Bike | UltraRob's Adventures

$50 for Outdoors Costs Nothing with REI & Facebook

December 21st, 2010

REI is giving away $100k to outdoor non-profits. They have a list of groups they’re donating to. Our local group is Trails and Open Space Coalition.

Customers determine how much each group gets. For every person that checks in to a REI store that has a local non-profit it is supporting, that outdoor group gets $50 (originally i was $1. The updated info is here). Only one check-in is counted for each person. If your local REI store is on the list and you have a smart phone, go make sure they get their share of the money.

Adidas AX2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $135.00

Salomon X Alp Mid LTR GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale

Posted in Bike, Camp, Charity, Climb, Hike, outdoors, running, Ski | No Comments »

A Dozen Mountain Biker Gifts

December 15th, 2010

Still looking for Christmas gifts for the mountain biker in your life? If you procrastinate buying Christmas gifts like I do, time is running out. Here are a dozen gift ideas for mountain bikers.

Helmet Cam

A helmet cam is a great way for mountain bikers to share rides with friends. Most of the cams can also be mounted on the bike. The HD GoPro HERO helmet cams have been very popular. My friends have beat up their older cams and they’ve taken whatever has been thrown at them. The Twenty20 VholdR Camera Recorder is another cam that has been getting good reviews.

Mountain Bike Repair Book

Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance has recently been updated. It’s a hefty 464 pages of information on illustrated tips for repairing, maintaining, tuning and upgrading your mountain bike. But that size means it (almost) has it all.

Seat Dropper

Descending on a mountain bike is easier if you’re seat is lower. When I first started mountain biking, I would stop at the top of climbs and lower my seat. Then I’d have to stop at the bottom and raise it again. I finally just got used to riding with the seat at full height all the time. Now stopping isn’t necessary. Now you can adjust your seat height with the push of a lever on the handlebar. Two nice seat droppers are the Crank Brother’s Joplin Adjustable Seatpost and the RockShock Reverb.

Garmin Edge 705

The Garmin Edge 705 is the ultimate cycling computer. It is a newer version of the Garmin Edge 305. They both have GPS and heart rate monitor and can be bought with an optional cadence sensor. The 705 adds a color screen and maps. With the topo maps you can get turn by turn directions even off road although it does try getting you back to the road. Read my Edge 705 review for more details about it. If you want a GPS enabled bike computer but don’t need maps, the Garmin 500 is a good option.

Crank Bros Multi 19 Tool

This multi-tool has everything you need for on the road or trail bike repairs. Not only does it have the standard hex wrenches and screwdrivers, it also has spoke wrenches and a chain tool. The chain tool doesn’t work as good as my stand alone ones but it’s saved me from walking many miles.

Bike Lights

Bike Lights extend riding hours and riding at night changes a familiar trail into a new adventure. Bike lights also open the world of 24 hour mountain bike racing. Bike lights have came a long, long way since I did my first 24 hours solo mountain bike race. With the switch to LEDs and Li-on batteries, they weigh a lot less. The Light & Motion Stella 400 Dual Bike Light is a top rated bike light although some people like a brighter light for bombing technical trails in the dark. The Light and Motion Seca 700 or Seca 1400 should provide enough light for aggressive riders. The NiteRider TriNewt is another good choice.

RoadID

Safety is important when you’re out mountain biking. We always hope that nothing bad will happen and most likely it won’t. Still it’s good to have some ID on you if you’re injured and can’t talk. I’ve been using the wrist Road ID for a very long and don’t even notice I have it on. They also have ones that go on your ankle or shoe.

Sidi Dominator Mountain Bike Shoes

I’ve been using the Sidi Dominator Shoes for about 10 years after destroying a few pairs of lesser shoes. I’ve gone through a few pairs of Dominator shoes during those 10 years but not as many as I would have with other shoes.

Mountain Bike Helmet

Another safety essential is a helmet. I used the Giro Pneumo for several years. The last couple years I’ve used the Specialized S-Works helmet and have liked it too.

CamelBak Rogue Hydration Pack

The Camelbak Rogue is the hydration pack I use the most. Actually I have two of them I like it so much so I can do a quick swap during long mountain bike races. It has enough storage space to carry a jacket, tubes, and my Crank Brothers multi-tool but doesn’t seem bulky. The 70 ounce bladder is big enough on most rides to get me to where I can refill. When I need to carry more gear and water, I use the Camelbak Blowfish.

Floor Pump

A good floor pump is a must for any cyclist. You can’t go wrong with a pump from Park Tools. Some pumps have a single head that is supposed to work for both Presta and Shraedar valves. I’ve had a couple and weren’t happy with either one. I’d stick to a pump that has a dual head if you want both. I always use Presta valves on my bikes but my kid’s bikes have Shraedar

Seat Pack

A seat pack is nice for carrying a multi-tool, spare tube and tire levers.

