Rail-Trail Riding
Features
Railways converted to multiuse trails are among my favorite to ride, likely because I grew up able to ride the Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad corridor in the early stages of it becoming a state park. I also appreciate the even surface, places to stop along the routes, lack of vehicle traffic and the abundance of scenery often
Mountain Biking
Features
Mountain biking is one of the styles that intimidates me, more so after trying out a few trails that required technical skill I didn’t have. That means I limit myself to hiking when visiting Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Vermont and other destinations with worthy mountain bike trails. While I’d love to cover more ground by riding,
Gravel Grinding
Features
There’s an easy explanation for why gravel biking is the fastest growing style of riding: there are more than 2 million miles of unpaved roads across the country, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. “We don’t have to construct anything, the roads are already here,” said LeLan Dains, cyclist and owner of Gravel City
Road Cycling
Features
Cycling on paved roadways is one of the most accessible ways to ride, possibly beginning right outside your door. Serious road riders use lightweight bikes and are committed to long, sustained rides, whether it’s on flat urban and rural roads or mountain road climbs. Many bike races happen on pavement, though commuting and recreational riding
Electric Bikes Open Up Possibilities
Features
In Austin, Texas, we pedaled a bicycle through downtown neighborhoods while listening to a songwriter-turned-tour guide spin behind-the-music-scene tales, and during a quick stop on the state’s Gulf Coast, we rented bikes to explore the island city of Galveston on our own. These were our first experiences with electric bicycles, and my husband went along
The Things I Carried: Travels with Bacon and More
Cooking My Way Home
I was not surprised when I was pulled aside by the TSA in the Sacramento airport, and I had my story down. “That’s my lunch,” I said of the two pints of pickled corn relish pulled from my backpack by the agent, who eyed me with a combination of skepticism and disinterest. My stolid proclamation
Maple-Bacon Granola
Recipes
Maple-Bacon Granola Don’t forget the bacon … in this sweet-salty-crunchy snack, perfect to carry along on the hiking trail or in the car for a road trip. It’s a tasty topper for yogurt parfaits for the brunch table, too, or sprinkled over ice cream. I played around with this recipe — adapted from a few
Tilling — Best Practices to Protect Soil
Your Place in the Garden
In the garden, most of the attention goes to the growth above the ground; the areas we are easily able to enjoy with our senses. Seasoned gardeners know it is what’s going on below that determines the quality of the resulting blooms and produce. Tillage is the practice of mechanically digging into and turning the
Bicycling: Following the Rules of the Road
Safety
Summer increases pedestrian and bicycle traffic, both for recreation and as a primary mode of transportation. Plus, gas prices in the last few years have resulted in an increase in bicycle purchases and other non-motorized alternative transportation, especially in Kansas’ urban areas. Bicycle trips make up only 1% of all trips in the United States.
Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Pecan Salsa
Recipes
Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Pecan Salsa 4 1-inch thick boneless pork loin chops3/4 tsp. plus 1/8 tsp. kosher salt (divided)Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)2 medium peaches (diced)2/3 cup raw pecan pieces2 Tbsp. red onion (diced)2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil1 tsp. minced jalapeno pepper2 tsp. lime juice Season the pork chops with the 3/4
Grilled Warm Potato Salad with Bacon
Recipes
Grilled Warm Potato Salad with Bacon 6 slices bacon thick-cut (cooked until crisp, then coarsely crumbled)2 lb. red new potatoes (golf-ball size, scrubbed and poked with a fork)2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil4 green onions including green tops (cut crosswise into thin rounds)1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar1 large clove garlic minced2 Tbsp.
My EV Experience — Part 2
Web Exclusive
Adam Vlach, a freelance writer specializing in business and technology trends, is conducting research on market sentiment around electric vehicles (EVs). He interviewed Tim Power, CEO of DSO Electric Cooperative based in Salina, as part of this research. The interview is below. ADAM We’ve established the benefits of electric vehicles, and there are many. Like
Sunflower ElectroRally Kicks Off E-Car Racing Season
Co-op Community Commitment
A wave of the green flag and the race is off! How many laps can specially designed electric cars — built by teams of high school students — make in a single hour around a track or course? Spectators at the Sunflower ElectroRally watched that question and answer come to life as the first race
Lessons from ‘Numbers for Word People’ Handy Most of the Time
Editor's Letter
Early in my career, I had the honor of working for one of the 11 Federal Home Loan Banks, which are U.S. government-sponsored banks providing liquidity to the members of financial institutions to support housing finance and community investment. The banks’ members include thrift institutions, commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and certified community development
Knowledge is Power — Factors that Impact Electric Rates
CEO Viewpoint
Understanding how electric rates are set is fundamental to any discussion about electric rates in our state, and electric co-ops believe it is important for their consumer-members and policymakers to understand the basics. If one possesses knowledge on why rates vary from co-op to co-op, why co-op rates differ from investor-owned and municipal utilities, and
Necessary Steps for Solar Commissioning
Energy Wise
I’m interested in adding solar panels to my house. What steps do I need to take? Getting a solar photovoltaic system installed and operational on your house or property involves working with several parties to ensure a safe, functional and cost-effective system. You need to work with your electric cooperative, local building department and a