Friday, January 23, 2009

RECR193

Course Information
Course Ref: RECR 193 K01, Crn: ? ,1 Credit
Prerequisites: Good Physical Condition
Location: Kuskokwim Campus, Room ? , Bike - Shop in ABE Loft


Meeting Times: Class - Tuesday 6:30 - 9:00, Field Activity - Times Agreed Upon with Instructor

Instructor Information
Martin Leonard III
Room 158 - ABE Loft KuC Office
Office Hours: Tues / Thurs. 10 - 12am
Instant Message Contact: martinuaf @ yahoo / msn / skype
Email: martin_leonard@bethel.uaf.edu


Course Materials
Text (suggested): Jones, C., Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair, Park Tool Company,2008 edition ISBN 0-9765530-0-7

Amazon Text Link: http://www.amazon.com/Big-Blue-Book-Bicycle-Repair/dp/0976553023/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232752724&sr=8-1

Course Website: http://martinuaf.blogspot.com/2009/01/recr193.html

Supplemental Material: http://fatbikealaska.blogspot.com/


Supplies: Every student should have access to a properly fitting bicycle helmet, personal safety lighting, and proper outdoor clothing. The instructor will make every effort to support each students access to needed equipment but reserves the right to define 'proper' and disallow participation when deemed 'improper', deemed inadequate or unsafe.

Course Description
RECR 193 is a survey of winter bicycling in Alaska. Topics covered include: Alaskan Winter Cycling Roots &History; Performance & Off-season Training; Bike Design, Performance & Construction; Expedition Readiness and Wheel Building. Practicum will include in-region day-rides and bike-building opportunities for all students. Upon completion, students will have a better understanding of the new levels of fitness and the safe enjoyment of the out-of-doors that this growing winter sport can provide.

Course Goals
  • Exposure to some of the unique bicycling history in Alaska
  • Understand the roots of Snow Biking and the Development of 'FatBikes' in Alaska
  • Develop a broader knowledge-base regarding ultralight camping and self propelled travel
  • Understand critical design and construction components for winter bicycles
  • Develop basic mechanic skills and confidence through hands-on bike shop experience
  • Review off-season training tools and performance
  • Recognize and practice safe wilderness travel etiquette