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Camping food: No-cook Trail Brownies

On a recent trip, Brian T., appeared with the following “Trail Brownies” recipe. On that trip, the brownies made their appearance in the form of my birthday cake with a match as a candle.

No-cook Trail Brownies
Serves 4 – 8

In a quart freezer bag put:
1 package graham crackers, reduced to crumbs.
1/4 cup broken pecans (toast them first for best results) (optional)
2 Tbsp powered sugar.

In another bag put:
3 oz (about 3/4 cup) chocolate chips and
3 Tbsp powered milk

In camp: Add 1/4 cup water to the chocolate. Bring a pot of water to boil and dip the bag to melt the chocolate (the higher-quality the chocolate, the better it melts and the better it tastes). When melted, add the graham cracker crumbs and knead to mix thoroughly. How you eat it is up to you. You can let it cool and break it into chunks.

Tips: Use mini morsels, which tend to melt faster than regular chocolate chips and take up less space in your food bag. Use about 3/4 of a cup of “minis” because more mini morsels fit into a cup than bigger chips. If you add too much chocolate it tends not to harden completely.

Best,
Robert

————

Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

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From sleet to the heat and riding the Gekko fx.

Suddenly the heat is upon us.  It’s supposed to reach 72 deg. F today (22 deg C).  Already.  A week ago I was still riding and hiking with wool tights.  If I ever create a universe, it will progress slowly through spring, delaying the onset of heat and humidity, which, when it’s inevitable, will be limited to just a few hours in the middle of the nights in July and Aug.  Otherwise, it’ll be 50s and 60s and sunny with flowers blooming.  In fact, in my universe there’ll be essentially no summer, just spring, fall and winter.  The heat is more limiting than the cold, in my humble universe-creating opinion.

This weekend I’m giving a presentation about Green Getaways in my role as a bike leader with the Appalachian Mountain Club.  This has been a good chance to set down my thoughts and experiences as a cyclist in a single, tight format.  I’ve forgotten how much work is required when you (I) write.

Recumbent bikes…  At times (today) I really feel they are a different animal from standard frame bikes.  At least they are for me.  At least that’s how I feel today.  My beater bent (Rans Rocket) aside, which I might ride anywhere to keep my legs in shape and because that seat is so comfortable, there’s nothing like taking out the Grasshopper for a long ride.  For me, it’s the long ride where bents come into their own.  In the city, the standard frame is simply so easy and practical (and cheap and easy to lock): there are times when you simply need to do a track stand, or turn at nearly right angles, when you just want to lock it up and not think about whether some young thug will slice up the seat, when you’re feeling introverted (who me?) and don’t want everyone saying “cool bike” when you go by, when you simply want to stand on the pedals and hammer.

But there are also times when you simply want to sit back and ride for hours and hours.  And that’s the bent’s job.  I actually feel cramped when I take it out for a short training ride in the park as opposed to the day-long trip.  Wrong tool for the job.

Also, kind of amusingly, I’ve been riding the trikes more than usual.  Mostly this is because of the new Gekko fx from HP Velotechnik; I’ve wanted to spend time getting to know it, and it’s simply so much fun to ride.  I say “amusingly” because I don’t see myself as a trike rider, per se.  I think of myself more as a two-wheeled guy, but I have to say, I really love the stability of the tadpole format and the way it rides like a go-cart.  When I was a pre-teen I very much wanted a go-cart.  Now I have one, or a few, that I can borrow from NYCRS.  It makes me want to put together a trike race here in NYC.  (Come on, I know you’re out there; I promise to let you have the lead for the first lap.)

I think what I’ve enjoyed most about the trikes is using them as mountain bikes.  They’re simply so incredibly stable.  You slip and slide around but you never feel like you’re going to go head over heels or have the wheels slide out from under you.  The only downside has been on steep stuff where you can’t shift your weight to manage how the wheels dig into the dirt.  Well…the other downside is you can’t really do single track in an environmentally sensitive way; either you don’t fit or you broaden the trail.

