LUNA-TICS TEAM ROOM: Year-round "Looney" fun.

[bg]

i need a few days of rest. pulled my lower back pushing a broom on saturday. LOL
my shuffle board technique with the push broom was probably not the right technique.

my 13k row in Sunday helped loosen up my back and i probably wouldn't of even rowed if it wasn't for the challenge.

ouch.....sending healing thoughts and.....happy birthday gina.......

[Kona2]

Ron - thanks so much for the update! Glad you have the generator as a back up - AND that you don't have to travel to work and back during this flooding time. Your question about using the erg to produce energy reminded me that we had a posting for this back in 2008 or 2009 - so I searched it out. Here is the response from Concept2 when I asked back then about using the erg to produce electricity:

Concept2 engineering staff was quick to respond with an acknowledged canned answer as this is a frequent question. Here's the response:

This is a fairly old subject that has been gaining a lot of interest of late. Note that the Model D&E utilize a rotating magnet ring and non-contacting coil type of generator to run the PM3 and to recharge the batteries of the PM4. These are both pretty low-power applications that do not significantly change the flywheel speed characteristics or the "feel" of the rower. Try hooking up a generator to run your TV and you're into major changes in how the machine feels and responds. Not that it can't be done, but it would be a pretty major undertaking. One could argue that the rower is pretty effective as an air-moving device, which is a major component of many home heating systems. Many exercise devices dump their excess energy into a heat sink, so you could say that these machines are effectively heating the room they are in (not to mention the sweaty body running them). The reality is that there isn't a lot of energy available from your average user.
I was intrigued by some of the ideas in an article about utilizing "parasitic" or ambient energy. A flooring that generates power when people walk on it- can you imagine how much power might be available in a subway station at rush hour? C2JonW

Suggests that we are more likely to reduce power usage by lowering thermostat a few degrees to offset the heat we are generating....quite a few bucks per degree lowered.

K2

[bg]

I hope that any of you who were in the path of Irene are safe and sound. Here in Vermont we really got whacked The winds weren't too bad but the torrential rain has cause what some are calling "the worst flooding in over a century". There are several towns that are completely cut off and can only be reached by helicopter. Many of the back roads here in Brookfield have been washed out. I am writing this with the constant drone of our generator in the background. Our power has been out for two days, and having such a small population, we are way down on the priority list.
Still, when I see what others are going through, I consider myself very lucky.
Today I have to do some "cross training" with the chain saw and clear out some storm damage.
If I could just be like McGiver and figure out a way to generate electricty from my C2 I would be all set
Hope you are all safe and sound.
Take Care.
Ron

thanks for checking in...i was wondering how you were doing....hope you get your power back soon....

[Kristine Strasburger]

I hope that any of you who were in the path of Irene are safe and sound. Here in Vermont we really got whacked The winds weren't too bad but the torrential rain has cause what some are calling "the worst flooding in over a century". There are several towns that are completely cut off and can only be reached by helicopter. Many of the back roads here in Brookfield have been washed out. I am writing this with the constant drone of our generator in the background. Our power has been out for two days, and having such a small population, we are way down on the priority list.
Still, when I see what others are going through, I consider myself very lucky.
Today I have to do some "cross training" with the chain saw and clear out some storm damage.
If I could just be like McGiver and figure out a way to generate electricty from my C2 I would be all set
Hope you are all safe and sound.
Take Care.
Ron

Wow, Ron, hang in there. And for all our other mates who got hit, and may be in "worser shape", without power, water and more, you are also in our prayers and thoughts.

Way to go, Doctor Dan, well down the road to recovery! Good for you!!!

Congrats to Minnie and Ron on achieving retirement, and a whole new life ahead of you! Enjoy it!

Welcome to the team, Karen and Lee! Great to have you on board!

Happy Birthday, Gina!

Yahoo to K2 for sleuthing out the problem for Rosie, Benny and Gabby! Wonder-woman at work???!!!

