Bike Month: CitiBike and GLC's Guilden Carry All

Right: GLC's Guilden Carry All designed for the Capitol Bike Share Program in Washington D.C.

Spring 2013 NYC Bike Share Program: One of the pure joys I have as a fitness author and blog editor is the opportunity to meet some real movers and shakers. I'm talking about people who walk the walk (or ride the ride) and are making a difference with innovative designs and ideas. Two intrepid entrepreneurs who fit this description are two former college roommates, Debra Zusin and Mariana R. Chambers of Give Love Cycle. They've designed both the small and large Guilden Carry All with cyclists like us in mind.

Guilden Carry All on my Nishiki (Blackburn Rear Rack)

This May, the NYC Bike Share (CitiBike) Program has finally launched after several stalls, projected starts and then delays. As someone who often travels into NYC for business and pleasure, I was quite excited about this program since the Bike Path is often my main transportation route around the city. 
Previously, I would bring my own alloy folding bicycle on the train. Problem is, carrying it up the stairs from the train platform (sometimes the escalator is not working) at Penn Station is a bit much, especially during rush hour.

Riding our Green Zone Foldy downtown at Chelsea Piers, NYC.

As for carry on luggage you can see in the photo above, the standard issue Trek Trunk most cyclists use. I'm not knocking this bag but it is not very comfortable (or stylish) to carry even though it comes with a shoulder strap. Taking it on and off the bicycle is also a bit of a pain. The Guilden Carry All secures easily by means of built in strap clips and loops. So two things which are made for each other can solve my NYC transportation issues: CitiBike + GLC's Guilden Carry All.

GLC's Guilden Carry All with reflective piping, is made to fit CitiBike Baskets

I really think this is a much better solution to getting around the city but it's made that much easier when you have the right "luggage" on board. The small Guilden Carry All was made to fit the CitiBike, bike share bicycles' front basket with ease. The reflective piping all around gives you extra visibility when the sun goes down. So it's a win-win situation. Roomy enough to accommodate your helmet, extra clothing and other items. One of my pet peeves is when people tell me they drove to the gym to take a spinning class. I'm thinking "Wow, what a waste!"  All of that gas, energy and time. How about just getting some exercise and fresh air while doing your errands or commuting to work? A bag like this would be a great gift for someone who has signed up for a bike share program or is thinking about commuting by bicycle. Really this bag fits on any rear rack or Dutchy style handle bars.

I'm hoping that the bike share program expands to many other cities but right now I am LOVING this bag on my own bicycle.  While it is ready for the CitiBike transfer, it also looks amazing on your arm. Now when I head into the city, my Guilden Carry All is ready for the trip!

GLC's Guilden Small Carry All in Bone

Summer Survival Kit

Beach scene on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

There are just a few essentials every athlete needs to survive the summer, even when on vacation. The heat and humidity has its own challenges but you can pack a few items in your gym tote or backpack to make sure you stay ahead of the game.  Starting with sun protection:  

Mission Skincare's Organic Strawberry Lip Balmer

  

A la Olympic Medalist - Amanda Beard this lip treatment offers a SPF of 15.  Keep one of these on hand and reapply especially after swimming.  The flavor is delicious so you'll have no excuse not to use it.

 

Rudy Project Ability Sunglasses in Raspberry / Multilaser Red Lenses

We now know that excessive exposure to UV rays can damage our eyes leading to cataracts.  Rudy Project makes a full line of athletic sunglasses for cycling, running and much, much more.  The Ability model is woman specific with a great wrap around design but fitted for a smaller head size.  Fit is important and you'll find out your Ray Bans won't cut it leaning over your Aero Bars or jogging uphill.  Regular sunglasses are just too heavy and bounce around when you trying to be active.  Not these and with the wrap around lens, they thwart rain, (rolls right off), road glare and debris with ease.

Spray On Sunblock

You'll want at least a SPF of 30 and the ease of a spray means I can spritz and go.  Avon's Skin So Soft or the CVS Pharmacy knock-off, Soft Skin Spray are perfect.  This type also offers a bit of moisture (something we all need), and has mild insect repellant properties.  I believe in combining as many tasks as possible so this type of sunblock works for me.

 

Trek's Trunk detaches & has a carry strap

Medical / First-Aid Kit

These are important to keep in the car or on your bike in case of a situation on the road.  You could easily go down with your bike, miles away from home and help.  I keep an Adventure Medical Kit in my rear trunk for just such emergencies.  You can also make your own and include:

Adhesive bandages
Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Sterile Gauze
Baby Wipes
Aspirin (can be crushed in H2O & applied to stings & bruises)



The idea is to have some emergency care items on board so you can get home.  For longer trips or tours, I carry a full on Medical / Survival Kit that not only has a very inclusive first aid kit but has equipment for on the road repairs of your gear and items to help you weather an unexpected night out.  Just like the Boy Scouts, be prepared.

Topricin and Mission Athlete Care take the pain out of your summer workouts.

Pain Relief

One thing that doesn't seem to let up even during summer sessions is sore muscles and joints.  Making things worse, lactic acid build up is even worse because after a sweaty workout, you may find yourself dehydrated.  When that happens expect the night time Charlie Horse or cramp to visit.  Inflammation is an athlete's worse enemy so using a product that regularly combats this will help tremendously.

Topricin Topical Pain Cream: Based on a Homeopathic formula and including anti bruise botanicals such as Arnica, Topricin belongs in every locker room and sag wagon. Odorless and oil free, Topricin disappears into your skin, providing relief from stiff joints, pulled muscles and bruises.  You can also use it before your workout to avoid muscle strain and pain ahead of time.  Used along with Topricin's Healthy Joint Function supplements, you'll find a unique synergy between the two products.

Mission Athlete Care Maximum Strength Muscle Rub and Foot Rehab Cream are both amazing for acute and severe muscle pain as well as sore feet.  Formulated with a plethora of botanicals and nutrients, it helps you relax shortly after application.  It has a vanishing scent which is good and the Maximum Strength Muscle Rub rolls on which helps to eliminate waste.