I’m finding the trike format easy to get attached to, though.  I can see why they’re popular with the rail-trail, bike path and country road riders.  Oh, and yes there’re the G-forces that you feel on the trike.  Nothin’ quite like G-forces.

Have a great day, riders.  Looks like summer is here.

Best,
Robert
————
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

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No, I haven’t disappeared. I’ve been walking.

One of the many magnificent views in the Taconics. Robert in blue hat. Photo by David Thornquist. Copyr. 2011.
Spring is here, and today we’re having our first truly beautiful day.  The cherry trees in front of the Brooklyn Museum of Art are in full bloom; and the magnolias are in full flight in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

Last weekend I was backpacking in the Taconics, the same region where I did three weekend-long bike tours last year.  The Appalachian Trail runs through this area, which includes portions of New York State, Massachusetts and Connecticut.  We were often walking from one state to another.  Interesting to see the same views, but from the tops of the mountains this time, instead of the where the roads lie — the valleys and the facing ridge to the west.  I’m getting to know the area pretty well.  As soon as I find some good overnight locations, I’ll organize a tour through there for friends and customers, maybe just one night-long to start.  If this sounds good to you, write me so I can gauge interest.

left to right: Nora, Lewis, Robert (Me), Maria, Michael
Photo by David Thornquist Copyr. 2011.
Everywhere we walked there was still a good deal of snow.  Not a lot of flowers (none).  The first night we camped on a ski mountain, with snow all around us in the groomed areas.  I used crampons-lite to hike up to the campsite.  As for the high points and peaks on the trail, just a few days earlier we would have needed traction devices, if not crampons, but there was enough clear rock that we made it with boots.  The nice thing about early spring hiking is that you get views that’ll later be blocked once the leaves appear.  Of course, you also get rain and the possibilities of snow showers. (By the way, the roads were clear.)

This Sat. is the first “spring” Grant’s Tomb ride.  Recumbent riders have been hiding this winter.  And now, I wonder if everyone is feeling too weak to ride.  Haven’t received a single RSVP.  Last year, we rode all winter long.  I’ve missed that this year.

I have a case of Caldera Cone Keg-F’s to get rid of.  $60 each.  These are cool little one-person cooking systems consisting of a pot made from a Foster’s can and an alcohol stove (or esbit, your choice).  They weigh almost nothing.  Perfect for bike camping and hiking.  (I have a two new Gekko fx’s to get rid of too.  Call me.)

Time to ride.  Where is everybody?  Hiking?!

Best,
Robert
————
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

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In case of accident…important information

Recumbent bikes are the ultimate long haul bike.  So comfortable, it barely matters how long you’re in the saddle.  For some of us, that means “yearnin’ for the open road.”  Even if it’s just for a weekend, for me, there’s simply nothing quite like living by bicycle for a while.

