Editor’s note: The following is quoted from the May 2013 edition of Get Out, Speak Up, the monthly conservation e-newsletter from the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Keeps Open Space Funds Flowing in New Jersey

With funds from a 2009 bond measure now fully allocated, New Jersey’s Green Acres, Blue Acres, Farmland and Historic Preservation programs are in danger of going broke. There are positive signs for future funding, however, as a wide range of conservationists and outdoor recreationists has come together to call on NJ’s legislature to find a solution. New Jersey’s legislature is currently discussing two important bills – SCR138 and ACR179 – that would restore the much-needed funding by dedicating $200 million annually in sales-tax revenues for 30 years. To learn more, visit New Jersey Keep It Green Campaign.

Trails – They need you as much as you need them!

It’s May, and it’s time to get trails ready for a summer of adventure and inspiration, wherever your path may lead. In the Mid-Atlantic, AMC volunteers have already been hard at work clearing blowdowns, making trail repairs, and starting projects to keep the trails enjoyable. Up north, the snow is melting, even at the highest elevations, and crews will soon arrive to tend to and repair some of the most heavily used trails in the east. And the trails need you too! One June 1st, consider joining one ofAMC’s many National Trails Day events around the region, one of the many trail parties any time of year, or even join us for a whole week on a volunteer vacation trail crew! Click here to get involved, and thank you!

 Conservation Update – Maine

Maine Policy staff has been busy as the Maine legislative session continues in Augusta. We are closely tracking and speaking out on multiple issues this session, including supporting increased environmental protections in open-pit mining rules, investigating the impacts of the proposed East-West highway, monitoring the merger of the Department of Conservation and Department of Agriculture, improving wind power siting laws, opposing expansion of live-bait trout fishing to remote ponds and protected wild brook trout habitat, and promoting adequate funding for the Division of Parks and Public Lands. For questions please contact Lindsay Bourgoine. 

Take a Hike for Climate’s Sake!

You’re invited to join our Mountain Watch program and help track the seasonal development of flowers and fruit (known as reproductive phenology). AMC’s research staff has been monitoring alpine plants in the White Mountains for more than eight years, and recently expanded the program to include five forest species. By participating you will help fill in information gaps along trails and mountain tops, adding to our ever expanding phenology database. Trail and woodland observations from low-disturbance forested areas are also of interest, and establishing permanent stations for repeat monitoring. Tutorials, field guides, and datasheets are available online and entered data can be viewed on a near real-time map. Get started here! View the live flower map (observations start posting in April). Learn more about the plants we track (click on plant image):http://www.outdoors.org/conservation/mountainwatch/forest-flower-watch.cfm andhttp://www.outdoors.org/conservation/mountainwatch/alpine-flower-watch.cfm.

Copyright: Appalachian Mountain Club, 5 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108

The sweet looking cycling jersey above can be yours FREE, when you purchase a Platypus Tokul hydration pack at any Eastern Mountain Sports store or online at ems.com.

But wait, there’s MORE. As an added bonus, Platypus will ALSO make a $20 donation to one of 16 trail clubs or cycling organizations. You get a terrific hydration pack for the peak riding months ahead along with a great-looking, moisture-wicking, UV-blocking cycling jersey with “sublimated Platy graphics” and the mountain biking organization of your choice gets a $20 donation.

SOUND GOOD?

Here’s where it gets a little complicated but stick with me, because for all the reasons I mentioned above, it’s worth it!

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

1) Buy a Platypus Tokul Hydration pack at your local Eastern Mountain Sports store or online at ems.com.

2) LIKE their Facebook page and complete the registration form by CLICKING HERE.

When you click through to the registration form, you’ll be able to choose one of the 16 mountain biking organizations you’d like to receive the $20 donation. It’s also here where you’ll need to upload a clear image of your sales receipt AND the hang tag from the hydration pack you bought, so be sure to have those nearby when you go to complete your form. You can snap a single photo with your smartphone/digital camera or lay our receipt and hang tag on a scanner. However you do it, just be ready to upload an image when you begin the registration process.

This offer is valid through June 30th so don’t dilly dally. That said, if you recently purchased a Platypus Tokul XC from us (after April 1, 2013 to be precise), you’re STILL eligible to receive the free jersey if you complete the steps above.

Got it? GOOD! If you take advantage of this cool offer, we’d love to know about it on our Facebook page where you can upload a pic of you on your favorite trail with your new Platypus hydration pack and cycling jersey!

