Spring Training: The Beat 20 Heart Rate Monitor and 30 Days of Biking

YES! I signed up for 30 Days of Biking for the month of April. You can too so take the pledge!

NYC/Metro Area  Ah, spring is indeed in the air! I know because my sinuses are draining like crazy but not to be discouraged, I got on my bicycle for the first time this year. There was so much awe that it or I even moved as it's been bitterly cold of late. No matter. I got out there!  Surprisingly enough there were some things that were still functional after a long winter's deep freeze in the great North East.


Bicycle Electronics Check List:


Bicycle Headlight - My Cree 3K Lumen is a super bright rechargeable headlight and has a separate power source which is always disconnected when I finish riding. Bright as ever, it fired right up. A very good investment, I've had this light on my bicycle since 2013.

DiNotte Daytime Red Tail Light

Bicycle Tail Light - Once again, you get what you pay for. Behold The DiNotte Daytime Red. Although installed on my Terry Symmetry when I connected the light to the battery pack, BOOM, beautifully fired up lights. Rechargeable and extremely bright, it can be seen in broad daylight by over a mile. I've also had this light on one of my bikes sine 2013. 

Electric Horn - This extra loud, 105 decibel Megalert Megahorn Bicycle Horn uses one 9 volt battery...forever.  Another relic, I think I changed the battery twice since purchasing it back in 2011.  After a long deep freeze it still blew the doors off the bike garage! 



So having been pleasantly surprised at how well everything still worked, I only had one casualty. The Reflex Auto Tail Light was dead and new batteries couldn't revive it. The CatEye Commuter Wireless Bicycle Computer needed a new battery which I changed and so it is up an running again. Likewise the Planet Bike Blaze 45 battery powered headlight on the Terry Symmetry just needed a new battery. A very well made bicycle light, the PB still rocks. Not bad! After washing the frame, oiling the chain, polishing the saddle and cleaning the rims I was motivated to sign up for 30 Days of Biking this year for the month of April.  All the warmer days in March will be conditioning runs for the daily rides next month. Cycling is a fantastic way to ease your way back into condition after being somewhat sedentary over the winter. You don't have to ride long or far, just commit some portion of each day to a bicycle ride.  You can do this!  Go ahead, sign up and take the pledge to ride your bicycle everyday for the month of April here at 30 Days of Biking.  #30DaysofBiking!

My 30 Days of Biking ride equipemnt + a new cross training accessory

Spring Training with the Beat 20 ECG Heart Rate Monitor

This season I have the chance to try this new ECG Heart Rate Monitor to train with. Unlike other heart rate monitors (that I've attempted to use), this one is easy to set up and get working right out of the box. Comes fully charged with recharging ability via USB cable. It actually shows your real-time ECG wave as if you're in the doctor's office!  Pretty advanced.  Connects to your phone via Bluetooth and the sport app, it will store your training sessions which can be saved and uploaded elsewhere.

The Beat 20 sensor is waterproof, making it suitable for everything from sweaty weight lifting to swimming pool laps.  Also gives you: distance, speed, steps taken, cadence, data storage and analysis with a vibration warning when you are reaching your heart-rate threshold. Your personalized profile within the app shows YOUR maximum heart rate based on age and other individual factors. It can also be paired with your bicycle computer so you can have all that data in one place during your ride. This is a bit more complicated and you'll need to be sure that your bicycle electronics has either Bluetooth or ANT+ connection capabilities.  Perfect also for walking, running or weight lifting sessions at the gym. The chest strap itself is very comfortable and easily adjustable. Quite impressed so far with the Beat 20 and can't wait to start seriously training with it this spring.  Check it out at Shanren Tech

The Beat 20 ECG Heart Rate Monitor by Shanren Tech

2015 Rapha Women's 100 Ride Highlights & Lessons Learned

A very warm day on the road (as usual).

2015 Rapha Women's 100 This is my third year participating in the Rapha Women's 100 and despite the heat, I think it was one of my best events yet. I'm pretty much acclimatized to the weather as I have been riding in it all summer using my heavier Nishiki Sport Touring bicycle. It's about 10 lbs heavier than my Terry Symmetry and does not have Aero Bars.

