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Restrictions on stay-at-home orders across the United States are easing, while we get used to transitioning into later “phases” of lockdown. Even a couple weeks ago, while the warmer weather helped draw people outside, it was difficult to think of activities that provided adequate social distancing guidelines.

With malls closed, some restaurants fulfilling pick-up or delivery, and nothing much to do outside, quite a few people are turning to cycling.

The COVID-19 world – and a drive for more sustainable-living habits – has led to a boom in bike sales:

“Consumers are looking for outdoor- and kid-friendly activities to better tolerate the challenges associated with stay-at-home orders, and cycling fits the bill well. Growth is stemming largely from children’s, BMX, and adult leisure bikes that carry a more approachable price-point than some of the more expensive bike styles that were selling well prior to the COVID-19 crisis. Ultimately, more people are likely riding today than in years past.” — Dirk Sorenson, sports industry analyst, at The NPD Group.

Earlier this spring, The Guardian recently published the top 10 reasons it’s a great time to start cycling, as lockdown restrictions begin to ease. The list is quite practical from our cycling friends across the pond – so I recommend giving it a quick glance, and absorbing a bit of the information if you’re new to the sport.

I think it’s a great way to get around town, and you manage to get a bit of exercise along the way. Not everyone needs to try to ride a bike like Lance Armstrong, though that seems to be forgotten sometimes.

Go outside, get a bit of fresh air, and have fun out there!

American adults add around five pounds of weight during the winter months, with increased caloric intake and less exercise leading factors for this physical change.

Compared to other cardio exercises, cycling is low impact and reduces stress on the body – helping prevent injuries, making it an ideal activity for anyone working your way through a rehab program.
Riding a bike is a fantastic cardiovascular activity that doesn’t need to end because of shorter daylight hours or some rainy weather in the forecast.

Defensive Riding

Be aware of your riding style and hyper-vigilant of the environment around you, because the things we often take for granted suddenly can become hazardous. For example, paint lines on the road, railroad tracks, and the road surface itself can feel like riding on a sheet of ice. Ride with the assumption that vehicles are unable to see you, with a specific focus on cars pulling out of parking spaces or driveways.

Well Lit

Many state laws have rules in place that require cyclists at night to wear a headlamp, reflectors, and red rear lights to improve visibility. Despite most bikes already including reflective strips and material on the pedals and other locations of the bike, riders should still consider stepping up and adding extra accessories. The use of a blinking red light, attached to a helmet or backpack, is a welcome addition to the minimum requirements promoted by the DMV.

Clothing

Wear appropriate clothing, especially when it’s dark or raining. Think about wearing a reflective rain jacket, leg warmers, waterproof shoe covers, and similar accessories can make a rainy commute much more bearable.
A search for rain cycling gear, or nighttime bike commuting tips, will yield plenty of shirts, jackets, pants, and other clothing choices that have reflective material built directly into the clothing.

Don’t Forget the Little Things

Wet conditions on the road means riders should reduce tire pressure – a recommendation of between 10 and 20 PSI reduction per tire is ideal, though that can be modified further based on rider weight.
Also, be ready to use your brakes earlier than usual due to the wet roads, as the bike wheels require more time to slow due to moisture on the brake pads. In addition, water and road debris erode rubber brake pads, so be sure to monitor remaining lifespan before the pads should be replaced.
For tips to properly fit a bike helmet, we recommend this short interview with Mike Morrison, R.N. and injury prevention educator at Legacy Health.
Have fun, and be safe while riding your bike at night or in the rain.

[Image Courtesy of Pexels / Skitterphoto]

San Francisco, CA – Feb 19, 2019 – Eve Systems today announced that the portable LED lamp Eve Flare is now available in the US and Canada. The lamp offers 6 hours of untethered illumination, wireless charging, and IP65 water resistance. The Eve app makes it easy to explore ready-made shades or fine-tune custom colours. Leveraging the power of Apple HomeKit and a direct Bluetooth connection to the iPhone or iPad, Eve Flare ensures an extremely simple setup that eliminates the need for a bridge. Eve Flare is available for USD $99.95 from Eve or Amazon.

“Wherever you need a pop of light, it is easy with Eve Flare. Find a spot, open the Eve App, pick the perfect shade and enjoy hours and hours of soothing light. As with all Eve products, there’s no bridge required so Eve Flare is built to go from your bedroom to your balcony to your garden and beyond.”

