I was concerned about the polar bears’ habitat melting away. I was a little dismayed with the possibility of Manhattan flooding. But now, the potential affects of global warming are hitting a little closer to home- by inflating already skyrocketing beer prices.
The price of beer is likely to rise in coming decades because climate change will hamper the production of a key grain (malting barley) needed for the brew
Don’t get too scared, this report is just a prediction and is referring to regions of New Zealand and Australia.
Still, this is tough news. I’m already seeing the effect of trickle down economics in the local beer cooler. Especially since the price of hops has shot up in the past couple years. With Ethanol booming, many hop farmers are switching over to more lucrative crops like corn. Your craft beer prices are going to be more affected by increased hop prices. The larger mega breweries tend to have long-term contracts with hop farmers. The smaller brewers don’t have the same purchasing power and are therefor more susceptible to price increases due to hop shortages.
It seems our overconsumption and hunger for energy is biting us in the ass. So, if you want to keep beer prices down - ride a bike.
This past weekend I took my class down to Pueblo Reservoir A.K.A. Front Range Fruita to sample this much acclaimed single track. And let me tell you it does not disappoint! I was able to contact Vance of Vance’s Bicycle World and he agreed to show us some of the rides in the area. I can think of no better source than from one of the guys responsible for building the trails.
The first trail Vance took us on was a rolling single/double track “Pedro’s Point” from the highway to a great overlook with a birds eye view of the reservoir. From there we had the option to ride Outer Limits or flip around and head back to the rigs. We chose the latter as we were eager to get to the south Marina for some lunch before our afternoon rides.
It has been long speculated as to whether Nalgene was going to wait until the U.S. Govt had finished its testing and research into BPA. With consumer pressure building and rumors of a Canadian ban on BPA circulating, it appears Nalgene is going to “do the right thing.” Seems like a great idea, I mean would you continue to use a product that could potentially kill you? Think cigarettes.
We as the masses often seem to have a great deal of difficulty controlling our urges and Nalgene bottles have become a calling card for the “hey I am an outdoor enthusiast” crowd. And now we come to find it could be killing us all. Doom and Dismay to all!!!
So what does this all mean?!?!
Well the problem is not contained to our water bottles, there are a ton of products that utilize this Bisphenol-A and have for over 50 years. We are now at the mercy of the manufacturers to identify when BPA has been used and for all I know even if it is eventually determined to be as bad for us as advertised what will be the reaction? Will we really care?
Think about the Surgeon Generals warning on tobacco products, did it really have an impact?
So I warn you all, as more research is done, read long and hard and figure out the truth of the matter. Check out Nalgene’s BPA page for their take on the matter, also do your own research and decide for yourself, remember the majority of reports out there are slanted by the all mighty dollar.
Here is a late addition from another great blog giving some more great information concerning this issue.
The hip is feeling better and I have been ditching the cane the last few days and I think I am ready to start the Jack Quinn’s weekly 5k’s again. I will definitely run slow, hell I may walk but I need to do something. I am a bit worried because I have to take my Mountain Biking class for their “field experience” this weekend!! I am planning on riding gently this Friday to see how my hip handles it.
I did call Vance of Vance’s Bicycle World in Pueblo A.K.A. the Front Range Fruita and the guy gave me the heads up as to the epic rides near the reservoir. I will post more after meeting the guy face to face this weekend as well as riding down there. If nothing else the guy has to be good people due to the fact he offered to ride down and show us around his stomping grounds.
Deep Survival written by Laurence Gonzales delves into the psychology of survival. Subtitled Who Lives, Who Dies and Why, Gonzales deftly breaks down and analyzes the information he has gathered during 30 years of research.
His book is a pleasant mix of personal reflection as well as a wealth of experience around activities that claim the majority of our risk takers. Balance is the point of this book, Deep Survival blends the unlikely survivor tales with the astoundingly idiotic fatal mistakes. Gonzales sets out to discover what it means to survive and ultimately discovers that it is all contained within. From inexperienced young children surviving amazing disasters to the experienced combat proven soldiers taking foolish and ultimately fatal risks Deep Survival allows every reader the benefit of years of research and personal reflection that only Laurence Gonzales could provide.
All in all this was a great read with that constant yearning for the next page, the stories are clear and concise with a feeling of continuity often lost when dealing with issue of survival.
I am sure you all know I have a fractured pelvis and as I sit here looking at my bike, I dream of better things like sweet singletrack shown in this video. May your track be fast and your tires sticky.
Subscribe
I was concerned about the polar bears’ habitat melting away. I was a little dismayed with the possibility of Manhattan flooding. But now, the potential affects of global warming are hitting a little closer to home- by inflating already skyrocketing beer prices.