My Terry Symmetry parked along my ride route

Weight Restrictions - I decided to "go ultra light" by carrying only ONE water + ice bottle. I had planned my route to include a stop at Wawa who was very kind to provide me with a refill at no charge.While I was there I met two other women cyclists not doing the Women's 100 but out for a ride because they missed their Hot Yoga class! I couldn't imagine trading a fresh air work out for a hot stuffy studio on a day like this. So this "less H2O" strategy worked out as the ride was lighter that way. It definitely helped when I had to out run a King Charles Spaniel who started chasing me...on a hill.

Kit of Day: Milan-SanRemo Espiritu Santo

Ride Kit When I left at about 8:30 am, it was 73 degrees with a steady breeze out of the southwest. Perfect! Still that changed pretty quick. It is after all July, (almost August), so by the time I was done it was closer to 90 +. My ride kit is perhaps my total favorite of all. It is made in Columbia by Safety Smartwear. This is the Milan-SanRemo Kit and the logo, Espiritu Santo means "Holy Spirit". Their garment tag has a nun riding a bike! Whatever that's all about, this kit fits like a glove with just the right amount of padding in the chamois for a day in the saddle. The cuffs are also amazing as they lay flat without the use of grippy silicone strips. Cool mesh side panels and amazingly comfortable bibs complete this kit. I even took it under a much needed ride through a sprinkler. Heavenly!

Another ride for the books.

New Training Table Additions Filed under NEW TRAINING TABLE FOODS & SUPPLEMENTS you will find some of the goodies I've added to my diet this summer to help prepare for this ride. I also did about 2 weeks of vegan meals from Veestro Foods who delivered these gourmet delights to my door. I felt amazing out there and my energy levels were great. I think I only had 1/2 of a GU Peanut Butter Energy Gel as a little boost. So definitely more vegan meals are in my future! 

Vegan Empanadas from Veestro Foods

As for protein shakes and snacks, I've only been using Usana's Meal Replacement Shakes (the new Wild Strawberry is so delicious) and their Berry Nutty Nutritional Bars. The shakes are VERY filling and made from multi-protein sources like whey, pea and soy. The Berry Nutty Bars contain dried cherries with raw almonds and cashews. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Usana - Nutritional Foods

Secondly, I've been taking MitoQ's new Heart Supplement. The capsules are easy for me to break down and I have noticed a much faster return to my resting heart rate after exertion since taking these for a little under a month.
I've also been taking Turmeric Supreme by Gaia Herbs. It has almost completely wiped out my need for topical pain creams and rubs even after a long ride or run, I'm seldom sore anymore. Prior to this ride, I did spray my ankles with Zim's Max-Freeze which has aloe, arnica, vitamin E and tea tree oil. Kind of like an embrocation of sorts. I didn't have to stop to massage my ankles or feet, not once.

Gaia Turmeric Supreme

Lessons Learned from This Year's Ride:

Take only ONE water bottle - refill on the route
Go vegan for two weeks before the ride
Have a few carbs the night before
Include cooling training table foods and herbs like dried cherries, curcumin, almonds
Cross train by alternating ride days with running and weight lifting days.
Make sure tires are properly inflated to the max just before the ride
Stop and smell the roses or just ride through the sprinklers. The journey is just as important as the destination

My 2015 Rapha Roundel

2015 Rapha Women's 100 Cycling Sportive

Join women from all over the world for the Rapha Women's 100 on July 26th!

Now into its 3rd year, the Rapha Women's 100k kicks off on Sunday, July 26th. I'm signed up and mapping my ride for the day but you can sign up and/or find a local ride HERE.

As I've participated in this ride for two years now, I'll be sharing my route details, training table menu, conditioning tips and cycling equipment on XTreme XTraining. You can click here to see my post from the 2014 Rapha Women's 100 Ride.

My Vespertine Vesp & Terry Symmetry from the 2014 Ride

Spring-Summer Training: Since it still pretty cool most mornings, I have a wide range of cool weather cycle-wear to go from about 48-55 degrees. Layers are going to be essential. I like to ride early in the morning if I can before the sun gets up too high. As July is notoriously hot, I chose to wear very light cycle wear such as the Castelli Body Paint series which was incredibly aerodynamic yet cool. 

