Power storage: Christmas?

Just eyeballing this product

$18.99 with free shipping (Amazon click)

• 1.Dual USB Power Bank 4x 18650 Battery Charger Box for smartphone pc laptop ipad
• 2.Take a power bank with you, no worry about mobile phone / mp3 / tablet run out of energy anymore. It is powered by 4 pieces rechargeable 18650 batteries, that you can change battery or charge from PC, laptop,wall charger and car charger when they run out of energy.
• 3.Every time if you use new batteries for this power bank, please charge it first. This is for activating the electric circuit. No charging time is requested, just charge a second and let it feel the electricity. If you don't want to charge it, you can also change one or two new batteries, but not all the 4 batteries a time.
• 4.it works for resistance decode mobile phone, MP3, MP4, only when it is with a resistance decoded charging cable. (The attached cable is not resistance decoded
• 5.Make sure the batteries' positive and negative directions are right . Please use chargers which are below 5V/1A to charge the power bank. Because larger current deducts the battery and component life.

Here is the scaled down version which is not a bad option because you can buy two of them for near the same price as the first option.

$9.99 free shipping (Amazon click)

• 1.USB Power Bank 3x 18650 Battery Charger Box W/ LED Light For Cell Phone iPod MP3
• 2.Take a power bank with you, no worry about mobile phone / mp3 / tablet run out of energy anymore. It is powered by 3 pieces rechargeable 18650 batteries, that you can change battery or charge from PC, laptop,wall charger and car charger when they run out of energy.
• 3.Every time if you use new batteries for this power bank, please charge it first. This is for activating the electric circuit. No charging time is requested, just charge a second and let it feel the electricity. If you don't want to charge it, you can also change one or two new batteries, but not all the 3 batteries a time.
• 4.t works for resistance decode mobile phone, MP3, MP4, only when it is with a resistance decoded charging cable. (The attached cable is not resistance decoded.)
• 5.Make sure the batteries' positive and negative directions are right . Please use chargers which are below 5V/1A to charge the power bank. Because larger current deducts the battery and component life.

Presently I have the goal zero torch 250. I love the hand crank option on it and it has a solar panel. However I have never used it. The Torch 250 is only 4800 mAH. To give you a perspective I can charge my Kindle with about half of the power in the torch. Simple math right: that is 2400 mAH.

In comparison the TOMO has the capability of  20000 mAH and is smaller and lighter in weight. Now keep in mind this is not an Apple to Apple comparison. The torch has other features that the TOMO does not.

The TOMO advertises 10400 mAH. however, You can now do an upgrade to 5000 mAH batteries to increase your storage. 

$15.99 (click)

Now we are charging laptops right?

Now my favorite part of all. These are the batteries I use for my 5000 lumen head lamp that attaches to my bicycle. I love simplicity and I now do not have to carry my 18650 battery charger since the TOMO serves as one. 

If this is for Christmas then start ordering because shipping can take a long time.

The reviews look great on Amazon.

Power storage: Christmas?

Just eyeballing this product

$18.99 with free shipping (Amazon click)

• 1.Dual USB Power Bank 4x 18650 Battery Charger Box for smartphone pc laptop ipad
• 2.Take a power bank with you, no worry about mobile phone / mp3 / tablet run out of energy anymore. It is powered by 4 pieces rechargeable 18650 batteries, that you can change battery or charge from PC, laptop,wall charger and car charger when they run out of energy.
• 3.Every time if you use new batteries for this power bank, please charge it first. This is for activating the electric circuit. No charging time is requested, just charge a second and let it feel the electricity. If you don't want to charge it, you can also change one or two new batteries, but not all the 4 batteries a time.
• 4.it works for resistance decode mobile phone, MP3, MP4, only when it is with a resistance decoded charging cable. (The attached cable is not resistance decoded
• 5.Make sure the batteries' positive and negative directions are right . Please use chargers which are below 5V/1A to charge the power bank. Because larger current deducts the battery and component life.

Here is the scaled down version which is not a bad option because you can buy two of them for near the same price as the first option.

$9.99 free shipping (Amazon click)

• 1.USB Power Bank 3x 18650 Battery Charger Box W/ LED Light For Cell Phone iPod MP3
• 2.Take a power bank with you, no worry about mobile phone / mp3 / tablet run out of energy anymore. It is powered by 3 pieces rechargeable 18650 batteries, that you can change battery or charge from PC, laptop,wall charger and car charger when they run out of energy.
• 3.Every time if you use new batteries for this power bank, please charge it first. This is for activating the electric circuit. No charging time is requested, just charge a second and let it feel the electricity. If you don't want to charge it, you can also change one or two new batteries, but not all the 3 batteries a time.
• 4.t works for resistance decode mobile phone, MP3, MP4, only when it is with a resistance decoded charging cable. (The attached cable is not resistance decoded.)
• 5.Make sure the batteries' positive and negative directions are right . Please use chargers which are below 5V/1A to charge the power bank. Because larger current deducts the battery and component life.

Presently I have the goal zero torch 250. I love the hand crank option on it and it has a solar panel. However I have never used it. The Torch 250 is only 4800 mAH. To give you a perspective I can charge my Kindle with about half of the power in the torch. Simple math right: that is 2400 mAH.

In comparison the TOMO has the capability of  20000 mAH and is smaller and lighter in weight. Now keep in mind this is not an Apple to Apple comparison. The torch has other features that the TOMO does not.

The TOMO advertises 10400 mAH. however, You can now do an upgrade to 5000 mAH batteries to increase your storage. 

$15.99 (click)

Now we are charging laptops right. 

Now my favorite part of all. These are the batteries I use for my 5000 lumen head lamp that attaches to my bicycle. I love simplicity and I now do not have to carry my 18650 battery charger since the TOMO serves as one. 

If this is for Christmas then start ordering because shipping can take a long time.

The reviews look great on Amazon.

The Child in Us All

Every Time I am riding down a slope and I spot a small hill I get the urge to separate the earth from my tires. I am sure it stems from my childhood days building ramps with all the neighborhood kids. It was just the summer activity we did. Of coarse one-up-man-ship always lead us to the impossible ramp that only the most daring would even try.

Picture from: http://www.leftylimbo.com

 "Evil" Knievel was doing television stunts and neighborhood legends were made in every American town. We dreamed of flying and we built bicycles to accommodate the urge. It is sad to think that there will come a day when the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. With 50 + years behind me I sometimes feel like that boy flying through the air with full confidence of my landing and sometimes feeling the pains of 50 + my landing is not so sure. I know what it means when the spirit will not yield to age and wisdom keeps your wheels on the floor a little more. My prayers go out to Jeff and his family. May miracles be a great part of his journey. 

Jeffs Journey (Click)

Help Jeff (Click)

Outlaws Hideaway on Bicycle.

Front row left to right: Harry A. Longabaugh, alias the Sundance Kid, Ben Kilpatrick, alias the Tall Texan, Robert Leroy Parker, alias Butch Cassidy; Standing: Will Carver, alias News Carver, & Harvey Logan, alias Kid Curry; Fort Worth, Texas, 1900.

Before this picture was taken in their fully duded garb these roughnecks were rustling cattle and robbing the wealthy big takes of the American west. As a boy I remember pretending to be one or two of these old west folk outlaws. 

There is no doubt that the hollywood portrayals of these men had an influence on my outlaw infatuation.

Living in Utah, how could I pass up the opportunity to ride where they did, drink where they dipped their canteens and light a camp fire in some of these wonderful outlaw hide out territories. Perhaps cook some fish over an open fire and enjoy some amazing wilderness scenery. This trip however involved a whole different type of "Wild Bunch". 

Don't let the short distance fool you. A great deal of this nine mile loop is extremely technical. They call this area the boulders for a good reason. The trails are challenging and the area is full of wildlife.