If none of the gear above is a good fit for your gift buying, check out the Cycling and Outdoor Gift Card Guide. Also, below are links to some more gift guides for even more gift ideas.

When you click through and buy these or other items this Christmas Season, you’ll be helping those less fortunate.

– UltraRob

Related Links:

Adidas AX2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $135.00

Salomon X Alp Mid LTR GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale

Tags: holidays, mountain biking
Posted in Bike, Mountain Bike | No Comments »

New Spinning Guiness World Record

December 6th, 2010

I wrote a while back that George Hood was spinning on a spin bike to set a new Guinness World Record. Not only did he succeed in breaking the record but he smashed it! The previous record was 200 hours and George rode for 222 hours 22 minutes and 22 seconds.

Because of the rules, the spinning record seems to be more about surviving sleep deprivation and a sore butt than it is truly an athletic accomplishment. The rules don’t specify the resistance used, only the average speed that must be maintained. That means very light resistance can be used but the legs need to keep moving a fairly good speed.

From the details on George’s blog, you can see he wasn’t working all that hard since his average heart rate was only 77.9 beats per minute. Still it couldn’t have been easy with all the pedal revolutions and since his breaks couldn’t total more than 5 minutes for every hour of riding over the 9 plus days of riding. By my calculations, he would have turned the cranks nearly 15 thousand times.

George was riding to raise money for the Gunnar Hotchkin Memorial Fund. Gunnar Hotchkin was killed in Afghanistan.

Adidas AX2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $135.00

Salomon X Alp Mid LTR GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale

Tags: cycling, George Hood, spinning record, ultra cycling
Posted in Bike | No Comments »

Giving Back Through Bikes

December 2nd, 2010

A great idea never goes out of style. That’s why I’m partnering with World Bicycle Relief for the third year in a row.

The Chicago-based organization provides bicycles and bike technology and resources for people in countries impacted by poverty or natural disasters. Last year, WBR launched The Bicycles for Educational Empowerment Program, with the goal of providing 50,000 bikes to help Zambian children get to school. More than 7,000 bikes have been distributed in that program alone, and have drastically improved school attendance. The group also expanded operations in Zimbabwe and Kenya last year, and has sold more than 3,000 bikes to groups such as Care International.

This year, World Bicycle Relief is focusing on the power of a bicycle in the hands of a girl. The Bicycles for Educational Empowerment Program (BEEP) has partnered with the Zambian Ministry of Education to provide 5,000 bikes to 5,000 schools across that country. Seventy percent of the bikes will go to girls.

These are basic bikes and cost just $134. You can help purchase bikes by visiting UltraRob.com and clicking through to buy cycling and outdoor gear. From now through Dec. 25, I’m donating 10 percent of my site earnings to World Bicycle Relief. My donations over the last 2 years have helped purchase 23 bikes and I’m hoping to do even better this year.

And here’s the best part: Like the last 2 years, an anonymous WBR donor is matching this year’s donations, doubling the number of bikes to be given out.

Related Links

Adidas AX2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $135.00

Salomon X Alp Mid LTR GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale

Tags: cycling, mountain biking
Posted in Bike, Charity, holidays | 1 Comment »

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals 2010

November 25th, 2010

Update: 2012 Black Friday/Cyber Monday Bike and Outdoor Deals

Here’s a list of outdoor and cycling related deals for Black Friday and through the weekend to Cyber Monday. Some of the deals are already available and some are just on Black Friday or Cyber Monday so check the details. I still have more deals to post so check back for more. I expect I’ll find more throughout the weekend and will post them as I find them.

If you need some gift ideas, I have gift guides from last couple years and most of the items will still make great gifts. I plan on posting updated gift ideas soon.

AlsSports

Starting on Monday save big on a huge selection of items storewide: Smith Ski goggles 70% off, Scott Alias Goggles $19.99, North Face Clothing 40% off, Nike Clothing and socks 50% off, ALps Osage 2 Person Tent – $26.99, 40% off all footwear,Smith Sunglasses up to 80% off, Nike Lebron James Basketball $5.99 – Regularly $19, Black Diamond Skis 50% Off, Scott Skis 60% off, Slumberjack Latitude 0 Degree Sleeping Bag $24.99. Ends 11/30

Altrec

Six Days of Deals kicks off on Friday. Coupon BLACKFRIDAY10 gives an extra 10% off on Friday and Saturday.

Backcountry.com

Get up to 50% off select items from brands like Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia and Oakley. In addition to the outstanding deals, get free shipping on all orders (no minimum threshold). Expires 11/29

Bicycle Touring Pro

Black Friday Special get 4 bike touring products for just $47 (normally priced at $85). Valid 11/25-11/28.

