| How to Teach an Adult to Ride a Bike Posted: 25 Jan 2018 04:00 PM PST Many people think if they didn't learn to ride a bike as a child, they never will. Luckily, this isn't the case, and teaching an adult to ride a bike doesn't have to be a complicated or frustrating task! All you need is an open space, a working bicycle, and a willing student. Be patient and encouraging, and give the rider all the time they need to feel comfortable and confident while learning to ride a bike. EditRiding Safely - Plan to teach the rider in several 30-60 minute sessions. Though some people may learn to ride a bike in one session, this may not be the case for everyone. The ideal session length depends on the student and their abilities, but aim for 30-60 minute sessions. It's best to end the session after some progress has been made. Don't wait until the rider is tired or frustrated, or they may become discouraged.[1]
- Ensure the bike works properly. Check for wear in the tires and fill them with air, if necessary. The saddle and the handlebars should be secure, and you should oil the bike chain. Make sure both brake levers should work properly and that there are no cracks in the frame.[2]
- Choose a grassy or paved area with a slight slope. Short grass can provide a soft landing place in case of a fall. Long grass, however, will provide too much friction and make pedaling the bike more difficult. If the rider prefers, you can begin on a paved surface instead. Make sure the area you choose has a slight slope so riders can practice gliding. If possible, choose a path with gentle turns as well.[3]
- Pick a spot with minimal traffic. Don't choose a busy Saturday morning at a popular park to teach someone to ride a bike. Other pedestrians and cyclists will be clogging up the paths and may intimidate the rider. Instead, choose a time when not many people are out, like a Tuesday afternoon, or find a secluded location. Ensure there is enough light to see adequately.[4]
- Outfit the rider with appropriate clothing and safety gear. Have the rider tightly tie their shoelaces and cuff their pant legs so they don't get caught in the chain. Make sure the rider is wearing a bike helmet as well. They can also wear gloves and elbow or knee pads, if they'd like.[5]
EditFinding Balance - Adjust the bike seat so the rider can put their feet on the ground. A bike must be the correct size for the rider, or they will have difficulties learning how to ride. Tell the rider to sit on the bike and put their feet on the ground. You can lower the seat, if necessary. If the seat is as low as it can go and their feet still don't touch the ground, they need a smaller bike.[6]
- The rider should also be able to comfortably reach the handlebars and brake levers.
- Remove the pedals from the bike so the rider can learn to balance. Though this may seem counterintuitive, removing the pedals will help the rider find their balance by gliding. Use a wrench to remove the pedals on either side of the bike. Put the pedals and hardware in a safe spot where they won't get lost.[7]
- Instruct the rider to practice getting on and off the bike. To help the rider feel comfortable on the bike, they'll need to practice getting on and off of it. Tell the rider to apply the brakes when getting on and off the bike to minimize rolling or wobbling. To get on the bike, the rider should lean the bike toward them and swing their leg over the saddle. To get off the bike, the rider should lean the bike to one side and swing their opposite leg over the saddle.[8]
- Tell the rider to practice this 10 times, or until they feel comfortable.
- Have the rider push the bike while walking beside it and practice braking. A rider who is comfortable using the brakes will have more confidence when learning to ride. Have the rider push their bike as they walk alongside it and practice using the brakes. Tell the rider to apply even pressure to both brake levers. Once they feel comfortable using the brakes, they can move on to gliding.[9]
- Tell the rider to practice gliding on the bike. The rider should sit on the bike with their feet on the ground. Instruct the rider to push the bike using their feet and practice gliding. As they scoot along, they'll learn what it feels like and what it takes to balance on 2 wheels. They can roll down a slight slope to help them gain momentum and balance. Have the rider keep practicing until they can push off and glide along without putting their feet down to correct their balance.[10]
- Replace the pedals and adjust the seat, if necessary. Now that the rider has familiarized themselves with the bike and gotten used to gliding, they are ready to pedal. Use a wrench to replace the bike pedals. Ensure they are secure and that the rider can comfortably reach them while sitting on the bike. Adjust the height of the saddle using an Allen wrench, if necessary.[11]
EditPedaling the Bike - Set the pedal for their dominant foot at the 2 o'clock position. When the rider is ready to start pedaling, have them sit on the bike and apply the brakes. Instruct them to set the pedal for their dominant foot at the 2 o'clock position by placing their foot underneath the pedal and pushing it upwards. Their other foot should remain firmly on the ground for balance.[12]
- Instruct the rider to release the brake and push down on the pedal. They should push down on the pedal in the 2 o'clock position with their dominant foot. They'll then need to bring their non-dominant foot off the ground and onto the other pedal while looking straight ahead, rather than down. The rider should continue pushing down with their feet to pedal the bicycle.[13]