[Dave_H]

Glad to hear you are well and safe Ron, and well done on being prepared enough to have a genset and get on-line! Many aren't so well prepared...
Thoughts going out to all that are affected - and to Danno... trust that whilst no doubt you are still very sore, you are well on the road to recovery mate!

Cheers,
Dave

[Kona2]

Fall Team Challenge....74 new and returning teammates are in the queue....ready to row...how about you? !

Yikes, James G aka enrage! Gotta watch out for that cross-training ! Busy team - we've got folks moving tons of rock (even if it's just a bit more weight than the usual workout Baz...whoa), and pushing brooms - vigorously. The challenge season is an exciting time! We have several new team members who have just received their Concept2 rowing machines, and are just getting started - THAT'S some pretty cool stuff, too. Getting a new Concept2 is a bit like getting a new bike...and it really makes it a little easier to put in those extra challenge meters. No misunderstanding though - whether you row at a gym, on the deck, at a club, or at home - the best part is that you row! And, like new teammate Nicole says, "believe" when it comes to your ability to master the challenges. There's something for everyone in the Concept2 challenges!

Sort of a bunny trail of the mind distraction....I know...goofy.

Today's numbers were captured at the usual oh-dark-thirty...couldn't get around to the write up at the same time! In the meantime, you've all been quite busy adding some meters - and these will be celebrated wildly tomorrow. Speaking of wild...some of you may recall that there was a garden invasion, and ubiquitous zucchini snuck into the mix. Never fear, though....there is a plan...behold the zukapult !

The Vermont State Zucchini Festival apparently isn't to be held this year (was it Irene'd?), but this looks to be one of the more fun events...yep...the Zukapult draws a lot of entries. Sometimes the simplest designs work best (that seems to be true for many things ), and Kim Knox Beckius (about.com) captured some great photos of a couple kids working on their launch - note the ingenious use of a Cool Whip container for the launch pad)!


Zukes away !

Season meters as of 122/365 = 35,233,810 m

Total meters on the day = 190,895 m

Oars in space (participation) = 27 percent

MILESTONES...Bragging Rights...Celebrations:

1.45 MM Ron ... having a backup generator sounds like a great plan...


Million Meter Watch:

Jay with (31,291 m) to go!

Million Meter Watch:

Ross with (119,813 m) to go !

Baz with (120,000 m) to go!

Thanks to all who rowed today - you're moving us forward !

Ethan 525 m
Ashlee 1,250 m
Kaylee 1,450 m
Benny 1,700 m
Jeff M 2,008 m
Marty 2,100 m
Harold 3,008 m
Nicole 3,327 m
Jim 4,000 m
Dave H 5,000 m
Roger 5,500 m
Tom M 6,067 m
Peter G 7,000 m
Mike C 10,000 m
Mike M 10,000 m
Dan E 10,158 m
Charles B 10,351 m
Ronnie 10,823 m
Ross 11,041 m
Gabby 12,000 m
Jay 12,000 m
Rosi 12,000 m
bg 13,490 m
Chris H 15,000 m
Ron 21,097 m

[j1415]

Just joined your group this morning.
Purchased my Concept2 July 31st. Started using logcard Aug.11th.
Averaging just over 6000m per day.
Age:60 LW; 2000m 8:06.1 Goal is to break 8 minutes.
Cheers.

[rosita]

Welcome to the team Kim! and also everyone else who has joined the past few weeks. Have fun with the Luna-Tics
Rosi

[bg]

Welcome to the team Kim! and also everyone else who has joined the past few weeks. Have fun with the Luna-Tics
Rosi

i agree with rosi....

[ronnie1]

Glad you are safe Ron, being without power is awful. We have that problem often. Hope everything returns to normal soon for you and alll affected by hurricane.
Best well wishes to Danno.
Welcome to all new team members You have joined the nicest, friendly team.

[DavidA]

...
I rowed today and what a difference without the fan Heart rate was about 5% higher and speed about 10% slower.

That is why you need a C-Breeze. It makes a big difference. I see the same sort of difference in speed when I row at the gym, with no fan or C-Breeze, and when I row at home, with no fan, but with a C-Breeze.

