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June 2009

Introducing the Buribar

June 18, 2009 04:45

Greetings,

for those of you who are interested in something to get you through the Tchaik concerto or Mahler nine without fading away until your second wind kicks in (always embarrassing) I would like to introduce the Buribar.

The origin of the recipe is actually long distance and touring cyclists who suggested that a good ratio of carbs,  protein and fats for really hard core biking is 40%/30%/30%.    I modified a version of this that has been kicking around for a while  for my own use during long distance rides.  The bar has been tested by me on extremely gruelling bike mountain climbs.  It provides a stream  of energy  but doesn`t shoot its load (or you of the planet) because of the decent protein content .  Eat one hour or more before whatever you are going to do.

The most important change I made to the old recipes I found (can`t remember where ) was to get rid of the corn syrup (absolute poison) and substitute rice malt which the body processes more slowly so you don`t crash after a sugar rush.

The ingredients:

2 cups rice malt (organic)

1 tablespoon honey (organic)

2 cups crunchy peanut butter (non hydrogenated , organic) 

1 tablespoon cocoa. (no sugar)

2 teaspoons cinnamon.

1 teaspoon sea salt. 

2 cups quality whey protein.

3 cups oats pureed in a blender so they are powder.

Mix the first six ingredients. A sticky,  messy job that is hard and discouraging.  Don`t start licking your fingers or by the end you will be in a diabetic coma....  Stir in the protein powder a little at a time. The mixture will probably be so stiff that you have to use your hands.  Mix in the oats.  This requires a lot of strength.  Spread on non stick paper (11.5x15` inches) Refrigerate for 1 hour.  Cut into thirty pieces and store in the fridge.

If you don`t seriously love the taste of these you probably have a problem. I would suggest that they are not designed as a quick snack when you are feeling peckish.  Its a strong bar for hard work.  Also go easy on giving them to children except in small bites at soccer games or whatever.

Cheers,

Buri

 

6 replies | Archive link


Violinist on a bike

June 7, 2009 21:55

Greetings,

Since I started serious biking and touring a couple of years back (with time off for pneumonia) I was wondering what could be learnt from this experience that applies to violin playing.   Here is a tentative list.
 
Bike-   Train for a tour or the tour trains you.
Violin-   Don’t learn  the Tchaikovsky concerto until you can play it.
 
Bike-  One day off a week from training will leave you refreshed and stronger.
Violin-   One day off a week from practiicng will increase your learning and help prevent burn out.
 
Bike-   Mountain bikes are for mountains. Roadbikes are not the same thing.
Violin- Always use the instrument and bow that suits you .
 
Bike-  A commuting cyclist is actually exposed to less air pollution than a commuting motorist.
Violin-  Don`t accept a job in a chamber group called the `Farting Quartet.`
 
Bike-  Distribute the weight in the panniers evenly.
Violin- Make sure the second violin section has some good players.
 
Bike-   Protect the family jewels with padded shorts.
Violin- Ditto in Bruckner symphonies.
 
Bike-   Always carry a couple of spare inner tubes.
Violin- There is no excuse for no spare strings.
 
Bike- Yes you can go at 40 mph but the chance  of even just a small stone throwing you off is  really high.
Violin- Don’t play faster than you can control. The audience can’t hear fast passage work anyway.
 
Bike- Be polite and helpful to other bikers and pedestrians.
Violin- Cooperate with your desk partner.
 
Bike- Don’t give truck drivers the finger.
Violin- Don’t give the conductor the finger.
 
 
Bike- Stretching after a ride is vital.
Violin- Stretching after practicing is vital.
 
Bike- Don’t assume it is easy or you are doing it right.  Seek expert instruction.
Violin- Get a teacher.
 
Bike- yes, you should pedal going down hill.
Violin- Rigidity is death.
 
Bike-   Proper nutrition is vital. In particular keep hydrated.
Violin- Stop drinking that Starbucks and get some water in.
 
Bike- Don’t wear biker shorts to a funeral. (Long story)
Violin- Appropriate dress is important.
 
Bike- Toe clips or bike shoes are essential.
Violin-  Pay attention to the up bow in spiccato passages.
 
Hope this provides some food for thought,
Buri

10 replies | Archive link


More entries: May 2009