Cool Weather Assualt Gear Part Deux...

 As many local ski & snowboard resorts are days from opening, (some New England & out West are already cranking) and temps have taken a significant drop....This makes me wrestle between various cycling efforts or winter gravity addiction sports. Good in some respects that it's frozen up alot of the "slickery" trails out there. But for the most part at this point it's urban riding to ease my pedaling fix. Here's another excellent piece of cool weather riding gear...Gore's Countdown Jacket.

The 411, while Gore's Phantom  (previously reviewed) is the S.U.V. of tech riding jackets...the Countdown offers up more warmth w/o zip off sleeves feature. If your heading out for a long chilly ride...and don't want to freeze your arse off...rock this. As a point of reference I'm usually donning this once the snow flies. Generally speaking, I don't have to wear a ton of gear additional layers IF I'M RIDING AGGRESSIVE.(usually with Phantom). However, for the longer efforts...just "riding along" out on the arctic wind chill blasted roads the Countdown is more optimal work horse for the job.

Here's an additional pearl of wisdom...
"The Golden Rule Of Three".
This an excellent rule of thumb to better enjoy ANY outdoor activity:

1.Base Layer - Wicking / Closest to skin
2. Mid Layer - Provides additional warmth
3. Outer Layer - Prevents Heat loss & protection from elements

Have an Excellent ride...

Bike Guy

Nutritional game plans???

When it comes to after ride recovery & keeping the good old achy cement leg's away...I use Accelsport Endurox R4.Decent tasting, there's a wide variety of flavors...very easy on the stomach. Depending on the work out / effort I sometimes will add a scoop or two Whey protein. Another great secret...get your self a smoothie maker. You can add your favorite berries & fruits etc. Nice trick I learned from a fellow competitor was to toss in a few frozen coffee ice cubes.

Another solid recovery product I have also had decent results with Hammer Nutrition Recovertie. This particular product comes in a variety of decent flavors and stomach friendly as well.

These are a few nutritional products that have found helpful aiding with both recovery & performance. Anyone else care to share some product success stories?? Your feed back & comments would be excellent!!

Thanks in advance for your time & stopping by to read my blog!! 

Bike Guy

Trail-Run a go go !!!

Alot of running, turkey trotting chit chat going on...good stuff!!!

 Glad so many of you folks came out to support the cause. I see that quite a few of  the local Turkey Trot / Run events had an insane showing (numbers wise) of folks coming out to run!
 Very motivating people nice job!

 When it comes to this time of the season I usually migrate to trail running. The Adidas Ad-Star's are my kicks of choice. These trail taming beasts are like having a set of studded Nokian winter tires on your feet!!! The fit of the shoe I feet is very generous for those of you with a mid wide foot. Decent level of support / impact cushion yet not over the top. Stop by your local run pro shop and check em out!!! So even if you have never considered running "off-road" check em out...I feel you won't be dissatisfied.

Bike Guy

Give Thanks then try Kinetic's R&R for some Caloric revenge!!!

Happy Thanks Giving, please take some time out of your busy schedules to reflect what really matters. I hope that each and everyone of you checking in here to "follow" or see what's up have a wonderful holiday celebration. On another note just picked this up a few days ago...not exactly trainer season yet but still psyhced to see what this Kinetic Rock n Roll Trainer is all about.

More to come as I give this a test try, please hit me up with any feedback those of you that have tried one before.Thanks in advance.

Happy Thanks Giving!!

Bike Guy

Keep Them Little Piggies Warm!!!

Warm feet make all the difference....between an EPIC ride and an EPIC FAIL. I have tried many a winter shoe / bootie combo's...hands down Lakes winter riding shoe is the way to go. Do yourself a favor buy these shoes especially if you plan to staying on your bike through the winter. Added bonus on the updated versions (pictured is an older model) now take advantage of the easy on & off "Boa" technology. One last note if the weather really takes a turn you can always opt. to wear shoe covers for added warmth.

Enjoy the ride hope this was helpful.

 Happy Thanks Giving!!!!

Bike Guy

Cool weather assault gear....

One thing I know for sure...having a ballistic cool weather riding jacket is a must. I have been beta testing the Phantom jacket from Gore. This garment offers everything the discerning cool weather rider needs to stay warm & dry. For me there's no question anything that has the Gore on it is going to be solid. The Phantom jacket has proven to me it's always ready for action!!! One obvious clutch feature...zip off sleeves, biggest difference the additional "sleeves". Bottom line this piece has the added bonus of warmth once you have converted the garment to a faux-vest. Well worth the dime I say...especially around here in the unexpected Upstate riding weather conditions. Now get out there and RIDE!!

Bike Guy

USGP - Home grown heros

There are quite a few folks out there reading this that can relate to the insanity of C/X...

 Let's face it your either suffering or your suffering. Pretty much sums it up maybe even well after the bell laps done. I've been following the USGP of Cyclo-Cross out in Fort Collins Co. Most impressive efforts and showing thus far. Check this latest update from Cycling News...enjoy!!!

USGP Cyclo-Cross

Have an excellent weekend.

Bike Guy

Snow Sense Like Good Bike Sense...

Here's a bit of 411 on keeping YOUR valuable assets warm!!! The folks over at Mad Alchemy have the embrocation game on lock down. Apparently "madness" lives up to it's name sake keeping you warm & toasty in the most challenging temps. (15 degree - 50 degrees). So give the embrocation game a try!!

 If there is going to be one go to piece of clothing I can tell you is well worth it's weight in gold...this it it. P.I.'s Pro Thermal Bib Knicker Short ,  Hands down this is my go to garment well into those chilly c/x & mtb ride days. Well worth the $$$$. Enjoy.

Bike Guy

End Of Season Blues

Ok, so I figured it would be a great idea to start blogging about cycling at the end of the season right?? Wrong!! Well hopefully for most of you, your summer season was filled with a ton of saddle time. Please stay tuned for your daily dose of cycling wisdom and oddities...


Bike Guy