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<title>biking Archives - The Utah Statesman</title>
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<title>biking Archives - The Utah Statesman</title>
<link>https://usustatesman.com/tag/biking/</link>
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<title>Bikepacking; camping on wheels</title>
<link>https://usustatesman.com/bikepacking-camping-on-wheels/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Claire Ott]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Oct 2024 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Highlander]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Special Publications]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[backpacking]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[bikepack]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[biking]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[highlander]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[outdoor]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Utah]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22131123</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>What do you get when you combine biking and backpacking? You get what is widely referred to as bikepacking. An…</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/bikepacking-camping-on-wheels/">Bikepacking; camping on wheels</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-contrast="auto">What do you get when you combine biking and backpacking? You get what is widely referred to as bikepacking. An activity that I learned about from friends who’ve done it and some internet surfing.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The idea of it had me intrigued, and I had the desire to take a trip of my own, but there was one problem: a lack of experience and gear made the idea feel too far out of my reach.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This is just the thing Outdoor Programs at Utah State seeks to assist with and make easier to access according to trip leaders Anna Rupper and Junlin “Dolphin” Qian.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">It was just a few weeks ago that I had been talking about going bikepacking with a friend of mine. Neither of us had experience or the proper gear, but we were going to try anyway.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">A few days after that, the OP announced a bikepacking trip, and I thought to myself, “This is perfect — we have to make it on this trip.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Make it we did. We signed up without much discussion, and from there, excitement but also nerves built in anticipation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">What were the conditions going to be like? Will I pack the right things? Will I be able to do it? How am I going to organize all I need into just a few bags? These are just some of the questions I had prior to the trip.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">A $50 fee secured us food, gear and transportation to and from our starting point. The trip leaders also recommended we bring any gear we already own and that we would figure out how to make it all work.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Before we embarked on our bikepacking adventure, a pre-trip meeting was held to discuss trip details, rig bikes and get to know each other a little bit.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Rupper, the main guide for the trip, said in her initial email that this trip was a first of its kind for the OP, so the pre-trip meeting would be based around planning.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}">According to Rupper, she first proposed a bikepacking trip a year and a half ago and would go on to propose two more. At the time of the first, she hadn’t even bike-packed but now, equipped with experience of her own, she felt confident it could work and they could pull it off. </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“I started off having a really big dream of doing a multi-day bikepacking trip through the desert,” Rupper said. However, she mentioned difficulties with acquiring permits for specific areas.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">After playing with a few ideas, she eventually came to the realization she would need to start small. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“Rather than putting together an elaborate, multi-day bikepacking trip, I opted for an overnight in the mountains nearby, which ended up being perfect,” Rupper said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">On the night of the pre-trip meeting, I entered the rental shop and sat down at a table to fill out some paperwork. There was an air in the room that screamed, “We don’t know each other, and we’re doing new things,” which is to be expected when you’re doing new things with new people.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Following an icebreaker, we discussed the route we wanted to take and some applications that are helpful in route planning.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We discussed each of our comfort and skill levels to gauge an optimal route, which I felt to be a beneficial and preferable way to pick routes.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Rupper had brainstormed some routes prior to the meeting, so we picked from some she had cooked up beforehand. We landed on a route that was around 10 miles, which gave us the option to drop into town or explore if we wanted to.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The next item on our agenda was food. We carefully customized our menu which consisted of Mountain House freeze-dried meals, various fruit, charcuterie options and many snacks.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Rupper, who does not refer to herself as a pro bikepacker but is a longtime biker, wrote up a guide which we reviewed at the meeting. The guide, titled, “Bikepacking 101 By: Anna (by no means a professional),” included gear, steps for how to prepare for a bikepacking trip, how to route plan, the many methods to bike rigging, some essentials and more.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">To close, we worked on bike rigging, which has no one singular approach. Depending on the bike and the available gear, it can look any number of ways.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">By the end of the meeting, the air of newness and the nervous feelings transformed into excitement and a desire to learn about this activity and those around me.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">I left the meeting as adequately prepared as I could be for something I’ve never done and feeling much more solid about the logistics.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The night before the trip, I attempted to pack as light as I could without losing essential items, especially considering the weather at the time of the trip: warm bordering on hot in the day and chilly bordering on cold in the night. Utah is tough that way.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">On Friday, Oct. 11, I parked my car at the old OP shop by Maverik Stadium and I went to class. The day felt like a blur of wrapping up last minute tasks and waiting for our 2 p.m. rendezvous.