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Hero Kit: How to Save Your Ride

By
Megan Davin
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Hero Kit

How many times have you found yourself fighting with your bike? Has it ever led to bleeding knuckles? That’s usually the moment just before a slightly more mechanically minded fellow biker shows up behind you  and saves the day, but at the same time making your struggle seem pathetic. Don’t you wish that person had shown up before the frustration? Even better, what if you could carry that knowledge and experience around for whenever a bike repair need arose?

Now you can! Hero Kit is a well-thought bike repair kit. The folks at Hero Kits know bikes and all the potential—and most common—crises that can happen on the road or dusty trail.

The tools, however, aren’t much good if you don’t know how to use them, which is what makes the Instruction Booklet the crown jewel of the kit. The small, lightweight booklet provides step-by-step and easy to understand instructions on dealing with bike related blow-ups, covering scenarios such as a broken chain, wobbly wheel, brake problems and more.

The Overview:

A Hero Kit is a bike repair kit that is small enough to fit in the back pocket of your shorts or jersey – and certainly in your backpack or saddle bag – and powerful enough to get you (or your friend) out of the most common difficulties you might encounter on your ride.  Based on input from expert riders and bike mechanics, they have assembled a kit full of tools, materials, and easy-to-follow instructions that will empower riders of all abilities to be the hero of your own ride.

Hero Enterprises has a strong commitment to the environment and to community.  In support of these commitments, they donate 10 percent of their profits to organizations and events that promote healthy communities and healthy ecosystems. 

The Test:

While riding along my local town mountain bike network, I got a flat. Before carrying a hero kit, I did not carry anything for basic bike maintenance and just assumed I could always push out if anything happened. After one flat and no means of changing it I got the Hero Kit. It has everything I need to fix a flat and any other potential problem, which could foil a fun day’s worth of riding.

Rating
4.5 (out of 5)

Design: The products inside the bag are great, but the bag itself is a trick to get to latch and stay closed. +.7

Performance: Everything you might need paced into a small ziplock bag. You can never be too prepared while biking.  +1

Style: The hero kits come in several different options a road bike kit, mountain bike kit +1

Durability: Stuffed to the gills inside a nifty pouch. The pouch likes to come unzip-locked so make sure you have it securely tightened. +.7

Comfort: It fits inside both a saddle bag and into a mountain bike backpack. +1

Buy the Hero Kit today and enjoy peace of mind on your next ride.

POC Trabec Review

By
Leah Fielding
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POC Trabec Helmet Purple, POC Trabec Helmet Review

The Overview

If you’re looking for a comfortable, high-performance mountain biking helmet, look no further than POC Trabec Helmet. As a POC product, you can expect all the highest standards in safety performance. This helmet not only boasts some serious protection, but is also incredibly well-ventilated (with 16 vents). In fact the Trabec derives its name from what’s called “trabecular bone structure” in the cranial area or skull. Trabecular bone structure is spongy, flexible bone material and can be subject to damage easier than compact, or hard bone. The Trabec Helmet is designed to specifically protect those softer places on the skull.

POC Trabec Helmet Krypton Blue

This helmet is meant for single track and enduro mountain bikers. Its protective materials are composed of  bonded EPS core and the unbreakable aramid (a lightweight and highly resistant) weave, which spreads impact forces over a larger surface area. The outer PC shell adds an extra layer of protection, as the seams, i.e. areas that could become structurally compromised are located in places that typically experience the least exposure to impact.

Another important note: POC helmets are designed around the entire head, not just the top of the head.

The Test

I first tested the POC Trabec Helmet in Krypton Blue on Buttermilk’s Government trail, a fun, flowy single-track trail. Off the bat I liked how customizable the fit was on the helmet. There’s a dial on the back of the helmet that allows for an optimally snug and secure fit. Similarly, the chin buckle is comfortable when cinched snugly. I appreciated the extra bit of detail and thought that went into the convenient band, which holds up any extra slack from the chin strap. In fact, all POC helmets have this well-thought feature. During the vigorous, sunny climb, which starts from the base of Buttermilk’s Tiehack chairlift, I noticed my head stayed quite cool. I’m luckily to report that I did not experience any crashes, or head impact, during the ride. My only complaint is that the helmet is quite bulbous and large looking, but I’m happy to let this slide when considering the incredible technology that goes into this helmet. Plus, there are plenty of cool colors to choose from to make a statement—if that’s something that matters to you.