Castelli Body Paint Kit & Giro Amare Road Helmet from my 2014 Ride

Giro Amare Cycling Helmet is very light and well vented thus was a real lifesaver in the heat last season. I've added Cat-Ears to the straps since last year's ride and can now hear traffic approaching from behind. They help dampen the wind noise quite effectively.

Cat Ears added to my Amare

So these are just a few tweeks I've made to my cycling kit to help keep me cool as well as safe out on the road. Visibility is extremely important so I keep a very bright head and tail light on all my bicycles and run them during the day. I also wear my Road ID which has all my contact and medical information. I wore it for the More Fitness Women's Half-Marathon too! Really anytime I leave the house for a run, walk or ride I wear it. 
Looking forward to getting to it for this cycling sportive!

Want to Ride With Me?  Rapha Women's 100 Sponsorships are OPEN
I am accepting a limited number of elite, fitness related sponsors for the upcoming Rapha Women's 100 Cycling Sportive on July 26th, 2015. Companies interested in supporting/advertising with me on this ride should get in touch as soon as possible via email at: Drmiczak@yahoo.com

Rapha Women's 100 2014: The Ride, The Kit and Staying Visible

At the last minute I asked my mechanic to install my DayTime Red

This year's Rapha Women's 100 came on the heels of lots of rain and high humidity. In fact I started a bit later than last year due to a few early morning rain storms moving through. Due to some tire and bicycle computer issues on the Terry, I road the heavier Nishiki first until repairs could be done. Being about 15 lbs heavier than the Terry, I definitely felt the difference especially on steep hills. My average speed was about 14.5 mph.

Donkeys grazing in a hillside corral on my ride route.

Once the Terry was ready, I switched off and rode that. Last year I had the Terry for the whole route so after lunch, I enjoyed a much lighter ride! However by then the winds had picked up so headwinds all the way out. The humidity had dropped but the temperature was up into the 80's.

Maximum wind speed was 5.7 mph

The Kit  The Giro Amare Road Helmet weighs only about 280 grams and was so cool with the 26 active turbo vents. I could really hear the wind in my ears especially on the descents. Likewise the Giro Riela Trail Shoes are much more aerodynamic than the Pearl Izumis. The foot bed is also much stiffer which gave me a lot more power in the pedals. Read more about my ride kit HERE.

Giro Amare Women's Road Helmet

During the morning ride, I put on my Safety Smart Wear short sleeved Jersey over my Castelli 2.0 Body Paint Cropped Tri Top and Bibshorts as it was still pretty cool. The Castelli Kit is the lightest, most comfortable cycle wear I've worn to date. It performed so well keeping me cool and dry. The chamois was not too bulky and stayed cool in the saddle. After lunch, I simply wore my Verspertine Vesp over the cropped Tri Top & Bibshort. What I really needed was visibility as I am riding in 50 mph traffic.

Vespertine Vesp taking a break on the Terry in the shade.

Visibility Factors
If you look close in the photo above and in the lead photo, you'll see my DiNotte Daytime Red under the Butterfly saddle of my Terry. At the last minute, I asked my mechanic to install it. A ride this long and with traffic whizzing by can be very stressful. I wanted to make sure that I was seen and from quite a distance. It was sunnier in the afternoon so the Daytime Red did it's thing. Cars saw me and stayed away. I call that winning!
Likewise the Vespertine Vesp offers lightness but high visibility. It is not as aerodynamic as the Castelli Body Paint pieces but I felt safer since I am riding alone and people may not be expecting me on the road. Still I did see quite a few other cyclists out there but just not involved in this Sportive.

Washed and drying after the Rapha Women's 100!

The Ride Wrap This was a great ride this year! Despite having a late rain start, equipment substitutes and repairs, I did a respectable 22.5 miles for the day. My ride route has hills and I'm out there alone so I don't have a group to draft with. Still I would rather challenge myself with a certain degree of difficulty than take an easier route of flat, boring roads. Besides, I would miss all of the horses, turtles, donkeys, sheep and goats I get to see on my route! No, this is way more interesting. The main thing is for us women to get out there and make it happen. Special thanks to this year's ride support team: Giro Sport Design, Castelli Cycling, Safety Smartwear, Vespertine, CatEye Bicycle Electronics and my Number One Bicycle Mechanic, my husband Joe!