However, some trips are less than all roses.  Predictable challenges come in the way of steep hills, bad weather, rough roads, motor vehicles, and getting lost — all part of a good day’s riding.  However, there are also unpredictable challenges, the worst of which are illness and injury.  Drinking bad water or hitting the pavement can mark the end of a — up till then — great trip.
There are good habits a cyclist can adopt to avoid accidents.  New York Cycle Club recommends all riders read Bicycle Safe for advice on avoiding accidents with oil-powered vehicles.  There is no question; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
God forbid you’re in an accident, but I can’t think of any cyclists who haven’t hit the pavement at least once.  On trips, I try to live by the rule “prepare for the worst” so the worst doesn’t happen.  I also believe that thoughtful preparation helps us avoid accidents because it heightens our awareness to common dangers.  If only preparation could be prevention.  Most cyclists are protected by little other than skin, thin fabric, a helmet, and, if you’ve planned ahead, a few pieces of cycling armor.  Soft body, hard road; a bike accident is going to hurt.  (On long trips, besides a helmet, I wear padded shorts and elbow guards since these are common contact points in a recumbent fall.  Mine are from Six Six One and there are a few other manufacturers of bicycling body armor.)
Before I go any further, I will say that a responsible cyclist should obtain Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training.  This two-day class is offered by a few different schools.  Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO) teaches the class in multiple locations several times a year.  A trip leader could benefit from Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training, also available from SOLO.  This course generally involves 70 – 80 hours of class work.
If you can’t wait for the next class from SOLO, look into the day-long class in basic first aid and CPR/AED offered by the American Red Cross.  You’ll learn principals like checking for scene safety, wearing gloves to protect yourself from the victim’s body substances, using direct pressure to stop bleeding, recognizing the onset of a heart attack, and other basic skills.  Although there’s a big difference between getting hurt in the office and getting hurt on the road, it would be a mistake to dismiss this training.  If all you learn is to wear gloves before touching an injured friend, it may not save your friend’s life, but it might save yours.
The information here is intended to help you prepare for a severe accident as a result of which, due to reduced consciousness, you are unable to provide vital information that would assist with your medical care.  These recommendations are based on information that Wilderness First Responders are trained to gather when they first make contact with a victim.
Some training, racing and touring organizations gather an emergency contact’s name and phone number and not much more.  I’d be concerned that it expects too much of a spouse, friend, mother, etc….that they will a) be available during the critical hours after an accident, b) be able to provide complete and correct information, and c) know what medications you take, your drug allergies and your medical history.
Before your next trip, record your vital medical information in a permanent, non-electronic form that you can carry with you.  Accidents are tough on things and are more likely to occur in wet weather than dry, so make sure the material is strong and waterproof.  I suggest using a Sharpie pen on Tyvek or strong tape.  Personally, since I’m fortunate to have a short medical history, I write my information on removable tape and attach it to the main tube of my bike.  There’s no guarantee a rescuer will see it there, I realize, but it’s better than doing nothing.  If you have serious and chronic conditions, like drug allergies or diabetes, this information should be on a wrist or ankle in the form of a bracelet or tattoo.  You might also consider writing medical information in your helmet, though there isn’t room to write very much.
If you want to keep your information private, write it on Tyvek, fold it, and tape it to your bike.  Clearly label it as medical information so it isn’t easily overlooked.
The following information will be highly useful to first responders.
Name, age, sex (Don’t assume it’s obvious.)
Allergies (especially drug allergies and those that can cause anaphylaxis like bee stings, peanuts, etc.)
Medications you take, including all over the counter, herbal remedies, health supplements, prescriptions and restricted substances.  Natural remedies and dope are considered medications for this purpose.  Include when you had your last dose and information about what happens if you do not take your meds.  On long trips, write down doses in a log book to make it easier to keep track.
Past medical history.  Be complete, be honest.  Include all serious injuries, surgeries and psychiatric conditions as well as chronic conditions.  It may be a good idea to include significant emotional conditions if you know they could interfere with care.  If you’re alert, medical providers will want to know your prior history as it relates to the specific injury or illness.  However, if we are making advance preparations in case of an accident, we need to cover all bases as we won’t know how or where we might get hurt.  This may require a bit of work the first time, but if done properly and in enduring form, it only needs to be done once.  After that, just update the list.
Last oral intake.  On a multi-day trip, I keep a simple log book with the date and time of significant meals, what I ate, and the itinerary and mileage for the day.  I don’t agonize over it to the point it ruins the trip.  The point here is that a little information is better than none.  From the perspective of providing medical care, it will be helpful to know if it’s been 24 hours since a patient ate, or only an hour, and whether it was an energy bar and water or a Big Mac and shake.  A side benefit of a food log is that it may help you see how nutritional intake affects performance.
Emergency contact name and phone.  There’s a reason I list this last.  For cynical reasons — identifying a dead body or inquiring if a victim has insurance — yes, this is important.  But for emergency care of a living patient, this decreases in importance if you provide the other information on this list.  It’s more urgent for ER doctors to know if you have drug allergies than the name and number of your spouse.
On long trips, I keep an itinerary or log (paper-based).  This should include point of departure, way points and planned finish.  This isn’t to prevent spur of the moment changes in plan, a.k.a., “fun”.  It provides a basic framework so rescuers know what you’re up to.  It will be helpful to know if you’re traveling ultra-light 500 miles from home, or just out for a day ride in the hills.  For multi-day trips, worthwhile information would include waypoints, mileage, anything notable that happens, nutritional intake, when you take meds, injuries, illnesses, and mechanical problems.  As a bonus, at the end of the trip, this will be a nice little trip diary.  “5am woke up.  Cold.  Lips chapped.  BK: oatmeal w/ protein powder, hot choc.  Tightened seat bolts.  Got water.  I’m out.  Plattsburgh tonight — apx. 75 miles.”
Please feel free to write if you have questions about any of this or believe I’ve missed something.
Best,
Robert
————
Robert Matson
copyright 2011 Robert Matson
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Loaded Tours Ready to Ride (LTRR)