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Around 1:30 p.m., we met to pull everything together. At this point, we distributed the food and Rupper and Qian helped with some last minute rigging.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The main gear rigging that needed to happen consisted of dry bags and straps, which we loaded with our things and attached to our bike bars. We also strapped other items as needed. Rupper said we had to get creative because the OP doesn’t currently have designated bikepacking gear.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Racks, pannier bags and frame bags can help make rigging bikes for trips like this much easier. A friend of mine let me borrow a frame bag and other smaller bags which made packing more straightforward and ergonomic.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">I talked with Qian about the unique qualities of bikepacking.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“I think bikepacking — sharing responsibility among a group, going out together and helping each other — is what really makes bikepacking pretty fascinating,” Qian said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Qian mentioned this was a quality that can occur in other outdoor activities but is emphasized with bikepacking.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Once we got everything squared away, we loaded the bikes and hit the road.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We reached our starting point in Avon, Utah just under an hour later and proceeded to hit the trail.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The elevation gain was expected to be around 1,500 feet, which we intentionally chose. All members of the group aside from the trip leaders were new to bikepacking so we picked a route with relatively chill distance and incline. Believe it or not, 30 pounds or more of gear does make a difference in your ride.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Though the trail wasn’t the most intense, we still ran into a few challenges. Minor bike issues and rigging faults made for an uphill battle, but it didn’t stop us completely. We persisted onwards and upwards towards our destination.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">A few things surprised me about the trail. I took the first two thirds of it well. I didn’t really feel it much. The extra weight on my handlebars was much more visually concerning than it was practically. It made no noticeable difference in my ride.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Towards the end, the gravel also had some larger pieces in it. The extra texture in the trail in combination with my physical fatigue offered a considerable challenge for me personally. It wasn’t anything I couldn’t do, however.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">For the most part, we were able to bike as a group with the occasional break to rest and regroup. We trekked on and not too long after the chunky rock section reached the summit. Upon arrival, we got a beautiful view of Eden, Utah and surrounding mountains.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">A quick ride down and hike up through some trees got us to the campsite, our destination for the evening.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">For the rest of the night we chatted, laughed, plotted, snacked, feasted and got to know each other as we sat around a fire.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This is where I’d say the conversations got the most interesting.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The seven of us on the trip come from Utah, Missouri, Wisconsin, China and Turkey, which brought a wide range of backgrounds. We talked about anything from the culture of our places of origin to the culture of Utah where we reside and study currently to what we would do in obscure hypothetical situations to things that are going on in our daily lives.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In hopes of spotting the Aurora Borealis, a few of us stayed up and chatted around the fire but eventually surrendered to the chill of the night.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">One of my favorite parts about being outside with other people is the essentially undivided time to really get to know people. It’s not a time we get much of unless we make it happen. Camping often strips away a lot of the comforts many people have in their daily lives, creating an interesting environment in which to connect with people.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The next morning we took things slower than we had originally planned to. Six of the seven of us shed our gear and departed from camp just before 10 a.m. en route to Eden for a little tour of the town.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">While in Eden, we hit a café for a coffee and/or sweet treat. After a time there, we topped off our waters at a local Maverik. On the way into town, someone spotted an estate sale, which we stopped at on our way back.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Not only did we peruse the sale, but we took a minute to check out the trampoline on the property.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">By this point, it was about lunch time, so we biked to a park to eat. A collaborative bike-themed charcuterie board made for a fun, pre-lunch activity.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">After a while at the park, snacking and sampling different charcuterie combinations, we hit the road again. We biked up through Eden, campsite bound.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The route between the campsite and town was a brisk ride down in the morning but a much less brisk ride up. In fact, Rupper and I ended up hiking most of the way up.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The warm bordering on hot day temperatures were a bit brutal as we hiked up the gravel path back to the campsite.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">A lot of biking, from what I’ve picked up on, is knowing when to push through and when to walk, which I reckon has applications in life as well.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We each rolled into the campsite at our own pace, packed up and began to make our way back to where our journey began just about a day earlier. After we stopped for a group photo, we started down the mountain.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The bike ride down to our motor vehicles was a lot of fun, but it was done as quickly as it began. I could say the same thing about the whole trip.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Back in town, we cleaned and organized gear together, and then we parted.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">That feeling </span><span data-contrast="auto">— </span><span data-contrast="auto">once a feeling of newness </span><span data-contrast="auto">— </span><span data-contrast="auto">now replaced with a feeling of connection and familiarity, lingered as we said our goodbyes. Many hugged and some exchanged social information.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">I chatted with Rupper and Qian post-trip about the future of bikepacking at USU.