Craft Beer Blab - Saison. Let's review and discuss this style of beer.

#BikeChat101: Interview: DaHanger

Craft Beer Chat: Interview @BarrelBackers

#BikeChat Interview: Shredly

#CraftBeerBlab How to taste and review craft beer

#CraftBeerBlab Talking IPA's

#BikeChat Why do you want to try cyclo-cross?

#BikeChat Interview: Cycle Swami

2016 Niner Jet 9 RDO Carbon

Hogglescope: Interview / Joe Graham of GrahamCycles

Windham World Cup 2015 - Ride The Plank!

Hogglescope: Interview GROC President Jon Brown

Caught up with the President  Jon Brown of Genesee Regional Outdoor Cyclists (GROC) find out how to get involved with your trail community and what's new at Tryon Park in Rochester, NY ! ~Jonah D

Children's Trailer Questions Answered

It's summertime and with most folks that have younger children getting out to ride can be a challenge.  Here's a question I recently fielded from my fans about the pro's and cons of child carriers vs child trailer.


The Child Carrier:

Topeak Baby Seat II

This with out question is probable one of the more popular solutions. (Average price $179.99 usd) The seat offers up plenty of child safety features: Six point harness, safety bar, an adjustable foot stirrups. Another added bonus is a rear rack. The rear rack has been designed as click and go system, meaning that when the child is not in the seat it can be taken off the bike. When it comes to pro's and cons...these seats are a great way to get out and ride with your child.  Ease & convenience (rack can switched from bike to bike). Bike can be ridding safely in most circumstances and terrain and conditions.  You will notice a bit of a handling difference when the child is in the seat. There's a weight limit to consider max weight is 48.5lbs. A few things to remember from a safety perspective:

• Avoid sharp turns or aggressive riding. 
• Be careful leaving child in seat, while not on bike. 

The Trailer:

Chariot Child Trailer

The child trailer mounts to almost any bike, this solution offers up the option to be pulled.  (Average price: $299 & up). Towing the child behind the bike for most may seem a bit cumbersome, how ever after a few trips around the neighbor hood you'll change your mind quickly. Another great feature is the weather proof factor. Having a sun and rain cover is nice on those unexpected weather change rides. Need no worry about your bike falling over as the children are safe! The trailer frame is light weight aluminum, and fit's on almost any bike. 

Safety feature highlights:

• Aluminum safety cage
• Rain/wind cover
• Folds up when not in use
• Six point safety harness
• Holds up to 100lbs
• Can hold on or two children
• Additional storage
• Many "other" conversion options available: Jogger kit, xc ski kit

I'm a big fan of the trailer solution, versatility is incredibly important to me. I use my trailer year round so this for me is a no brainier. The price difference is might be a factor, but I can tell you that used child seats are easy to find. Child's trailers on the other hand it's very rare to find one. Well I hope this helps with your decision. One last thing... have a question please fire it my way: jonahd@jonahd.com

The Future of Road Cycling - Bike of the Year

Catching up with Seamus Powell

Fresh off landing 3rd place in his first Pro Down hill podium at the Vittoria Eastern States Cup in Duryea PA. I was fortunate enough to interview one of the east coasts fastest up and coming phenom rider. This family focused enduro speed demon has folks from tracks east to west talking. Please fasten your seat-belts and let's get better acquainted with Giant Factory Off Road Racing team rider Seamus Powell.

"Hot Seat" 2015 Vittoria Eastern States Cup - Duryeah, PA.

Career Highlights

2008 USA Team Member / UCI MTB World Championships (xc)

2013 Single Speed Open National Champion

2013 Eastern States Cup Enduro Series Champion

2013 Eastern Triple Crown Enduro Series Champion

2013-2014 Elite Super D National Champion

What got you into mountain biking? 
I started riding at a pretty young age around 2 or 3 years old. We (as my immediate family) always rode bikes. If it had not been for my brother racing bikes I probably wouldn't have considered riding or trying to race. 

Seamus Powell's Pro Bike - 2015 Giant Reign

What are your goals for 2015-2016? 
Progression, Going Faster, Having Fun!

Favorite place to ride?
I love my home town trails here in Round Top. They are convenient and super fun. I travel to race all these cool venues around the country, but when I come home I still love riding here. (Round Top). It's like that home cooked meal you crave after being away for a while. Everyone has a favorite meal when they come home...mine just so happens to be Catskill Mountain Roots and Rocks. I won't be here for ever so I eat until I'm full!