Bike Nashbar

20% Off orders of $75 or more through Friday with code TURKEYDAY.

Commuter Bike Store

5% Off all products with a coupon code 5OFFCBS. Expires 12/31
Save 8% Off all Garmin products with code 8GPS. Expires 12/21

Department of Goods

Get at least 72% off select items for 72 hours. This includes outdoor gear from Oakley, Mountain Hardwear, Arc’terx and more. Free shipping on orders over $50. Expires 11/29

Dogfunk

50% off select items from brands like Volcom, Element and Special Blend. In addition to the outstanding deals, get free shipping on all orders (no minimum threshold). Expires 11/29

Eastern Mountain Sports

Black Friday Sale – Save 20% OFF Almost Everything at EMS.com from 11/24 thru 11/29. Free Shipping over $125!
Save 20% OFF Thule Racks from 11/26 thru 12/5
Additional 20% OFF Clearance at EMS.com thru 11/29
PowerDeals: A New Steep Gear Deal Every Three Hours – thru 11/29

evo

Thanksgiving Weekend Sale: Extra 20% Off ALL Outlet with code superbig2.

GearX

From Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday they’ll be featuring: Most Packs, Sleeping Bags, & Tents at least 10% off. Discounts up to 50% off on select models. Gloves & Mittens at 25-53% off. Extra discounts on Skis, Skins, Tele, & AT Boots. Hundreds of skis priced below $300. Skins up to 70% off.

HaberVision

Now through Sunday, save 60% off retail on all Polarized Goggle and Eliminator Fan Goggles with promotion code BLACK at checkout
Monday Only, save 65% off retail on all Sunglasses, Goggles, and Bags with promotion code CYBER at checkout

Huck N Roll

Get up to 70% off select mountain bike gear, shorts, helmets, jackets and more Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

Icebreaker

Black is the New Black. Friday Only get 30% off all Black items at Icebreaker. 15% off everything else. Use code BLACK10. Excludes outerwear.

Jenson USA

Big price drops at midnight Thursday night.

KL Sport

All Patagonia gear on sale. Ends 11/28
All Mountain Hardwear gear on sale. Ends 11/30

Makais

Great deals on bikes, treadmills and much more Friday through Monday.

Masseys Outfitters

Lots of outdoor gear on sale. Click here for the list of sale items.

Modells

Black Friday Sale – 20% off orders at Modells.com. Valid 11/26 – 11/28. Exclusions Apply.
Cyber Monday Sale – 25% off any single item + Free Shipping with no minimum at Modells.com. Valid 11/29 only. Exclusions Apply.

Moosejaw

Free $31 eGiftCard with any jacket purchase over $149 from The North Face, Arcteryx or Moosejaw with code 31CARD. Valid 11/25 – 12/4
Monday Only: Earn 5X Rewards Points on Almost Every Purchase – Excludes Patagonia and Marmot Products

NRS

10% off all orders Thursday through Monday. They carry kayaking, rafting, canoeing gear and apparel.

outdoorDIVAS

15% off all PrAna product through December 31. Enter coupon code 5991 at checkout.

Performance Bike

Great deals on many items.

Poppy Sports

20% discount for a week with coupon code BIGTWENTY. Ends 12/3

Pro Boardshop

96 Hours of Saving with deepest discounts on 50 of their top products. Valid Friday through Monday.

Real Cyclist

Get up to 70% off select jerseys, bibs, complete bikes, components and more from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

Sierra Trading Post

25% off $125 or 30% off $150. Use code: ALBLACKFRI2KX Valid 11/25 – 11/28.

SKECHERS

Get $20 Off Your $100 Footwear Purchase From SKECHERS with code GIFT200 11/25 – 11/29
Get $30 Off Your $150 Footwear Purchase From SKECHERS with code GIFT300 11/25 – 11/29
Get $40 Off Your $200 Footwear Purchase From SKECHERS with code GIFT400 11/25 – 11/29

Skis.com

Additional 20% OFF thousands of select items. Friday through Monday.

Snowboard Connection

Up to 40% OFF the top brands in Snow, Skate, and Surf. Free Shipping and No Sales tax on orders over $99. Black Friday – Cyber Monday Only!

Snowboard.net

Get an additional 20% OFF thousands of items through Monday.

Sports Authority

Cyber Monday Sale. 20% off Orders at SportsAuthority.com! Exclusions Apply. Valid only on Monday.

Tahoe Mountain Sports

10-30% Off All Patagonia clothing including down sweaters, nano jackets and powder bowl jackets through Monday.
Get a Free Adventure Kit worth $50 plus a 15% Service Discount Code with the purchase of any Spot Satellite Messenger. Until sold out or 12/15
Get a free spare battery with every ContourHD Helmet Cam through 12/3.