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“I think starting is kind of hard. And with the OP program, with the gear rental and everything, it makes it easier. It gives people a push start and a jump start, to get going and get into a new thing they want to look into. It’s important that the OP keep pushing and keep doing it,” Qian said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“I hope that, if not through the OP, there will be a community in Logan that wants to do some bigger biking trips and create a biking community within Logan that can dream big,” Rupper said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">I can now say that I’ve successfully made it out and back on a bikepacking trip. The confidence that comes from that is huge. I also understand more firsthand just how much goes into these trips.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Of the many things I acquired over the trip, a reinvigorated feeling of excitement for bikepacking is one of the most important — a feeling I hope to continue to build and explore in the future.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/bikepacking-camping-on-wheels/">Bikepacking; camping on wheels</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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<item>
<title>Beat the heat: How to have fun in Utah’s hot summertime</title>
<link>https://usustatesman.com/beat-the-heat-how-to-have-fun-in-utahs-hot-summertime/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lacey Cintron]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:56:35 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[beat the heat]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[biking]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[heat]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[hot summer]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[lakes]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[outdoors]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[site seeing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Summer]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[summertime]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[things to do in summer]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[trees]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22129721</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Stifling heat has blanketed Utah with record-breaking temperatures — the U.S. National Weather Service reports an average high of 102…</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/beat-the-heat-how-to-have-fun-in-utahs-hot-summertime/">Beat the heat: How to have fun in Utah’s hot summertime</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Stifling heat has blanketed Utah with record-breaking temperatures — the U.S. National Weather Service reports an average high of 102 degrees in St. George and 97 in Salt Lake City, several degrees higher than previous averages.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>With this year’s summer heat consistently reaching triple digits, it may feel impossible to function anywhere not inside and air-conditioned. However, there is still a way to enjoy summer for those willing to look. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>One of the best ways to combat these relentlessly hot days is by being in the water. Luckily, Utah is home to a variety of lakes and swimming holes,.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Just 30 minutes north of Park City lies Echo Reservoir, an oasis of glass-like water tucked within the Wasatch Range. Echo State Park is a popular spot for all kinds of water sports. Visitors can spend time on the park’s sand beaches, take a dip in the lake or kayak through the reservoir with the mountain range as the backdrop. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>For those up for a hike, Bloods Lake Trail is located near Park City. This 2.8-mile shaded trail through the sprawling pines of the Bonanza Flat Conservation leads to an alpine lake. According to AllTrails, this is an easy to moderate hike with only one significant incline. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Temperatures at the lake and through the trail stay around 70-75 degrees, making for suitable hiking, picnicking and swimming weather. Make sure to pack the bug spray, as this is also a popular spot for flies and mosquitoes. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>For seasoned and determined hikers, Lake Blanche Trail is a must-do. Nestled in Big Cottonwood Canyon within the Twin Peaks wilderness is a crystal-clear lake, backdropped by towering, snow-capped mountains and swaying pines. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>The hike to Lake Blanche is a challenging seven mile, five hour long journey which begins four miles into Big Cottonwood Canyon, at Mill B trailhead. While swimming is not permitted at this lake because Little Cottonwood Canyon is a watershed area, temperatures typically remain in the low 70s throughout the summer. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Camping and backpacking are welcomed activities on the trail. Before heading out, it is recommended to pack adequate food and water and to ensure an emergency plan is in place. Part of the trail does not receive cellular service. If planning to camp overnight, consider purchasing a satellite radio in case of an emergency. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Lake Blanche is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the heat and hustle of the bustling Salt Lake City.</p>
<p>For those who want to stay in the city, Salt Lake City’s Saturday Farmers Market is a go-to for many locals looking to kill a few hours and do some shopping. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Every Saturday from June 1 to Oct. 19, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., local businesses gather at Pioneer Park to sell their goods. Visitors can find local art, artisan goods and even a mason jar smoothie for those extra hot days. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>After working up an appetite browsing through these local vendors, be sure to stop by Base Camp Kitchen for a breakfast burrito or any of the several food trucks located in the middle of the market. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Thanksgiving Point is 25 minutes from Salt Lake City, featuring a variety of activities for every type of guest, from museums to seasonal festivals. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>A standout attraction of Thanksgiving Point is the Butterfly Biosphere, where guests can walk among over 1,000 live butterflies of all different species. The biosphere is the only insect conservatory in Utah and the only place where butterflies can land directly on participants’ fingers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>To avoid insects, nights out with friends at Salt Lake City’s concert venue, The Depot, is one way to spend a summer night. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>The venue hosts events throughout the week for all kinds of people and all kinds of music. Dance the night away at Taylor Swift night or relive the nostalgia of 2000’s classics like High School Musical and Hannah Montana at the Bop to the Top tour. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>The majority of nights hosted at the Depot are 18 and older. It’s the perfect place to find new friends and listen to favorite songs. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Whether spending the summer floating around one of Utah’s hidden lakes, roasting s’mores in the mountains or dancing the night away at the Depot, there are still ways to have fun and stay cool this summer. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/beat-the-heat-how-to-have-fun-in-utahs-hot-summertime/">Beat the heat: How to have fun in Utah’s hot summertime</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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<title>Women take on welding in USU Moab’s training workshop</title>