Rating
4.5 (out of 5)

Style: Truth be told, this isn’t exactly a flattering helmet—especially if you have a smaller head or face. But sometimes functionality and performance trump style and I think it’s safe to say that your brain is one of them. It would be nice if POC could find a way to make these helmets (and all their helmets for that matter) a little more low profile. +.5
Design: POC is an industry leader in creating innovative, smart products and the Trabec is no exception. +1
Durability: Impact and abrasive resistant make this product among the most durable in its class. +1
Performance: While I personally—and thankfully— can’t attest to the Trabec’s impact performance, POC’s weaved aramid and EPS core and outer PC shell with consciously placed seams makes for one of biking’s safest helmet. +1
Comfort: The dial adjuster and chin strap system ensure maximum comfort. +1

Learn more or buy POC Trabec Helmet.

Arcade Belts Review

By
Megan Davin
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Arcade Pacific Belt, Arcade Belts

Looking for a belt without the bulk? The elastic stretchy Arcade Belts will hold everything from your jeans to ski pants up. Now you might be wondering why review belts? Clip in and experience the difference of a light weight low profile, stretchy, one size fits all belt!

Arcade Belts has created its own niche in the action sports world by designing functional belts for the snow/skate/surf/outdoors lifestyle. Arcade Belts was founded in Olympic Valley, Calif., in 2010 and is defined by its passion to create more functional, more artistic and more useful belts. They move with the body and from the slopes to the bars.Arcade Pacific Belt, Arcade Belts

Here is a rundown of Arcade Belt’s nitty-gritty details that.

Slingshot Tech™: Proprietary Elastic Weave for flexible, durable, motion fit.
Lo-Pro Buckle: Out of the way design. No more stomach jabs from oversized belt buckles.
Weather Proof: From the washing machine to the deep end, all conditions, all the time.
One-Size Fits All: Fit to size once. No readjusting, no retying. The perfect fit every time
Commercial-Grade Acetal Plastic: Ultra Durable. Airport metal detectors be damned.

 

Featured Video: Dry Land Training Time Again

By
Leah Fielding
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Dry Land Training Session, Functional Training Session,Mitch Tölderer and Bibi Tölderer-Pekarek

It’s getting a little chilly lately, well at least up here in the Colorado Rockies. But soon enough the leaves will have turned and the snow will start flying. That means the time is now to start amping up for your best season yet. If you’ve never caught any of pro snowboarding power couple Mitch Tölderer and Bibi Tölderer-Pekarek’s fitness videos, you’re missing out. These two has segmentsin Teton Gravity Research‘s Further and certainly know a thing or two about preparing for winter. Check out the first installment of their “Functional Training” sessions.

Vermont Peanut Butter Company

By
Megan Davin
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Avalanche - Vermont Peanut Butter
My favorite Avalanche!

Peanut butter is delicious. It is yummy and can pack a real energy punch, especially when out for a ski tour, mountain bike ride, or hiking. There’s a lot of good, all-natural peanut butter out there. Many can be oily and tasteless and few earn “eat out of the jar” status, but Vermont Peanut Butter Company is one. Avalanche, the white chocolate chip and peanut butter, flavor is the standout.

The Vermont Peanut Butter Company was founded of three parts to create their ultimate mission. The first was to provide a quality, locally made and crafted product that is free of harmful preservatives, hydrogenated oils, GMO’s, palm fruit oils, excess sugar and salt. The second part  is that of social responsibility and community support through their healthful, nutritious products.

It even fuels athletes like Ashley Maxfield.

VTPB is ground, mixed, filled, capped, sealed, labeled and shipped from  from Morrisville, Vermont.  And with flavors like Maple Walnut, BeeNut Butter, Good Karma, Green Mountain Goodness, Mad Rive Mojo, Almond Butter, Stowe Cinnamon Raisin, Avalanche, Creamy and Chunky, there is no way to go wrong.