- Hold the handlebars and saddle, if necessary. Until the rider gets the hang of things, you can put one hand on the handlebars and one hand on the saddle. Don't let the rider lean on you too much! They should be learning to balance the bike by themselves. Don't forget to explain that the faster they move the pedals, the easier it is to balance.[14]
- Remind the rider to sit up and look ahead of them. Though riders may be tempted to look at their feet, they should focus on an object ahead, instead. Tell the rider to look straight ahead so they can see any bumps, turns, or traffic on the path ahead. They should also sit up as straight as they can, rather than hunching over the handlebars.[15]
- Let the rider cycle unaided once they feel comfortable. When the rider can balance the bike and move the pedals, you can let go of the handlebars and saddle. The rider can try cycling unaided in short stretches, using the brakes and putting their feet down when they feel scared or unstable. Have them keep practicing until they feel confident riding in a straight line and stopping the bike with the brakes.[16]
- Have the rider practice turning in both directions. After learning to ride in a straight line, the rider can practice making left and right turns. Tell the rider to slow down when making turns. It may take some time for them to figure out the right balance of leaning and steering, so encourage them to keep trying if they have difficulties. Remind them to look straight ahead and use the brakes when necessary.[17]
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| How to Send a FedEx Package Posted: 25 Jan 2018 08:00 AM PST Sending a FedEx package is easy and convenient. First, you'll need to package and label the item. Then, you can select and pay for the delivery service that best suits your needs. Finally, you can send the package off and track it online. No matter what you're shipping or to whom, you can send it through FedEx for a quick and easy delivery. EditPackaging and Labeling the Item - Ensure the item can be shipped. Packages containing hazardous or dangerous goods and materials, like chemicals and medicine, may not be able to be shipped. Some items, like lithium ion batteries, need to be specially labeled for shipment. For a full list of items considered to be hazardous or dangerous as well as guidelines for shipping these items, visit http://images.fedex.com/us/services/pdf/HazmatShippingTable.pdf.[1]
- Package the item. You can visit a nearby FedEx store or order the appropriate packing supplies online. Generally, you should use a mailing envelope, standard corrugated cardboard box, or shipping tube, all of which are available in a variety of sizes. Use bubble wrap to pad the package, if necessary. Be sure to securely close the packaging, either with the built-in glue strip (for envelopes), by applying packing tape across all the seams (for boxes), or reinforcing the sealed ends with packing tape (for tubes).[2]
- It's a good idea to put a copy of the completed shipping label inside the package, if possible.
- Fill out the shipping label and any other required documents. For a domestic shipping label, you'll need to provide both the sender's and recipient's name, address, and phone number. You'll also need to add a description and value of the item you're sending along with the weight of the package. You can fill out the forms by hand in any FedEx store, or fill them out on the FedEx website and and print them out home.[3]
- If you're filling out the forms online, be sure you have an accurate scale to weigh the package with.
- For international packages, you'll need to fill out customs forms that include the export control classification number and the harmonized system code, which can be found using the tool available at https://www.fedex.com/GTM?cntry_code=us.
- Place the label on the largest flat side of the container. Slip the completed label into a clear, plastic pouch and peel off the adhesive backing. Firmly attach the label to the largest flat side of the shipping container, and make sure you don't tape over the label or cover it up in any way. If the package is too small to fit the entire label on 1 side, make sure the recipient's address is on 1 side of the seam and the barcode is on the other.[4]
- Secure a tie-on tag label to luggage and other containers with handles using a zip-tie.
EditSelecting and Paying for the Delivery Service - Determine how quickly you'd like the package to arrive. You have many options for domestic packages, including same-day delivery, next-business-day delivery, 2- or 3-business-day delivery, or ground delivery (1-5 business days). For international packages, you can choose fastest-possible delivery (1 business day), international priority (1-3 business days), or international economy (2-5 days).[5]
- If you want to require a signature upon delivery for the package, you can select that option when choosing the delivery service.
- Purchase insurance in case of loss or damage. For items valued at less than $100, you need only declare the value on the shipping label and FedEx will pay you up to $100 to replace the item, if necessary. For more expensive items, you must declare the value and pay $0.90 per $100 of the value for insurance. If you end up needing to file a claim, you must provide proof-of-value for the lost item.[6]
- Pay the shipping costs. The shipping cost depends on the weight and size of the package as well as the delivery service you choose. In the store, you can use cash, check, or a debit/credit card. If you choose to print the label online, you'll need to pay with a debit/credit card or do an electronic funds transfer before you can print out the label. To determine the rate of a particular package, go to https://www.fedex.com/ratefinder/home?cc=US&language=en&locId=express.
