In the state of Massachusetts and many other states there is a large issue in the laws regarding electric bikes and electric velomobiles. First off you probably don't even know what a velomobile is. It is basically a recumbent bicycle or tricycle that is encased in an aerodynamic shell so that the largest force of resistance is eliminated when riding a bike. This force is wind resistance. The issue with most of the laws is that electric assisted bikes (and velomobiles) are not legally allowed to go over 20 mph without the aid of the cyclist. We are being pushed to use more eco-friendly ways of transportation yet we are not allowed to use these eco-friendly vehicles if they could get us where we want to go in a reasonable amount of time. The law limits this on all electric bikes and causes a very limited market for electric bikes. Most people won't buy them because there is no point to have one if they could drive to work much faster in their car. If the bikes were legal to go up to 40 mph then they could ride to work likely faster than they could drive and save a large amount on gas and car maintenance over their commutes. And reduce the greenhouse gases. The issue with velomobiles is the electric assist really doesn't do much when it is heavier and once it gets up to speed 20 mph is nothing for it. We really just need to change this ridiculous law and allow e bikes to be driven at higher speeds. It would allow companies to meet the demands of a larger market looking for higher quality products and the higher demand would lower the currently high prices.
Embedded is a video of the coolest electric bike: the audi e bike (not legal or in production due to the 20 mph law.
Audi e-Bike Wörthersee - Bicicleta electrică ce poate atinge 80km/h from LaCurentNET on Vimeo.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
What is a Flitterhuzza
It all began last summer on a run through the woods by the DPW. It was a hot day but not overly humid and we ducked into the woods to run in some shade. We were circling the lake and all of a sudden we saw some really large tracks that had three toes and a pointy heel. We decided to follow these footprints and it really led to our surprise.
The footprints were about 1 foot long and it appeared to be walking on its back feet. They were slightly triangular shape and really drew us in. We were moving pretty quick so we figured if we had to run from it we would be able to. I wasn't worried Val was running with us and I could outrun him if worst came to worst.
As we came around a turn the footprints were even more defined and we looked around us. As we continued to run we came around another turn and looked to our left. There standing about 3 feet tall with a round smooth head and beady black eyes was the Flitterhuzza. It had wings along with very small arms on its front that appeared to be very similar to those of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Fortunately for us its mouth consisted of a large pointy beak about 7in long as opposed to a bunch of teeth. The sudden appearance of it really startled us and we picked up the pace to run away from it we soon exited the woods and kept going down Maple street. Once on the street we looked back and there was the Flitterhuzza following us as if it wanted to come along. We slowed down for a minute assuming it would be harmless and we were faster than it worst case.
When the Flitterhuzza finally caught up it said, "Why do you run away from me? I only want to tag along." We said that we were scared and that we had never seen one before. He accepted our answer and said that he was wondering if he could join us for the rest of the summer. We told him that as long as he could keep up he could run with us. At the very least we could get a lot of strange looks and attention running with the rare Flitterhuzza. So the rest of the summer went along with us running with him until we went to Foss and when we came back he left us a note. It said: "Sorry fellas I wish I could keep running with you but I had to move, I was getting too much attention and the Scientists wanted to capture me. I had to run to New Hampshire and become a recluse in the mountains. Hopefully I can see you next summer.
Your favorite Flitterhuzza,
Fred Flitters"
We were all sad to hear the depressing news but we remain very hopeful that we can run with him again next summer. We can give much of the credit to our success as a team this year to Fred and honestly who wouldn't want to run with a Flitterhuzza?
The footprints were about 1 foot long and it appeared to be walking on its back feet. They were slightly triangular shape and really drew us in. We were moving pretty quick so we figured if we had to run from it we would be able to. I wasn't worried Val was running with us and I could outrun him if worst came to worst.
As we came around a turn the footprints were even more defined and we looked around us. As we continued to run we came around another turn and looked to our left. There standing about 3 feet tall with a round smooth head and beady black eyes was the Flitterhuzza. It had wings along with very small arms on its front that appeared to be very similar to those of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Fortunately for us its mouth consisted of a large pointy beak about 7in long as opposed to a bunch of teeth. The sudden appearance of it really startled us and we picked up the pace to run away from it we soon exited the woods and kept going down Maple street. Once on the street we looked back and there was the Flitterhuzza following us as if it wanted to come along. We slowed down for a minute assuming it would be harmless and we were faster than it worst case.
When the Flitterhuzza finally caught up it said, "Why do you run away from me? I only want to tag along." We said that we were scared and that we had never seen one before. He accepted our answer and said that he was wondering if he could join us for the rest of the summer. We told him that as long as he could keep up he could run with us. At the very least we could get a lot of strange looks and attention running with the rare Flitterhuzza. So the rest of the summer went along with us running with him until we went to Foss and when we came back he left us a note. It said: "Sorry fellas I wish I could keep running with you but I had to move, I was getting too much attention and the Scientists wanted to capture me. I had to run to New Hampshire and become a recluse in the mountains. Hopefully I can see you next summer.
Your favorite Flitterhuzza,
Fred Flitters"
We were all sad to hear the depressing news but we remain very hopeful that we can run with him again next summer. We can give much of the credit to our success as a team this year to Fred and honestly who wouldn't want to run with a Flitterhuzza?
