This video originally appeared on Bikemag.com and was republished with permission.
The U.S. Forest Service, which manages 193 million acres of land and many of the country’s best mountain biking trails, became the latest federal agency to publicize its intentions to expand e-bike access last week. The proposed changes, announced in the Federal Register on Sept. 24, essentially pave the way for local jurisdictions to manage each trail individually in their travel plans, while more precisely defining the three e-bike classes and further distinguishing them from traditional mountain bikes—a possible gateway to permitting Class 1 e-bikes on non-motorized trails.
The debate over e-bike access on Forest Service trails has crackled for years, but up to now electric motors have remained prohibited on non-motorized routes. In April, a lawsuit filed in the Tahoe National Forest that claimed land managers had illegally permitted e-bikes on local trails was dismissed after the agency removed the inaccurate wording from its website. E-bike closure signs are common at Forest Service trailheads.
Still, it has always seemed possible that the agency would change its stance. The International Mountain Bicycling Association has long supported Class 1 e-bike (pedal-assist, non-throttle bikes governed at 20 miles per hour) access on trails as long as it doesn’t imperil current mountain bike access. Last August, an executive order from the Department of the Interior ordered all its agencies, including the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, to allow e-bikes where “other types of bicycles” are allowed. But the Forest Service, which is part of the Department of Agriculture, remained an outlier.
As part of the proposed changes, now the definition of a bicycle in the Forest Service Manual would read: “A pedal-driven, solely human-powered device, with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other.”
In explaining its rationale to change its stance on access, the Forest Service’s notice cited e-bikes’ ability to “expand recreational opportunities for many people, particularly the elderly and disabled, enabling them to enjoy the outdoors and associated health benefits.” The big question for mountain bikers, however, is whether the increase in entry-level access will also lead to an increase in, say, electric motor-assisted descents of high-alpine singletrack.
A call Tuesday to a Forest Service spokesperson went unreturned.
Public comments, including anonymous comments, are being accepted here until October 26.
There are so many things to love about a good old-fashioned road trip. From the incredible vastness of the nation’s ever-changing landscapes to the simple thrill of cruising down a highway to your favorite tunes, there’s nothing quite like a classic road trip experience. Symbolizing the freedom of the open road and endless opportunities, this quintessential adventure is so much more than a long-haul joyride. It’s an American tradition, a rite of passage even, immortalized by countless novels, films, and songs. But oftentimes, the best part of putting the pedal to the metal are the pit stops and roadside attractions you make along the way.
People love experiencing the weird and the wonderful. Luckily, America is chock-full of whacky pit stops just waiting to be discovered. From outlandish theme parks to larger-than-life attractions, here are a handful of roadside oddities that are well worth the detour. Consider checking them out the next time you get behind the wheel.
Disclaimer: People planning travel of any kind should visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization for the most current COVID-19 alerts and updates. Be sure to review any travel advisories related to the destination(s) you’re planning to visit and keep yourself and others safe by wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing, and bringing the appropriate food, drinks, and other supplies when possible. Don’t forget to contact sites or attractions in advance to learn more about updated hours, procedures, and other regulations.
Join pro heptathlete Georgia Ellenwood in this 15 minute core EMOM workout to build toward a quicker, more efficient running gait.
The post 15 Minute Runner’s Core EMOM with Georgia Ellenwood appeared first on Under Armour.
Challenge yourself to complete this 20 minute EMOM workout with Under Armour trainer Emily Ricketts.
The post 20 Minute EMOM with Emily Ricketts appeared first on Under Armour.
Get ready to sweat with Under Armour trainer Adinda Sukardi during this 15 minute HIIT circuit.
The post 15 Minute HIIT Workout with Adinda Sukardi appeared first on Under Armour.
This article originally appeared on Powder.com and was republished with permission.
Ever seen an abandoned school bus and been tempted to create the ultimate adventure rig? Cody Cirillo and Kellyn Wilson did just that, and their new film Made in Voyage: Adventure of the Honey House, sees that choice through all its inevitable consequences, the dark and the light. The new film from Picture Organic follows the pair as they seek out deep snow, and a simpler way of life in their 1960s school bus. The couple make their way through Utah, Washington, and BC with the help of Micah Evangelista, Ian Hamilton, and Thomas Delfino.
