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Bicycling & Alternative Transportation Collection.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Advocacy & Safety Today - Explored

A Journey By Bicycle & Lessons Learned

My Story of one Experience after a momentary lapse of concentration that nearly resulted in a much worst circumstance. That otherwise would of occurred, had I not done all I could after the fact to save what ever may also occur. It is true that no matter what you do, there is still a chance the result can be devastating. Though in preparing, and keeping in mind that Vehicular Cycling, is in itself multi-pronged, often reliant on the previous to the current, each flowing into the other. In Cycling there is more then one thing reliant on another. It is a system, similar to any other system with multiple levels. To put it simply consider that a house is built on a solid foundation, but it is still not a house until you add the walls the doors and windows. Each piece becoming part of the whole. Like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle each offering it's bit to the overall picture.

Like the jigsaw the fact that it takes a piece by piece process, of keeping each part of the process in order. So in even more basic terms, forgive me if this is faltering it is about One Am in the morning here and wanted to get this out there for anyone who is interested in becoming more aware of the what "The Journey By Bicycle" entails. For now I will just say, this topic will require further explanation and to find that you should check out either of the two areas below:

  1. iCommute By Human Powered Vehicle
  2. iDiscuss Biking in the Forums to share your view.

Take the few minutes it requires to register and offer your thoughts. More is coming soon.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Governor Of California formerly Known As Terminator Signs Bill without Budget.

SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has decided to make an exception to his pledge that he would veto or avoid signing bills before lawmakers reach agreement on a state budget.
From KSBW TwitterFeed

Although this is a blog for bicycling I figured I would share something I was just made aware of today, that even without a budget the Governor of California signed a bill. Maybe not that exciting but it is what the bill is in reference to that relates to Bicycling or at the very least Alternative Transportation. This bill is the first step in putting the first leg down of a 700 mile transit system that would link Californias major cities at speeds in excess of 199 mph. A high speed rail system designed to decrease the cars on the road. That in itself can be a very important part of the entire process don't you think? As those who bicycle regularly can say, that less cars means a better experience when cycle commuting. In commuting by Human Powered Vehicle, to get from point A to point Z.

Though on the other hand, if more are using a high speed train system would that mean less would ride a bike or more in line with what usually occurs according to the many bicycle commuters who play an active role in BikeForums who often speak of using a combination of Public Transit and there own Human Powered System can get anywhere they need to go without the cost of driving a car. In that sense an improvement on the Public Transit system can be a great addition to the repertoire of using Alternative Transport to travel point to point while saving the environment.

What are some of your thoughts, how do you feel about that and your own views on improvements of Public Transit to increase usage of Alternative Transportation?

Share Your Views @:
I look forward to hearing your comments and views on this matter.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

New Video up @ Youtube Check it Out

biking.hok-international.net



Additional
Updates can be found:

And more is coming soon to a place near you.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Cycling in the City - What an Experience

To venture a view on the reality of the challenges of the individual growth of persons, cyclist who travel on the highways and byways, even those who just make it a point to cycle commute, this is often the challenge to overcome the article down below should shed some light on it.

Cycling in the City - It can be Done!

What do you think? Offer your responses in either:

forums.hok-international.net or in the comments below.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

The Bicycle Tourers Diet - An Introduction

This morning as I was messing with my brother about a tour we should take, first to test out google maps new walking directions and second to get him some experience in bicycle touring the conversation took a turn in wondering what to eat, when you are on a bicycle tour and on a very tight budget, for the protein. As a result of to many years of that being presented as the only solution to workouts to get the most of it. Though all that promotion never did explore the alternatives to eating meat, such as vegetables, or any product or item, that is both light weight and provides the protein without having to carry meat bought from the store for it's tendency to defrost and spoil when sitting in panniers for a long distance.

On that point I offered some examples, of ways to save money on the tour, by checking your pantry and the nutrition information on some of the lighter products and easiest to prepare. Items such as Ramen Noodle Soup, powdered milk, tuna in the small can to cut down on weight, and something as simple as bread. The common theme being non-perishable goods with the lower prices, and easy to carry or compact as needed.

Let us go back for a moment, the examples I offer here are simply, items that can be used and carried and offer the needed vitamins and minerals that are likely to burn while riding. Initially the time frame is about a couple days to at the most a week of bicycle touring with an emphasis on weight and ease of preparation.

Proteins

Many people
believe that there is great danger of not getting enough protein.
Actually, protein shortage is pretty rare, and the human body needs
only a small amount; the USDA says we need only 50 grams per day.
Excess protein is not stored but is turned into fat, the process
creating a strain on the liver and kidneys. Protein is found not only
in red meat, chicken, fish, milk, and eggs, but also in legumes, nuts,
seeds, grains, and some green vegetables. Strict vegetarians do need to
plan their diets, as most non-animal sources have reduced amounts of
some of the essential amino acids and must be combined with
complimentary protein sources. An excellent source of information for
that purpose is Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappé.
However, I will add briefly that many traditional complimentary
combinations occur around the world, such as peanut butter and bread
(USA), bread and cheese (Italy and France), beans and corn (Mexico),
lentils and rice (India), rice and beans (Caribbean), and soy with rice
(China).

kenkifer.com



Following that line of thought I put together a list of lightweight, and cost effective options for those needs of protein when on a bike tour.
  • Powdered Milk: 8g per 1/3 cup.
  • Top Ramen: 10g / pkg
  • White Tuna: 14g / 4
  • Oatmeal: 10g / 2 servings
  • Raisin Bran: 8g / Bowl
  • Old Fashioned Peanut Butter: 8g / tsp
  • Jif Peanut Butter: 7g / 2 Tbsp
The amazing thing is, though it has long been promoted that we as the public at large should eat meat it is not wholly necessary, there are alternative sources of protein that is better for you besides the waste that one piece of beef costs with a ration 1:8

Amazing how easily you can end up on a tangent don't you think? The idea behind this article was simply to prove that alternatives to meat, that may spoil on a bike tour, could be complemented with other types that are easy to carry and do well for being in the heat all day. Now unless you have insulated panniers and they can stay cold all day, it appears we have reached an impasse. On a bike tour you consider so many other things weight becomes an issue, or at least space efficency, on a tour, you do not need to eat to heavily, and it is perhaps better you do not as it makes sense to grow from there.

More Coming Soon ...