I want FitBit! (PERFECT XMAS GIFT!)

FitBit: http://www.fitbit.com/

This has got to be the coolest and easiest motivator around. This is what the site says:

Did I get enough exercise today? How many calories did I burn? Am I getting good quality sleep? How many steps and miles did I walk today? The Fitbit Tracker helps you answer these questions.

WEAR

You can wear the Fitbit Tracker loosely in your pocket, clipped to your pants, shirt, bra or to your wrist when you are sleeping. You can wear it all day!

SYNC

The Fitbit Tracker is wireless. Walk within 25-50ft of the provided basestation and your data will be automatically uploaded to the Fitbit website. The auto-sync software runs on both Macs and PC's.

VIEW

View calories, steps and distance on the Fitbit Tracker itself. You can login to the Fitbit website to see even more detailed data and also participate in collaborative fitness goals with friends, family and co-workers.

Already Dreaming of Xmas

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):

1. Travel Trac Technique PRO Alloy Rollers
   http://www.performancebike.com/
   For simulating the feel of the road, improving your balance and smoothing out your spin, there's no substitute for rollers. Alloy drums and lightweight aluminum frame folds for easy storage and transport. Non-slip coating on side rails. Fit bikes with wheelbases up to 43".
2. Nashbar Front Wheel Stabilizer
   http://www.nashbar.com/
   The Nashbar Front Wheel Stabilizer uses a universal clamping assembly that will bolt on the front of most rollers and allows a rider to secure their front wheel. Even a novice rider will be able to effectively workout on rollers immediately! Constructed of powder coated steel. works with most rollers. Item No. NB-RSC
3. Delta Cezanne 4 bike Storage Rack
   http://www.nashbar.com/
   Store 4 bikes plus the rest of your gear on one freestanding rack. Organize your bike room or garage with four horizontal bike hangers, two center bag/gear/helmet hooks, 4 bonus hooks you can put anywhere, and 2 large wire basket shelves for shoes, tools, and everything else. Dimensions 19" x 26" x 86". Item No. DE-CZBS
4. Park Tool Digital Scale
   A versatile digital scale built to accurately weigh bikes, frames, and components. Uniquely designed to be clamped solidly into a repair stand or hung from a hook, branch, or oyur arm. Measures in both pounds and kilograms to the tenth and includes a dual position, silicon coated hanging hook. Item No. PT-DS1

Team RTC & the Brita Climate Challenge

There are days when I wish I didn't have an 8-5 job or grad classes and I could just take 5 days off to participate in something fun and meaningful:

Brita Climate Ride 2008 is the first multi-day bicycle ride where your pedal strokes help raise funds and awareness for meaningful climate change and renewable energy legislation! This transformative event is ideal for anyone who believes that change is possible and that America can take the lead in a green economy. It's a fundraiser, awareness-raiser and climate conference on wheels, all benefiting Clean Air–Cool Planet and Focus the Nation.

20 Ways to Stick to Your Workout

http://www.active.com/fitness/Articles/20_Ways_to_Stick_to_Your_Workout.htm

OMG, I think #20 would definitely be motivation enough!

"20. Blackmail yourself
Take a picture of yourself shirtless, holding a sign that shows your e-mail address. Then e-mail it to a trusted but sadistic friend ..."

I think I'd have to add a #21: Get yourself a Sam Meemken. That worked really well for me! (I miss you Sam!)

Skuut - Welcome to the official home of the Skuut wooden balance bike - www.skuut.com

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! :)

TRImapper.com - Visual Triathlon Finder and Directory

TRImapper.com - Visual Triathlon Finder and Directory

Groovy little website visually maps the triathlons from all over the world.

Oooooo ... Germany, here I come!

Harnessing Dog Power!

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.

Cycling with Calen (my dog)

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.

Fido, meet Mr. Pepper Spray

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 requests an "Xtracycle FreeRadical Hitchless Trailer"

My car-lite life makes me want one of these: Xtracycle FreeRadical Hitchless Trailer

Hitchless Trailers and Kits » 1-FR-KT04

FreeRadical Hitchless Trailer Kit - convert your bike (26")

Click here to see our
Bicycling Lifestyle Slideshow

The FreeRadical comes with everything needed for seemlessly adding a trunk and a backseat to your bicycle. It is an attachment for your bicycle that deftly shifts your rear wheel back 15 inches and transforms your existing bike into a Sport Utility Bicycle.

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.

My Legs Lust for a ...

My Legs Lust for a ... New bike.

Spent time today looking at entry-level triathlon bikes. A friend of mine pointed me towards this one, and it comes in a really pretty "cloud blue." Not that the color should matter, but for some reason my fashionista kicked in.

Anyway, I wish I had $600 to blow on a cool, fast, slender bike. Maybe someday I'll get to, when I have a cool, fast, slender body? Ha ha ha. I'm not holding my breath or my bank account for that to happen. I just need a justifiable reason for the purchase to satisfy the hubby ...

So what am I riding? I've got a mountain bike with studded tires and elevated handles. So if I'm slow, there's your reason why. (Or so I like to think.) At least I KNOW I'm getting a good workout from it.

Jiggles cruises at 22mph or more on her road bike, but she's kind enough to settle for our (my) measly 14-15 mph. State Puff and the Punisher also have mountain bikes, but seem to fare much better than I. I'm not upset about always being last or slowest as I'm really working on consistency and steady pacing, but I'm mystified as to the reason why I'm always laggin' when everyone else is totally cruisin'. Maybe I've got short legs? Maybe I've got a squirrel stuck in my brakes (you have to ride in our park to understand). Maybe, just maybe, I'm simply slower.

And maybe being slower is all right in the end. Because, if I remember right, the turtle finished. And finishing = winning in my book. Chalk one up for me. Hooray!

Ooooo ... shopping!

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!)