HAVE FUN OUT THERE!

I’m super excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this year’s Eastern Mountain Sports Outdoor Demo Tour. Only Eastern Mountain Sports is awesome enough to pay me to take a two month road trip where I get to meet amazing people and have all kinds of fun with the latest road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards.

My name is Ben and I hail from the smallish town of North Conway, New Hampshire. A town that is really quite sheltered from the rest of New England. At this point I feel a little like Alice after falling into the rabbit hole. Who would have thought that a 3 lane road is not a highway? Or that tolls can be higher than 75 cents?

My second home for the next two months – the Eastern Mountain Sports demo trailer…coming to a park near you!

We took or first rest stop in Leonia NJ, right across the George Washington Bridge from New York. Luckily, my demo tour partner James has some family in the area and they took us to an amazing Italian Restaurant. Now when I say Italian Restaurant we are not talking about Olive Garden here. We are talking about true, Godfather style Italian, the type of place where only the locals go. James’ Aunt and Uncle had to make the round greeting almost everyone in the place before we could sit down to eat, and then the owner came out to say hello and give us all a hard time. Food was amazing, never had TRUE Italian food before, never had grilled octopus either until now. And I can tell you, it may taste delicious, but the psychological kick of the suckers on those tentacles will stay with me for a long time.

Speaking of new experiences the thought of driving a giant trailer through an urban area scares me. Seriously, how do you all manage this on a daily basis? My partner James Stringer claims I’ll be able to navigate the streets of Boston at rush hour by the end of the tour….. stay tuned. In other news from my sheltered NH life, I’ve never been to a Red Robin or a Sonic. Heck, I’ve really never been south of Pennsylvania. I’ve never seen one of the giant black snakes I keep hearing about or any spider bigger than a quarter, which apparently also lives down here. So much exploring to do! If there’s something you think I should definitely experience while in the south be sure to leave a comment on this post or the Facebook page.  James and I are always looking for cool local places to eat and local advice on things to see and do. Follow the blog, or come find us at an event!

To make this road trip memorable, so far, I’ve decided to:

- Go to a Red Robin

- Try Sonic

- and maybe, just maybe… try Taco Bell

Anything else super awesome I should do over the next two months? Leave a comment and let me know!

The first stop on our tour in Algonkian State Park was a blast, take a look at the photos from the event below. I can’t wait to get out there and play with all of you. Until this Saturday May 18^th in Annapolis, CHEERS!

The scene at last weekend’s event at Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling, VA.

James and I have all kinds of road, mountain and hybrid bikes for you to try for FREE!

EVERYONE loves stand up paddleboarding and we’ve got plenty of boards for you to mess around with!

Whatever you’re able to do will be tremendously appreciated by all who ride and ultimately, by thousands of ALS patients, their families and friends. Last week, long-time rider Lisa Bannon was kind enough to share her story of how she rides to honor her brother Chuck. This week, I’m pleased to introduce another multi-year rider in the ALS TDI Tri-State Trek, Andy Rubenstein.

Name: Andy Rubenstein

Age: 50

Hometown: Cranbury, NJ

Tri-State Trek Team Name: Follow Me

How many times have you ridden the TST?

This will be my 8th year riding the TST, and my 6th year cycling round trip.

Who or what inspires you to ride the Tri-State Trek?

My father’s memory and the people I have met on the ride.

Andy’s Dad.

What’s the worst part about having or knowing someone with ALS?

I guess the worst part of this disease is watching it and not being able to stop it.  I feel fortunate that I was able to look into my father’s eyes and see him, and never a disease.

What’s the best part about the Tri-State Trek?

There is no single best part, although the descent starting day two is nice.  Each year I have been there, I have gained new friends, lived a new inspirational moment, and gained a new lifetime memory. The Trek has allowed me to embrace hope for those fighting this disease now.

2012 Team Follow Me.

How much riding/training do you do to prepare for the ride?

I prefer “prepare” as opposed to “training”, I am not competing; it is about the experience.  I ride, but my daughter has captained a rest-stop for the last several years and I believe we both share in what we take away from the Trek.  I do “prepare” myself…I ride distance in heat, I climb hills and I take care of my bike.  I “get ready” so I don’t hurt myself or have to stop because of something I could have avoided.  I have learned that the cycling community is a very welcoming one, and always willing to help. Lastly, time on the bike is critical.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about registering for the ride, but is feeling nervous?