A friend just sent me a nice link with a list plus details for off-road bike tours.  The list is missing New York’s Erie Canal Tow Path, but otherwise it looks like a very nice bunch of rides.  For us New Yorkers, the relatively nearby Great Allegheny Trail sounds fantastic.  I know the Alleghany Mountains a little bit, having spent six days backpacking through them, and can attest to the area’s beauty and generally good weather.  Best of all, for recumbent riders, many of these rides are on rail trails or canal tow paths, so you may expect some fairly flat riding.

Bicycle Tours On Car Free Paths
http://www.bicycletouringoncarfreepaths.org/Bicycletouringoncarfreepaths/Welcome.html

So…what are you waiting for?  Spring?!  🙂

Best,
Robert
————
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2011 Robert Matson

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Recumbent Bike Winter Sale (but first this news)

News:

|| Hilarious article about New York City recumbent riding ||
|| in Recumbent Journal. ||
Recumbent Journal, Sunday January 9, 2011
“Big Apple Traffic, Cobbles Hobble Bentrification” by Chris Malloy
http://www.recumbentjournal.com/views/columns/item/287-big-apple-traffic-cobbles-hobble-bentrification.html

** Studded Winter Tires **
I’m trying to keep studded tires in stock through February.  That said, every Schwalbe dealer in the country is backordered.  I still have 26″ studdeds and 700c studdeds.  Get them while it’s cold.

__The_Third_Saturday_Grant’s_Tomb__bent rides are now joint rides with the Metro Area Recumbent Society and the Appalachian Mountain Club.  Cool, eh?  New York Cycle Club members will also soon be (officially) joining in.  I’m rather pleased about this because it broadens participation in the ride and welcomes the “bent curious” as well as the “simply bent.” 🙂  If you haven’t been out for the ride in a while, I hope to see you soon.  It’s a wonderfully pleasant training ride that is right outside our doors.

^^ Tours ^^
I plan to lead a week-long tour upstate this summer.  The route is beautiful with magnificent views (that’s bent rider speak for “expect hills”).  I’ll have more details in the spring, but I tell you now so, if you’re interested, you can start training…now.  Days will be 60 – 80 hilly miles.  I’d be interested in hearing from prospective participants as to whether they’d prefer to rough it with a fully-loaded tour or stay at hotels or B&Bs along the way.  Advantages to both.

(For indoor training, I recommend the 1-Up trainer:
http://www.1upusa.com/bike_trainer.html)

## Trikes ##
I still don’t know what to make of them for urban riding, but I’ll tell you, that new fast-folding Gecko from HP Velotechnik is really something else and it’s priced to move (but is still made in Germany).  If most your riding is on greenways or country roads, do not overlook them.

HP Velotechnik trike designs continue to be somewhat unique for many reasons, not least of which is that their trikes have a surprisingly high seat height compared to other brands.  The Scorpion fs, for example, is the same head height as a Corvette.

Everyone loves trikes on greenways and bike paths.  Do we have enough bike lanes in NYC now for trikes to feel safe on the roads?  Maybe soon.  At any rate, they outsell two-wheeled bents everywhere else in the country so I’ll be bringing them in as fast as people want them.

— Help Stop the Backlash against Cycling —
NYC’s boom in cycling has lead to some backlash from a very vocal minority.  Some of their complaints are justified (about cyclists violating road rules).  But some are dangerously wrong-headed and involve fabrications of fact (there’s a group saying the Prospect Park West (Brooklyn) bike lane makes the street more dangerous and they want it removed.  Truth: the accident and speed data shows it’s made the street dramatically safer).

