Wrapping Up Bike Month with E-Bikes

Some of the E-bikes I got to ride at Charged Up 2014!

I just wanted to highlight what a wonderful time we had at Interbike & Outdoor Retailer's Charged Up Media Event. This was very different from the usual "trade show" atmosphere because the participating companies were all outdoors, allowing us journalists hands on experience with E-bikes.

Really for many of us, this was our first time riding a powered or pedal-assisted bicycle. All the same the event hosts were amazing and we felt comfortable enough to try most everyone there. You should have seen all the smiling-happy faces! I also got to meet People for Bikes President, Tim Blumenthal. XTreme XTraining has supported PFB since they practically began. It really was a super event and gave me a LOT more insight on what the E-Bike movement is all about. What a HOOT!!! Here's the full scoop as published at Best Picks Magazine which is also linked to my Lucky Contributor page. Read Charged Up Cycle Chic HERE.

Charged Up was sponsored by Outdoor Retailer, Interbike and People for Bikes

What's in My Bike Bag?

Summer freshness: New for Women Adidas Body Sprays

May is Bike Month and a great time to kick off a summer of cycling and bike commuting. Even if you want to use your bicycle for short fitness rides or errands, you don't want body odor to precede your arrival! Odor causing bacteria needs only three things to grow on the skin: heat, moisture and darkness. So those humid summer days which are well on the way are going to present a challenge to keeping your cool.

New Adidas Body Sprays for Women
Natural Vitality, Fruity Rhythm and Pure Lightness are a new line of women's body sprays from Adidas. The guys are known for all that Axe stuff, well us women now have a light body spray all our own. Of the three, I like the Pure Lightness the best but all go on dry and light. No wet, sticky feeling. It's body fragrance for those of us who really sweat! See more at Adidas.com/Bodycare

What's in My Bike Bag?
You can also always take along Baby Wipes for the ride or Fresh Bath towelettes which are like having a full sized plush washcloth on board. I use these for camping and backpacking so I know how effective they are. Also you'll want to take along some Whish Deodorant Swipes for use after your Fresh Bath. Swipes are really tiny and you can pack a few in your jersey pocket for use at a restroom stop. They combine freshening and long lasting deodorant in one.

More Ride Essentials:

Minimergency Kit


All Good Coconut Sunstick

Energems

Probar Fuel

Visine Eye Drops

If you notice, most of these items are really tiny and can easily tag along in your bicycle bag or jersey pouch. Either way, you'll want to keep a few of these fresh ideas on hand to avoid sticky (smelly) situations this summer!

A fully outfitted Medical Kit and Secret Clinical Strength deodorant for serious rides.

Who Keeps You Healthy? Fitness Compansionship

Having a workout buddy to try new things with is key!

So Who Keeps YOU Healthy? This was a question asked of me by an editor friend from The American Recall Center doing an initiative the subject.  Living in a rural setting in central NJ, I have many recreational opportunities: cycling, kayaking, skating, skiing, running, etc. Many times I venture out alone because I'm not in close proximity to neighbors who share my same interests. People admire a fit and trim woman on the road but don't often want to join her in the endeavor! 

My Fitness Buddies
So over the years, I've enlisted the companionship of my children when I wanted to try a new exercise or activity. Our youngest, Magda is my longest running fitness buddy as we have taken ice skating lessons together and participated in charity bike rides over the years. Magda is ALWAYS up for a good time and now she and her older sister to work out via her iPod Apps and targeted programs. Both my daughters ride bicycles and many times we will all head out together for a picnic, the store or to ride the trails at our local park.

Panniers can pack a great picnic lunch at our local park!

Making Fitness Fun
Whether we go skating or cycling, I try to make it a fun experience by packing healthy goodies for the ride. None of us has ever "bonked" on a hill as a result and we always laugh along the way. The thing is not to take yourself too seriously.  Your fitness companion will want to join you again because they had a great time, not a miserable one.

So I have to say that I'm very thankful for my fitness companions over the years.  They are no less important because they are "just family".  On the contrary, this has been one way to spend quality time with my children while instilling healthy eating & exercise habits in them.  It's a win-win situation and we are all reaping the benefits.

About This Article: The "Who Keeps You Healthy" campaign is an effort by the American Recall Center to recognize and give thanks to those in our lives who motivate us to be healthy! This month their featured topic has been on hip replacement awareness, you can read more about it here.

Magda  riding the NY Bike Path down to Chelsea.

Magda and I have been invited to attend Interbike & Outdoor Retailer's Charged Up Media Event at Crystal Springs Spa & Resort this month. See the Charged Up Banner at the top of the page!