“You have to try…please”

The story I repeatedly tell is about me at the start of my first Trek.  I lined up nervously in the back of the pack, and as the pack began to roll I clipped in, and then the pack stopped!  I could not get out of my clips in time and I fell over sideways taking out 6 or 7 other riders before we got 10 feet…and yet here I am back for my 8th year!

To ride almost 300 miles is a significant challenge, and not to be taken lightly.  However, you will be inspired, and you will quickly find out you are not alone. I can’t bring my father back, but I can still help, and so can you.

Hugs await you at the finish line.

American Hiking Society’s 21st annual celebration of National Trails Day^® will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2013.  National Trails Day^® is devoted to appreciating America’s trails and the hard-working individuals who build and maintain them.  In honor of this day, thousands of public events will be hosted nationwide, and tens of thousands of trail enthusiasts will be outside as they hike, peddle, ride and paddle through some of America’s most beautiful areas.  National Trails Day^® activities will be available in all 50 states and also the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

“With the total number of National Trails Day^® recreation activities increasing year after year, finding an event near you has never been easier,” commented John Michels, National Trails Day^® Manager at American Hiking Society.  “Events have a huge depth of variety, ranging from leisurely guided hikes to trail building, horseback riding, kayaking and more.  Regardless of whether you consider yourself a hiker, mountain biker, equestrian, bird-watcher, or simple nature enthusiast, there is bound to be an event to fit your needs.  Many events offer family options, so even the littlest ones can participate.”

Here is a sampling of events that convey the variety of experiences that will be available:

For history buffs, Valley Forge National Historical Park at King of Prussia, PA, will host a Trails Fair that will feature guided hikes, educational clinics, and volunteer projects.  The event will also include a showcase of the latest developments in outdoor equipment and gear.

People who like to live on the edge will enjoy the XtremeFest of the Blue Ridge in Waynesboro, VA.  The local Department of Parks and Recreation has partnered with local outfitters and will introduce event attendees to exciting adventure sports like rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking.

If you have children with you, or simply prefer something a little less heart-pounding, Theatre-Hikes Colorado will be hosting “Snow White,” by Marjorie Sokoloff, at Boulder’s Chautauqua Park.  In this exciting and innovative retelling of the classic “Snow White,” audience members and actors will hike from scene to scene along beautiful open trails.  The full production will be performed in this family-friendly, low impact outdoor entertainment hike.

In Woodstock, VT, National Trails Day^® attendees can celebrate both local trails and local food at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park, where each trail in the 5^th Annual Trek to Taste will lead to samples of delicious farm-fresh treats prepared by area students.  Event attendees will also enjoy family-friendly arts and crafts activities, trail games, displays, live animals and music.

For bird enthusiasts, the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, MO, is planning a family-friendly event with free, child-focused activities.  The event will also offer three different trails that will feature naturalists with live animals at interpretation stations along the way.

National Trails Day^® is made possible by the generous support of event sponsors, including The North Face, Merrell, Adventure Medical Kits, Columbia, Gregory and Gerber.  Other supporters include American Park Network, Backpacker magazine, Boy Scouts of America, REI, YMCA of the USA, the Bureau of Land Management, Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Join American Hiking Society and thousands of others on Saturday, June 1, for National Trails Day^® as we come together to explore, learn about, and celebrate America’s trails.  Find the nearest National Trails Day^® event by visiting AmericanHiking.org and clicking on National Trails Day^®.

I was inspired to purchase my Sigma bike computer – the BC 1009 last year after an exhilarating downhill run when my riding partner shouted out something like: “48 miles per hour, baby, YEAAAAAAAH.” Having that information at your handlebars fascinated me and after 975 miles, I can safely say that my Sigma bike computer is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.

In addition to tracking my total miles, my BC1009 bike computer also keeps a running tally of how much time I’ve spent on my bike which is a really cool and motivating statistic to look back on. I’ve said many times that cycling is the most enjoyable way to burn calories and it’s fun to see just how many miles I’ve logged and how many hours I’ve spent in the saddle both cumulatively and on my individual rides.

Speaking of motivation, I like knowing how fast I’m going and not just on those spine tingling downhill sections. When I’m working hard and hating life on a steep incline, I challenge myself to keep my speed above 9mph. It doesn’t always happen, but it’s a nice bit of instant feedback to keep me focused and inspired to pump harder and do whatever I can to boost my next favorite bike computer stat, average speed.

Big group rides are organized by average miles per hour so knowing what you’re capable of is an invaluable piece of information that a bike computer can give you. The last thing you want to do is head out with an 18mph group when you’re a 14.99mph rider like me. Granted, the only way to get faster is to ride with faster cyclists, but understanding your average speed can remove a lot of dust from your diet.

Finally, there’s the feature that hooked me to being with, TOP SPEED. I can’t lie, the pure speed of road cycling pulled me back into the sport instantly and continues to be main reason why it is my favorite outdoor activity. At the end of a ride, I enjoy scrolling through all of the features to see what stats I put up and top speed is always the one I look forward to seeing most.

Since my Sigma BC 1009 bike computer is such a valuable tool, I really appreciate the fact that I can take it with me when I’m parking my bike in town. All I have to do is push down on the top and twist to the left and the computer pops right off for safekeeping while I’m away from my bike.

Best of all, the $29.99 Sigma BC 1009 took me less than 15 minutes to install and calibrate to my tire dimensions. The sensor attaches easily to your front fork and the magnet clips onto one of your spokes in seconds. From there, you simply adjust the magnet to a 1/4″ gap and you’re on your way.

If you don’t like the look of the wire looped around your fork, you can go for the $59.99 wireless STS model that gives you all the same features I’ve described here.

I’ve been profoundly happy with my Sigma BC 1009 bike computer. The lithium ion battery lasts for two years so it will never die in the middle of a ride like my smartphone does routinely when I’m tracking my ride with Strava. I’d recommend it for everyone from casual riders who just want to know how fast they’re going at any given moment to serious riders looking to boost their performance goals.

If you’re thinking about buying a bike computer, I hope this post was helpful and if you have a computer you love, please leave a comment and tell me about it!

Biking to work is a wonderful idea, but what if your commute is too far?

Does that mean you can’t participate in this national movement to increase awareness on the benefits of cycling? Heck no! The way I see it, if you can’t bike to work, there’s no better time to bike AT work than BIke Month which is happening throughout the month of May. Bring your bike to work and encourage your co-workers to do the same. Then swap your typical lunch routine or mid-day workout for a group ride around your workplace. Whether you work in the city, at an industrial park or in the middle of nowhere, breaking away for a bike ride during the day CAN be done if you’re willing to plan ahead and get organized.  Cycling is by far the most fun I’ve ever had while burning thousands of calories and the experience is more enjoyable when you have friends or co-workers to ride with.

My co-workers and I before a lunch time ride.

While I’m fortunate enough to be able to bike to work on a regular basis (although trust me, I’m more than capable of coming up with my share of excuses to skip a week), I’d say at least 30% of my miles are logged on lunchtime group rides with my co-workers.

Carving out an hour out of the work day to ride your bike isn’t always doable, but it’s awesome when you can swing it.

Still shaking your head and saying to yourself how your boss will never let you bike tor at work on a regular basis? Surely he or she can’t have a problem with one single, solitary day, right? If that’s the case then this Friday, May 17 is you time to shine since it’s National Bike To Work Day. If that fails, you can always hop on your bike after work and pedal to the grocery store, the library, your friend’s house or around your local park. The whole point of Bike Month is to get out on two wheels and have as much as fun as you possibly can.

However you choose to ride YOUR bike this month, be sure to let us know all about it be leaving a comment or posting a photo on our Facebook page!

What is Climb Convergence, you ask? Convergence is the culmination of all of our spring employee training events.  In layman’s terms, it’s where, for three days and three nights, EMS employees camp under the stars, gladly freezing our butts off for the opportunity to hob-knob with our fabulous school guides, vendors like Black Diamond, Petzl, and Sterling Rope; plus elite level climbers like Joe Kinder.  We will meet with vendors who will educate us on the innovation they are putting into their products, and we will climb as much and as hard as we possibly can.

The scene at last year’s Climb Convergence at the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road.

Ever since I heard of Convergence, I’ve wanted to go.  To be able to surround oneself in one’s passion along with like-minded individuals is an opportunity that doesn’t come around all too often, and when it does, you have to make the most of it.  I know because this past winter I organized a trip with some of my co-workers to take the Ice-Climbing 201 course in North Conway, and it was so much fun, we literally could not stop commenting on how much fun we were having while we were still on the trip.  I know that all of us look  back fondly on those couple of days and can’t wait to make it happen again.

