I am a cyclist and you hate me

Get off my road, you shout, as if I’m an immigrant ahead of you in the doctors, a leech on your neck. You are vocal yet you are in the minority. Venom for no other
reason than I check your progress, your assumed and ill conceived right to the road makes me your enemy, a fly you must swat aside, a lesson you must teach.
Once you’ve scared me, passing so close that I could touch your car with my elbow, I wonder how the kids in the back seat of your car perceive you, I wonder how you react at work when you’re told to do something, or how your partner puts up with you after you’ve had a few beers, or how you feel when you look at yourself in the mirror. Proud probably, unfortunately.


I am a cyclist and you, yes you, drive your car oh so very close to me to teach me a lesson, one I understand oh so very quickly, your educational pass teaching me that you are a moron.
I am a cyclist and I am cheating you of time because I undertake you.
I am a cyclist and I am depriving you of five seconds because you cannot overtake me on a bend despite trying four times.
I am a cyclist and I am ignoring your imagined rules of the road because I do not ride in the gutter.
I am a cyclist and I do not think it is funny when you wind down your window and try to push me off my bike.
I am a cyclist and I am not taking responsibility for your actions because I do not wear a helmet
I am a cyclist and I could tell you how to overtake me without over revving your engine and drafting on my rear wheel
I am a cyclist and I do not jump red lights but you saw someone once and so therefore I must be punished
I am a cyclist and you are the judge, picking and choosing road laws you only half grasp or have only half made up
I am a cyclist and I am a human
I am a human just like you except our transport differs
I am a human and I get scared when you pass me too closely
I am a human and have family just like you, except mine worry I won’t return home from my daily commute
I am a human and I make mistakes, just like you
I am a human just trying to get to work
I am a human and when I take the lane as the highway code advises, it is to protect myself not to delay nor anger you
I am a human and I don’t want a fist fight because you do not understand the laws of the road
I am a human and I get angry and shout when scared because you almost knocked me off my bike
I am a human and I have a right to point out that you are breaking rules and that speeding or driving when using your phone is against the law
I am a human and I will get upset when your version of justice is passing me very closely in a fast moving car
I am a human and I will bleed when you knock me off my bike
I am a human, are you?

Water for Hiking

Water

 Don't even think of starting on a hike that takes you more than a mile from home without a bottle of water along. You should have at least two quarts of water with you and drink 1/2 to 1 cup every 30 to 45 minutes. Keep the water coming into
your body even if you don't really feel very thirsty. If you are hiking, you are losing moisture and you need to replenish it.
By the end of a 4-hour hike, you should have drunk both quarts of water and you should be able to use the toilet. If you don't need to, then all that water came out as perspiration and you still need to drink more water to stay hydrated. After a hike, you should drink additional water until you need to use the toilet. I don't mean chug it down, I mean drink a 1/2 cup or so every 5 minutes or so.
Water is THE most critical survival item - whether in the wild or at home.

Rule of 3:

• You can live 3 minutes without air.
• You can live 3 days without water.
• You can live 3 weeks without food.

You'll have air to breathe unless you're under water or in a cave-in.  If you run out of food, you can struggle on for 150 miles if needed.  But, if you run out of water, you have only a day or so to figure out a solution.

Water Needs
How much water do you really need? Does it matter where you are, the time of year, or the elevation?
 

Water Treatment
Once you locate water, you're not home free. There're lots of critters living in that water and they'll make life miserable for you. It's a good idea to treat all water you find and here's how to do that.
 

Carrying Water
Now that you have all the water you need, your stomache will only hold so much. You need to carry the rest down the trail until you find more water. Secure, comfortable, inexpensive transportation of water is the key.

Telluride Ski Resort to Join the Mountain Collective for 2016/2017 Season

Today, Telluride Ski Resort announced that it would be joining The Mountain Collective alliance, a collaborative pass program providing access to some of Colorado and North America’s best ski mountains. With the addition of Telluride, Mountain Collective pass holders will now be able to experience some of the best and most varied terrain in North America.

