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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

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.

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

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. 

     

Veg Group Ride

I had no idea what to expect.  The pace was moderate, mostly road with a small dirt section.  Many cool bikes (even a steel frame) The ride was 50ish miles where Folsom / Valmont intersect to Rabbit Mountain / back (Whittier) As the "new kid," I'm usually subtle, not asserting dominance.  I try to remain sensitive but show I'm not totally reckless or naive.  Totally heard one of the guys say, "Is this where we drop everyone?" They didn't drop anyone.  After the ride, we received wristbands for free kombucha, smoothies, and gift bags.  A really sweet surprise considering it was Jeff's birthday.         

Anemone Trail

Anemone holds a special place in my heart.  Our dog has even climbed it (a pitbull lover will tell you how sensitive these sweethearts are to summer heat) Anemone's difficulty is not extreme, but the view is massive (almost full 360, for a fraction of the effort to Sanitas)  The start of Anemone intersects several options.  The trail starts with a smooth dirt ascent, which soon turns rocky and steep (with welcoming peak)  Always psyched for Anemone.       

Cycling Sunshine Canyon Solo

While it can be done on a 28, the ascent definitely calls for a 32/40T cassette (seated) Found the rear wheel spinning sand (out the saddle)  Blazing sun, convenient rest stops, gorgeous views.  With a maximum grade of 21-24% Sunshine Canyon definitely requires pacing.  Underestimated the climb for sure.  It's convenient to blame altitude acclimation, wonky sleep, slacking nutrition/glucose exhaustion, 28T cassette, or emotional stress.  In reality, the climb is just a bit soul-crushing.  I recommend going up in peak condition...otherwise, relax.  The descent offers short and steep switchbacks, many blind turns, very few potholes. Epic ride.   

Lion's Lair

 First time hiking Lion's Lair was a blast.  The trail led to the top of Mt. Sanitas (a personal favorite mountain run, from Red Rocks)  Hikers tend to park off a Sunshine Canyon switch-back. As you begin the hike, meadow vibes transition to plentiful pines.  Beautiful views omnipresent, between luscious greenery and sprawling needles.  A diverse trail with increasingly epic scenery.  This hike is vegan cake.


Halfway through the trail, you notice solitude.  The path is smooth, nothing to climb or dodge,  Great for introspection, nothing but crickets.
Approaching the summit, we met a chef from Virginia.  This dude loved Gwar.  Colorado locals were getting a taste of "Beefcake the Mighty" and conceptualizing Juggalo gatherings "on mushrooms"  The conversation was also spiced with thoughts on the east coast heroin epidemic, masala, and Thai jasmine rice (his favorite flavors)


We hiked up and ran down.  Not away from circus rap and southern rock, but for fun.  The run was effortless.  I'd almost trust it barefoot.  Cushey, assorted forest debris, imitates floating on carpets of moss.  I'd looked forward to seeing a frog sculpture at the top of Mt. Sanitas, drilled to the peak-post sometime in 2017.  The frog was gone, but the trail is rewarding regardless.  If Mt. Sanitas is rough, but you enjoy the view, try Lion's Lair.  The same destination for very little effort (though two recorded deaths by lion in 2016 are great fitness motivators)

Arapahoe > Flagstaff > Baseline

I've been wanting to explore Arapahoe AND Baseline. So what better way than take Arapahoe to Flagstaff, hit the Strava segment on Flagstaff, and ride Baseline back.  The road conditions and vehicular traffic taking Arapahoe into Boulder (center) were intense. I'd highly suggest Baseline in either direction. Baseline has a wider shoulder, smoother tarmac, and is full of "sport and commuter" cyclists of all types.
Flagstaff was fun.  Snow-capped mountains, ominous and cloudy Flatirons.  Met a friendly deer and helped her cross the road.  Young kids in sporty cars, flooring it on the straight-away, could've hit her for sure.  The deer aren't shy here.  Brought one metal bottle, refilled it once. First water had electrolyte / hydration powder.  Had a few dark chocolate peanut butter cups.  Even though I don't enjoy chocolate on rides, put myself in a situation where I had no option. I'd rather meditate on chocolate.
Coming back on Baseline was fun.  Got the high / leg chills.  Drafted behind a bus and later behind a confident commuter with a large messenger bag.  Strong rider, nice pace.  Epic road conditions and beautiful rolling hills.  The scenery is amazing here. Everywhere I look is like a landscape painting, stunning and surreal.  Always grateful, it will never get old.

Trail Running Baltimore Maryland

Baptized in the Gunpowder River, I've been running and cycling trails of Baltimore Maryland since birth.  Through miles of sunny sky and flooded, frozen trail, I'd hold onto morale and arrive home with a newfound sense of accomplishment and awe, inspired for the next adventure.  Connecting with the natural world, away from the confines of concrete, glass, and stainless steel.  Open to a world of endless possibilities, senses overwhelmed with nostalgic stimuli. Manmade concepts of mercy and ferocity do not exist here. Go outside.  

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