 

Road Trippin’ Part 2: Yoga Poses For the Car

By
Tracy Remelius
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1
Yoga Poses for the Car, Kneeling Lunge
Kneeling Lunge

As we talked in Road Trippin’ Part 1, sometimes your weekend adventures include long car rides to get you to that trailhead, paddle or ride. Instead of walking around all creaky and stiff, try this short yoga sequence to relieve all that driving stress.

In this sequence, we’ll focus on yoga poses for the car that target the hips and the shoulders. Sitting for long hours will tighten your hips and can add to a stiff lower back. I also always find that I need some shoulder and chest opening poses to counter slumping forward when I’m tired in the car.

You can hold each of these poses in this sequence for 10-20 breaths or you can incorporate them into a flowing practice by holding these poses longer when you are doing simple sun salutations.

1. Downward Facing Dog

Downward Dog

First bend both knees and reach your belly towards your hips to flatten out your spine. Then bend and straighten one leg at a time to stretch each calf-this is especially nice to do if you drive standard.

2. Kneeling Lunge with shoulder opening variation.

Kneeling Lunge

If the shoulders are tight here, you can use a strap or belt instead of interlacing fingers. Also be sure to engage the abdominals to take any crunching out of the low back as you backbend slightly here.

3. Ankle to knee- Chair pose variation.

After driving, I love anything that targets my outer hips, this will help to free up the low back. Skip this one of the knee bothers you, other wise keep the foot flexed in order to protect the knee.

4. Locust pose with shoulder variation

Again we are opening the chest and shoulders, this one also stretghens the back muscles and core, so it’s great for a sore back. As with all back bends make sure to use the core muscles. Imagine you are pulling your belly button off the mat, and drop your tail bone towards your hamstrings.

5. Ankle to knee pose

One more stretch for the hip and low back. This one is a nice variation to take instead of pigeon pose if that bothers your knees. Bring your ankle to knee and clasp the hands behind your other knee as you hug it towards the chest. Rocking, swaying and sighing can feel great here, so enjoy!

Backpacking Checklist: Trip Essentials

By
Kaitlyn Watts
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0
backpacking essentials, what to pack for a backpacking trip, how to pack for a backpacking trip

Packing for a multiple night backpacking trip proves no small feat. If you are anything like me, you make a backpacking checklist, lay all the items out, debate how much food you are going to need and which pack to bring. Often times it comes down to weight when deciding what will make it into the pack and what will stay home. Here is a quick guide to help you remember the essentials and not forget the important stuff at home on your next backpacking trip.

Backpacking pic

1. Sleep pad. Sleeping on a cold, rock hard ground after a day of hiking is not the best idea for your body. Most sleep pads are light weight and packable, therefore there is little reason not to take one.

2. Sleeping bag. I put mine in a compression sack for backpacking trips so that it takes up less room.

3. First Aid Kit. Make sure that you restock yours before your next big trip. No one wants to be left without mole skins for those inevitable blisters. I’d also suggest a small container of Tiger Balm—it soothes sore muscles and smells good.

4. A backpack. Invest in a good women’s specific pack that fits you well. REI’s Womens Ridgeline 65 Pack is a great pick. REI does custom moldings of the hip straps, which for women can really help to distribute the weight evenly. I used the Golite Pinnacle Backpack for my most recent 3 day backpacking trip.

5. Headlamp. I don’t think there is much more to say about this, except make sure to carry extra batteries somewhere in your pack.

6. Clothes. I try to layer as much as possible while bringing the least amount of clothes as possible. For 3 days on the trail I had 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of leggings/long johns, 3 shirts, a long sleeve thermal, and a lightweight fleece. I also threw in a lightweight winter hat.

7. Cook pan, stove and utensils. I am able to fit my stove, mini fluid and utensils inside the cook pan for optimal space saving.

8. Fly Rod and fishing gear. Ok, so it isn’t an essential, but you could substitute in here a paper back book, or crossword puzzles. In other words, something you would want to do while relaxing by a pristine lake or sitting by the fire before the sun goes down.