“Telluride is excited to join the Mountain Collective family of resorts,” said Bill Jensen, CEO of Telluride Ski & Golf Resort. “Being a part of the Mountain Collective is an outstanding opportunity for passionate skiers and snowboarders to experience Telluride’s extensive terrain and benefit the resort community as Mountain Collective pass holders add Telluride to their list of destinations to experience this winter.”

As part of the Mountain Collective pass, skiers and riders enjoy two days at 14 notable ski resorts, including Alta/Snowbird, Aspen/Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Taos, Whistler Blackcomb and more with no blackout dates. Additional days at The Collective destinations are available at a 50 percent discount and pass holders are also eligible for special Mountain Collective lodging specials.

“We are thrilled to welcome Telluride, one of the world’s truly iconic resorts to the most incredible lineup of destinations on one pass ever assembled. The Mountain Collective is made up of a collection of independently owned, big mountain, life list resorts and we couldn’t think of a better new addition than Telluride,” said Christian Knapp, vice president of marketing, Aspen Skiing Company, “With 14 destinations located around the globe, the Mountain Collective Pass is the perfect incentive for passionate skiers and riders to embark on the winter adventures they’ve long dreamed of.”

When visiting Telluride, Mountain Collective pass holders can take advantage of an exclusive lodging deal with The Peaks Resort & Spa, with 10% off lodging with a three night minimum and a $150 Peaks Resort credit that can be used at the Resort’s newest restaurant, Altezza at the Peaks, or The Spa at the Peaks.

The Mountain Collective pass is now available online at www.MountainCollective.com for $409 for adults and $99 for kids aged 12 and under. For a full list of participating resorts and pass benefits, please visit the Mountain Collective website. For information on Telluride-specific benefits, or to plan your trip, please visit www.TellurideSkiResort.com.

Today, Telluride Ski Resort announced that it would be joining The Mountain Collective alliance, a collaborative pass program providing access to some of Colorado and North America’s best ski mountains. With the addition of Telluride, Mountain Collective pass holders will now be able to experience some of the best and most varied terrain in North America.

“Telluride is excited to join the Mountain Collective family of resorts,” said Bill Jensen, CEO of Telluride Ski & Golf Resort. “Being a part of the Mountain Collective is an outstanding opportunity for passionate skiers and snowboarders to experience Telluride’s extensive terrain and benefit the resort community as Mountain Collective pass holders add Telluride to their list of destinations to experience this winter.”

As part of the Mountain Collective pass, skiers and riders enjoy two days at 14 notable ski resorts, including Alta/Snowbird, Aspen/Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Taos, Whistler Blackcomb and more with no blackout dates. Additional days at The Collective destinations are available at a 50 percent discount and pass holders are also eligible for special Mountain Collective lodging specials.

“We are thrilled to welcome Telluride, one of the world’s truly iconic resorts to the most incredible lineup of destinations on one pass ever assembled. The Mountain Collective is made up of a collection of independently owned, big mountain, life list resorts and we couldn’t think of a better new addition than Telluride,” said Christian Knapp, vice president of marketing, Aspen Skiing Company, “With 14 destinations located around the globe, the Mountain Collective Pass is the perfect incentive for passionate skiers and riders to embark on the winter adventures they’ve long dreamed of.”

When visiting Telluride, Mountain Collective pass holders can take advantage of an exclusive lodging deal with The Peaks Resort & Spa, with 10% off lodging with a three night minimum and a $150 Peaks Resort credit that can be used at the Resort’s newest restaurant, Altezza at the Peaks, or The Spa at the Peaks.

The Mountain Collective pass is now available online at www.MountainCollective.com for $409 for adults and $99 for kids aged 12 and under. For a full list of participating resorts and pass benefits, please visit the Mountain Collective website. For information on Telluride-specific benefits, or to plan your trip, please visit www.TellurideSkiResort.com.