“We skied blower powder conditions across the country, broke down more times than there are fingers to count, shared laughs and beers with new and old friends, and had unforgettable experiences where we lived fully in the present,” recalled Cirillo. “We hope that people come away from the film with a sense of adventure, an understanding that the ups and downs of the journey are all beautiful, and ultimately hope that it inspires them to take the first step towards their own dreams and desires.”
Due to COVID-related limitations, Picture will host a digital “tour” of the film en lieu of in-person screenings. Based on time zones, the film will premiere on three different evenings throughout November via YouTube Premieres. This platform makes it possible to live stream pre-recorded films and includes an interactive chat function. Immediately following each screening, a live Q&A session with the athletes and the creative team will take place, along with giveaways from Picture and supporting brands, Faction, Zeal, and Hestra.
See the trailer here and learn more at Picture’s site.
Live from L.A.—where she escaped months of self-isolation in New York—Saturday Night Live comedian Ego Nwodim talks about sneaking race into comedy and the digestive silver lining of quarantine.
I’ve heard you talk about the sounds people’s mouths make. Do you have misophonia, the disorder where people are driven crazy by noise?
I have not been diagnosed with misophonia, but I was a biology major. That gives me no credibility as far as diagnoses go, but I’m going to just take it and say that means I can diagnose myself. This is not an exhaustive list, but I am bothered by noises from a person’s mouth that are not talking, singing, laughing, whistling. Like when people are chewing with their mouth open, or people whose mouths make…mouth noises.
You created a sketch for the Phoebe Waller-Bridge episode of SNL where the Black anchors of a news show are visibly relieved when it’s reported that the perpetrator of a crime wasn’t Black. It feels like comedy can be a Trojan horse into uncomfortable but important conversations about race.
The “Mid-Day News” sketch is one I am particularly proud of because it’s based on a feeling I had and the stereotypes that we all see demonstrated and perpetuated in media. I’ve heard it said that Black people have been putting our experience and our pain into our comedy and our art, and it’s been consumed but somehow has still kind of flown above everyone’s head. That’s strange. It’s like we’re talking about this awkward and uncomfortable thing—or something that we’ve been made to feel uncomfortable about—and still it’s not being recognized.
What’s going to stick from all the turmoil we’re going through and what’s going back to normal? Like, are they really going to go back to banning takeout cocktails? Will you really go back to writing straight through the night once a week with the whole cast at the SNL studio?
I’m sure we would all enjoy more sleep, but we would kind of miss staying up until 5 a.m. on Wednesday. The show operates so much on tradition, and this maybe doesn’t make the most sense, but that’s what’s exciting about it. Being in love doesn’t make sense! I’ve never been in it, but I hear it’s special. And I’m the person who didn’t want to leave my Manhattan apartment after being quarantined in it by myself for nine weeks because I was like, well, this is tradition now.
BEING IN LOVE DOESN’T MAKE SENSE! I’VE NEVER BEEN IN IT, BUT I HEAR IT’S SPECIAL.
I feel like we’re all stuck at home wondering who we are without the activities that make up our lives.
What I do is only part of my identity, and I try to make sure I’m always in tune with that fact. It’s interesting in this time to rediscover other parts of myself and old hobbies that had fallen by the wayside.
Like what?
I’m really passionate about food—almost as passionate as I am about people not making mouth noises. And even before I was at SNL, I ate out a lot. There’s no food in my fridge whatsoever. I’ve got, like, prune juice, and you know what that’s for. But I’ve spent a lot of the time in quarantine looking up recipes from restaurants that I miss and making them. I’ve been so successful, but I would be remiss not to mention a couple of my failures. I made cinnamon rolls without a hand mixer. And I had no business trying to make pupusas, and I did, and I failed, and I deserved to.
You mentioned the prune juice, and going from mostly eating out to eating at home. Are you, like me, having the most seamless digestion of your life?
Listen, honey. I experienced the same thing. Maybe I shouldn’t talk about this. But it’s only right for a foodie to be passionate about bowel movements! I got to L.A., and part of me being excited to come here was like, my goodness, I can’t wait to order takeout from this place, this place, and this place. But guess what? As soon as I started ordering takeout, we needed the prune juice again.