I glad you're doing okay.

David

[Kona2]

Concept2's is located in Morrisville, VT. Concept2's Dena H (able to solve most of our team questions in a flash) posted an update on this forum under the General section. http://www.c2forum.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 50#p168850 She says that Concept2's location is in pretty good shape with business as usual, but surrounding communities are not doing as well. It sounds like Concept2 employees are also a good bunch of volunteers - there are several links showing ways to help Vermonters.

Welcome, Kim (future meter millionaire) and welcome back, Bruce T.! We wish you many great rowing sessions as part of our team, and are delighted to have you join us on our year round team (affiliation as it is designated in Concept2 lingo).


Lots of milestones (and those on the very brink of milestones!) to report today. One third of the rowing year is now under the virtual bridge....so woohoo! plenty of time remains to become a meter millionaire if that is a goal that you have. With all the challenges coming up, it won't take long to get that first million in your meter bank (ah....if meters were dollars ).

Season meters as of 122/365 = 35,627,375 m

Total meters on the day = 393,815 m

Oars in space (participation) = 33 percent

MILESTONES...Bragging Rights...Celebrations:

1.35 MM Brett
850 K AJ
450 K James G (enrage)
250 K Tom M

Million Meter Watch:

Jay with (10,791 m) to go! Today's could be the day!

Million Meter Watch:

Ross with (107,782 m) to go!

Baz with (120,000 m) to go!

AJ with (144,769 m) to go!

Thanks to all who rowed today !

Bobbie 1,200 m
Philip V 1,250 m
Mario Jackson 1,500 m
Benny 1,700 m
Steven D 2,000 m
Marty 2,200 m
Jeff M 2,209 m
Nicole 2,973 m
Harold 3,108 m
Roger 4,000 m
Tammy 4,000 m
Chip 5,000 m
Dave H 5,000 m
Rich 5,030 m
Jim K m
Tom M 5,881 m
Peter G 6,000 m
Mitch J 6,267 m
James G 7,149 m
AJ 9,848 m
Charles B 10,000 m
Robert 10,000 m
bg 10,244 m
Ronnie 10,500 m
David T 12,000 m
Gabby 12,000 m
Rosi 12,000 m
Ross 12,031 m
David A 15,533 m
Minnie 19,529 m
Jay 20,500 m
Brett 43,074 m
Kim 124,534 m

[Kona2]

Love it when we share cool stuff...I'd not heard of the C-Breeze....thanks for the info, David !

...
I rowed today and what a difference without the fan Heart rate was about 5% higher and speed about 10% slower.

That is why you need a C-Breeze. It makes a big difference. I see the same sort of difference in speed when I row at the gym, with no fan or C-Breeze, and when I row at home, with no fan, but with a C-Breeze.

I glad you're doing okay.

David

http://www.ps-sport.net/

Hah! The K9s who currently enjoy the breeze created when I row are going to be disappointed....

[rsdavr]

Love it when we share cool stuff...I'd not heard of the C-Breeze....thanks for the info, David !

...
I rowed today and what a difference without the fan Heart rate was about 5% higher and speed about 10% slower.

That is why you need a C-Breeze. It makes a big difference. I see the same sort of difference in speed when I row at the gym, with no fan or C-Breeze, and when I row at home, with no fan, but with a C-Breeze.

I glad you're doing okay.

David

http://www.ps-sport.net/

Hah! The K9s who currently enjoy the breeze created when I row are going to be disappointed....

David,
Thanks for the scoop on C-Breeze. But I don't see how all that ducting doesn't change the output flow characteristics of the flywheel and thus the accuracy of the read-outs. Perhaps the computer automatically compensates just like it does for temp and humidity. I'm sure you've looked into this.

I'll bet the increased air-flow toward the person rowing raises the motivation to row harder just to cool-off!
Ross

[enrage]

The range of the drag factor is reduced slightly...

http://www.ps-sport.net/images/instructions.gif