EditShipping the Package - Drop off the package if you have time. If you live or work near a FedEx store or dropbox, you can simply drop off packages that you've labeled and paid for online. Or, you can go to a FedEx store to fill out the forms and pay for shipping there. To find a list of FedEx stores, go to http://www.fedex.com/locate/. For a list of FedEx drop box locations, visit http://www.fedex.com/us/dropbox/.[7]
- Arrange to have the package picked up if it's more convenient. For your convenience, you can arrange to have a package picked up from your home or office. Call 1-800-GoFedEx (1-800-463-3339) and say, "Schedule a pickup." Alternatively, you can schedule a pickup online at https://www.fedex.com/us/fcl/pckgenvlp/pickup/index.html. Keep in mind that you'll need to create a customer account with FedEx if you don't already have one to schedule a pickup online.[8]
- Track the package using the tracking ID number on the receipt. The shipping receipt contains a tracking ID, or reference, number at the top. To track your package, simply input the number at https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking.html. This tool will provide the status of the shipment as well as current and past locations for your package.[9]
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| How to Start a Dairy Farm Posted: 25 Jan 2018 12:00 AM PST Dairy farms take a lot of money and capital to start up, way more than a meat operation does. Know what you're getting into and how you want to get into it before you decide to start a dairy farm. Even if you grew up on a farm, managing your own means sitting down for long, careful planning sessions. This guide will help you through these, but remember that local knowledge is invaluable for any farmer. EditPlanning Your Dairy Farm - Research species and breed. The most common dairy animals are cows, goats (good for a small farm), or water buffalo (in south Asia). Each one has many dairy breeds, and local knowledge is your best way to choose between them. Contact government institutions, university agricultural extensions, and established dairy farms and ask for info to help you make the decision:
- Rule out breeds that can't thrive in your climate.
- For each breed, divide annual upkeep cost by annual milk production to find production cost per unit of milk.
- Is there local demand for the breed's milk (based on species and milk fat %)? What about for butter and cheese (where a high fat % is useful)?
- How much time and money does it take to raise a calf to milk-producing age? How much can you sell the male calves for?
- Decide on a food source. Concentrated feed requires less labor but more money. New farms often save on costs by supplementing it with Management Intensive Rotational Grazing (MIRG).[1] Look at land rental prices in your area and determine how many cattle per acre it can support.
- Livestock need about 4% of their weight in forage each day. Ideally, your pasture should produce more than this at peak season, so you can stockpile the surplus for winter.[2]
- Renting land is usually better than purchasing for a new farm. Wait until your farm is well-established and you no longer need the financial flexibility.
- Create a breeding plan. Dairy bulls have a reputation for dangerous behavior, and in any case raising one year round gets expensive. The safer options are paying for a bull's service at breeding time, or practicing artificial insemination (AI). AI is almost always the cheapest option, and has equal or higher success rates when performed correctly (ideally by trained AI techs).[3]
- Artificial insemination programs are now widespread in India and many African countries. The savings are not as significant and the programs vary in quality, but it is still usually worth it.[4]
- Male:female herd ratio varies between species and with the male's age. A young bull can typically service 20–25 cows, while a healthy, mature bull may be able to handle up to 40.[5]
- Study farming practices. If you don't have dairy farm experience already, take some time to learn about breeding, calving, manure management, weaning, milking cows, and crop management. Farming requires a great deal of time, work, and knowledge, so walk into it with open eyes.
- If this is all new to you, try to get some work experience on another dairy farm first.
- Invest in capital. A farm requires a large one-time expenditure to get started. Buying an existing dairy farm makes the task simpler, and can save money if you're willing to do some repairs yourself. Whether you plan to buy or start it all yourself, make sure you'll have the following facilities:[6][7][8]
- A sterile facility for storing milk, and for pasteurizing if required in your area
- Dry, sunny sheds or barns protected from weather and temperature changes
- Milking parlor with stanchions
- Feed storage and manure storage
- Separate living space for calves
- Equipment (including tractors) and equipment storage area
- Well for watering cattle, plus water transport system to tanks in pasture
- Irrigation system for pasture (optional)[9]
- Note — if possible, give yourself room to expand to a larger herd
- Find a good source for animals. Inspect all dairy animals personally before buying, including several milking tests. The animal should be healthy and vaccinated against disease. Ideally, purchase the animals right after calving, on its second or third lactation (when milk production is highest).[10] Wait to buy the second half the herd until the first group is about to go dry, so your farm can produce milk year round.[11]
- Research the local milk market. If you're starting with just a few animals, talk to nearby dairy farmers for advice on selling to local stores and individuals. If you have a slightly larger herd, you can get a more stable income by selling the milk to a company that will handle distribution.