CatEye Strada Digital Wireless

Rapha Womens 100: The Ride, Wildlife & Kit of the Day

On the highway for the FIRST ever Rapha Womens 100 Sportive

Somewhere in the wilds of NJ:Today is the day! I've been training for this first ever women's sportive and was awake at 4:30am. I was so excited! Training last month saw not one but two rear flat tires. However when I checked my computer this morning it seemed it wasn't reading anything but the time! I didn't have time to consult the "pit crew" so I took off as the sun was rising along with the heat.

Training for the Ride
I didn't go crazy with training but simply used my heavier Nishiki Sport Touring bicycle for most of my rides. With added bags, panniers and rear trunks, it's at least 20 lbs heavier than my Terry Symmetry. I've enjoyed smoothies with Rainbow Light Protein Energizers and that's really all I had before my ride today. I wasn't hungry nor did I "bonk" on the many hills I took along the way. It also gave me a bit of a head start on the hydration I was going to need because it's supposed to be over 90 degrees (again) today. I also trained in the heat to acclimatize myself to the hot weather.

Hydration Issues
The logistics of doing more than half a century ride includes taking along enough water. My Womens 100 route is a very rural one so refilling once you're out there was iffy. I took along a 24 oz and 12 oz Thermal Polar Bottle and stuck the smaller one in my rear jersey pouch. Filled with ice, they stay refreshingly cool for extended rides. The other problem is that us women need restroom facilities, (at least I do), as what goes in must come out. So riding in open country can be an issue there too.

Wildlife Challenge
I did see a group of other women cyclists while I was stopped to take some pictures during my ride. I asked if any of them were doing the Rapha Womens 100 today and they all said "No". So that was the first time I'd seen a group of all women riders out. What I saw more of was all this crazy wildlife!  First a snapping turtle was in the road and I stopped along with a police officer to shuffle him over.  Here's Mr. Snappy ready to blow a hole in my front tire.

Snapping turtle about the size of a dinner plate that I nearly hit during the Womens 100 today.

Not only was Mr. Turtle obstructing the road but I also saw wild turkeys and their chicks running along side the highway. There were also goats and horses, (they were NOT in the road thank God), a low flying hawk and a turkey buzzard. This was SO beautiful but you have to get up early to see wildlife like this. I think if I had left too early, I might have missed seeing them as most cycling eye wear can be a little too dark to wear before sunrise. I knew this was going to be an issue so I left at about 6:15 am.    

Refueling
Having had a liquid breakfast, I was doing really well energy and hydration-wise. However as the sun was rising ever higher, so was the temperature. It was already in the 80's and rather humid when I left. So when I finally did stop to refuel, I had my Chocolate #9 Agave Gel and lots of cool water.  This is a low glycemic energy gel for a slow burn but it revived me very quickly so that I was able to sprint for the last leg of my ride home.

I keep  Chocolate #9 in my Medical Kit for bonking emergencies.

Space Issues
The thing is that on my touring bicycle, I have a rear rack which can accommodate all sorts of trunks, panniers and baskets. My Terry Symmetry is a sport bicycle so I only have the bare minimum of carry on luggage. I have a little wedge seat bag hung onto my aero bars and that's it! Still I am able to fit this Ultralight-Watertight Medical Kit .5, extra medicines, feminine supplies, my cell and a few gel packs. I also keep a few packets of Topricin homeopathic pain cream and some Bayer aspirin. Trust me, these small items offer a major comfort when you're out on the highway away from civilization. Travel light but right.

A horse farm as seen from the roadway on my Womens 100 ride today.

My Kit of the Day: Giordana's Womens Trade FRC (FormaRed Carbon)

The NYC Metro area is in the middle of a heatwave with temps in the mid 90's and humidity almost as high. At 6:15 am it was already above 80 degrees as the night time temps did not cool things off very much. So I picked a high performance kit which offered lightness, wicking action and a UPF of 50+.

My Giordana Kit washed and drying on the clothes line.

