Riding Weather in January

Surreal; apologize to the rest of the nation in the deep freeze; but as I'm writing on running in the cold and snow; my region is in a heat wave. It was a high of 70 yesterday.

Going wild and riding with no leggings today!!!

Cool gear, places, and tips for 2009

A week into the 2009; hope by now most of you have curbed the tree, purged any of the leftover fudge, exchanged the gifts for the gear you really wanted.

Plenty of great rides, cool people and places to look back on from 2008; but its also time to look ahead to 2009. Started circling the dates and registering for races that I want to compete in; start laying out my training program; and of course the gear that I must have.

So here is what excites me in 2009; besides the usual post workout peanut butter sandwich and coffee, and spending plenty of quality time on the bike(s);

Gear

Running Shoes

ASICS GEL-Kayano 15: The continued evolution of this shoe keeps me coming back for more. I have never been disappointed with a pair of the Kayano product line; 2009 brings more cushioning to the heel along with a lighter shoe thanks to the material used. I use this shoe on both pavement and trail; it takes a beating and holds up.

Cycling Shoes

I had mentioned this on a previous blog in '08; but the most anticipated shoe for me is the Lake MX401. Moldable to your feet, extra support and protection in the shoe, Boa system, carbon sole, light weight, and built for XC racing or Cyclocross.

Clothing

Mountain Hardwear base layers/pullovers really caught my eye and impressed me in 2008. The 2009 Spring line line offers a half zip base layer that can handle what ever the weather throws at it.


Gear innovations

Oh Ergon how I love thee...great bar ends, backpacks, and gloves that we get teased with from abroad.

Just looking at the BC3 backpack from Ergon one can see that its built to take what the outdoors can throw at it. Ergon describes this as their Transalp backpack; and is meant to go for days or for the daily commuting grind. Made from a heavy duty water proof material, water proof zippers, black on the outside, white on the inside to make it easier to find things, a helmet holder, along with a detachable organizer. This bag is made gender specific; which means not only the straps are different in size but also the width and curve of the hip belt.


Bicycles (Road, Mountain, Cyclocross)

IBIS Hakkalugi Cyclocross frame


I just like saying "Hakkalugi"; makes me laugh. Seriously though; it was the one element of last year's Interbike show that really impressed me and had me sold. The fact we are looking at a carbon frame around 1000grams; along with the return of the Canti mounts and the hand j*b cable stop; a classic cross geometry; this bike will withstand a year on the 'Cross circuit to say the least. Its yellow frame along with the Flemish emblem is a sign of respect to the region of Belgium called Flanders; where it's people are known for their success in Cyclocross. Welcome back Lugi....we missed you.

Places

Running

Plenty of places across this great continent of ours to go for a trail run, road or mountain bike ride. From the picturesque scenery to the punishing climbs here are a few places that have me thinking of a needed road trip in 2009 My backyard; Marin; for those who are trail runners; should plan a vacation around. One the trails vary in terrain and difficulty; but its the breath taking scenery that sucks you in and makes you forget that you've just run 20 miles. Stay at Cavallo Point; while your here; a new resort on a renovated army base on the Sausalito side of the GoldenGate bridge; its right next door to the start of the Marin Headlands. Besides boxing up the bike; mountain or road; and heading to Europe for some riding; which isn't part of this year's budget; staying close to home is more realistic.

Mountain Biking

The return of singletrack has definitely been on the upswing the last couple of years; and no other area defines mountain biking (sorry Marin) better then the Fort Collins/Boulder/Colorado Springs area. If your a serious Mtber then I recommend planning a vacation in '09 and ride some of the trails in this area, Buffalo Creek (Pine), Trail 401, and Colorado Trail - Kenosha (Breckenridge) are just a few that will push your limits.

Road ride

For an extended road trip; try a trip to the South; Asheville, NC to be more specific. Asheville has become the destination of choice over the past few years to both road and mountain bikers alike; with miles and various trails/routes to chose from. The road around Asheville is relatively flat; with some rolling; but as you head out along the Blue Ridge Parkway and further to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park; the ascents start to become a challenge. Check out Blue Ridge Bicycle Club site for more information and various routes.

Races

Marin County Marathon 04/19/2009; hopefully the first of many for this new comer. Yes its on the same weekend of the big kid; Boston; but its bringing a little trail and pavement to some of the various events. Besides being in my backyard; I like that that its promoters are creating an event that is sustainable; Shouldn't that be a prerequisite for a running event being environmentally aware.

The North Face Endurance Challenge is entering its third year; and it is only getting better. From its 10K to 50 mile course; it offers a challenge to all those trail runners out there. With multiple race dates across various regions in the country concludes with the championship in the my backyard the Marin Headlands in December.

I would like to say Leadville is the race to be at for 2009; but its the race to be at every year; just have to be selected in the lottery. The 50 miler is open to all; just make sure to register early. The race is though is the BC bike race, a seven day mountain bike stage race from Victoria to Whistler; some the best singletrack in the world. June 28 - July 4.

Food

Smaller portions, local, and sustainable. Buy local if you can; support your local CSA; Farmers Market; eat what's in season; you will find that this one change will not only impact how you feel health wise; but it will provide that needed support in '09 to your local economy.

I hope that one positive outcome of this current recession is that restaurants cut back on the portions served versus the quality of food; it would do us all some good.

I can't go without mentioning the beverages of choice and those who I support and hope they continue to churn out a quality product in '09.