Last week, the NYC Dept. of Transportation announced at the NY Cycle Club meeting that it is taking the politically necessary route of working with the police to enforce road rules for cyclists at the same time that they remain fully committed to building out hundreds of miles of bike lanes.

Please: Ride according to the road rules.  Join Transportation Alternatives (www.transalt.org).  And follow TA’s lead in taking action to preserve and improve the cycling boom in the city.  This is important for improving the quality of life for all city residents.

That’s all folks.  Have a great winter!

All best,
Robert

———-
Robert Matson

Tel: (646) 233-1219
Hours: M-F, 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun. by appointment.

copyright 2011 Robert Matson
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Packing list – self-contained tour

Packing list for a self-contained tour.
(If you feel I’ve forgotten something that’s important to you, tell me about it.)
Clothes, Day / “Warm Wet”
Head:
Bike helmet
Sunglasses
Top:
Short sleeve base layer, merino wool (1) (spring, fall) or merino wool tank-top base layer (1) (summer, winter)
Long sleeve shirt, merino wool (1)
Vest, merino wool (shoulder season and winter)
Arm warmers (optional)
Sweater – windproof fleece
Elbow pads (fall protection)
Bottom:
Bike shorts/tights/undershorts (merino wool or synthetic) (1)
Bike overshorts/loose (wool or synth) (1)
Hands:
Thin high viz gloves for daily riding and as base layer for hands.
Gloves – windproof, warm when wet. (1)
Feet:
Socks – wool (1 pr.) (fall, winter, spring) (Thin wool in summer. Two pr. if long trip.)
Bike shoes (walkable) (1)
Rain/wind/cold:
Hat – windproof fleece or wool (1)
Shells – mittens, wind- and water-proof (1)
Socks – waterproof
Socks – wool/synth liner for waterproof socks
Rain coat/wind coat – breathable, light, high-viz, synthetic
Rain pants – breathable, ultra light (Dri Ducks)
Tights, long, merino wool, no fly (1)
Windproof pants or knickers if very cold.
Bugs
Deet (100% concentration, in small container)
Bug net/head net
Clothes In Camp: Evening/Morning
Warm coat with synthetic insulation (warm when wet)
Crocs or sneakers.
Travel towel (micro size)
Clothes at Night / “Dry or Die”
Balaklava – merino wool or synth
Possum fur gloves
Possum fur socks
Underwear (shorts) – base layer, Merino wool
Long underwear bottoms, Merino wool
Long underwear top, Merino wool
Down jacket (stored inside waterproof bag with down sleeping bag)
Shelter
Sleeping bag (stored inside waterproof bag inside stuff sack)
Vapor Barrier
Tent/Bivvy sack
Ground cover
Sleeping pad, full body length.
Pillow
Rope, 50′, strong, light (strong enough to support body weight).
Lightweight tarp to cover and hide bike.
Camp flashlight (helmet-mounted light)
Extra batteries for camp flashlight
Kitchen
Stove
Fuel
Lighter/flint and steel
Lightweight back-up stove (for long, remote trips)
Pot, for boiling water.
Cup, insulated with lid, for hot drinks
Spork
Plate/bowl, insulated with lid, for hot foods (or use a second insulated cup)
Knife or single-edged razor (one or the other)
Odor proof sacks
Food canister – bear and animal resistant (or Pacific Coast Trail – type bear bag)
Trash bag, odor proof
Personal Hygiene and Health
Hand sanitizer
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental floss
