RETREET BLOG

RETREET redefines disaster relief by engaging communities to replant lost trees.


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.78

Have you ever wondered what keeps a bicycle upright, or how a riderless bike can travel a solid distance without falling? Some feel they understand the basic physics involved, but the true answers might surprise you. Take a minute to learn something new.

THE PHYSICS OF A BICYCLE (video)

THE PHYSICS OF A BICYCLE (video)

Ten years ago, Rob McBride, an IT specialist from Shropshire, England, was saved by a newfound fascination with trees. Now, he returns the favor by participating in Ancient Tree Hunt, an effort to catalogue and preserve the oldest trees in the UK. Read his inspiring story below.

TREES SAVE A MAN, MAN SAVES THE TREES (photo essay)

TREES SAVE A MAN, MAN SAVES THE TREES (photo essay)

The future has arrived! Imagine never again having a flat tire, or needing to change one. The Energy Return Wheel, an airless prototype, offers that possibility and so much more. Check it out!

ENERGY RETURN WHEEL (article)

ENERGY RETURN WHEEL (article)

 


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.65

Jia Haixia and Jia Wenqi are a truly amazing duo. Haixia lost his sight and Wenqi his arms in unrelated accidents at work. Determined to continue leading productive lives, the two best friends started a business and have planted 10,000 trees over the past 10 years, overcoming incredible challenges together. Their inspiring story deserves a read.

BLIND MAN AND ARMLESS FRIEND PLANT TREES (photo essay)

BLIND MAN AND ARMLESS FRIEND PLANT TREES (photo essay)

An often-forgotten fact of history: cyclists were the first advocates for paved roads. Back in the late 1800s, the bicycle was the new technology on the scene, and riding conditions were terrible. Enter the League of American Wheelmen, who pushed for better roads, convincing their fellow citizens that improvements would benefit all. Even Henry Ford gave credit where credit was due. Remember that the next time you are on the road! 

CYCLISTS: FIRST ADVOCATES FOR PAVED ROADS (photo essay)

CYCLISTS: FIRST ADVOCATES FOR PAVED ROADS (photo essay)

On a completely related note, there are some awesome futuristic concepts regarding the next generation of roads for cyclists. Among them, the SuperCycle pathway, a 221km elevated bicycle superhighway in London. Check out the details and components of this amazing design!

SUPERCYLE PATHWAY IN LONDON (photo essay)

SUPERCYLE PATHWAY IN LONDON (photo essay)

 


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.61

Beth Moon, a photographer based out of San Francisco, spent 14 years traveling the world photographing the world's most ancient trees. Her collection of shots is beyond gorgeous, and definitely worth your attention.

ANCIENT TREES (photos)

ANCIENT TREES (photos)

You many have already head of the world's first invisible bicycle helmet, but this video gives some great insight into how it actually works. Peep it!

THE HÖVDING (video)

THE HÖVDING (video)

In a previous edition of SS&T, we shared an article about Jadav Payeng, the widely-proclaimed Forest Man of India. The inspiring tale of Jadav, who has spent the past 25 years planting an entire forest in a barren wasteland, was captured in the this film. Enjoy!

FOREST MAN (video)

FOREST MAN (video)

 


SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.42
 

Have you ever had your bike stolen? Awful, isn't it? A team of engineering students from Chile has designed a bike whose frame is a lock. A novel approach to preventing theft, this bike can't be stolen intact. Check out Yerka Project at the link below.

Recently, The Diane Rehm Show explored issues facing U.S Forests and Trees, both urban and rural. It's a fascinating listen for a post-ride Sunday afternoon.

Speaking of which, why do you ride your bike? Certainly, there are many reasons to do so. Enjoy an inspirational advertisement about just that. It'll being a smile to your face.

Happy Sunday!

YERKA PROJECT (video)

YERKA PROJECT (video)

U.S. FORESTS & TREES (podcast)

U.S. FORESTS & TREES (podcast)

GET ON YOUR BIKE! (video)

GET ON YOUR BIKE! (video)