9. Packable Hammock. Ok, again not an essential, per say, but when you don’t have a lightweight tent to bring, a hammock works great. I put my sleeping pad in it with my sleeping bag to keep me warm and it is incredibly comfortable. This is a Grand Trunk double parachute. It is super lightweight and very easy to set up.

10. Rain jacket. My rain jacket, when cinched, can act as another layer if things get cold.

11. Personals. In a zip lock bag I put toothpaste, a toothebrush, deodorant, any pills I might need including ibuprofen, and back up feminine products just in case.

12. Hiking Shoes. Along with the backpack, investing in a quality pair of women’s specific hiking shoes/boots will go a long way. Our feet often times take the brunt of the weight of the pack, treating them with kindness from the very beginning helps immensely.

If you are interested, REI has an updated list of the 10 essentials—a list that started in the 1930’s (which is pretty cool that it goes back that far). Take a glance and see if you have the essentials for your next backpacking trip.

Tough Girl Tutus

By
Megan Davin
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1
Tough Girl Tutus

Spice up your race with Tough Girl Tutus

I don’t think I have ever met a girl that hasn’t worn a tutu at least once in their life. Personally I used to wear them for dance when I was five. As a teen and young adult  I resented anything that was too “girly,” since I was trying to keep up with  the boys. The women’s empowerment movement has come a long way and we now have products and outerwear that are both functional and feminine. Sometimes the more feminine and the more fun. Which is exactly where the idea for Tough Girl Tutus came from.

The Overview
Welcome to the world of Tough Girl Tutus, the original racing tutu designed by racers for racing. The main concept behind this wild tutus is simple: to inspire women to have even more fun on race day, and even training days. I find this tutu to be empowering. When I’m wearing one, I feel like I am running at 110 percent. It also draws a lot of attention, which is good when you are having a kick ass day!

Training for races can be tedious and even monontous. Slide on a tutu over your spandex capris and voila! You are transformed into a running machine. Going out on a SundayFunday bike ride? Grab your tutu and you are sure to laugh the entire time.Julie and Christina are the co-owners of Tough Girl Tutus. The two friends and business partners live  in beautiful Colorado. “We feel great setting personal goals and finishing a race, and even better when we’re wearing Tough Girl Tutus on the big day. Wearing a Tough Girl Tutu gives each of us an extra boost of confidence and empowerment to get through our toughest races. We hope to bring our customers the same feelings of fulfillment and fun.”

Designed with comfort in mind, each tutu has a wide built-in waistband and fun, flowing material that won’t interfere with your pace. Race bib toggles eliminate the need for safety pins or a race belt. There are no built-in liners or shorts, which enables you to walk, run, or cycle in what you’re most comfortable wearing underneath. 

It doesn’t matter what activities you are doing, because no matter what it is hard to not laugh, smile and have fun. From walking for charity, completing your first 5k, racing in a marathon, finishing strong with a team in a relay race, or getting down and dirty in an endurance obstacle race, celebrate yourself and your own personal victories with Tough Girl Tutus.  I am very excited to be wearing this in my favorite half marathon, the Leaf Peepers in Waterbury, Vermont in October.

Rating
4.3 (out of 5)

Design: I wish the waistband had a little more stretch to it. While it fits my hips it’s a wiggle to get it up and over my runner/skier thighs and butt, but fits everywhere else.  +.6

Style: The tutu comes in four different patterns: light pink, black with red trim, leopard print and hot pink (the color I have). +1

Durability: I have a tendency to walk into non-moving objects and put holes in some of the clothing I am wearing. So far so good with this tutu, even with the sheerness of the fabric making me slightly nervous. +.8

Performance: Light weight and short the tutu fits over any spandex, capris pants or even cycling shorts. Pick your activity and you will figure out how to adapt it to your ensemble.  +.9

Comfort: The joys of this active tutu is that it slides on over any piece of clothing that you want to wear; from running skirts, capris to shorts. You have the freedom to flow in style. + 1

 

 

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