The Jersey
The Giordana FRC Trade Jersey has everything I love in a cycling top and more. Made in Italy these garments offer a WCF or Women's Contour Fit.  They totally get that we are not flat like the guys and this kit fits like a second skin. Not only that, even riding in the heat and humidity was a joy. So light and airy. Built in sun protection also kept things from heating up. Three rear open pouches made it easy to carry an extra water bottle which I needed today and a little zippered pocket can hold some cash or your cell. I especially like the wide arm bands which were comfortable while staying put. They are covered with reflective material so night riding in this kit will be no problem.


The Bibs
The Giordana FRC Trade Bib Shorts had just the right amount of padding without being bulky and uncomfortable. Long rides in the saddle can tire anyone but I was very much in charge with their flexible chamois called the W Cirro O.F. Pad. This was designed for their top of the line women's bibs and is incorporated with Aloe Vera to cool, protect and fight bacteria. The memory foam has a waffled texture and helps in venting and perspiration management. In fact after my ride when I took them off, the chamois was surprisingly dry! The shorts are made of the same high tech FormaRed Carbon material that makes the matching jersey so light and wicking. Same thing for the wide leg bands that stay in place while giving you a smooth leg line.

My kit of the day included Rudy Project's Wind Max lid, also being worn by Peter Sagan in the TDF.

  
The Wrap
All in all I am very pleased and thankful for the day as I logged a personal best and was treated to an amazing show of woodland and water animals. While I have done many charity rides and a mountain bike competition, I have only done about 14.5 miles at a time. Today I did 20.9 miles and could have done more. My original route for this sportive was detoured due to a local bridge being out, so I had to be a bit creative in re-mapping a ride that was both safe and scenic. I believe I succeeded on both and I'm happy that I didn't hit any animals or have any accidents or flats. Those women riders whom I saw on my ride don't know what they just missed. An opportunity to participate in a worldwide event that pushes us women to reach a goal...together.  Well, maybe next year?

Rudy Project Racing Jerseys

Team Rudy!  Full Zippered Short Sleeved Jersey is SO ready for your spring ride.

March is said to come in like a lamb and go out like a lion. Well, I just know the first ride for the Spring 2013 season, I'm going out like a lion!  Nothing pumps you up like a new cycling jersey, especially if you feel like you've been in moth-balls all winter. Now I've had some good rides over the winter but I'm talking about getting geared up in your kick-butt kit or at least pulling on your bib shorts.

Rudy's Long Sleeved Jersey in White & Sterling Helmet

Jersey Fresh!

It does something for your spirits to don a team jersey for your first seasonal ride. Rudy Project's Racing Jerseys are made in Italy since 1985 and the newest additions are EcoGreen. This means the jersey is made from a recycled polyester and helps lessen the impact on the environment.
The styling is unmistakably European. Rudy's Racing Jerseys come in XS-XXXL and your color choice of Black or White, long or short sleeves. I especially like these Jerseys for:

Full, non bulking invisible zippers
Silent, plastic zipper pulls
3 generously deep, open pouches in the back
2 reflector strips on back sides of the jersey 
Super soft, non-interfering neck band
Breathable, airy fabric

One of my favorite features for a cycling jersey is an invisible rear zip pocket and angled pouches for easier access which these do not have. However, this is minor. What I really value is having a full zipper to ventilate / conserve heat during the course of my ride.

Adding a pair of Smartwool Hy Fi arm warmers & RoadID cycle socks seals the deal.

Get More Wear with Arm Warmers
You can get even more wear from your short-sleeved cycling jerseys by implementing arm warmers. I like to use the warmest, slimmest that I can find so I use Smartwool Hy-Fi Arm and Leg Warmers.  They are made of a cozy yet non-bulky, soft Merino wool. They have silicon strips to help keep them up under your jersey cuffs.  Once you warm up, peel them off and stuff them in your rear pouch.

RoadID Giordana Bib Shorts & Smartwool Hy-Fi Warmers

Don't Forget the Cycle Socks
Freshen up your kit for spring by adding a pair of new matching cycling socks. I purchased a pair of Speede Cycle Socks by DeFeet from Road ID to match my RoadID Giordana Women's Bib Shorts. Like the Rudy Project jersey, the socks are made of recycled materials, namely Cool Max EcoMade. These USA made socks are thin and stay cool. 

If the weather is still cool, you're covered. Smartwool's Merino Wool Hy-Fi collection includes arm, leg and knee warmers. 