Castile Soap (use as shampoo and dish soap)
Chapstick
Sunscreen
Extra toilet paper (keep in a zip-top bag)
Any other personal items.
Off-Hours
Pen (Waterproof) / Drawing pen
Sketch book
Entertainment: meditation, yoga, stretching, prayer, what you like.
Bathing suit and goggles
Emergency
Cell phone in water-proof bag (w/ charger for long trip)
Emergency beacon
Extra batteries for emergency beacon
Whistle – audible in high traffic
First aid kit (and Wilderness First Aid training)
Set of emergency chemical hand/foot warmers
Razor – single-edged (see knife, listed under “Kitchen”)
Extra lights white and red, steady/blinky
Medical information: name, age, pre-existing conditions, list of medications (prescription and otherwise, including herbal supplements). Write with permanent marker on waterproof paper (like tyvek) and tape it to the top tube of your bike or other prominent location. Include emergency contact name and phone number.
Health and Hygiene for the Machine
Before leaving, check:
 – Headlight/Rearlight, dynamo.
 – ALL bolts on bike retightened, reapply thread grease, Loktite(tm) or beeswax
 – Pedals good, spin freely, clean, re-grease mounting threads
 – Chain clean, greased with all-weather lube
 – Check entire frame, fork, wheels, handlebars, etc. for cracks, fatigue and anything unusual.
 – Check wheels for alignment
 – Pannier hangers (tighten) and straps.
 – Gear shifting: limits and indexing.
Tools:
 – Multi tool w/ chain tool
 – Tire irons (good ones that won’t break)
 – Crescent wrench, small
 – Complete patch kit, full, w/ new glue, w/ valve patch.
 – Pump
 – Presta to Schrader adapter
Duct tape
Chain link (SRAM Powerlink(tm)-type, but compatible)
Zip ties (2)
Heavy chain oil/lube (.2 oz bottle) (longer trips)
Spare brake cable (for longer trips)
Spare gear cable (for longer trips)
Rags (to clean greasy hands)
Baby wipes (to clean greasy hands)
Wheel repairs:
 – Extra tubes (2) for front and rear
 – Extra tires (2) front and rear, light, foldable bead
 – Spare spoke, cut to size (1 for the front, 2 for each side of the rear wheel) (especially for longer trips)
 – Note: for touring wheels and tires, you can minimize trouble by using a heavy-duty, touring-quality wheel set with “puncture proof” tires like Schwalbe Marathon Plus rather than mount “fast” tires on a lightweight wheel set and have to carry numerous spares.
Batteries (Energizer ultra lithium) – One set of batteries for each electronic device for each period of battery life.  For essential devices like lights, navigation or medical devices, take an extra set.  Add it up like this: if your light runs for 10 hours on a set of batteries and you predict you’ll hit 20 hours of darkness during your trip, take three sets: one to load the device at the start, a second to predictably refill the device at hour 11, and a third in case of reasonably possible night-time mishaps such as a flat tire, losing the route, or navigating rough or busy roads.
Gear on the Bike
Panniers: 2 under seat, 2 rear (and rack top bag if longer trip)
Pitlocks: locking front and rear wheel, fork/Ahead, seat
Bike Lock, folding (Abus) or other good security plan.
Mirrors: left and right
Speedometer/Odometer
Maps. List: ________________, ________________, ________________, ________________
Map case – clear, waterproof
Compass
Cue sheets