<link>https://usustatesman.com/women-take-on-welding-in-usu-moabs-training-workshop/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Avery Truman]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:40:23 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[bike]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[biking]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[brewery]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[moab]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[USU Moab]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[USU Moab campus]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Welding]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[welding workshop]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[women in welding]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[workshop]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22124003</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Women in Welding is a new workshop taught by USU Moab’s welding instructor, Chloe Wilson. The four-session course aims to…</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/women-take-on-welding-in-usu-moabs-training-workshop/">Women take on welding in USU Moab’s training workshop</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1">Women in Welding is a new workshop taught by USU Moab’s welding instructor, Chloe Wilson. The four-session course aims to involve women in a field where they are commonly underrepresented.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“A lot of women in our community have reached out to me saying they’ve always been interested in welding,” Wilson said in a virtual interview. “This workshop is a really good way to get women involved and help hopefully make it less intimidating because there’s a female instructor.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">While any woman can join the workshop, spaces filled up quickly, which Wilson attributed to the demand of women wanting to participate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“They’re going to be learning the basics of MIG welding,” Wilson said. “They’re going to be getting some basic tools and equipment orientation. You’re going to be learning the basics of fabrication, like basic measuring, dimensioning, cross squaring.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">Metal inert gas welding, or MIG welding, is one of the most common welding processes. MIG welders feed a metal wire into a welding gun to melt it down.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“Women can come learn a valuable skill that they can use and then also make friends,” Wilson said. “With my welding classes in general, my students have just formed a really cool group, and they have such a unique camaraderie.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">Wilson said her personal experience has prepared her to teach the workshop.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“It’s definitely made me more empathetic for women in this industry and given me insight into the issues that they face,” Wilson said. “It also just lets me do a job that I really enjoy and that I love, and it rarely feels like work.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">Wilson’s love of creating different things as a child is what drew her to welding in the first place.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“I’ve always enjoyed making stuff. I used to make dresses for my dolls and my sisters all the time. I made all my prom dresses and homecoming dresses,” Wilson said. “When I got to junior high and high school, I just wanted to explore creating with a different media, and welding sounded like a lot of fun.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">Hailee Beckstrom is a student enrolled in technology classes, and she is involved in welding at the Moab campus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“My favorite part would be finishing the project,” Beckstrom said in an interview done over the phone. “You’re like, ‘Yep, I did that. That’s me.’”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">According to Beckstrom, there are many projects the students take on in their welding classes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“So far we have done kind of like a picture frame project to help teach us to square things,” Beckstrom said. “We are finishing some bike racks for one of the breweries in town.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">Beckstrom said welding has given her value and skills she can use outside of the classroom.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“I feel like my patience has gotten better. I wasn’t a very patient person. I feel like with welding, you have to be,” Beckstrom said. “Sometimes it can be frustrating and stuff. So you kind of just have to take a step back and calm down. Be patient with the thing you’re working on or something you’re struggling with.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">Beckstrom had some advice for young girls who are considering going into welding but aren’t sure how to start.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">“Don’t give up, just keep doing it, because in this field, there are men that are Debbie Downers,” Beckstrom said. “You’re going to have people put you down, you just got to keep going. Pursue what you want to do.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p class="p2">Rachel Stenta is the technical education program coordinator for USU Moab who helps welding instructors by speaking with high school students for concurrent enrollment programs. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“Anytime we have underrepresented groups, you know, our role as a university is to make sure that we’re reaching out to better serve those populations,” Stenta said in a virtual interview. “Women that might have hesitated before, like, ‘Is welding really for me?’ They see somebody like Chloe teaching it and go, ‘Hey, you know she’s doing it, so I can do it.’ There’s such a deficit in the technical trades.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">According to Stenta, there will be three workshops with a total of 12 students.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“But the response has been so overwhelming,” Stenta said. “Even more surprising that we’ve had such a response, we have 34 people on our waitlist. Without advertising. So the community is very excited for Women in Welding.