Here's a short listing of Gear sites (in no particular order) that feed my addiction of gear purchasing:
It's only August and I'm already dreaming of what cool (bike, run, swim) gear I could ask Santa for. I know it's not supposed to be about what I want, but darn it, these are some of the things I want (in no particular order):
I've been pretty worn-down this week. I've finally succumbed to a really bad cold complicated with an eye problem (I've got styes in my left eye. Ick!). I took today off from work and haven't exercised since Wednesday evening, but I plan to go cycling really easy tomorrow if I'm not still stuffed up. I'm hoping to go, and if I do, I'll go slow ... maybe for a longer ride of 2 hours? We'll see. I have to make sure to stay well-hydrated! The cold medication is making me so drowsy and thirsty! I'd be using my SinuPulse (sinus irrigation), but I'm so congested that nothing will go through. (Doubly Ick! Plus, breathing is a little tough; there's snot running everywhere! Ew!)
Have a great weekend and I'm looking forward to finding how Vollenda's bike ride this weekend turns out!
PS - Did I mention that I got my new commuter bike today? I bought a Schwinn World Tour Commuter Bike and I'm just dying to starting riding it to work and to run errands and stuff! The box was delivered today ... It's killing me to be sick right now. I want to be out riding it around! Maybe tomorrow will be different? (I've got my fingers crossed!)
I do sports. Well, I try to do sports as much as possible. Since moving to BBurg, however, the fall/winter mold is killing my sinuses. I hate taking drugs. Oprah (yes, the one from TV) suggested something called a Neti Pot. I got one for Florin (le boyfriend). He loves it and it helped him immensely. I tried it out. It works, but I wasn't so keen on the amount of (forceful) pressure that I felt was being delivered. It made me want to shove Q-tips into my ear canals.
I did some more research online and found out about something called Sinus Irrigation. It's a method of sinus cleansing that uses a device that looks amazingly like my WaterPik. Sure enough, they are more-or-less the same. So ... I have a WaterPik Model WP-65 and I bought the little "SinuPulse replacement sinus irrigator tip" (made by Health Solutions, Model SPST) from AllerG.com. It didn't say on the web site that it would fit WaterPik WP-65, but it did say that it fit the WaterPik 60 and 70. I figured that WP-65 was in-between and it would probably work. (It fits! It does work! To the left is a picture of it.)
I LOVE it. I like it so much better than the SinuCleanse Nasal Wash/Neti Pot (image on right), if only because I can control the pressure coming out of the WaterPik and thus, the sinus irrigator tip. I also really like the pulsating action; it causes less pressure upon my tear ducts and ears. I've also found that I only need to use it every 2-3 days to have completely clear sinuses for just about that long. It's amazing. I have to say that it's really making breathing easier which is making exercising a lot easier, too.
I only wish I had known about this sooner. I've told all of my friends and family about it. I really doubted it would work, but I'm glad that it does. Probably the best $15 I've spent in a long time.
Skuut - Welcome to the official home of the Skuut wooden balance bike - www.skuut.com
The minute I have kids of my own, they are getting one of these. I just hope my kids are ready to skuut as soon as they are walking! :)
DogPoweredScooter.com
I really need to get Calen and I one of these. I simply cannot run as long or as fast as he anymore and taking him for walks seems rather ho-hum. I know Calen would love this contraption. He is a sled-dog after all.
This article about Ian Million and his helmet crossed the Virginia Tech Cycling list-serv today. He survived an over-the-handlebars dive AND having his head run over by a truck. I thought it was worth sharing.
Lesson of the Day: Wear your helmet whenever you ride!
How can I bring my pup along for those all-day long rides?
I've found a good thread and yet another about bike trailers. I've also researched some models (DoggyTote, Chariot Carriers, WIKE, DoggyRide, PetTrailer, TailWagon, Croozer, Burley Trailer, Roland Trailers, Trek'r Pet Trailer, Dog Bike Trailer) online so far. I'm going to see if I can't get my hands on--and my doggie into--one of these sooner than later.
Dogs. I love them. I have one. In fact, I'm dreaming about buying my 70 lb. pooch a trailer of his own to hitch onto my bike so he can come along for those day-long rides. But ...
... other people's dogs. That's a whole 'nother matter. Why is it that when springtime rolls around you can't go anywhere and ride without being chased like you're a lycra-encased meatsicle?
Solution? New Fox Labs Flip Top Pepper Spray. Secure it to your bike and ride knowing it's close-at-hand. Excellent protection against savage country dogs. Ah, if only we could use it against the irresponsible owners of said dogs ...
My car-lite life makes me want one of these: Xtracycle FreeRadical Hitchless Trailer
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Imagine your favorite bike with the rear wheel stretched out behind the seat, a big, stable platform for a load or a passenger, and elegant saddlebags (we call them FreeLoaders -- click the link to see what makes them so functional) on either side that are expandable when you need them and are cleanly out of the way when you don't. Best of all, your bike is still lightweight and fast, and because the load is centered between your two wheels, the whole package handles with ease. Suddenly you have much less need or desire to drive around town for your errands. Picture this: a breezy unloaded ride to your favorite grocery store, coasting reliably around corners; arriving ahead of traffic; parking at the rack directly in front of the entrance; shopping and easily loading your four bags of groceries; then pedaling home, care-free on a bike that handles just as swiftly now that it’s loaded. And grinning when you realize you just turned an errand into a fun, invigorating excursion.
The FreeRadical Hitchless Bicycle Trailer Kit (pictured above attached to a Sun Cruiser bicycle) comes with the FreeRadical base frame, two FreeLoaders, V-Racks, a SnapDeck, cables, chain, and all the small parts you will need to convert your bike into an S.U.B. (9-speed drivetrains may need a new chain as well). If your bike doesn't have either a kickstand mount or chainstay bridge, make sure to order an extra FAP for smooth installation.
Every FreeRadical frame is disc-brake ready should you ever decide to upgrade your braking system. If you intend to use disc brakes right now, you can get the rotor you'll need plus a caliper protector by selecting the "disc brake kit" option above.
More specifics about the modular Xtracycle Accessory System can be viewed on our details page.
Compatibility:
The original FreeRadical works best with a 26” hardtail mountain bike with V-brakes or disc brakes. There is now a 700c version for touring, hybrid and city bikes; it is also disc brake compatible. Check out the technical FAQ for detailed info on tire sizes, brakes, and compatibility questions of a deeper nature.
For more information, contact us at 888-537-1401; we’ll be happy to research a specific frame’s compatibility.
This is a simple, but grand idea: a garment bag for your bicycle. Plop it over your rear rack and you’re good to go. Too bad I can walk/run everywhere around here. Hmmmmm …
I am seriously considering the Giant OCR 3 bike. It comes in so many sizes (like the people who ride them!) And, it's affordable. (Unlike some of the Quintana Roo or Softride bikes I've seen. Geez, I'm poverty-stricken!)