Holder for route/cue sheets
Maps and cue sheets prepared as necessary (pre-folded, marked, trimmed, etc.)

GPS in waterproof case (w/ backup battery)
Mace for dogs/bears/people
Bungee cord (for securing bike on the train and securing stuff to the bike rack)
“Bungee netting” (long trips)
Other
Wallet in form of heavy-duty zip-top bag
Cash ($100/week)
Credit cards
Identification
Reading glasses
Train tickets
Bike permit for train
Camera w/ extra batteries and memory
Food/Water (on the road)
Water bottles (2 bottles of 1 liter capacity): 1 for nutritional drink, a 2nd for vinegar/water anti-dog mix.)
Water Reservoir (2 liters) in seatback bag or daypack.
Nutritional energy drink:
Ratios, in terms of “serving sizes”: 2s Gary Null’s Greens and Grains : 2+s Carbo Now : 1/2s Gatorade : 1s Hemp protein : 1s sea salt (in water base).
Scroggin/Gorp:
 – Peanuts, salted roasted
 – Walnuts
 – Seeds: pumpkin, sunflower
 – Ginger, candied
 – Goji berries
 – cocao beans, raw
 – dates, prunes, raisins
 – raw chocolate chunks, carob and greens chunks, vanilla and almond chunks
Lunch (1 per day)
 Example:
 – Scottish oat crackers
 – Sardines
 – Dried fruit
 – Dessert – low sugar, high fat
Food (in camp)
Dinner (1 per day)
 Example:
 – Kamut flakes with dried vegetable soup mix, soup bullion, hemp protein, Gary Null’s (“GN”) Green Stuff, sea salt and olive oil/coconut oil.
 – Dried fruit
 – Dessert with mostly high count of healthy fat calories.
 – Steak and eggs or hamburger
 – Freeze-dried food
Breakfast (1 per day)
 Example:
 – Chia seeds, pre-mixed for pudding. With GN red stuff, cinnamon, sea salt, goji berries, dried coconut.
 – Gary Null’s muscle or Spiru-tein protein drink
 – Coffee w/ powdered goats milk or hot chocolate and agave nectar
 – Dried fruit
 – Granola/Muesli with GN red stuff.  Pre-mixed with powdered goat’s milk and/or GN muscle.
One extra day of food (1 per trip or 1 per week)
 – lightweight and small sized, high calorie, nutritionally dense meals, e.g., protein drink mix, beef jerky, dry soup mix.
What I don’t take that others might, and the reason.
Arm warmers.  If merino wool, okay. Otherwise too itchy and not warm enough given their bulk and weight compared to a thin merino wool shirt. Synthetic arm warmers don’t keep me warm.
Leg warmers.  Same as above.
Chamois Butter.  I’ve never needed it on a recumbent, but I use good low-friction bike shorts/tights.
Book/E-reader.  Heavy and I’d rather draw than read if there’s any daylight.
Bike gloves.  They don’t help me on a bent.  They’re not warming, or cooling.  Not as useful as basic high-viz “cop gloves.”
Alcohol and mind-altering substances.  Causes dehydration and recklessness.  The dehydration can hurt you.  The recklessness can kill you.  Neither will help you get where you want to ride.
I-pod.  Who needs music when you have the wind?
And I don’t take a tiny amount of very light gear for the reason that I wish to be able to handle most typical incidents that may reasonably occur. Perhaps, someday, that will change.
Best,
Robert
————
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2010 Robert Matson
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Special Adventure Cycling regional gathering in Manhattan, Thu. 10/22/09. 6:30pm.

Adventure Cycling Special Meeting in Manhattan

I rec’d this note from Adventure Cycling. I helped in a small way to make this happen by hooking them up with Bike NY for a meeting space. Should be interesting to hear about updates to the national bike route system. 

 ——————— Announcement follows: ———————

We’d like to invite you to a special Adventure Cycling regional gathering in Manhattan on Thursday, October 22 from 6:30-8:00 pm.

Our Executive Director, Jim Sayer, will be in town and will be sharing the latest news on bicycle travel and adventures in North America (and perhaps beyond!). He’ll be looking to the year ahead, with new routes, trips, and policy and outreach initiatives to improve bicycling and bike travel in the U.S. There will also be time for you to share your thoughts, ideas and stories. Refreshments will be provided.

Join us at the historic HI-AYH building on the Upper West Side (also headquarters to Bike New York). It is located at 891 Amsterdam Avenue (at West 103rd Street). The subway is nearby on the #1 train at 103rd Street.

For more information, go here: http://www.bikenewyork.org/about/contact.html

Please RSVP by October 19th by responding to this email or calling me, Beth Petersen, at 800-755-2453 x 211. We also encourage you to invite friends or family. We are looking for a few volunteers to help with the event by picking up some snacks and beverages, and prepping the gathering location.

Please contact me at bpetersen@adventurecycling.org or 800-755-2453 ext. 211 if you are interested.

Thanks and hope to see you there.

Happy autumn,
Beth Petersen
Adventure Cycling Association
800-755-2453 x 211
Inspiring people to travel by bicycle for fitness, fun and self discovery.

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Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2009 Robert Matson