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Stenta said anyone can join the welding certificate program in Moab without needing a high school diploma or GED. At USU Eastern, students can earn an associate degree in welding.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“Some of the students on the degree side are using welding phlebotomy, some of our other tech classes as electives, which is fun because they get college credit for it and they pick up a skill.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The Women in Welding flier shows Rosie the Riveter, which according to Stenta is an important symbol from World War II because of the motto, “We Can Do It!”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“I think that the main thing women are going to take away is that welding is for everybody and that they can do it,” Stenta said. “This is our first offering specific to training to get this underrepresented population into our program, but I think it’s definitely going to be consistent.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">According to Stenta, USU Moab also recognizes that men are underrepresented in the health field. To counteract this, the school will be doing panel discussions to encourage men to consider the health fields.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“From our presentations at the high school and interacting with our high school seniors and in the community, like women and students at the high school — we’ve just been amazed at the response of how excited women are about welding,” Stenta said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Jaimin Sadoff is a high school senior who decided to get involved in one of Chloe’s general welding courses.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“I think it’s a very satisfying process,” Sadoff said in an interview conducted over the phone. “You start with just these little scraps of metal, and then at the end come out with like a really very polished, nicely put together thing. It’s a very satisfying kind of experience.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">According to Sadoff, it is important to have women in the trades.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“We notice a lot of detail and things and I think welding is actually a lot more like a detail-oriented process that most people assume,” Sadoff said. “It’s just cool to have a representation, you know, women can do things that are technically more male-oriented, and we can do them just as well.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">According to Wilson, the skilled trades are generally a dying industry.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“Within the next couple of years, it’s projected that we’re going to have a shortage of about 400,000 welders,” Wilson said. “The average welder in the U.S. right now is 55 years old. So they’re aging out of the industry really quickly. And I’m just grateful for the opportunity to bring more people into the industry, especially women because women account for five to ten percent of the professional welding industry.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Wilson said learning how to weld has helped her feel more financially secure.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“I’ve seen a lot of financial success,” Wilson said. “Learning how to weld and going out and doing it has increased my income so much and increased my ability to provide for myself.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">According to Wilson, there is a large gap between the number of women who want to go into the welding field and the number of women who do.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“People are knocking down our door trying to get into these workshops,” Wilson said. “That’s what’s so important to me about these workshops, just bridging the gap.” </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/women-take-on-welding-in-usu-moabs-training-workshop/">Women take on welding in USU Moab’s training workshop</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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<title>Logan’s biking community emphasizes inclusion: Anyone can hop on a bike</title>
<link>https://usustatesman.com/logans-biking-community-emphasizes-inclusion-anyone-can-hop-on-a-bike/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Leah Call]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2022 16:49:08 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Highlander]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Aggie Blue Bikes]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[biking]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[highlander]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22121901</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Rock music filtered through the speakers and mixed with the sound of bicycle wheels turning and the clank of various…</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/logans-biking-community-emphasizes-inclusion-anyone-can-hop-on-a-bike/">Logan’s biking community emphasizes inclusion: Anyone can hop on a bike</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-contrast="auto">Rock music filtered through the speakers and mixed with the sound of bicycle wheels turning and the clank of various tools at Aggie Blue Bikes, Utah State University’s bike shop. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Founded in 2005, Aggie Blue Bikes is the heart of the campus biking community and welcomes students wanting to get involved in all things bicycling. They provide bicycle education; students can bring in their own bike and be taught how to fix it. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Avery Cronyn, a student at USU, started working as a mechanic four years ago and has been the program coordinator since July. He said that everyone is welcome to stop by, experienced biker or not. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“There’s no stupid questions,” Cronyn said. “We’re all about trying to get people on bikes and feeling more comfortable. We try to provide a lot of opportunities for people who might not feel comfortable breaking into the biking industry, whether that’s riding bikes, racing bikes, or fixing bikes, just based on who’s already in the industry.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Biking is a predominantly white sport with mostly male riders and mechanics, he said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">“If we can try to create an environment here that’s different from that — hopefully more welcoming to people who don’t feel like they fit into that — then hopefully we can start to diversify the sport and the lifestyle,” Cronyn said. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Aggie Blue Bikes currently has seven AmeriCorps paid volunteers. Cronyn said that many volunteers didn’t start with any bike maintenance experience but are now proficient mechanics. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The shop provides long-term bike rentals for free to students. Aggie Blue Bikes is funded by its inclusion in tuition, which costs $1.11 per student, per semester. Those wanting to rent for three months or more are able to do so at no additional cost. The charge for 24-hour rentals is $5 during the week and $10 on the weekend. </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“On the individual level, I think it’s important that everybody has access to transportation,” Cronyn said. “Logan is small, but it can also feel really big, and on a greater organizational level, it just fits in with our goals.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Currently, over 200 three-month rental bikes are checked out, and roughly 300 students a month have used the tools and maintenance services provided by Aggie Blue Bikes.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Cronyn said sustainability has become a main focus for the USU and they are working toward carbon-neutrality by 2050. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">According to the UCLA transportation department, a moderate increase in commuting via bicycle saves 6 million to 14 million tons of carbon dioxide and 700 million to 1.6 billion gallons of fuel.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Aggie Blue Bikes is hosting an upcoming event called Cranksgiving in November. Cronyn described the even as an alleycat race, a type of informal bike race meant to engage the local cycling community. Using bikes with bags on the handles, participants will stop at different grocery stores in the valley to ask incoming shoppers to pick up an extra item or two to donate to the Cache Community Food Pantry.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Aggie Blue Bikes also works with other programs and organizations around town. Bikes are currently being prepared to be donated to Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection. Aggie Blue Bikes works with CAPSA and Athletics United by donating bikes to those who need them and helping people integrate into the community through sports. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Cronyn said they are looking for volunteers to help with the Cranksgiving event. To get involved with Aggie Blue Bikes, direct message them on Instagram @usuaggiebluebikes, send an email to </span><a href="mailto:aggiebluebikes@usu.edu"><span data-contrast="none">aggiebluebikes@usu.edu</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> or stop by their location, located on campus between the Fieldhouse and the Military Science building. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<div id="attachment_22121903" style="width: 610px" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <div class="media-credit-container alignnone" style="max-width: 610px">
<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-22121903" class="wp-image-22121903 size-medium" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20221019_lifestyles_bluebikes-6-600x420.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="420" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20221019_lifestyles_bluebikes-6-600x420.jpg 600w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20221019_lifestyles_bluebikes-6-1000x699.jpg 1000w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20221019_lifestyles_bluebikes-6-300x210.jpg 300w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20221019_lifestyles_bluebikes-6-335x234.jpg 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20221019_lifestyles_bluebikes-6-1050x734.jpg 1050w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20221019_lifestyles_bluebikes-6.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /><span class="media-credit">Paige Johnson</span> </div>
<p id="caption-attachment-22121903" class="wp-caption-text">Sophomore Preston Searl tightening a bolt to keep the tire on the bike frame.</p></div>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Beyond campus, Logan is a community with multiple services available for beginning and seasoned bicyclers. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Sunrise Cyclery, owned by Jeff Keller, has been open since 1981. Surrounded by bike bags, helmets and racks upon racks of bicycles, Keller can be found discussing bike maintenance with local cyclists while the song “Soul Man” plays in the background. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Sunrise is a family-friendly bike shop with a welcoming environment, Keller said. The name was chosen because Keller said there is no better way to greet the day than with a bike ride. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Along with bikes, the shop sells biking gear and equipment. Keller’s advice to new bikers would be to invest in a good quality bike and to do the proper research before making the purchase. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span><span data-contrast="auto">Keller said that riding a bike is the most effective and efficient mode of transportation society has. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> “</span><span data-contrast="auto">You look how far you can go on a bicycle — I used to say that you could go 1, 000 miles on a bicycle — and the energy equivalent is one gallon of gas in a car,” Keller said. “On a bike, you could ride to Salt Lake on a gallon of Welch’s grape juice and a bagel, you know?”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Keller co-founded the annual Logan to Jackson bike race known as LoToJa, which is the longest distance amateur bike race in the United States at 206 miles. LoToJa just celebrated its forty-year anniversary, and tens of thousands of bikers from all 50 states and several countries have participated since its beginning in 1983. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Other full service bike shops in Logan include Joy Ride Bicycles and Al’s Sporting Goods. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Joy Ride, managed by Jeff Bruce, has been open since 2001. The shop has 15 employees, 12 of which are students at USU. Joy Ride sells bikes and offers maintenance. They sponsor the annual local bike races Cache Valley Century, Cache Gran Fondo and the Boy Scouts of America’s Bike the Bear event. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Zackary Hansen, the bike repair shop manager at Al’s Sporting Goods, has worked there for six years.</span> <span data-contrast="auto">Bike services at Al’s include bike maintenance, rentals and sales. There are 15 bike shop employees, 11 of which are USU students. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Hansen said he loves biking because it’s cost-effective and a “green” lifestyle to live. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“Take it easy and have fun,” Hansen said. “Find what you love and go for it.” </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Al’s sponsors the Logan Race Club, a local biking club that meets weekly on Tuesdays for night rides. Like Joy Ride, they sponsor local races, including the Cache Valley Century and the Cache Gran Fondo. They provide mechanic stands to be of service during the races. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">SPEEDMountain, a shop specializing in mountain biking, opened in Bear Lake in 2011 and relocated to Logan in 2016. It transitioned from mountain bike rentals to a full-service shop. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The shop is owned by Dave Jensen and managed by Aaron Mecham. Mecham grew up in Cache Valley and has been mountain biking since he was a child. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“I’m passionate about biking because when you’re sixteen, you feel like you gain all this freedom when you get your license. Then you realize you have to pay for insurance and gas,” Mecham said. “So there are nights where you just have to say, ‘OK, I’m not going anywhere because I’m not paying $5 per gallon.’ But you don’t get that with a bike. With a bike, you ride until you’re hungry, you eat, then you’re good to go again.” </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">According to a study done by the Institution of Transportation Engineers, biking saves 3¢ -5¢ per mile in energy costs, 1¢ -12¢ per mile in air pollution costs and 2¢ -5¢ per mile in noise pollution.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">SPEEDMountain operates exclusively by appointment. To schedule a consultation, call ahead at 435-535-1113 or email </span><a href="mailto:aaron@speedmountain.com"><span data-contrast="none">aaron@speedmountain.com</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Mecham said new bikers should take it slow, start out small and be patient. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“You are forced to pay attention to what’s going on in front of you and around you,” Mecham said. “You can’t think about all the other things you have to do, because that’s when you crash. It’s a very meditative state of mind.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Utah is ranked #10 for best biking states in the U.S. Listed below are the most popular mountain biking trails in Cache Valley, along with their difficulty level: </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">200 South Street Trail – easy</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Bonneville Shoreline Trail – easy</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Jardine Juniper – moderate </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Green Canyon – moderate</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Stump Hollow – moderate</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Logan Peak Trail – moderate</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Ricks Canyon – moderate</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Herd Hollow – moderate </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Spring Hollow Trail – hard</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Smithfield Canyon Trail – hard </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Featured photo by Paige Johnson</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/logans-biking-community-emphasizes-inclusion-anyone-can-hop-on-a-bike/">Logan’s biking community emphasizes inclusion: Anyone can hop on a bike</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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<title>Aggie Blue Bikes hosts ‘Cranksgiving’ event for Cache Community Food Pantry</title>
<link>https://usustatesman.com/aggie-blue-bikes-hosts-cranksgiving-event-for-cache-community-food-pantry/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Alek Nelson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2018 20:58:39 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Student Life]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Aggie Blue Bikes]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Aggie Blue Bikes Director]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[aggies]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Alek Nelson]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[biking]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Cache Community Food Pantry]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Center for Civic Engagement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[cranksgiving]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[USU]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://usustatesman.com/?p=22096365</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Slushy conditions didn’t stop students and community members from cycling around Logan with backpacks full of canned vegetables, Saturday. Cranksgiving,…</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/aggie-blue-bikes-hosts-cranksgiving-event-for-cache-community-food-pantry/">Aggie Blue Bikes hosts ‘Cranksgiving’ event for Cache Community Food Pantry</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Slushy conditions didn’t stop students and community members from cycling around Logan with backpacks full of canned vegetables, Saturday.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cranksgiving, a bike race put on by Aggie Blue Bikes, is the first of its kind in Utah, according to Meg McCarthy, Aggie Blue Bikes director. McCarthy got the idea to bring the race to Utah after seeing it done in Seattle, where she used to live.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">About 10 racers arrived at Aggie Blue Bikes Saturday morning in coats, jackets and hats after an overnight snow. Before the race began, participants were given a manifesto listing grocery stores and checkpoints around Logan to stop at, as is common in most alley cat races. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cranksgiving races have a unique feature, however: racers purchase food and carry it with them to donate to a local food bank.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cyclists could earn points by purchasing canned foods, frozen turkeys and potatoes. After stopping by the checkpoints required, the cyclists met at the Cache Community Food Pantry to weigh their donations and tally points. Points were earned based on the number of stops visited and the amount of food purchased.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In total, the race donated over 210 pounds of food to the pantry. Prizes were donated by Joy Ride bike shop. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jake Gammill, a local resident, won the award for heaviest donation with 64 pounds of food, including a 25-pound bag of flour strapped to the back of his bike. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Meanwhile, Dayton Crites, another Logan resident, won the award for most points accumulated by stopping by multiple specialty grocery stores in Logan.</span></p>