Teton Village Sports

Receive 15% off with code gravy15. Valid 11/25 – 11/30. Brands Volkl, Yeti, Loudmouth Golf, Marker, Sage, Arc’teryx and The North Face are excluded.

The House

96 Hours of Saving with deepest discounts on 50 of their top products. Valid Friday through Monday.

Adidas AX2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $135.00

Salomon X Alp Mid LTR GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale

Tags: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, cycling, gear, outdoor gear
Posted in Bike, Camp, Climb, gear, Hike, outdoors, Ski, Snowshoe | 2 Comments »

DA Defends Rich Man Not Getting Felony Charge

November 19th, 2010

Last week I wrote about a wealthy money manager, Martin Joel Erzinger, hitting a cyclist and seriously injuring him in Avon, CO. He left him laying in the road and drove a few miles before he called Mercedes roadside assistance because he had a broken mirror and damaged bumper. He claims he didn’t know he hit anyone.

If Erzinger knew he hit Milo, it’s clear Erzinger should be locked up. If he didn’t know (which I don’t believe), then he shouldn’t be driving and his license should be revoked for life and his Mercedes taken from him.

The District Attorney, Mark Hurlbert, decided to not charge him with a felony even though Colorado law is clear that it’s a class 5 felony. Hurlbert said that “felony convictions have some pretty serious job implications for someone in Mr. Erzinger’s profession, and that entered into his decision”. The news quickly spread from the cycling community to mainstream media. Last I checked over 13 thousand people signed online petition asking Hurlbert to not drop the felony charge.

Hurlbert explained in a letter posted by the Vail Daily that it was too late to change since the plea bargain had been offered. Not that he would have considered it anyway because he argues that he made the best choice.

Because Erzinger had no previous criminal record, he would have likely been given a deferred sentence on the felony charge. If he met the conditions of the deferred sentence, in 2 to 4 years the felony would be removed from his record and he’d be able to say he hadn’t had a felony. In the meantime he could have lost his securities license and if not he’d have to notify all of his clients that he’s a convicted felon.

Erzinger has plead guilty to leaving the scene of an accident and careless driving causing serious bodily injury. These misdemeanors will stay on his record. He will lose his driver’s license, face potential jail time as determined by the judge and still have to pay restitution.

Milo’s attorney has filed a motion asking the court to review the District Attorney’s decision. The judge could still throw out the plea bargain deal. Then Erzinger could face all 3 charges.

VeloNews has an article that explains the legal issues in the case in more depth.

In other car versus cyclist craziness, Cyclelcious posted about a drunk driver that killed a 7th grade boy riding his bike. The driver is now in jail and is suing the boy’s parents for “contributory negligence” because he wasn’t wearing a bike helmet.

Adidas AX2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $135.00

Salomon X Alp Mid LTR GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale

Tags: Colorado, cycling, Mark Hurlbert, Martin Joel Erzinger, share the road, Steven Milo
Posted in Bike | No Comments »

Leadville 100 Registration Open

November 18th, 2010

Registration for the Leadville Trail races is open including for the Leadville 100 mountain bike race. In the past registration didn’t open until late December or early January. The deadline for getting into the mountain bike lottery hasn’t changed though and is still January 31st.

I’m planning on entering again for my 8th time although I haven’t finished the last 2 years. This year I had an asthma attack just before the Columbine climb and last year I got a stomach bug the night before and bailed after 20 miles. Even without the asthma and stomach bug, I was barely in shape the last 2 years but so far I’ve done better at staying active and maintaining my weight this off season.

From everything I’ve heard, it doesn’t increase your changes of getting in the lottery if you enter early so I plan to wait just in case something comes up that would keep me from doing the race. Last year I waited until a few days before the deadline.

The entry lottery isn’t completely random and I have some information on how the lottery has worked in the past. I don’t know how it will change now that Lifetime fitness owns the race. For more information on registering go to the Leadville Trail 100 website.

Related Links:

Adidas AX2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $135.00

Salomon X Alp Mid LTR GTX Hiking Boots

Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots

Regular Price: $280.00
$209.95 on sale

Tags: Colorado, endurance racing, Leadville 100, mountain biking
Posted in Bike, Mountain Bike | 2 Comments »

Maintenance Bible Retooled

November 12th, 2010

The fifth edition of one of the most well-known books on mountain bike care and repair is now available. “Zinn & The Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance” (Velo Press) is the world’s best-selling book on mountain bike care and repair. It’s not something you want to carry in your backpack – it’s a hefty 464 pages of information on illustrated tips for repairing, maintaining, tuning and upgrading your mountain bike. But that size means it (almost) has it all.

Some highlights: