is mostly rock, so this seems like the perfect testing ground. That was a pun, and I’m not going to apologize.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Anyway, I went with the steel option, and I’d be curious to see if the aluminum seemed as strong. I’m sure it would certainly be lighter. The steel shovel does weigh in at 6lbs/5oz, so while it does fit in my back pack, I know it’s back there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Both the steel and aluminum version run $199 online, which of course isn’t cheap, but this is a Wyoming based company that manufactures the shovels in Oregon, so you’re supporting a US company. They also participate in the 1% For The Planet charity and they support Tread Lightly and the Forest Stewardship Council.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I bought this on a whim, and in retrospect, I’m surprised I spent that much on a folding shovel (some of those online targeted ads are powerful), but the shovel is well built and seems like it’s going to last. If anything changes, I’ll update this page.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It was super handy to bring out for a few projects including leveling off some spots to make a sketchy bridge just a little less sketchy...</span><br />
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David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-56585210694624675322020-01-24T19:02:00.003-08:002020-01-24T19:20:46.689-08:00Get Off My Gravel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwdsidzjOyWcWiVEidC11rwcBqcdrRBKOhdDiVu7DP9XUdeaZwKqdvP7i-3ucHzV_60n2y2jrgF7E-zCnquKZCznW7D9cozVOTFHQGwcnrnuXx8gUc05gjK0K3bxX-kRMKE2sRX88-qI2/s1600/WATA-103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1000" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwdsidzjOyWcWiVEidC11rwcBqcdrRBKOhdDiVu7DP9XUdeaZwKqdvP7i-3ucHzV_60n2y2jrgF7E-zCnquKZCznW7D9cozVOTFHQGwcnrnuXx8gUc05gjK0K3bxX-kRMKE2sRX88-qI2/s320/WATA-103.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, the buzz has been that </span><a href="https://www.velonews.com/2020/01/gravel/usa-cycling-hosts-gravel-racing-symposium-in-bentonville-arkansas_503775" style="font-family: inherit;">USA Cycling</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> has its eye on gravel racing. Not to be left behind, the </span><a href="https://www.velonews.com/2020/01/news/riders-and-promoters-respond-to-lappartients-gravel-comments-we-already-have-a-gravel-worlds_504107" style="font-family: inherit;">UCI is apparently looking too</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would like to point out that this is not new. I found a <a href="https://www.cxmagazine.com/usa-cycling-gravel-series-bike-regulations-april-2015">Cyclocross Magazine article from 2015 </a>where USAC's former CEO, Steve Johnson said, “<i>The gravel segment is the Wild West of bike racing, and it really needs us right now</i>.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dunno... seems like gravel riding and racing have done just fine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The question is, has either USAC or the UCI ever done anything good for cycling? While my experience with the UCI is zilch, I've been a USAC member off and on for years and even at one point was a USAC "certified coach." To be honest though, the whole race license thing is a bit cumbersome, and has been a factor in me NOT racing more often.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's look at running races for comparison. I've run in many many races--on the roads and in the woods--and it's so simple. For $20 or $30, I'll get a timed event on a marked course with aid stations and maybe a t-shirt. There are course marshals, police details sometimes, and usually a post-run party of some type. For longer races, the fee might be a bit more, but you get the idea. No annual fee, no racing license. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And, the vibe at the running races is also waaaaaaaaaaay more chill. You get all levels of fitness, and people participate just to go to an event and have fun. I get the same fun vibe a gravel rides. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel that USAC will kill that vibe, and from what I've seen on the interwebs, most people agree. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe I'm jumping to judgement too soon, and maybe the fact that <a href="https://www.velonews.com/tag/tim-johnson">Tim </a><a href="https://www.velonews.com/tag/tim-johnson">Johnson</a> is involved will be a good thing, but certainly some of the quotes from the older 2015 article are sheer lunacy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For example, USAC wanted to define gravel: "<i>stones and pebbles may not be larger than 1cm in diameter</i>." I can just see an army of USAC officials out there with calipers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The former CEO also "<i>maintains that the modern-day cyclocross bike, while built to handle the rough terrain and stress of a cyclocross race, is ill-suited for events longer than an hour and courses that typically have limited turning, and can be dangerous in multi-hour events when riders are fatigued</i>." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do we need a governing body to tell us how to adjust a bike for different events? Would I EVER check with USAC to see if I could ride the same mountain bike for an hour race or a 24hr race? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, back then, USAC thought that those rules would "<i>reduce the number of people stressing out in the garage, trying to assemble a Frankenbike for their local gravel even</i>t." If building a bike stresses you out, you should never get off your <a href="https://www.onepeloton.com/">Peleton</a>. Building bikes is the reason to ride bikes and race bikes and build bikes, because, well, bikes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One more from that article though, the former CEO also said, "<i>It’s not like people did this type of cycling thirty years ago</i>." Yeah... NO ONE EVER rode a bike on a gravel road before... <a href="https://journal.rouleur.cc/nothing-new-gravel-roads-tour-de-france/">guess he wasn't well versed in the history of bike racing</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So now, USAC is looking at gravel again. Are they doing so with the same lens? Do they want to add rules and restrictions on stone size and tire size and bike geometry? <a href="https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/check-illegal-socks-reaction-uci-introduces-maximum-sock-height-2019-400273">Will we need approved sock length</a>?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I LIKE gravel just the way it is. I like the crazy courses. I like hitting gnarly class IV roads in Vermont. I like aid stations with chocolate covered bacon. I like that one of the rides allows you to dismount and go through a bar for maple bourbon shots. I like riding alongside people on fat bikes and hybrid bikes and MTBs from the 90's and full carbon "gravel bikes" and retro bikes with friction shifters and everything in between. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Does gravel as a segment need uniformity and rules? Isn't the variability part of what makes the events fun? And yeah, I get it that I'm doing mostly "rides" and not "races," but rules have a way of creeping and I'm quite pleased with my Frankenbike and I'll ride whatever damn width tires I want. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So </span>what<span style="font-family: inherit;"> will USAC add to gravel? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Legitimacy? Doesn't seem to need any external validation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Participants? Seems like most rides are selling out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Insurance? I think the promoters have figured this out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most costs? Hmmm....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I get it, USAC needs members and road racing is dead and </span>most<span style="font-family: inherit;"> MTB riders would rather just ride than race. Cyclocross is probably declining too...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHKuI8j_rxLFmfnnnRaEzEzFRCfNpXO_8WHAPaKqvU0OMWVvGATrfZegib9hbuyzJVMTfH-_Wh1fmnpmj8d9dRlstOooVLz_MbBbKoERFLiD8PBX6cjIk0aK4dFAbEUM3oSDIc50Lb9Zr/s1600/2018-05-30+06.09.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHKuI8j_rxLFmfnnnRaEzEzFRCfNpXO_8WHAPaKqvU0OMWVvGATrfZegib9hbuyzJVMTfH-_Wh1fmnpmj8d9dRlstOooVLz_MbBbKoERFLiD8PBX6cjIk0aK4dFAbEUM3oSDIc50Lb9Zr/s400/2018-05-30+06.09.39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The thing is, I can't see ANY reason to join USAC unless your only focus is on racing. <a href="https://www.usacycling.org/memberships">The memberships</a>, in my opinion, don't offer much, and the race licenses are really only needed if you're racing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I guess we'll see how it plays out. I'm hopeful that the events I typically participate in will not get involved.</span><br />
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As the article in Velonews said, "<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.velonews.com/2020/01/gravel/usa-cycling-hosts-gravel-racing-symposium-in-bentonville-arkansas_503775">For now, it seems, gravel races will continue to operate outside of USAC’s oversight, and under the direct supervision of the event promoters and directors. After the gathering in Bentonville, it was clear that this is the preferred trajectory of both the race directors and USAC.</a>"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I'm heading on over to <a href="https://www.bikereg.com/muddy-onion-spring-classic-gravel-grinder">BikeReg</a> to start looking at 2020.</span>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-81222006845781538102020-01-24T16:15:00.000-08:002020-01-24T16:15:18.893-08:002019 Video RecapJust a video montage of some of the rides we (Racer-X) slayed in 2019. X Gon' Give It To Ya.<br />