Giant Factory Team Camp 2015 - Seamus Powell

Favorite place to race? 
Killington, Vermont

Riders to watch out for this season?
Being biased with this because aside from my team mates and myself I try not to think about any one else. Matter of fact I just focus on my self....so I guess I'd like to be the rider to look out for this year.

Cycling gear you can't live with out?
I love riding with a vest. Especially in the transition seasons, early spring-late fall. It keeps the core warm and doesn't restrict movement like a jacket.

Thoughts on Fat Bikes? 
No I do not. I think they are practical in the right circumstances. But like anything that's a snow sport the conditions (ie: snow) needs to be proper to ride it. It's not like I can roll out my door after a snow storm and shred. Honestly at the moment base on my riding focus it's not practical for me to own one. I'll take that month or two off the bike and hike the mountain instead. 

Words of Advice?
It takes longer than you think. Patience is key.

Sponsors Plug:

• Thank you Giant Factory Off Road Racing for the great resources and support. 
• Ride 100% for outstanding eye wear
• Bryan Hunter of Catskill Cycles
• Billy Denter of Overlook Mountain Bikes 
• Most of all my Family ! 

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Cycling Motivation

Cycling Motivation

Have you had enough of the gray and dreary winter days?  Most certainly now that spring has "sprung"in your neighborhood, it's time to get back on track and talk more about your cycling motivation.

 Cycling motivation simply is the effort(s) that one puts into motion that will get you out riding!


Double Negative

A lot of times I hear,  "I'm too busy", "I don't have time" , "I can't find the time", or "This year I will..." ride my bicycle. Now that certainly does not sound very positive or  motivating does it?  No not at all, these minor almost innocent comments can be a significant derailment to getting back on your bicycle. Avoid these types of statements at all costs, not matter what your doing in life. This should not be the way that one goes about pumping up your "sub-conscious" fitness stoke!

Just for one day try to turn those negatives into a positive; "I'm going to find time to ride this week/weekend", "This Saturday morning I will ride for half an hour", etc" You can certainly see right out of the gate that these statements not only are positive, but are geared with an intent or purpose. This my friends is the exact seed of getting motivated that you'll need to work on the most. It's easy to skip a ride for a late day at the office, being tied up with the family, or just simply not having your gear ready to go. Set yourself a calendar date / reminder of when your going to get out on your bicycle so YOU HAVE THE TIME to do so. Not only setting the time and day but giving yourself something to look forward to! What a novel idea right?

Ready, Aim, Fire...

Let's talk focus, for a minute shall we? Having a set goal or object is an excellent motivator. For example I suggest signing up for a local charity ride event. Not sure which one to choose? Pick a cause that hit's close to home and personal for you. Nothing is more motivating that helping to raise money / awareness via riding your bicycle! Also as another suggestion start a team to help raise money as a means to participate in your particular  charity ride event. Strength in numbers is a powerful motivator as well.

Just simply signing up to participate in an event can do wonders for your attitude. All of the sudden you will have a new found drive and purpose to ride your bicycle. It's not just another ride around the block any more.

Get the Gear...
Getting back on your bicycle for some can be a bit of an uphill battle. A lot of times a nice tune up to get your trusted steed rolling again works wonders. If you have an older bicycle that is in need of an upgrade...well consider taking advantage of your shops preseason sales and buy new!

Also make sure that your bicycle matches your intended interests, for example a road bike won't work so well off road etc. Having the proper bicycle for how your going to ride a majority of the time is a good rule of thumb to consider. See the below list of examples:

• Road
• Hybrid
• Mountain 
• Gravel
• Misc

Cycling clothing is with out question usually the last things a consumer considers. Everyone loves to ride on a sunshiny day, however what happens when it rains? From padded cycling shorts, jerseys, to wind jackets and vests...these are a major bonus in enjoying your ride. Also another key factor it's like being a kid again...you KNOW THAT YOU CAN RIDE your bicycle whenever you want!

• Padded Cycling Shorts
• Wind Jacket / Vest
• Gloves
• Cycling Shoes
• Fenders
• Flasher Lights

Personally I like to wait for the local sales at my favorite shop to upgrade those articles of clothing I'm in need of.

Until next time hope these cycling motivation tips are helpful. ~Jonah D.

For more information please visit:
Follow: TheHoggle
Blog:  yeahbike.blogspot.com