 Blind Lake

Aspen Groves

Wild Flowers

Pear Lake

Camp Fires

Serious climbs and downhills make the scenery spectacular.

The fishing was great and cooked over the open fire they were delicious.

I couldn't resist riding my bike here. It left me some great video advantages on this trip.

The Video:

Wilderbiking

Bikehiking, Wilderbiking, Bikepaking or whatever you favorite label is it has been an amazing year so far out in the sticks breathing fresh air and drinking stream water. I am about to embark on a wilderness journey to an early American outlaw hideaway called The Boulders located in southern Utah. I hope my camera holds out and my batteries stay juiced for this trip so I can share the amazing beauty of this country. Until then I have put this together.

Empires are won and lost. Vast amounts of wealth and power are collected. In the end it is the simple things that make us happy.

Bikehiking: Wardsworth Creek Trail

     Bicycle touring on single track in the Utah wilderness is a must do adventure. Wardsworth Creek Trail is just at the end of the paved road of Hobble Creek canyon right fork. Saying right fork can be confusing sense originally it was called left fork. Some locals still call it left fork. When the canyons were named they were viewed from the opposite direction than you would think. Just turn right at the fork past the golf coarse. You know you are going the right direction if you are passing camp grounds instead of large human dwellings. The last official camp ground on that road is Basalm Campground were you would be just a few minutes more to the Wardsworth trail head.

Map

     The fishing is amazing. We were able to catch tree different species of trout and even sampled a few of them cooked over the campfire.

     The trail can be challenging so pack light and tight for better maneuverability and watch for hidden rocks in the grass next to the narrow trails. A trailer can be very difficult on this trail.

    It was perfect weather to bring up a scout group at the later part of a Friday. It is a short trail so we arrived at our destination early enough to get in some fishing and cook them over a campfire. Camping can be tight in this small canyon. We had to clear out some downfall to make a camp big enough to fit 9 of us. Very tight!

Video "Click" 

Hindsight:

* perfect situation for hammock camping

* make sure everyone has a helmet so you don't have to loan yours.

*bring sandals for camp

     

The Fount

The Fount (click for video)

The brilliant display of colors generosity on distant horizon’s plain

As beauty presents in unity awaiting fellowship of heaven and earthly terrain

Keep still listen and watch to stay the passage of time

And be in the very moment when song bursts out in rhyme 

For the day has come and gone but the fount shall flow again

The fount of every blessing that speaks to us within

The Fount (click)

Video: "When Robohorse met Ed" click

The Human Environmentalist

     I have never met a sole who was not an environmentalist. Everyone I have ever met in my life has a great appreciation for clean air and clean water. These are the shared commodities of life and the stewardship of every individual of the human family.

     Most of us do not consider ourselves as industrial polluters who are often involved in the task of responsibly disposing of toxins that can get in air and water supplies. However we must continually be involved in a better way. Sometimes a better way can be costly and inconvenient. We often take a road of thought that "this little bit will not matter" and soon the tiny bits of  "no matter" can add up to a great matter of concern. 

     I wright this not to point a finger but rather to remind us all to do better as our part. May the well earned beautiful mountain view of your ride not be an industrial haze.  And, may the river you cup water from be crystal clear and taste of the dew drop from a flowers petal. 

Good riding everyone!

Spanish Fork Mountain Bike Trail

     A small however well done trail. The trail head starts at the end of a row of twelve campsites. Campsite number twelve is right next to the trail head and has an excellent view of the human habitat of the City of Spanish Fork. The single track trail starts off with an up hill climb of some high bank switch backs making you think that you may have run the trail backwards. You could always turn around and run it back the other way. The trail is marked with post that could lead you to other excursions not on the trail but if you just stay on the middle track at any trail crossings you should be fine. The first one looks like this:

     Like I said just keep to the middle. After the switch backs you will take a more serious climb but don't worry because you need to earn the downhill that is coming. On the downhill portion there are two switch backs that you should be aware of. The first is fairly obvious and even has a small trail continuing on if you can't stop. No worries! There is an indicator for the next tricky switchback. If you see Escalates cross out of the left corner of your eye then start slowing down for the switchback. 