- See more at: http://blog.coloradoski.com/2016/08/09/telluride-ski-resort-to-join-the-mountain-collectivetm-for-2016-17-season/#sthash.0K97eONn.dpuf

Introducing New All Access Pass at Copper Mountain

Introducing New All Access Pass at Copper Mounta

Introducing New All Access Pass at Copper Mountain

 
The Copper Mountain family has come together to offer the All Access Pass, a new season pass option for guests to both Copper Mountain and Woodward Copper. The All Access Pass provides unlimited skiing and riding at Copper Mountain for the 2016/17 winter season as well as full access to the Woodward Copper Barn from now until April 2017.

All Access passholders receive all the benefits and perks of a Copper Mountain Season Pass including three free days at Purgatory Resort, Monarch Mountain and Taos Ski Valley. Passholders also receive free skiing at Grand Targhee Resort with the purchase of Grand Targhee lodging. This pass also includes 10 Copper Mountain friends and family discounted lift tickets and a variety of activity, retail and food discounts around the resort.

The All Access Pass is currently on sale for $559 for adults ages 18+, $469 for teens ages 13 – 17 and $389 for children ages 6 – 12. Passes can be purchased online at CopperColorado.com or WoodwardCopper.com or by calling 888-219-2441. For guests who have already purchased a Copper Season Pass or a Barn Pass and would like to upgrade to an All Access Pass, please contact Central Reservations at 888-219-2441.

Bike Fitting For Better Performance

Bike fitting for better performance? When it comes to bicycles, one size doesn’t fit all. In fact, one size fits some and then each bike must be further tweaked to fit the individual. Even the lightest, fastest bicycle is useless if it doesn’t fit the intended rider. So many people ignore their bike fit until they experience discomfort, pain or injury. A reputable bike shop should provide basic bike fitting services with the purchase of a new bike. Not sure how your set-up fares? Try these tips for a basic set-up. 

Saddle height

If you have an indoor trainer, mount the bike and begin pedaling. Or position bicycle seat.

yourself in a doorway and backpedal. After a few spins, enlist a friend to look at the angle of your legs. They should bend 80 to 90% or if you’re able to measure the angle, you should have 25 to 35 degrees of knee flexion, as measured at the actual knee, not the angle between the thigh and calf muscles. A higher saddle height is more aggressive and produces more power, but also places greater strain on the knee. If the back of your knees hurt, try lowering the saddle by a few millimetres. A lower saddle height, on the other hand, is better for spinning, but places greater stress on the knees. If you have pain in the front of the patella, try raising your

Saddle position

Saddles or a bike seat can move in many directions, up, down, back and forward. Begin by using a level to ensure your saddle is parallel to the ground. Now set up the fore and aft positions. Have a friend use a plumb line (a nut tied to a piece of string works well) and stop your foot in the 3 o’clock position. Your friend should place the end of the string directly on the side of your knee and let the plumb line hang down to your foot. When properly set up, the plumb line should intersect with the ball of your foot.

Handlebars

To avoid neck, shoulder and hand pain, check the reach to the handlebars. A comfortable reach should keep hands wide enough so that the chest cavity is open and arms are straight with a slight bend in the elbow. You shouldn’t feel uncomfortably stretched out. If you are, swap to a shorter stem or one that is more upright. If you’re unsure of your position, take a video or photo of yourself riding to check that your upper body is relaxed.

Other bike fitting considerations

When you purchase a new bike, be sure to check the stand over height. You should have at least an inch between your body and the top tube.
Invest in the frame first and components second. Components can always be swapped out down the line, but you’re stuck with the bike’s frame size. Do your research first and be sure it’s the right one.
These guidelines aren’t hard and fast, as some people find that a tilted saddle or wide handlebars provide the perfect fit. Bicycle fit is dynamic, so periodically check your set-up for changes. If you’re having trouble with clipless pedals, experiencing pain or discomfort, it’s always best to seek out a professional for a proper bike fitting.

Bicycle Hill Climbing Tips

Most commutes have at least one. No matter how hard you try, they’re nearly impossible to avoid. Hills have the power to inflict pain on cyclists of all levels. Want to reduce your commute time and learn to embrace the discomfort of bicycle hill climbing? Read on.