When I get to go outside with my friends and have a great experience, it is in those moments that I feel my life is going in the right direction. Having the ability to say “I am so happy right now I would rather be no other place on earth than here,” is a sentiment rarely experienced, one that humanity seems to be constantly searching for, but can never genuinely attain.  I fully acknowledge that in reality, life isn’t like that winter trip all the time, but I am so fortunate to work for a company that enables me to have these moments in the first place.

So wish me a bonne voyage people, because as of 7 AM today, I am no longer just Abigail Nash.  No, no, my friend, I am now officially a Converger.  And I couldn’t be more pumped!

Check back here for photos and updates on all things Convergence, including the awesome activities (La Sportiva barbeque anyone?), informative clinics and memorable moments from this year’s 2013 Climbing Convergence.

Bicycle Friendly States Ranking Announced!

But what jacket should you get? Between an array of vibrant oranges, subtle greens, rich purples, lightweight materials, and heavy-duty designs there is definitely a jacket in here for you. Picking out just the right jacket for the rainy season first starts with identifying the answers to two critical questions.

First, what are you planning to do in this jacket? Are you going to be tackling 4k’s, rock climbing, walking the dog, or coaching soccer? These questions are important as they help you identify the range of motion you’ll need, what type of material is ideal, and the inside moisture factor – which brings us to the second question.

Some of us need five layers to keep warm until mid-May and even then we’re still rocking long sleeves or more (that’d be me). Others find 40F toasty and are sweating lakes by the time New England hits 70F. Knowing how your body handles temperature and sweat is key to nabbing the right jacket. So, are you constantly cold? Does physical exertion equal being drenched?

By now, you’re probably wondering why inside moisture matters so much. The ideal jacket for spring is a waterproof /breathable jacket – not a full out traditional fully coated rain jacket like those plastic-like things we wore as kids. As active adults, we naturally create a lot of moisture on our own. To keep comfortable and dry it all needs to go somewhere else, preferably by means of evaporation. While a traditional rain jacket keeps us dry from outside elements, it totally hinders our ability to get rid of internal moisture making for one very muggy experience. On the flip side, a breathable waterproof jacket does a pretty awesome job of keeping rain/sleet/snow out, but lets the moisture you create escape via tiny little pores built into the material (think of them as one way roads).

When it comes to what EMS has in store, there are basically three levels of jackets. While we could totally dive into the highly technical aspects of them, here’s what you need to know:

Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Under $100

If you don’t sweat a lot, have no big crazy plans yet, or just need a good intro to the great outdoors jacket – you’re going to want to start off with jackets such as EMS’s Thunderhead, North Face Venture, or the Marmot PreCip. Why? Well, to start off with the price point is ideal at under $100. This level of jacket is designed to be comfortable, hardy, and handle outside moisture like a pro. Rain jackets at this price point feature a durable nylon rip-stop shell and an easy to wear fit with adjustable features such as Velcro wraps on sleeves and a drawstring cord at the waist.

Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Under $150

If you’re in that intermediate phase and looking for a seriously phenomenal all around rain jacket, check out something like the North Face Super Venture or Marmot RinCon. These jackets are designed to give you more range of motion for activities such as rock climbing and kayaking. The extra money you spend on these jackets gives you a more comfortable experience.

The North Face Super Venture jacket is a great choice for intermediate, done-in-a-day adventures.

The EMS Storm Front jacket looks a lot like The North Face Super Venture jacket above, but the combination of materials has an altogether different feel.

Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Under $200

For outdoor enthusiasts who just know that they will be in some seriously wet situations and want the best, EMS has two jackets to fit the need: the EMS Deluge Rain Jacket and the EMS Storm Front Jacket.  Both jackets are made with rip-stop nylon to handle whatever terrain you throw at them and feature underarm zippers for ventilation, coated zippers, and sealed seams. As for materials, both utilize the best of the best. The Deluge features Gore-Tex Paclite – an extremely lightweight, breathable, easily packable material. The Storm Front uses an awesome combination of three layers: nylon rip-stop, System III, and a superfine knit. Altogether, the design of both jackets keeps you dryer, more comfortable, and gives you a jacket that’s easy to pack and go.

The EMS Deluge jacket is made with Gore-Tex Paclite fabric for exceptional waterproof performance without weighing you down.

So now that you’ve found your perfect jacket and those looming rain clouds (or is it sleet?) don’t seem so threatening, get out there!