A little bit of resolve is what I need now

After this weekend’s weather forecasts I didn’t really think I’d be riding today.  But the forecasts changed, and the mob were booked into one of the KOW Leisure Centre’s Kids Activity Days, and given the sparsity of opportunities to ride, what with it being the Easter holidays and all, I should ride right?  Ok, so [...]

Source: http://www.thecyclingmayor.com/a-little-bit-of-resolve-is-what-i-need-now

cycling accessories

Top 3 For Me: My Favorite Gear from Cyclosource

Everyone's different, and has personal preference. These are my three favorite pieces of gear we sell at Adventure Cycling.

1. Ibex Arrivee Bibs

I love wool because it doesn't get stinky and I love bibs because I hate constriction around my belly (especially when I've been eating a lot of Easter candy). These super-soft bibs are some of my favorites and I love them especially in shoulder seasons because they're nice and warm.

2. Osprey Raptor Hydration Pack
Until I tried this pack, I had pretty much given up on backpack hydration. Finally, something that works! Comfy hip and sternum belts, and a no leak system so your water doesn't end up draining all over your back. The sternum buckle also has a magnet that allows for quick bite-valve attachment.

3. Revelate Tangle Frame Bag


Frame bags are such a great idea! I love these bags made by Revelate out of Alaska because they fit my bike and leave room for my water bottle cages. Surprisingly large, the bags have enough room for tools, maps, clothes, and whatever else I can think of. Revelate is a small company and they make their bags in small batches, so if you see them available on our online store grab them while you can!

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SHIPPING NEWS is brought to you by Sarah Raz, sales representative/outreach coordinator/lover of all things outdoors. She also wishes Eddy Merckx was her father (sorry Dad!)

Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2012/04/top-3-for-me-my-favorite-gear-from.html

road cycling

Klöden 3rd Horner 4th After Day One of Basque Tour

Team RadioShack?s Andreas Klöden (GER) continuing to display exceptional form this season came in 3rd today with ?The Shack?s? Christopher Horner (USA) close behind in today?s 150-kilometer mountainous first stage of the Vuelta Ciclista al País Vasco, Tour of the Basque Country in Northeast Spain. This first of 6 stages was deemed by some [...]

Source: http://www.teamradioshack.us/kloden-3rd-horner-4th-after-day-one-of-basque-tour/

cycling jerseys uk

Team RadioShack?s Stable of Champions

Most of the National Road-Race and Time-Trial Cycling Championships around the world are now complete and once again, Team RadioShack has an impressive list of performances, many from some of its younger riders. From countries spread as far across the globe as The USA, Slovenia, New Zealand, Portugal, and Japan, many of The [...]

Source: http://www.teamradioshack.us/team-radioshack%e2%80%99s-stable-of-champions/

cycling events 2010

Team RadioShack Aim for Win in Tour of California

Next week Team RadioShack will start in the Amgen Tour of California (May 15-22) with the clear ambition to win the overall classification. Three-time winner Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner will start as the leaders of the Team. From the beginning of the season the Tour of California has been one of their big [...]

Source: http://www.teamradioshack.us/team-radioshack-aim-for-win-in-tour-of-california/

oakley cycling

Top 3 For Me: My Favorite Gear from Cyclosource

Everyone's different, and has personal preference. These are my three favorite pieces of gear we sell at Adventure Cycling.

1. Ibex Arrivee Bibs

I love wool because it doesn't get stinky and I love bibs because I hate constriction around my belly (especially when I've been eating a lot of Easter candy). These super-soft bibs are some of my favorites and I love them especially in shoulder seasons because they're nice and warm.

2. Osprey Raptor Hydration Pack
Until I tried this pack, I had pretty much given up on backpack hydration. Finally, something that works! Comfy hip and sternum belts, and a no leak system so your water doesn't end up draining all over your back. The sternum buckle also has a magnet that allows for quick bite-valve attachment.

3. Revelate Tangle Frame Bag


Frame bags are such a great idea! I love these bags made by Revelate out of Alaska because they fit my bike and leave room for my water bottle cages. Surprisingly large, the bags have enough room for tools, maps, clothes, and whatever else I can think of. Revelate is a small company and they make their bags in small batches, so if you see them available on our online store grab them while you can!

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SHIPPING NEWS is brought to you by Sarah Raz, sales representative/outreach coordinator/lover of all things outdoors. She also wishes Eddy Merckx was her father (sorry Dad!)

Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2012/04/top-3-for-me-my-favorite-gear-from.html

winter cycling jacket

Planet X Demo Bike Clearance ? Bag a Bargain NOW

We’re clearing out our entire stock of Planet X and On-One demo bikes. New and nearly new bikes at bargain prices. What’s more, we’ll include a FREE Level 1 bike fit with each bike if you collect from our Bristol Studio. Watch the website next week for BIG news about our new brands. Planet X Stealth [...]

