"Living in the Big Ring" question answered

I've had some readers of my blog ask about its name and why I have been calling it "Living in the Big Ring" for the past nine years.  As a cyclist, it refers to the big chain ring which is the hardest to pedal in, yet maximum speed is achieved while using it.  It also refers to me as a three-ring circus if you will. Trying to balance the triathlon lifestyle along with having a family and a full time job.  They all

work together for accomplishing a goal. The three-ring circus also then refers to triathlon, with the swimming, the cycling and the running.

Lean Greens Supplement

LEAN GREENS 

I’ve had the chance to use Lean Greens, an impressive great tasting supplement, for the past three weeks or so. This 60 calories per serving, with 2 grams of protein, is very easy to mix with water.  I have used it with just mixing with water and the taste is really good. Besides greens, the supplement contains Maltodextrin and stevia leaf extract (to add a little bit of sweetness). So what are the “greens” inside this powder? Spinach, wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa, chlorella, carrot powder, spirulina, brocolli, blueberry extract, blackcurrant extract as well as Siberian ginseng and green tea are all part of the powdered supplement. I believe this supplement is perfect for those that are vegetarian. The powdered supplement is very fine and inside the canister is a easy to measure teaspoon scoop. I have mixed it using just a spoon with water and have even used it in the blender to mix it up really well. I like the water very cold, or even thrown in a few ice cubes if mixing it inside the blender.  I have had no stomach issues while using the Lean Greens.  Adding three teaspoons to a glass of water is all it takes for adding these powered greens to a quick healthy drink.   

The supplement can be ordered on Amazon.com by going to here  LEAN GREENS 

I have even mixed the Lean Greens in with fruit, two strawberries or a few pieces of a peach and other type of smoothies, although the instructions say to drink right away after mixing. The flavor alone of the Lean Greens is great, I just like to add a little more natural sweetness to the supplement. 

The Urge Bike Products SupaCross helmet

The Urge Bike Products SupaCross Helmet.  

Air vents are perfectly spaced for later on attaching a helmet light.

Rear view of the Urge Bike Products SupaCross Helmet.

Cat-Ears attached to both helmet straps. 

Cat-Ears attached to both helmet straps.

The Urge Bike Products SupaCross helmet is very comfortable. The helmet comes with a two sets of sizing pads, besides the ones already installed in the helmet. The air flows through the helmet is very well.  I have worn the helmet on my training rides both on the road and trails. When it comes to mounting lights on the top, the air vents are positioned just right. Of course on my helmets I always use and recommend the use of Cat-Ears, adding extra safety precautions. These wind noise reduction devices are very easy to install and weigh nothing at all. 

Keep Sweat from Dripping in Your Eyes this Summer!

The Sweat Buster replaces your old pad(s) and sits right under the lip of the helmet.

Before removing the old pads to install the Sweat Buster

Everything you need for installation comes with the kit. 

Four small Velcro circles hold the Sweat Buster in place. 

Summer is just around the corner.  Here in Arizona it means hotter temperatures, even when the sun is not up.  Sweat is not normally a problem, as it tents to dry pretty fast as you move through the air. Until you are forced to stop at a red light, then it's like a fire hose filled with water drips down my face. To stop sweat from dripping down my face or down my sunglasses I have installed the super awesome Sweat Buster from TraxFactory.com.  Getting sweat in your eyes makes it pretty difficult to keep your eyes on the trail or road. Installing the Sweat Buster is super easy to swap out your old bike helmet pads, inside, and replace them with the Sweat Buster. The 10 and 1/2 inch super absorbent microfiber pad will do the trick. The pad hides just inside the lip of your bike helmet and is held in place with four small Velcro circles. Being stuck only with Velcro, the pad can be removed and washed anytime. The pad is small enough not to interfere with the air vents in the front of your helmet so the vents on the front of your helmet will still be keeping you cool while moving through the air. Every so often I throw the pad in the laundry with my cycling gear, which I don't use fabric softener with, as it takes wicking properties away from the microfiber pad, and lessens the life of your Spandex gear. I am not a fan of wearing a cap or anything else under my helmet when I ride, so the Sweat Buster is the perfect answer for soaking up sweat before it ends up on my sunglasses. 

SWEAT BUSTER from TraxFactory 

Want to try Amrita Nutrition Bars? I have the perfect deal for you!

As an Amrita Ambassador I am excited to offer you a discount on great Amrita Nutrition.  Simply 

use the code  

“timhacker16”  

to receive a discount on your purchase. It’s that easy!  Enjoy the plant powered nutrition of Amrita bars to fuel your next race, ride, run or any training adventure. 

They are super portable as well as peanut-free, dairy-free, soy-free and gluten-free. 

Amrita Nutrition Bars

Arisun and CHAOYANG road tire test

I have loved the contact as well as the rolling resistance of Arisun’s lightweight Vitesse road tire, as well as Chaoyang Fly Fish road tire.  Both tires are 700 X 23c.  I tried and tested them both out in both front and back wheels as well as swapping them out and finding out the best combination to use them in.  

First off the Arisun Vitesse is a great smooth treaded tire. The tire is created with a hard compound in the center to help with the rolling resistance while the outer edges are a little softer for better cornering. The tire is rated with a 120 TPI. The tire has a Nylon Defense Plus puncture protection, the company says. I have ridden hundreds of miles on the same tire and have had no issues with punctures. 

Next up, the Chaoyang Fly Fish. These tires have a little bit of texture to the outside edges, for helping in cornering. These are also rated at 120 TPI and are a very smooth rolling tire. There is a Kevlar anti-puncture layer in these tires.  

Both of these tires have great rolling resistance and could be used or either racing or training with.