- Contact the government. Your local or regional government may require permits and paperwork to run a farm, sell milk, irrigate your land, and/or hire staff to help you.
- Create a business plan. Put all your financial estimates into a plan that covers the first few years of your business. In addition to the necessary items above, remember to include the estimated cost of veterinary care per animal, and the cost of any labor you plan to hire. Also look into an additional source of profit: selling manure.
- Contact government institutions about subsidies and loans for farmers before you take out a loan from a bank.
- Use the average milk prices (or slightly lower) over the past few years when estimating future profits. You don't want your business to go under if milk prices drop.
- As a rule of thumb, you'll need one laborer per 10 milk animals, and one per 20 "dry" animals.[12] This includes you and your family.
EditLearning the Basics - Mark each individual animal. Assuming you have more than a few animals, you'll need to mark them to tell them apart. This will help you track individual milk production and illness. Tagging is a common method.
- Control the spread of disease. Always buy disease-free animals, and keep them isolated from other animals during transportation to your farm. Quarantining new arrivals (and animals that fall sick) is recommended, especially if they do not have trustworthy, recent health records. Your local government or veterinarian can give you specific advice about diseases in your area.
- Equipment shared between farms can spread disease. Try to confirm where the equipment has been used and whether the animals there were healthy.[13]
- Disease-carrying ticks are a major problem for livestock.[14] Inspect animals for ticks regularly, and keep the shed area clear of brush.
- Give the animals proper nutrition. Feeding cattle and other livestock can be a complicated business. There are many different kinds of fodder and forage plants, which provide different amounts of energy, protein, roughage, and various nutrients. A veterinarian or experienced farmer can help you work with the food you have available.
- Mineral licks and/or mineral supplements are an important part of the animal's diet.
- Moldy feed or feed stored in the same area as pesticides and other contaminants can transfer dangerous toxins to the milk.[15]
- Dairy animals have high nutrition requirements compared to animals raised for meat. Improper nutrition can lead to lower milk production or lower quality milk.
- Milk the animal frequently. Milk-producing animals typically need milking two or three times a day. Move the animal to a clean location. Wash and dry your hands and the udder before milking.[16]
- If you've never milked an animal before, learn how to milk a cow or goat.
- Understand the breeding cycle. You will need to breed your female animals regularly to keep them lactating as often as possible. The cycle of breeding, calving, and weaning calves has implications for the animal's nutrition needs, health, and of course milk production. Our guide on cows gives you the basics, but this will vary based on species and age.
- Unlike farms that raise livestock for meat, you will be calving all year round to keep milk production steady. Keeping track of where each animal is in the cycle is vital so you can stick to a plan that keeps your income as regular as possible.
- Plan for changes in your herd. Whether to sell, slaughter, or keep an animal is one of the toughest questions for a dairy farmer. Culling allows you to replace a low-yield animal with a higher-quality replacement, and to increase the genetic quality of your herd. Both of these factors are important, but performing them without a plan can add massive costs for replacement animals.[17] Take this into account in your business plan, and include the cost/profit of producing each male and female calf as well.
- Herd health is very important for dairy operations. Dairy cows can get sick quite easily, and are more prone to injury to their feet and udders than beef cows are, and are also prone to milk fever and ketosis after calving. In order to have a healthy dairy herd, stringent health practices must be in place.
- Make sure you have good practices to make your cows as comfortable as possible during the time you're milking them.
- Allow your calves to milk for at least a month to give them enough strength.
- Dairy manure stinks. Don't let it accumulate in the barns. Have a system where manure can be easily moved from the barn into the lagoons, to minimize the smell from the ammonia produced in the urine and feces.
- Winter can be a hard time for cattle. They should have a well-sheltered barn or similar building protected from wind and weather.
- Don't go in to this operation thinking it's going to be a smooth ride. You will be very busy from before sunrise to past sunset every day, doing everything from milking cows to red tape to fixing machinery. It helps to have trusty hired hands, but you will need to supervise them to keep the farm running smoothly.
- Starting a dairy farm is very expensive. Going too far into debt can be very risky without a second job to rely on, since a shift in grain or milk prices could bankrupt you. If you don't have the finances yet, consider raising animals for meat instead.
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