Monday, November 4, 2013
Complaint
Many people complain way too much. Some complain about the stupidest things such as homework when there is nothing they can do. Complaining at that point just wastes time and energy and making you take more time and effort than is required. Some people do this constantly and some people are even worse. For example sometimes people get a 90 or 95 on a test and then they start complaining or for lack of a better word bitching about it. It in fact shows a lack of intelligence when this happens. I agree that you should always strive to do your best and believe that you should always attempt that but I disagree to complaining if you do poorly due to your own stupid mistakes or lack of studying. Many people would likely be very happy to pass that test you just got a 95 on and are complaining about. There are some times when people really need to suck it up and move on. We need to move away from the past and go towards the future.
On the contrary there are times when complaining or more specifically speaking up is the right thing to do. For example if you are in a crowded area where it is hot and everybody is suffering you should tell the host that you would like the window opened to cool off the room. If you are not harming anybody by speaking up (either by stressing them out, annoying them, or mentally/physically harming them) then it is very appropriate to speak up. All in all we should really look on the bright side and voice our opinion when required but we should not waste our energy by constantly complaining. We should simply use our experiences for the better and learn from our mistakes. We should not run away from our problems but rush to fix them.
~Dan
On the contrary there are times when complaining or more specifically speaking up is the right thing to do. For example if you are in a crowded area where it is hot and everybody is suffering you should tell the host that you would like the window opened to cool off the room. If you are not harming anybody by speaking up (either by stressing them out, annoying them, or mentally/physically harming them) then it is very appropriate to speak up. All in all we should really look on the bright side and voice our opinion when required but we should not waste our energy by constantly complaining. We should simply use our experiences for the better and learn from our mistakes. We should not run away from our problems but rush to fix them.
~Dan
Sunday, November 3, 2013
The Ideal Sport
What is a sport? Is it anything in which you compete? Is it anything that is physical? Is it anything that takes skill? Regardless of what you believe is a sport, running is by far the most superior. When it comes down to a battle of fitness running is the ideal. It takes 100 calories on average to run a mile but the speed can drastically change. It is very difficult to run a 5k or two mile where as you can "play basketball" but just sit on the bench all game. It takes skill to race correctly, not many people are good at it. Your coach is able to teach you the skills you need to do well. The great thing about running is that there is something for anybody. People can run short distance or long distance and regardless of what they decide the can greatly improve their health and well being. Running allows people to become mentally and physically stronger.
Running especially distance tests you physically and mentally in extreme ways. Physically you are moving more than you ever have, faster than you ever could have imagined. If you put forth enough work you can attain any goal. Over the past 15 months I have improved by three and a half minutes in the 5k. I went from 19:19 to 16:01 on a harder course during a slow race and expect to drop another 30 seconds off my time Saturday. I simply worked every day to improve my skills and made huge strides over time. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it especially in this sport.
Many sports involve a lot of sitting around on the bench or no real physical activity. That is not the case with running. Running is probably the most physically demanding sport. It is one of few sports where ambulances must be at the large meets due to likelihood of dehydration or overexertion. In fact many other "sports" are not sports at all. Golf for one takes skill but does not exactly require physical activity with golf carts and caddying carrying clubs for you. Dance is not exactly a sport either it is more of an art. Sure it takes skill (I can't dance by any means) but it is not the most physical of sports nor is it exactly a sport in which there is a huge amount of competition. Other classic sports such as football or basketball do require respect and are fun to watch but neither are as physically demanding as running. There are very few stress fractures or shin injuries or pulled muscles compared to running.
If you don't believe me when I say that running is the ideal sport then give it a try. Go out and run a mile in under 6 minutes and then realize if you even were able to complete that, the world record is still 2 minutes faster or 30 seconds per lap, Ryan Hall ran the marathon in 2:04 with is 4:46 per mile. Running takes a toll mentally and physically making it the most valuable sport that allows you to grow as a person in all aspects.
I highly recommend
you give it a try. Here is some more proof and inspiration:
~Dan
Running especially distance tests you physically and mentally in extreme ways. Physically you are moving more than you ever have, faster than you ever could have imagined. If you put forth enough work you can attain any goal. Over the past 15 months I have improved by three and a half minutes in the 5k. I went from 19:19 to 16:01 on a harder course during a slow race and expect to drop another 30 seconds off my time Saturday. I simply worked every day to improve my skills and made huge strides over time. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it especially in this sport.
Many sports involve a lot of sitting around on the bench or no real physical activity. That is not the case with running. Running is probably the most physically demanding sport. It is one of few sports where ambulances must be at the large meets due to likelihood of dehydration or overexertion. In fact many other "sports" are not sports at all. Golf for one takes skill but does not exactly require physical activity with golf carts and caddying carrying clubs for you. Dance is not exactly a sport either it is more of an art. Sure it takes skill (I can't dance by any means) but it is not the most physical of sports nor is it exactly a sport in which there is a huge amount of competition. Other classic sports such as football or basketball do require respect and are fun to watch but neither are as physically demanding as running. There are very few stress fractures or shin injuries or pulled muscles compared to running.
If you don't believe me when I say that running is the ideal sport then give it a try. Go out and run a mile in under 6 minutes and then realize if you even were able to complete that, the world record is still 2 minutes faster or 30 seconds per lap, Ryan Hall ran the marathon in 2:04 with is 4:46 per mile. Running takes a toll mentally and physically making it the most valuable sport that allows you to grow as a person in all aspects.
I highly recommend
you give it a try. Here is some more proof and inspiration:
~Dan
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