THE BASICS
Age
32
Hometown
Baltimore
Top 3 Make-at-Home Dishes
1. Spicy Fusilli, Jon & Vinny’s, Los Angeles
2. Olive Oil Cake, Tender Greens, Los Angeles
3. Crabcakes, G&M Restaurant, Linthicum Heights, MD
Do you want your kid to ride the coolest bike on the block? If so, this latest announcement from Indian Motorcycles should pique your interest.
For the first time in their 119-year history, the legendary American motorcycle maker will be producing an e-bike specifically for kids––the eFTR Jr. Perfect for introducing kids to two-wheels, the eFTR Jr. is a mini-replica of Indian Motorcycle’s American Flat Track championship-winning FTR750.
Beyond the dynamic styling, this mini-bike features two ride modes––low and high––with the former reaching speeds of 10 mph and the latter hitting 15 mph. With a seat height of 23.5 inches, and a maximum weight of 175 pounds, the eFTR Jr can accommodate riders eight years and older when in low mode, and 13 and over in high mode.
The bike’s telescopic front forks and mono-shock rear suspension provide a smooth ride, while the bike’s rugged steel frame provides a durable structure for beginning riders. The eFTR Jr’s dual-disc brakes also offer premium stopping power for increased control and rider confidence.
“Whether it was a father, mother, uncle or family friend, most motorcyclists have fond memories of the person that introduced them to riding, and that’s the spirit behind the eFTR Jr,” said Ross Clifford, Vice President of Parts, Garments, and Accessories at Indian Motorcycle. “We wanted our first youth offering to be electric to provide a safe, simplistic and clean form of motorcycling for children, all wrapped up in the signature look of the FTR750. The eFTR Jr can kickstart a lifetime of riding memories for the whole family.”
Indian Motorcycle teamed up with Razor USA to design the eFTR Jr. using Razor’s trusted electric powertrain. The 36-volt rechargeable battery will run for 140 minutes in low mode and 65 minutes in high mode.
Of course, safety is paramount when it comes to young riders. To keep your junior rider safe, Indian Motorcycle is also releasing a brand-new line of protective youth apparel, including an eFTR Jr helmet, body armor, gloves, and an Indian Motorcycle Racing replica jersey.
Manufactured by Razor USA, the eFTR Jr is available online at IndianMotorcycle.com and Indian Motorcycle dealerships throughout US and Canada for $749.99 (USD) and $999.99 (CAD).
Your thyroid, a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland located in front of your windpipe (trachea) and below your voice box (larynx) can have a profound impact on your health and well-being. Throughout life, your thyroid is constantly producing hormones that influence your metabolism. These hormones affect your mood, energy, body temperature, weight, heart, and more.
Your thyroid produces two kinds of thyroid hormones: T4, or thyroxine, and T3, or triiodothyronine. These hormones influence every cell, tissue, and organ in your body, from your muscles, bones, and skin to your digestive tract, brain, and heart, by controlling how fast and efficiently cells convert nutrients into energy — a chemical activity known as metabolism.
The thyroid gland is under the influence of the pituitary gland. No larger than a pea and located at the base of the brain, the pituitary gland controls your thyroid’s production of thyroid hormone by releasing thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
TSH levels in your bloodstream rise or fall depending on whether there is enough thyroid hormone made to meet your body’s needs. Higher levels of TSH prompt the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone, while lower levels signal the thyroid to produce less.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid fails to produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs, thereby slowing metabolism. In someone with overt hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone levels are below normal and TSH levels are well above the normal range.
Subclinical, or mild, hypothyroidism doesn’t meet the standard definition of hypothyroidism. In mild hypothyroidism, you may or may not have symptoms and your levels of T4 and T3 are normal, but your TSH levels are slightly elevated. Mild hypothyroidism is diagnosed by a blood test.
More than 10 million adults in the US have hypothyroidism, the vast majority of which is subclinical.
Whether or not to treat mild hypothyroidism is a subject that has been studied and debated for years. What worries doctors most about mild hypothyroidism is the potential link between untreated mild hypothyroidism and coronary artery disease. Results of research on whether subclinical thyroid disease causes heart problems have been conflicting. The condition has been associated with heart and blood vessel abnormalities, and studies indicate that treating mild hypothyroidism can improve various markers of heart structure and function.
However, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association may give doctors pause. The researchers studied people with mild hypothyroidism who had also had a heart attack. They treated one group of these patients for their mild hypothyroidism, and left the condition untreated in the other group. The study showed that those treated for mild hypothyroidism did not have better heart function than those who were not treated.
When mild hypothyroidism is treated, levothyroxine (T4) is the treatment of choice.
A 2017 trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that treating people ages 65 and older for mild hypothyroidism doesn’t have much of a benefit. The authors found no real differences in symptoms between participants who received levothyroxine and those who got a placebo. The authors say many older adults revert to normal thyroid function on their own, without treatment. A follow-up study recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine analyzed data from patients enrolled in the 2017 NEJM study, and determined that even those with the greatest number of symptoms did not benefit.
In addition to the possibility that the treatment may not offer any benefit, there are other reasons for caution. Overtreatment — prescribing thyroid medication to someone with subclinical disease who may not need treatment, or giving excessive thyroid medication — comes with serious risks, particularly thyrotoxicosis, the presence of too much thyroid hormone in the body. This happens frequently; estimates suggest 20% or more of those treated with thyroid hormone experience thyrotoxicosis. Long-term complications of even mild thyrotoxicosis can include heart problems and bone loss.
If you are weighing the pros and cons of treatment for hypothyroidism, discuss the following questions with your doctor:
The post Treating mild hypothyroidism: Benefits still uncertain appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
Wanna take your hydration to the next level? Meet Next Level Fitness Water.
The brand kicks things up a notch by adding pH and electrolytes to their ultra-refreshing H20 — which is sourced from natural springs in the Adirondack Mountains and delivers optimal hydration benefits.
Going beyond your typical water, Next Level Fitness Water is chock full of benefits to help you maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
This socially responsible brand gives back to nonprofits that benefit the autistic and blind, with portions of proceeds going to those who are in need. We’ll drink to that!
Learn more about the water that makes a difference DrinkNextLevel.com. Available on Amazon.com.
In 2008, German brewer Schorschbräu fired the first shot in what became an epic beer war. The initial volley? A 31 percent ABV beer known as the Schorschbock. At the time, it was the strongest beer on Earth.
The distinction would not last.
A Scottish brewery, BrewDog, returned fire on the Germans with its Tactical Nuclear Penguin––a 32 percent imperial stout––only 11 months later. Undeterred, the Germans went to work on their signature Schorschbock and managed to up the ABV to a whopping 40 percent.
For the next couple years, the rival breweries went tit for tat in the low 40s. But in 2010, the Scots escalated this beer war to even weirder levels with End of History––a 55 percent ABV beer that cost upwards of $1,000 a bottle and came in actual stuffed squirrels. Seriously. From brewer to taxidermist.
As you try to forever erase that picture from your mind, we’ll let you know that Schorschbräu eventually reclaimed the coveted title with a 57.5 percent Schorschbock in 2011.
Since then, Schorschbräu and BrewDog have seemingly agreed to a brewing ceasefire. But this year, the bitter rivals decided to do the unthinkable: join forces to collaboratively brew the “world’s strongest beer.”
Brewed in the Schorschbräu facility in Germany, the Scots sent over a barrel of their 26 percent ABV Death or Glory, which had been aged in a Scotch whiskey cask for 10 years. While the brewing collaboration was supposed to happen in-person, COVID-19 forced the brewers to work together over Zoom.
This is the story of how we made the strongest beer in the world.
The beer is called Strength In Numbers & we made it with Schorschbräu. It weighs in at 57.8 percent (stronger than whisky!) & is available here: https://t.co/iyZnyYHYdf pic.twitter.com/HMc6Tseg6Z
— James Watt (@BrewDogJames) September 17, 2020
Despite the obstacles, the brewers were able to accomplish the goal and top their previous ABV records with a 57.8 percent beer, Strength in Numbers. Unsurprisingly, bottles of the “world’s strongest beer” collaboration sold out in less than 24 hours.
The Schorschbräu/BrewDog beer war has been long, strong and at times, flat-out strange, but this 57.8 percent ABV collaboration marks the successful and peaceful conclusion. Apparently, there really is Strength in Numbers.
As for how the world’s strongest beer actually tastes? This Youtube beer review gives you a virtual taster.