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<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/379873024" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe>David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-85845512751296571452020-01-10T17:12:00.001-08:002020-01-10T17:12:33.324-08:002020 is here, and Content is coming.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2074637800640082148.post-22894376899171058762019-11-28T12:02:00.003-08:002019-11-28T14:05:03.280-08:00Hitting the Trails with my Big Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQziAsnkLa1P-5zqlw9TTFzEGgqeGiWmBC54aNtiUgJIkAqyxdQYUiOIJ6AHiaRcZg0yhlASZXLYl_eJGYlCtixrCt6yCcZeqmudn695fPEnU9F34AWxhxg6ufN4liwa283BVEJZhPFeo/s1600/silky-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQziAsnkLa1P-5zqlw9TTFzEGgqeGiWmBC54aNtiUgJIkAqyxdQYUiOIJ6AHiaRcZg0yhlASZXLYl_eJGYlCtixrCt6yCcZeqmudn695fPEnU9F34AWxhxg6ufN4liwa283BVEJZhPFeo/s320/silky-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
That's a Silky Big Boy that I'm talking about...<br />
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It seems like trails ALWAYS need work, from minor fixes like moving some branches to major builds or re-routes; it's hard for me to be out riding or running without seeing something that needs attention.<br />
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One of the recurring problems we've had over the last few years in my neck of the woods have been blow downs. Yeah, we get PLENTY of small (and not so small) branches that can easily be moved, but we also get many large branches and whole trees that come down with the wind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmY5FjvbOnuB5wenaCqw2CguTIwTmDtU5noDuCqPsUDK7fEsQKqQ9kDntF8LUr6cCU9CyE94m7mrhtESLyo1DRZ1DBvQI2A03I2E_WF2nwiEKR_xvvsSkimxFq8Qnt-B7ay49pJqblLup/s1600/IMG_0492+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmY5FjvbOnuB5wenaCqw2CguTIwTmDtU5noDuCqPsUDK7fEsQKqQ9kDntF8LUr6cCU9CyE94m7mrhtESLyo1DRZ1DBvQI2A03I2E_WF2nwiEKR_xvvsSkimxFq8Qnt-B7ay49pJqblLup/s320/IMG_0492+copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I'm sure it's a symptom that suggests the <a href="https://masswoods.org/caring-your-land/forest-health">overall health</a> of our local tree population might be in trouble, but it could just be that the overall age of our locals trees is advancing to the point that they're weakening. Either way, the result has been that after every wind storm there are big limbs and trees down that need to be moved.<br />
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In many cases, the limbs and trees are so large that a chainsaw is the best tool for the job, but chainsaws have a number of issues associated with them regarding their use on trails.<br />
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First and foremost, you need permission from the land manager, be that at the city or state level. Next, you need to ensure that you're using the saw properly, and I've been to several chain saw safety courses where I've seen some things that leave me shaking my head. And finally, if you've got permission and the right training, you need to get the saw out to the spot. I've used a bike trailer but to be honest, by the time I haul the saw, extra gas, extra bar lube, chain sharpener and all my gear (chaps, boots, helmet, eye/ear protection, etc--I've taken care of way too many patients with chainsaw injuries to skimp on that stuff), it can seem like it's just too much of a hassle.<br />
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I've had a number of different folding saws and they've been "okay" for many jobs, but I've never been too impressed until recently. </div>
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Enter, the <a href="http://www.silkysaws.com/Silky_Saws/Folding-Straight_2/Silkys-BIGBOY-360mm-LG-Teeth-Hand-Saw#sthash.FRkgaqiS.dpbs">Silky BigBoy 2000</a>. I *thought* about the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Silky-Professional-KatanaBoy-Folding-403-50/dp/B002GKB5PQ/ref=pd_sbs_469_t_1/136-1470520-9548211?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B002GKB5PQ&pd_rd_r=3724d993-5fda-4a28-951b-4917b598efbc&pd_rd_w=wyQxG&pd_rd_wg=bZRGq&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=7WMTMJRX8G07TNVDR0XZ&psc=1&refRID=7WMTMJRX8G07TNVDR0XZ">KatanaBoy</a>, but the BigBoy seems to provide the best bang for a folding saw that big and still packable. The BigBoy isn't cheap, but at between $60 and $70, it's not crazy expensive either, and after a few uses it will more than pay for itself with how well it cuts and the work it can help you do.</div>
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I've taken this in my pack on a few rides and the saw cuts so well. It's important to note that it cuts on the back pull, and that will help the blade do its job and last a lot longer. See below's "before" and "after" pics with about 15 min of work in between:</div>
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I've been working on perfecting my trail tools and I've got quite an assortment of ones that are packable and not. The BigBoy is big enough to handle big jobs and small enough to fit in the pack and not be a bother. I guarantee this will be getting lots of use.</div>
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Stay tuned for more trail tool reviews.</div>
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David Aldenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945568074700998331noreply@blogger.com0