Coffee; from a wellness and health perspective; you may find that a cup in the morning or post workout will help in your recovery. From Blue Bottle Coffee (Bay Area), Stumptown (Portland, OR), and Intelligentsia (Chicago, IL); you can't find better roasters around; supporting both the organic and the local grower movement alike.

Beer; yes it doesn't hurt to have a glass here or there; all in moderation right. For all the local brewers in the Bay Area; I always stop and peer what New Belgium Brewing has produced for a seasonal brew. Not only have they been producing some of the best beer in the country; but their continuing support for the cycling community is an added bonus

Fitness Training

Bootcamps, cross training, kettle bells, educated/certified training professionals, sports specific training, and referrals to trainers by physicans. Trends that will continue to grow in 2009; even with an economic downturn looming out there; people will look for what training has the best cost benefit for them.

On an end note; as another cycling season begins; I hope that 2009 generates increased interest at the grass roots level; and evolves into support for that local bike store down the block and the smaller publications who are promoting the sport such as Cyclocross, Mountain Flyer, and Bike Monkey.


What makes me smile every day in '09


Oh...and I can never forget the dog....one year older in March....but at eight...still a big puppy.






Hope the best for all of you in 2009. Thanks for your support.

Taking a hike

After the last few days of stuffing the face with cookies, puddings, chocolates, and possibly one to many glasses of wine getting back into the routine takes a little more effort then usual.

Taking a break from the holiday whirlwind around me; I was reading the January edition Outside Magazine; which has a great article on tackling stress, training the brain and living large. One of the sections called "Play the Fields"; discussed a topic that is near and dear to me the importance of cross training on developing the necessary skills to compete in your primary sport.

Varying your routine during the off season and focusing less time in-sport and working on being proficient on new movements, keeping the mind fresh, and staying injury free. One of the best low intensity activities is hiking; it still requires some aerobic strength; and for a cyclist it means that you get the lateral up and down motion which you otherwise don't get cycling.

The great thing about hiking is you get can get others involved and regardless of the region of the country you live in; its an activity that one can easily do. Some places you may just need to bundle up a little more and use a little more aerobic strength stepping through the snow.

Hope everyone had a good holiday; its on to 2009 and a new training year.

A bag that carries a good cause

From time to time I run into a product company that presents that "wow" factor. As a avid cyclist I find myself schlepping a bag on my back as I commute through the city. I have basic criteria for the bag itself; durable, can hold more then what I cram into it, and stays on my back when riding. I've stuck with the timbuk2 for my urban commute for the last few years as I've found it to meet this basic set of criteria.

I started to see and hear more about a new company started in San Francisco called Rickshaw Bagworks; who is designing stylish and functional commuter/messenger bags, and is applying some rules of sustainability to the bag world along with way. So I stopped in for the store/factory launch party just to see first hand how they are saving the world; or at the very least the San Francisco; one bag at a time.

Stepping into their San Francisco based headquarters; one will first step inside the store which is full of plenty of eye candy; you will also take notice to the space behind the store which a large portion is dedicated to the assembling of much the eye candy that they offer.

The product lines are just as equally impressive; Rickshaw offers a commuter bag line in three sizes to accommodate a laptop, the "Zero" line of messenger bags again in three sizes, a baby bag, wallets, and on the bike accessories.

After some examination of the medium commuter bag; which is the largest in the series and can fit a 15inch laptop; I was sold; two things really sold me on the bag; the rear zip pocket; where I can stash pens/pencils, a notebook, and those things I need easy access to with out digging up front, and what is being described as silencers which are magnets for the front flap which reduces the need to use the velcro enclosures along with the sound that comes with it. Best thing is they offer what is called the "Bottles to Bag" line which is of course recycled from plastic water bottles; many designs and colors; and is as close to the "Cradle to Cradle" philosophy I've seen with a consumer bag to date. I could tell by just picking up the bag and giving it a basic stress test it was built to last; and if something does happen to it; well Rickshaw sticks by their product and will repair.

The Zero line is all about minimizing nylon in the design of the bag; yet is very sleek and is offered in a number of fabrics and colors for that personable touch. I also spotted one of the bags that was made from a SF bike coalition event banner; very cool.

The bags have plenty of personal touches which is demonstrated by the various fabrics and colors they offer. If you don't like any of the fabrics and want to provide your own; well Rickshaw will work with you in the design and assembling of the bag.

Rickshaw is also committed to a number of causes and charties in the community; which is made quite apparent in design of the bags. Rickshaw offers some limited edition designs for donors to various organizations in the community.

Though I didn't walk away with a bag that night; I did purchase a top tube sleeve for my bike. I had been searching for one for some time now; and finally found a sleeve to my liking; thanks Rickshaw.

For those who can stop in; there store is in the Dogpatch district of San Francisco; check out their website for directions. You can also order the bags mentioned here as well via the webstore.

Training during the holidays

We all know the story; one to many cocktail parties; a cookie here; eggnog there; just one more piece of gingerbread. It adds up; personally I stick to to oranges and spiced apple cider.

Here's what I've been doing for the past few years during the holiday's to motivate me during a ride; and get a little more in during the off season to push myself. Using landmarks such as the lighted house or the Santa Claus at the end of the block; I will sprint in the big chain ring between selected points.

With hills; I will start to look ahead for that house or tree lit up; and will do a hill climb alternating between sprints and recovery between these points.

In group rides; call out the landmarks; creating a little competition of sorts between them.

You can also use this as part of your interval training; it may be a bit shorter in duration; but you should be aiming for high cadence of 2 to 5 minutes with a recovery period of 30 seconds.