Monday, October 29, 2018

CRUX KRISPIES

Cast-iron-simmered, superfood infused chewiness from Baltimore, MD to Boulder, CO and everywhere between.
The decision to start my own business was spawned off years of working minimum wage positions (long hours / all-nighters)  Grueling, rainy, snowy, icy commutes on a bike (car-free ethics hold strong)  Risking my life to work for wasteful corporations.  That said, Crux Krispies will be everything I've ever wanted (from a consumers perspective)  No illusion of transparency.  My company is a byproduct of Baltimore's long and cold winters.  Cold so crippling, the only thing I could do outside was run.  I've been experimenting for years in the kitchen to give you, what I wish someone gave me.





Company Promise  
Plant-based Gluten-Free
Zero Waste / Compostable
Handmade / Small Batch
Cast Iron / Superfood Infused  

Materials Used in Production
Bamboo Spoon
Glass Dish
Compostable Packaging

Staple Ingredients Sourced  
Brown Rice Syrup
Crisp Rice Cereal
Coconut Oil
Various Superfoods

Live Free 
Plastic Free
Aerosol Free
Teflon Free
Hexane Free
Dairy Free
Gluten Free
Gelatin Free 
Cruelty Free 

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

JB VB V1 | Retrospective



In 2010, I gathered all the vintage speakers available (along with cassette tapes, found in my parents' basement)  Got an old Fender Twin, salvaged some mics, and experimented for hours.  Usually, I will record 2 full cassettes (side a and b) meditation in full darkness.  Iridescent light is most favorable, but sometimes hard to achieve (though, as I age, realize the importance of set and setting)  Gave these tapes to a friend (for collaboration) with no avail.  Volume One is a compilation of various selections tailored to fit, complement, and complete the composition (arrangement)  The "happy accidents" are calculated (I have learned to replicate heavily uncontrollable sonics on cue via this method of production)  The initial instrumentation is hyper-minimal (vocals)  Post-production meant blasting the cassette through an old interface (obsolete driver) into a DAW on a gifted Mac.  Part of me feels like a "retrospective" means giving away my secrets, but maybe not.  I don't care much for gear.  To me, art (audiovisual + outdoor artivism) has always been about the creator.  All the secrets in the world won't give you the catalyst.  Same gear + separate artist = individual voice.

     

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Vafels | Plant-Based Liège Wafels

My initial exposure to Vafels came through accomplished trail runners in Boulder, Colorado.  Immediately, I knew I had to learn more.  I became an apprentice and learned that Vafels are handmade with organic ingredients and active yeast, they cold-ferment overnight and are made in authentic wafel irons (where pearl sugar imported from Belgium caramelizes to perfection)  The aromas are deep, sincere and unique.  Complex hints of banana, floral scents of flour and yeast, moist and delicate nibs of sugar.
For decades, athletes have relied on gels, bars and gummies for fast sugars producing quick energy.  Behind the scenes, pro teams were using grains and baking cakes (the difference is obvious)  Vafels offer sustained energy you can feel.  A break from an arsenal of monotonous bars and gels, they are closer to a whole food plant-based option than any product marketed to athletes present day.  Baking has never been so clean vafels.com

Monday, October 15, 2018

Light Bright | o.ranie bike light review

Natural light is important, we can hardly see without it.  Sunlight provides Vitamin-D and colorful reflections for eyes to absorb.  Light influences our circadian rhythm and even impacts our metabolism.  That said, I wake up and go outside.  All I know is sunrise-sunset and whatever falls between.  Occasionally, I am caught in the dark, often losing sense of time (dark after dark is simply dark)  My significant other and I have been stalked by bears in North Carolina and mountain lions in Boulder, Colorado.  I have been attacked by drivers and approached by strangers (running, cycling, and driving in Baltimore City)

This is all relevant.  Light can be a tool (fire) a compass (in the night) a weapon (against predators) and so much more.  Light can save lives.  That is why I'm grateful for this 700 lumen, USB rechargeable, water resistant, multi-cadence light by n.oranie.  With proper attachments, this light is suitably worn atop helmets, bike bars, and backpack shoulder straps.  Model YT-L2 is rated at 10W and comes in three settings (super bright, less bright, and a relentlessly bright-flashing seizure mode)  It comes with a complementary tail-light and a sturdy attachment for bicycle handlebars.  While the product description reads "bike light" I have used this light for hiking, road-trail running and cycling.  In full sunlight it exceeds expectations.

Friday, October 5, 2018

12-Hour Mt. Sanitas Loop | The Gear

Pictured and not (but listed below) is gear crucial in completing my 12-hour loop of Mt. Sanitas (left to right | top to bottom) Shoot me an email for inquiries on gear and/or specific products you would like to see reviewed donate.thehumaneleague.com/jonbur

- Scott Jurek Hydration Vest 3.0
- Abandoned Trekking Pole
- Humane League Running Jersey
- Skratch Labs Hat
- Bryton 310 GPS
- Multi-functional headband
- Skratch Labs Lemon Lime Hydration Mix
- Skratch Labs Choco Chip Anytime Bars
- Skratch Labs Recovery Mix
- Pact Organic Underwear
- Shortest I could find Running Shorts
- Salomon Speedcross 4 
- Vafels Plant-Based Wafels

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Hill Killer Apparel Summer Jersey

olenkaphoto  
I know, I know...Winter is coming...BUT check out this new jersey from Hill Killer Apparel.  It is unlike any jersey I've ever worn.  The fabric is ultra-light while remaining structurally sound.  It lays beautifully, a modern classic.  An all black everything, luxury aesthetic, with a tinge of 80s revival, meets the feeling of cycling naked.  It features lengthened sleeves with asymmetrically pigmented compression-grip bands.  A favorite jersey of mine for sure.




Separate fabrics, textures and weights used for individual sections around the jersey. 
     






Pinnacle - Out & Back - Appalachian Trail

Photo Courtesy of Reb Green @Wild.Bone.Alchemy