Road ID Firefly Supernova Lights

This Firefly Supernova Wristband easily laces through the vents of this Rudy Project helmet.

As the season's weather heats up, you may find yourself wanting to train in the cooler temperatures of early morning or after sunset.  While there are great advantages to this, ( less traffic, pollution and heat), visibility is going to be more of a challenge.  Bright LED lights have become the standard and are cheaper yet burn longer than traditional halogen bulbs.

 

Here's a Bright Idea (or two)

LED's are so bright that they are even visible during the daytime. I have three bicycles that I ride in rotation with various panniers, trunks and baskets. Each has some sort of LED blinkie clipped on but now my vented helmets also have lights! As far as I'm concerned, the more the better. I'd rather be lit up like a Christmas Tree in July than not be seen at all.

What makes LED's so cool is that they are cool.  They don't give off a lot of heat so they can be worn pretty close to the skin such as you see here on the zipper of my hoodie. That makes them very versatile, allowing drivers to see you coming and going. Light it up!

The same light on my wrist for night running

ROAD ID's FIREFLY SUPERNOVAS

Road ID is known for making wristbands with personal contact and medical information engraved. However they also offer a line of LED lights for runners and cyclists.

These operate on a watch battery (included). Lightweight, cool and super-bright, these are the ultimate blinkies for all sorts of outdoor activities when being seen is key.




Supernovas come with a variety of attachments: bicycle, wrist band, belt/clothing clip-on so you can use them everywhere.  They weigh under an ounce and have a run time of about 250 hours. Choose, red, blue, green or clear. Best of all these are blindingly BRIGHT. Set on flashing, they are visible even in broad sunlight so you know they will get the driver's attention on night-time excursions.  Don't take chances!  These are inexpensive, (about $15 each) and easy to use.  Just a little extra insurance out there.  More Road ID safety and ID products can be found at their website: Road ID.com

In addition to riding with lights, make sure your cycle wear has reflective qualities too.

Save Gas: Bike Commuting Basics

A necessary comfort on any bike commute.  A hot container of coffee in a Portland Design Works Bar-ista cup holder.

Have you had enough yet?  As of this post gas is about $3.65 a gallon in the Tri-State area and quickly headed to $5.  "These are the times that try men's souls."  You got that right, PAINE.  What's your motivation?  Spring is in the air and Bike to School Week is coming up in April with its parent Bike to Work Month in May.  Get a few essentials and be on the road blasting past those over-priced gas stations in style.

BIKE COMMUTING 101

NYC Bike Path - Downtown Chelsea

Well, first you'll need a bicycle. You don't need anything fancy or with a lot of gears at first because just to start out, you'll only be doing local errands.  That's right.  You've got to roll before you can fly and short errands by bike is by far the best way to get your tires wet. Besides most Americans still make trips under 4 miles in their cars. 

CYCLE CLOTHING
Notice the people riding here on the NYC Bike Path.  They have pretty ordinary bikes, some with fenders which help with puddle splashes but they are wearing regular clothes folks.  
If you are wearing pants, you might want to cinch up the right leg so it stays out of your chain BUT if you've got a chain guard on that thing...pfffft.  You're not doing a century (100 mile ride) so don't worry about investing in a cycling kit like Lance.  However when you're ready, Terry Bicycles makes some very chic urban cycling clothes for women riders that work well both on and off the bike. In the meantime think "stretch fabric" for the clothes you choose to ride in.

HANDLEBAR & SEAT BAGS

The Pouch by Linus Bikes 
 
If you're a minimalist, you can get away with attaching a little bag like this to your handlebars or even your seat rails.  Leather straps secure it in place and brass snaps keep your stuff from bouncing out.

These were most often seen on those beautiful Brooks leather saddles which adorn classic fixed gear bikes.  You can certainly go that route but a bag like this can hold a medical kit, a patch or bike tools in case you break down.  Yes, that does happen.

Here is The Pouch attached to the saddle rails of my little Green Zone Folding Bike of the NYC Bike Path Film fame.