     The cross is to remind you to pray that you are going slow enough to make the switchback.You can see how far away it is from the first picture and it is blown up in the second picture. It stands out better in real sight. From there you can let it all out to a nice lookout tower hill and then down a gravel road that leads back to the campgrounds were you can climb back up the hill to the trail head. I ran the loop twice and I feel like I have the trail memorized. I think I will use this trail for some great after work rides and get some winter chunky monkey off of me. Even though the trail is short they did a good job on it. Happy riding!

Map (click)

Past the reservoir. Past the campsites. Your there!

Breath and Bike On (Allergies anyone?)

    

     Being a chronic asthmatic has been the plague of my life. I have tried many medical options to deal with this infirmity and I have to say that some work better than others and some I am not willing to do. For emergencies I have a home nebulizer that has brought me relief many times. However biking in the sticks can be tricky to find relief. A lot of people with this problem will carry an inhaler system which is a vaporized Albuterol that is easy to take out of your pocket and use. This is an easy and simple system to find relief.
     I am not saying that I am smart, in fact, I am saying that I never carry one. I rarely have a problem when I am biking. It is the stopping that kills me. And often I find that the inhaler doesn't work that well as I am winding down from a long days ride and setting up a place to camp. You never know when it can come but you defiantly feel the chest getting tighter and your lungs getting more musical.
     I am writing this not just for asthmatics but for all allergy sufferers. Here are my favorite tricks:

Mormon Tea (Ephedra)

     It is hard to throw a rock and not hit Mormon Tea in the state of Utah. It is however found throughout the western united States. Just grab some of it's spiny leaves as you ride by so you can boil up some breath easy tea for the wind down. I like to breath in the steam as I sip to relief. You will find your sinus symptoms will disappear as well. 

    There is a popular herbal remedy sold in herbal shops called Ma Huang which comes from China. It is often sold as a weight loss product. This plant is the sister plant to Mormon Tea and has the same effect. 

MaHuang (Ephedra)

     Position is important to help breath easy:

Tripod position

This position allows the greatest ease for breathing therefore giving the least amount of effort to help your attack subside. Does this position look familiar to you bikers?

What people need to know is that asthma isn't a minor 'wheeze-disease.' It kills over five thousand people in America every year, and I could've been one of them.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Keep Riding!

 
   

The Bicycle Touring Starter Kit

     Sometimes I am not very good at entrepreneurship. When I blog I should be selling this stuff on the web. In this case I am giving away free information. This is a blog "help me" for someone who is new and want's to try a bicycle tour. So let me put together a low price touring starter kit with advice attached.

     The "list" is something you will see as you google what to bring on a bicycle tour. Some people like the "less is better" philosophy, some like the "tour in style" philosophy, some like the "get some miles in" touring and some enjoy the "smell the roses as you go" touring. You can decide, change or mix it up however you like. You may already have a bicycle. This is good because any bike will do. You can make it work and later decide what you prefer. If you don't have a bike than let me move you in the right direction. A good all around touring bike has a bigger tire as apposed to a skinny racing tire. It will absorb the road better and can take you into places that skinny tires shouldn't go. Like, Gravel or dirt roads and trails. These are safer places to ride away from automobile traffic. I like the 26 inch tire because it is common and therefore easy to replace. I love a steel frame. It absorbs the road better than aluminum and it endures better than carbon. This is a step away from the light weight sales gimmick that has become the sales trend of bicycling. I agree that weight is important however this is not a backpacking trip and your axles will handle a little more weight at the price of comfort and durability. I would love to stop rambling on about bicycle choice so let me make this easy and inexpensive for the purpose of this blog. You see what I am describing is the early mountain bike before suspension systems. I have seen these at yard sales for $15 to $25. If they need some work there are lots of help videos on youtube to keep your cost down.

