Wend Blog

Watching Volcanos Erupt From The International Space Station: Russia’s Sarychev Volcano

Stiv — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:51:43 +0000

Yup, as a kid, I had NASA posters all over my room, and have been a sucker for anything space related ever since. On June 12th, 2009, thanks to a serendipitous position in orbit, astronauts at the International Space station were able to get images and video of the Sarychev volcano eruption. The volcano is located on Russia’s Kuril Islands, northeast of Japan. Sarychev Peak is one of the most active volcanoes in the Kuril Island chain, located on the northwestern end of Matua Island. Wow, how cool is this?

Click here to view the embedded video.

[via Nasa]

Google Earth Alphabet

anna — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:39 +0000

Our Croatian isn’t up to speed, but we’re still digging this cool alphabet put together with shots taken from Google Earth.

Bicycle Soccer Around the World

kyle — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:15:05 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cycle Ball, or Radball, is a soccer-like game where players on specialized bicycles use their front tires to strike a small ball towards a lacrosse-style net. The bikes used in Cycle Ball are fixed gear, heavier than average, and cost upwards of 2,000 Euros. They also have vertical handlebars for stability and to make it easier to pass or shoot the ball. According to the video, Germany has the best Cycle Ball team in the world, but I think I could round up a few Portland bike messengers who could beat them…

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cycle Ball in Tokyo

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cycle Ball - Hungary VS Croatia

Friday Photo: Essequibo River

anna — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:00:44 +0000

Summer’s heat is upon us and because this is the season for enjoying water, be it at the beach, on the river or in a lake, we decided to go with a Friday Photo theme that would inspire protecting our waterways. Our first photo for this month’s contest comes from Stacey, who took this image of the Essequibo River in Guyana while flying above it in a small plane. Stacey points out, ”

.hmmessage P { margin:0px; padding:0px } body.hmmessage { font-size: 10pt; font-family:Verdana } rivers are the life blood of Guyana (the name itself refers to many or fast flowing waters), serving as major transportation routes and livelihoods for many.”

Stacey scores a Klean Kanteen™ Classic with Sport Cap 2.0 and an S-biner; filling up a reusable water bottle means not having to buy a disposable plastic one, and therefore creates less pollution in our waterways.

Do you have a great waterway photo? It can be anything from horrific plastic pollution to an active coastal cleanup — just something that inspires us to protect our waterways. Submit your shots to our Flickr pool and then send a description of your photo(s) to fphoto@wendmag.com.

Surfing Zen: Author of Saltwater Buddha Reading at Powell’s Tonight

anna — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:00:22 +0000

I’m the middle of reading Saltwater Buddha right now, and anyone that believes in living a simpler lifestyle, loves to surf or simply has an obsession with being near water will certainly want to check it out.

Luckily for Portland, Powells on Hawthorne will be welcoming the book’s author, Jaimal Yogis, tonight for a reading. If you’re in town, go check it out!

What: Author Jaimal Yogis reads from his celebrated book “Saltwater Buddha”

When: Thursday July 2nd, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Powells on Hawthorne, 3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

German Snow Kayaking

kyle — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:03:52 +0000

Check out this footage of a guy flying down the mountain in his kayak and catching some big air.

Urban Adventure and Sustainability: GO Urban Race

anna — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:03 +0000

What do you get when you combine one problem solving, one part teamwork, one part urban adventure and a dash of craziness? The GO Urban Adventure Race. Having kicked off in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, GO Urban will be bringing the race to thirteen different cities throughout the next year, encouraging people to get outside and live healthier lifestyles.

The race’s “primary purpose is to get people outside and into the city to explore its best known spots as well as its secrets.” Teams of two will compete by searching for a series of points that provide clues to follow on. The cool thing is that GO Urban is an initiative started by The Vallon Institute, a non-profit that focuses on sustainability and health, which means that the race organizers choose “local places that try to do things in a better way for the environment that lead to a healthier lifestyle.”

We support that, plus, what’s more entertaining than competing in an urban adventure competition? Not much… which is why you should check out whether or not GO Urban is making its way to your town and sign up to participate!

My Home Surf Break + Unicorns.

Stiv — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:02:34 +0000

Yup, this is probably the most special place on earth. Sweet waves and mythical creatures. Actually, this was sent to me by friend with the subject line, “Surf trip? My treat.” Yeah, I got suckered.

Tour Divide Winner Matthew Lee: 2,745 Miles in 17 Days

anna — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:20:59 +0000

Biking 2,745 miles is no small feat. Now do those 2,745 miles solo — completely unsupported — and along the intense terrain of the Great Divide and you’ve got one crazy yet respectable journey. That’s why we’re giving some major props to Matthew Lee, winner of this year’s Tour Divide, who completed the 2,745 miles from Banff, Alberta to Antelope Wells, New Mexico in exactly 17 days, 23 hours and 45 minutes. Lee takes home the grand prize of a hell of a lot of bragging rights.

But just because Lee is done doesn’t mean the rest of the competitors are. You can keep up with them on the Tour Divide Blog.

[Via: Get Outdoors]

WIPEOUT WEDNESDAY: The Sixteenth Submissions (Bike Focused).

Stiv — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:32:04 +0000

Once again, it’s Wipeout Wednesday which means we’re on week 16 of the best unbridled carnage on the web, brought to you by our very own blog readers. You know the drill by now– Got some good wipeout footage? Send your links in to letters@wendmag.com for a chance to win a subscription. This week, we’re keeping it all bike.
From Carly (Now there is going big, and there is going WAY TOO big:

Click here to view the embedded video.

From Ronnie(Might want to check for cars before you go):

Click here to view the embedded video.

From Stephanie(Um, what’s the point of this?):

Click here to view the embedded video.