<div class="mceMediaCreditOuterTemp alignnone" style="width: 300px;"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-22096367 alignleft" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/dsc_4029-300x201.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="201" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/dsc_4029-300x201.jpg 300w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/dsc_4029-1000x669.jpg 1000w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/dsc_4029-500x335.jpg 500w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/dsc_4029-800x535.jpg 800w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/dsc_4029-1280x857.jpg 1280w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/dsc_4029-1920x1285.jpg 1920w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/dsc_4029-335x224.jpg 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/dsc_4029-1050x703.jpg 1050w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Because Aggie Blue Bikes is a part of the Center for Civic Engagement, community service is a focus of the organization, said program director Meg McCarthy. Because of this, service is a focus of Aggie Blue Bikes’ activities. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think Cranksgiving just fits in beautifully with that and ties bikes into it,” she said.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cranksgiving races, like the one in Logan, began in 1999 in New York City, and have expanded to locations throughout the country. Even though the races have similar features, each one is independently organized and run.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When asked if the event would become an annual event, McCarthy responded, “I hope to do it every year and make it a cornerstone of Aggie Blue Bikes.”</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">—</span><a href="mailto:alek.nelson@aggiemail.usu.edu"><span style="font-weight: 400;">alek.nelson@aggiemail.usu.edu</span></a></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">@nelsonalek</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/aggie-blue-bikes-hosts-cranksgiving-event-for-cache-community-food-pantry/">Aggie Blue Bikes hosts ‘Cranksgiving’ event for Cache Community Food Pantry</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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<title>Spring Fever: tips and tricks for the warm weather dating season.</title>
<link>https://usustatesman.com/spring-fever-tips-tricks-warm-weather-dating-season/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Alina Shaw]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Mar 2017 23:08:54 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Student Life]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[biking]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dates]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[dating]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[frisbee]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ice Cream]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Logan]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[spring]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[spring fever]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Statesman]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[USU]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[warm weather]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://usustatesman.com/?p=22012761</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>The snow has melted, the end of the semester is approaching and many Utah State University students are thrilled to…</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/spring-fever-tips-tricks-warm-weather-dating-season/">Spring Fever: tips and tricks for the warm weather dating season.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The snow has melted, the end of the semester is approaching and many Utah State University students are thrilled to see the beginning of spring in Logan, Utah. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s an exciting time because you get people that are excited and happy and they bring out all the bright colors,” said Jonathan Tousley, a senior studying computer engineering. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Along with the bright colors and excited college students, the warmer weather brings with it more romantic tendencies and dating opportunities. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Spring fever is real,” said Lauran Jacklin, a junior studying nutritional science. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Like Jacklin, many students agree that love and the warm weather go together. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alyssa Redford, a freshman studying to become a business major, said the warm sunshine outside acts as a catalyst for increased socialization among college students which can lead to dating and the formation of romantic relationships. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another reason dating picks up speed in the spring, is that it “leaves room for noncommittal, fun relationships” before the end of the semester, Redford said. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A lot of people go home for the summer and they don’t live in the same state as the person they are dating so it’s like, well that was fun…Bye,” she said. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether students are looking for a long-term relationship or a spring fling, there are many fun dating opportunities to enjoy. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For those who like the outdoors, Jacklin suggested hiking on the trails up the canyon on a date. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Redford suggested finding an activity like kayaking where people could “deal with water but not actually get in the water,” since the lakes and rivers in the springtime are still “freezing.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Maggie Mathews, a freshman studying social studies said a fun dating activity would be to go biking together or rent a tandem-bike. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Hammocking in another popular outdoors dating activity, Jacklin said.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> “You can really go anywhere up the canyon and just pull off at any of the pullouts,” she said. “You don’t walk very far, just up to the trees and find two trees that are close enough to hook your hammock up. It’s super fun.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For those who are not outdoor enthusiasts or who want to tag something fun on to the end of a date, Tousley suggested grabbing some ice cream “because it’s finally warm enough to eat it.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Throwing around a frisbee or studying outside on the quad is another fun activity that shows a date does not have to be extravagant or complicated in order to be fun, Tousley said. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The spring dating scene isn’t just reserved for single people, said Brian Christensen, an environmental studies major. Christensen is married and still enjoys the benefits of spring time dating with his wife. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We try do something at least once a week, even if it’s small like watching a movie or going on a hike or going fishing,” Christensen said. “If there’s ever a good play on we always like going to a play and we like going out for ice cream.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether it’s an outdoor activity or indoor event, spring is filled with opportunities to spend time with that significant other before the semester ends.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the springtime, “life is better,” Redford said. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">—alina.haws@aggiemail.usu.edu </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">@AlinaShaw5 </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/spring-fever-tips-tricks-warm-weather-dating-season/">Spring Fever: tips and tricks for the warm weather dating season.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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