Ina Hirsch, Director of Marketing

Highlights

  • Invigorate any space with beautiful light moods
  • Control your ambience via your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Siri
  • Set the perfect outdoor atmosphere thanks to IP65 water resistance
  • Enjoy 6 hours of illumination and charge wirelessly
  • Transport easily using the carry-and-hang handle
  • HomeKit-enabled for unparalleled ease of use and advanced security
  • Direct connection using Bluetooth low energy technology – no bridge required

Technical Details

  • Requirements: iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 11.3 or later. Automation & remote access: HomePod, Apple TV, or iPad set up as a home hub
  • Light: Built-in 90 lm LED
  • Operating Range: 32° – 104° F. 0% – 80% Humidity. , IP65 Water Resistance
  • Power: Built-in Battery: 6+ hours. Wireless Charging Input: AC 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz. Energy Efficiency Class: A++ – A
  • Wireless Connection: Bluetooth Low Energy
  • Dimensions: Ø 9.8 in
  • In the Box: Eve Flare, Wireless Charging Base, Power Supply, Quick Start Guide

Pricing & Availability
Customers can purchase Eve Flare immediately for USD $99.95 from Eve or Amazon. The Eve app is available as a free download from the App Store.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. (October 1, 2018) – Phiaton Corporation, a premium manufacturer of high-performance personal audio products, released the latest addition to its popular line of wireless headphones and earphones: BOLT BT 700. BOLT are the first True Wireless earphones to feature balanced armature drivers and a portable charging case that doubles as a wireless speaker.

BOLT’s versatile charging speaker case provides up to five hours of music playing time per charge, fully charges the earphones up to three times per charge, for a total of 20 hours of play time. Its quick charge feature allows for one hour of music playing time on the earbuds from just a 10 minute charge. Read more… »

Multi-sport watch adds advanced metrics like Training Load Pro™ and proprietary Precision Prime™ wrist-based heart rate fusion technology for athletes with long-term performance goals

KEMPELE, FINLAND – September 13, 2018 – Polar, the leader in wearable sports and fitness technology for over 40 years, introduces PolarVantage M, an all-in-one multisport watch that offers serious athletes advanced performance metrics and new Smart Coaching features at an affordable price. With Polar Vantage M, Polar introduces new Precision Prime™ wrist-based heart rate sensor technology for enhanced accuracy, providing goal-oriented athletes a reliable, customizable running and multi-sport training device. New, advanced metrics like Training Load Pro provide athletes insight into personal performance, workload and recovery management for a holistic, integrated approach to training.  Learn more about Polar Vantage M here.

Full release available after the jump …  Read more… »

I want more people out and about on bikes. Hopefully, it’s done in a safe and enjoyable manner, so riders want to continue with the activity.

Wearing a bike helmet should be second nature for bike riders, kids and adults alike. Around 300,000 children head to the emergency room stemming from bike-related accidents. Even more adults were injured, with 467,000 reported cases in 2015, according to the CDC.

Under California law, everyone under the age of 18 is required to wear a helmet if riding a bike on the street or public bike trail. However, I strongly urge everyone riding a bike to wear a helmet, because accidents and incidents do occur.


Read more… »

Riding a bike is meant to be a fun experience. There are times while out on the road, or casually riding a local trail, that a flat tire – or some other minor bike incident occurs. Don’t be left stranded because something was forgotten at home.

Once you’ve decided which type of bike bag to attach to your bike, now it’s time to make sure it’s properly packed.

Here are a few things you shouldn’t leave home without if you’re going for a ride. Also, I’ll add a few outside resources and a YouTube video for you to check out.

List and more after the jump…  Read more… »

We’re just days away from the start of the 2018 Tour de France, with the 21-day journey starting on July 7 in Noirmoutier-en-l’Île.

Ever wonder what riders in the peloton eat throughout the race? It’s a common question, and the results certainly vary. Top level squads typically have a nutritionist and in-house chef to prepare food for the riders during major races. Read more… »

Shout out to the manufacturers of toesocks!

In particular, special recognition to Injinji.
Ultra Compression OTC Toesocks
$49 MSRP — $39.95 – $55.00 on Amazon

Athletes shopping for running or cycling socks can easily find plenty of quality products to choose from. So, what makes Injinji different? They are a well known, reputable manufacturer of toesocks!! Read more… »

Sponsorships and partnerships are a necessary lifeline in the pro cycling peloton, with the occasionally fragile relationships faltering. So it’s exciting to hear new announcements, especially for the UCI Continental and UCI Professional Continental teams – and Honey Stinger joined forces to begin supplying the Holowesko|Citadel p/b Arapahoe Resources team.

Here is what Katie Black, Sponsorship Coordinator at Honey Stinger, said in a press statement:

“We are excited to add another high-caliber cycling team, Holowesko|Citadel p/b Arapahoe Resources, to our Hive program. Since its inception, Holowesko|Citadel has achieved many big team wins and we’re excited to support them alongside our other sponsored teams such as UnitedHealthcare, Hagens Berman Axeon, and Team Novo Nordisk.”

If you dig through some of our older reviews and assorted posts, you’ll see we’ve always been big fans of Honey Stinger products. The gluten free, organic sports nutrition products can help fuel you during your runs, bike rides, and other activities – or can be used as a “healthy snack alternative or meal replacement,” as the company focuses on packing products with honey – skipping artificial ingredients.