Source: http://blog.bike-science.com/2012/04/07/planet-x-demo-bike-clearance-bag-a-bargain-now

cycling accessories

10 Things You Absolutely Need for a Long Distance Bike Tour

The April issue of Adventure Cyclist delivers a detailed Cyclist Travel Guide. But since Adventure Cyclist anticipates that our readers will be keen on more information, we present the first of four blog posts by Ryan McAfee and Michelle Cassel (of America ByCycle) to appear in the month of April that will serve as the sassy supplement to our annual Cyclist Travel Guide.

It's almost time for that tour! But what should you bring? House plants? An electric generator? 6 copies of your favorite children's book, Ernie's Little Lie?

If any of the things I just listed sounded like a good idea, then you really need some help. But that's why we're here: to make sure you get the essentials before leaving for a long trip. So, without further ado, here are the 10 things that you absolutely need for your long-distance tour:

1. A Bike.This really goes without saying, but you really need a bike if you want to do a bike tour. Steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium, or even bamboo are just a few of the types of frames out there. Choose whatever suits you and make friends with it, because you're going to be looking at it every day.


2. Storage.
Some people like panniers, and some people like trailers. Depending on your preference, you need something to carry your clothes, your food, and various other items. You can even just wear a backpack, if you're one of those minimalist people who hates bike-centric storage.
3. Bicycle Maintenance/Repair Tools.

Flat tires are inevitable. Chains get dry. You need to carry the tools necessary to make any repairs to your bike. And remember, you need to carry a bike pump. You can fix your tube as much as you want, but it's not going to inflate itself. Unless it's like the guy at the end of Big Trouble in Little China.

4. Water.
Duh.

5. Front and Back Bike Lights.
Bike lights are great multi-taskers. They light your route, let cars know you?re on the road, help you read at night, and aid in easing your fears when you hear noises outside the tent and get out, shine the flashlight and see that it?s only a family of foxes rustling around outside the tent, and not that big scary bear that you swore it was.

6. Toilet Paper.
Toilet paper is great for a multitude of reasons. You can use it as it's intended, as facial tissue, as a napkin while eating, to clean up your silverware, or you can use it to TP your own bike if you?re bored! Just don't overdo it.7. First Aid Kit/Duct Tape/Sun Block.
You're going to be out in the elements all day, every day. Boo-boos, owies, and whoopsy-daisies are common occurrences. Bring a small first aid kit and some sunblock to help keep you healthy. Just remember the difference between SPF 15 and SPF 50 is microscopic, so limiting the chemical intake on your body's biggest organ is always a good idea. (Coconut oil is a natural SPF 15!)

8. Rain Gear and Bike Shorts.
The only reason you should have some sort of waterproof gear is because you don?t want to be caught riding your bike in a storm WITHOUT waterproof gear. The only reason you should bring bike shorts is because you don?t want to be caught riding your bike WITHOUT bike shorts.9. Eating Utensils.
Unless you're accustomed to eating with your hands, then you will undoubtedly have a need for some utensils.


10. Mental Fortitude.
The MOST IMPORTANT thing you can bring with you on tour is BY FAR mental toughness. Breakdowns will happen. Storms will happen. Headwinds will happen. Your physical toughness will sustain all of these. If you can?t tell yourself to keep going and keep pushing forward, then you will not make it. Stay focused and eventually you?ll make it to your destination and celebrate!
Black and White Portrait by Adventure Cycling Association's Greg Siple. All other photos by America ByCycle.


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MICHELLE CASSEL & RYAN McAFEE are Los Angeles-based journalists who recently biked across the country on the TransAmerica Trail. They continue to ride their bikes on tours and share their stories of the road through videos and blogs, and can be found at AmericaByCycle.com.

Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2012/04/10-things-you-absolutely-need-for-long.html

cycling clothes

Adventure Medical Kits Escape Bivvy

The Escape Bivvy from Adventure Medical Kits is new for 2012, and it is looking to be a beefed up version of their popular Emergency Bivvy. Intended to provide additional warmth when the unexpected occurs, this bivvy reflects body heat back inwards, but also manages to breath out moisture to cut down on condensation buildup.

Outside of emergency usage, this could be used to beef up a summer sleeping bag. If you have a cross-country trip planned, you could pack a light summer sleeping bag for the hotter days of your journey, and put this into use as a bag liner when you hit the cooler temperatures in higher elevations. The bivvy weighs in at just 10 ounces, and packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle. It is water resistant, and seam sealed, but you probably wouldn't want to depend on it as a stand-alone shelter.

Maybe the only thing to be careful of with this bivvy is sleeping near others. The crinkly material does make a fair amount of noise as you move around. The sound is muffled a bit when used as a bag liner, but still noticeable.

Photo by Josh Tack.

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Grab a free issue of Adventure Cyclist magazineTOURING GEAR AND TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling's member services department. It appears weekly, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead.

Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2012/04/adventure-medical-kits-escape-bivvy.html

cycling clothing