In NYC slinging a handbag over your handlebars can earn you a quick ticket (ok maybe not a Hermès).  Still, it's uncomfortable and distracting to try to ride with things like your iPod, keys and whatnot in your pockets.  A little seat bag frees you from all that and can be removed from the bike. Placed on the handlebars or seat rails, it's one accessory every commuter bike should have. 



MESSENGER BAGS

C.F. Martin & Co. Laptop Messenger Bag

Many people already own some version of a messenger bag (primarily as a fashion statement) because they are quite versatile and well...cool.  You don't have to be a messenger to use one but it helps. These things are notorious for sliding off and shifting unexpectedly.

This messenger bag by C.F. Martin & Co. however, has a few tricks going for it such as retractable shoulder straps converting into a much more stable backpack.  This bag also has plenty of room for your laptop, papers and has a water bottle sleeve.  Lots of handy compartments to organize your desk on the go plus a comfortable shoulder strap.

BICYCLE TRUNK BAGS

The D2R & Highway 1 Blend Coffee Dry Bag both by Detours

If you have a bicycle with a rear rack, you're already way ahead of the game.  That's because you can strap a trunk, panniers or even a basket to that rascal to haul way more than a pouch or messenger bag.  

The handy bottle holder on the D2R

Remember, you're goal is only doing short, local errands.  I'm talking about 8 miles round trip or less.  The post office, the library, the bank, the local convenience store.  You won't need large bags for those trips but you will need something to hold a few energy bars, an extra shirt and how about this, a container of hot coffee!

Taking a Detour... on my bike commute.  Detours D2R Trunk Bag

Speaking from experience (25 years +), a trunk bag is going to become your best biking buddy.  Having too much weight on the front handlebars as with large metal baskets can make steering more difficult and also cause a lot of drag up front.  The solution is to stow more weight in the rear (not yours).

Detours D2R Trunk Bag is the best made trunk bag I've seen in a long time.  The no-fuss clips securely attach to just about any rear rack, (I have a Blackburn) and it comes with a comfortable shoulder strap for off the bike use. If your bike doesn't have a water bottle holder or cage, the D2R has one that will easily accommodate a 20oz Polar Bottle or a 16oz Klean Kanteen.  The D2R has reflective accents all around and a light loop for a rear blinkie, both important items for night rides.  This Detours Trunk Bag also has two side zip pockets and an expandable main compartment.  Along with my TechWind panniers, it is very aerodynamic.  The D2R also has a removable rain cover.  I keep it in the side pocket with the shoulder strap so it's ready to go. 

Be Safe 
You'll need lights both front and rear to ride at night and ALWAYS wear a lid such as Lazer Helmet's NEW Hi-Viz Helium in Flashing Fluro Yellow.  Also be sure to have your name, emergency numbers and medical directives  taped inside your helmet or order Road ID's cool The FIXX dog tags.  These also come in wrist bands and hold a lot of helpful information to speak for you if you can't.
  
Commuting and doing short trips by bicycle is one the best things you can do for your health, your community and the environment. Now with gas prices reaching an all time high, you can finally do something for your wallet too.

Gifts for Cyclists + Polar Bottle Giveaway

Someone on your Christmas list ride a bike?  Maybe you'd like to give that someone a nudge in joining you on the road?  These gifts are tried and true treasures for anyone who spends time on a bicycle.  They will help keep them warm, safe and happy on the road with colder weather on the way.  The Polar Bottle Holiday Giveaway is now CLOSED.  Help clean the environment of disposable water bottles, one bottle at a time.

We have a WINNER!  Ben of Naperville, IL has won our LTD Edition Santa Bear Polar Bottle Holiday Giveaway.  Here's Ben with his prized Polar Bottle and thank you to all our entrants.

The season's HOT GIFT pick?  Smartwool Training Gloves, $40.00: Ideal for cold weather training. The silicone palm grippers help you grip ski poles, tie shoe laces and keep your hands safe on that snowy bike commute. Features contoured seaming for a bulk-free fit. Unisex Fit, 45% Merino Wool, 39% Nylon, 16% Elastic

LTD Edition Santa Bear Polar Bottle - Thermal 24 oz

Team Rudy!  Rudy Project's Full Zip, Long Sleeved Racing Jersey

Smartwool Training Gloves

Gore Bike Wear Signature Cap - Unisex

The Pouch works on the front handlebars or seat rails.