Remember to breathe. It’s a natural reaction to hold your breath or to breathe

shallowly when you’re in a stressful or physically challenging situation. But your body needs all the oxygen it can get to power up a climb. Practice filling your belly with air and taking long, deep breaths instead of short, shallow ones. Keep your hands at a wide stance on the handlebars in order to open up the chest.

Get in gear. Unless you’re commuting on a fixie or singlespeed, you should have gearing options to help ease the uphill grind. Consider a triple crankset if you live in a hilly area and check with your local bike shop to be sure your gearing is low enough to tackle the terrain.

Take a seat. It’s easier to sustain a lower heart rate when you’re hill climbing in a seated position. While standing increases the power you’re able to generate, it does so at the cost of an elevated heart rate, which can mean a more painful climb, and expending more energy. Stand when you must, but otherwise stay seated and slide all the way back on your saddle. This position recruits the large and powerful gluteal muscles. Staying seated also allows you to save energy by recruiting your core muscles. To engage your core, resist the urge to sit upright during a climb. Instead lean forward, bending your elbows slightly while keeping a flat back.  This lowers your center of gravity and gives your primary leg muscles a break.

Spin it. Many riders fall into the trap of spinning too low a gear, which quickly fatigues the legs and strains the knees. Instead, try to maintain a cadence of at least 85rpm. As you approach a hill, gradually shift down and work on maintaining a smooth, high cadence. If you drop into your lowest gear too early, you’ll risk spinning out and losing momentum. As you concentrate on cadence, keep taking deep breaths and focus on maintaining this rhythm as you climb.

Give yourself an advantage. It’s difficult for commuter bikes to reduce the weight of their bikes, which can be a big benefit on hills. But you can make small changes like using thinner tires or switching out knobbies for slicks if you’re primarily riding on pavement. Be sure to check your tires before every ride and keep them pumped up to the recommended PSI. And every rider can benefit from the power of mind over matter. Reinforce positive thoughts and visualize yourself pedaling confidently to the top.

Dogs and Bikes | Bicycle Safety

Every time I pedal up the hill near my house, he’s there. Yapping and jumping, his tiny legs run laps around the bike as I struggle to climb with my Maya Cycle bicycle trailer full of groceries. I call him Ninja Dog and even though we’ve met roughly 50 times, he still displays the same Mini Pinscher persistence that raises
my heart rate in an instant. Luckily, Ninja Dog backs down as soon as I raise my voice and ride away from his yard.
Sometimes dogs and bikes don’t mix and commuting by bike can be challenging with a barking beast chasing you down the road. Here are a few bicycle safety tips on how to deal with a dog you don’t know or one who’s acting aggressive?
Begin with a firm command. You want to sound authoritative. “Stop!” “No!” and “Bad dog!” may be enough. I’ve also yelled, “get off the couch!” with some success. Some cyclists swear that just the opposite works as they coax the pooch in a soft voice. “Good dog.”
Know the dog’s MO. Most dogs put up a fight because they are either protecting their territory or see you as a giant squirrel that they can chase.  This is where some attitude helps. Make eye contact with the dog, prove that you’re not prey and safely move out of his territory. Also, try to ride through Fido’s lair at the same time as a passing car, when the pooch is less likely to chase.
Cue your sprinting legs. If the dog looks excited or like he’s just playing with you, stand up and sprint away from him as best you can. But if he has a look of aggression, cautiously sprint away until you have cleared his invisible territory. You can also try to throw the dog off by varying your speed. Approach him slowly and then suddenly sprint away.
Hit him between the eyes.  With water, that is. A sudden squirt from a water bottle will likely scare and surprise your attacker. I’ve had great luck with this one and it usually ends the confrontation immediately.
Watch your behind. Dogs like to approach from the rear and some dogs will start chasing after you have passed them.  If Fluffy tries to run beside you, guard your front wheel to keep from crashing if he runs in front of it. Scan for traffic and then veer into the road as you sprint away.
Protect yourself. If the animal is still aggressive, dismount and place your bike between your body and the dog. You can also carry a specific spray that repels dogs. If you are bitten, stay on the scene and call the police immediately.  You also have the right to report a dog that continually harasses you.