     Now that you are mobile you will need a way to carry your gear. If it is a trailer you want than you are just about there. Go back to that yard sale and buy the old kiddy puller, strip it down to a flatbed, load it and go. How simple is that?

     That is my friend Race and his simple solution to go on the Diamond Loop guided tour (click for the Diamond Loop Tour). 

     The flat bed solution will work great even on gravel roads, however, it will limit your trail riding abilities. So with that in mind I am going to suggest a rear rack with panniers. This will give you more versatility with trail riding and reduce the drag on uphills. 

     I really like a pannier that will detach from the rack easily, however, I will list these items for the reason of price, value and simplicity:

Rear rack with siding to keep pannier from getting into the spokes. (click)

Pannier durable and cost worthy. (click)

     If you checked out these Items then you know were we are on cost.

Recap:

Bicycle $25

Rack $26.50

Pannier $25.69

Total: $77.16 + shipping and handling or 2 days of work at McDonalds more or less. I don't know why I put everything on the McDonald standard.

Hear I have some old 1980's front panniers on my back rack. They secure really well for rougher trails and also detach easily for camping convenience.

     So far this has been fairly standard and easy as bicycle touring goes. However, there is more gear to talk about, for example, shelter. Shelter is everything that will protect you from the elements. This includes your clothing, tent and sleeping bag. For years I toured with only those items for shelter. Today I have a few more items including an extra tarp and blow up mattress (so nice). We will talk about the tent and sleeping bag for the sake of simplicity. If you were going on a world tour, you would have to be prepared for all types of harsh elements but in this case we are talking about a get your feet wet tour. So with that said I still think we have to go small. The more compact it is the easier it is to tote. Again sometimes you go with what you have and upgrade later. In the summer weather even your Power Ranger sleeping bag will do. There are so many sleeping bags out there that I wont list them. I have many of these for different weather conditions. I have a compact 20 degree rated bag that I use for almost everything, however it is a bit much for summer. Again I have spent some cold miserable nights in the Appalachian mountains because I was under prepared. I say go prepared. Your tent has to keep out wind and rain and your bag has to keep you warm. I recall climbing a summit at the end of the day and racing down the fast decline in a freezing cold rain. I had to stop. My limbs violently shaking out of control I managed to set up my tent, mattress and bag, and within minutes I was safe, warm and dry. I slept good that night knowing my gear would hold up and the pitter-patter of rain dancing across the protective canopy of my tent lured me to sleep. 

     Tent:

     If you do not have a tent then I will give some suggestions that may help. 

1. How well does it hold out the elements?

2. Does it pack small?

3. Does it set up easily? (I prefer free standing over the bivy)

     Food:

     When it comes to food nothing beats the professionals making it for you. My favorite is waking up, packing, and getting on the road for a few miles before that relaxing and rewarding breakfast at the local diner. I love to eavesdrop on the local gossip from the booth next to me (do not judge me). After all I have been on the road for a wile and have a craving for human conversation.  However much I enjoy that, it is not always available or affordable. So pack some food and pack light. As a rule I try to pack for 72 hours and try to keep that 72 hours packed as I go. I adopted this rule from a 72 hour bug out kit. I keep one in my car just as a safety preparation for many emergencies and sometimes spontaneous camping urges. 

     Some easy and affordable foods:

Breakfast: Flavored oatmeal packets. They are dehydrated and therefore keep for a long time. Also, you can buy them at almost any grocery store.

Lunch: I don't really eat lunch as I ride but I like to eat little snacks as I go. Pack um!

Dinner: My favorite dinner to pack in dehydrated chili. Again almost any grocery store has it and it packs light. 

If you have time to prepare I am trying something new (click)

     Nothing beats fresh food. Take advantage of stands and farmers markets. 

Important: Never be without water (click)

     You may have already come up with some great ideas for your tour. I hope so and I hope this has been helpful. If you have any good suggestions then send a comment. May your tours be an adventure and the wind be ever in your favor.