Fixing ABT through Haile

Alachua County patched the numerous cracks on ABT where it parallels Haile Blvd. It has been suggested that problems with the clay base caused the problem. Perhaps the warranty from Hipp on their paving was limited to 90 days?

Archer Road Connector Reaches ABT

The stretch of sidewalk passing in front of Kimble Wiles Elementary and Kanapaha Middle Schools is no more. As of Friday, August 12, the concrete gave way to dirt. Presumably the county plans to cover the dirt with asphalt but ran out of time before the first day of school.

The story offered while ABT (Archer Braid Trail) was being extended through Kanapaha Park alleged that the school system had denied its permission to allow the Archer Connector to join with ABT; almost two years later it happened. Ordinary citizens can't expect to understand the reasoning that made this 0.4 mile stretch untouchable in 2014 . . . or something. Nonetheless, regular users will appreciated it when completed.

Kanapaha Middle

Wiles Elementary

Get A Whey: Energy Made Locally

Anyone who tours by bike or takes part in demanding rides over long distances understands the need for convenient food that can be consumed along the way. Whether devouring or savoring the ubiquitous "energy bar", the consumption alone instantly boosts mood if not energy, but the fuel does get to where it is needed, assuring a few more productive miles. A touring rider usually has opportunities to stop at fast food and convenience joints, even where routes meander around traffic heavy places. Of course, there's also fast food America in all but the most isolated places. Irrespective, the energy demands are such that regularly adding carbs is a necessity.
 
I have relied on Lara Bars as my go-to fuel since discovering them in 2010 or 11. I've sampled and used others and have a box holding a large number of accumulated "energy bars." Friends and acquaintances often give me products and often they are wholly satisfactory. The accompanying image is a small sample.


When Get A Whey bars appeared at Haile's Farmers' Market I bought some to support the Gainesville maker of the product.


The bars are substantial at three ounces (eighty-five grams). Because they are whey based they have significant amounts of protein and you can make your own decision about how much of what kind of carbs is best or how many calories you want (260 for Banana and 250 for chocolate). Overall, Get A Whey compares favorably to most popular bars. If there is a questionable element it is sodium which reaches 220mg in the chocolate flavor. Non-scientific logic suggests that replacing sodium would be useful if you're sweating a lot.


Ultimately, what matters most is whether the things are edible and both banana and chocolate that I have tried are tasty. they might be too crumbly for some but that quality also makes them easy to use while moving and don't want or are unable to pay close attention; pretty much stuff, bite, chew, repeat. Additionally, their sweetness does not turn your fingers sticky. No one likes sticky handlebars.


At $3.50 they might seem pricey compared to national name-brand products (they pack almost 30 grams of carbs) but they're made locally and are competitive in quality, so I will make sure to have some aboard on my next multi-hour ride.
More information can be found on Get A Whey's facebook page or website and they can be purchased every Saturday at the Haile Village Farmers' Market.

When Inutitive Isn't

At my recent physical examination, courtesy of the Geriatric Section of Randall VA) I was advised to add supplemental calcium and Vitamin D to my diet. I checked the amount of each in the 50+ multiple vitamin I have taken for a few years. When I compared it to iconic One-a-Day'sÒ 65+ both were present in greater amounts. The cost appeared to be significantly less, also, and where vitamins are concerned cost is a primary consideration, but 150 tablets for slightly more than half the cost of 50 of the other brand seemed wrong.

When the name of a product is "One-a-Day" its dosage should be obvious, but when I checked my aged-eyes couldn't find a definitive statement to "take one tablet with meals" or something similar. After hanging some readers on my nose and looking more closely . . . The pictures show the proper dosage.

Usually, I'm not moved by the inequities of "ageism" but needing to put on reading glasses to find that the intuitive answer was the wrong answer took me aback. I say, "Large Print for Old Eyes!"

Gloves Matter

Call it Old School or throw-back, but I prefer crochet back cycling gloves with real leather palms. They are what I wore in the 80s and when I try more modern gloves I return to them. I usually have three to four pairs that I rotate conscientiously and seldom wear the same glove on successive days. High quality gloves last about a year before the typical signs of break-down become excessive; fraying, seams parting and crocheting unraveling.

I have mostly purchase Nashbar gloves because they are the least expensive (less than $12 and frequently on sale) and they have always held-up well. Planet Bike’s similar offering are generally twice as much or more; upward of $20 in some bike shops and $15 or more online. I have enough experience with both brands to recommend either. When I had an issue with a pair of Planet Bike’s, I returned them, with an explanation, and received a replacement: a reflection of their good customer service. I have never had a similar failure with Nashbar’s.

Nashbar Crochet Gloves

Planet Bike, Taurus, Crochet Leather Cycling Gloves

The third brand I wear regularly comes from Aero-Tech Designs. Unlike the other brands I have a very small sample. I bought a pair three years ago and until a few days ago that was my only pair. They had become ratty (at best) so, along with some other things I purchased a replacement pair through Amazon (less than $20). I was critical of the first pair of gloves because I thought the thumb hole was too large. In retrospect that was a pretty minor complaint because, now, years later, I prefer the fit of them over other brands. That I can still wear the original pair is pretty positive, too. Below are my new and the old Aero Techs.

ATD Cycling Gloves Natural Cotton Crochet Leather biking glove

Used

One thing you will see from the image is that I am not very concerned about the appearance of the gloves. Yes, I hand wash them occasionally and I hang them to dry, but I like the battered, road-weary look of them and don’t need a new pair if they get some bike crud on them. The old Aero Techs are beyond crud and will be retired.

One caution about these gloves  . . . you will have a waffle pattern of tanning on your hands if you ride a lot and it occasionally attracts enough attention for people to comment.

I always purchase size 9 and have never had a fit problem because they all stretch and shape themselves to my hands in a matter of a few rides.