USB Direct thumb drive

As like anyone, I transfer files while working on video and photo projects. 

Transferring files between smartphones and laptops, I typically will just email or use a cloud based system to do the job. However, the USB Direct thumb drive makes it much quicker and without the need for cell or wifi service. There are connections build in the drive to allow it to be used in an Apple Lighting port, laptop or desktop USB port and even a micro USB for android phones.  Hidden inside the USB mount is the micro USB.

 You would still need the adapter though to plug into newer smartphones, USB-C, which is not included. There is 16 GB of space so it is plenty big for numerous photos or files to either transfer with or store on.  Being a user of both Apple laptops and Samsung smartphones, it is great to have all these options available. Use it to transfer or back up files on your smartphone or computer.  I had to go to the Google Play Store and download a free app called USB Driver for Android so the thumb drive will work on my smartphone. There is an app to in the iTunes store to make it work on Apple devices. 

Find it here 

https://www.usbdirectcanada.ca/product/3in1-on-the-go-ios-usb#.WXuEBtPyuRs

Heated seat cushions

I wanted to try these heated seat cushions out, well because the rental car we had a few weeks ago had heated seats.  These seats felt great in the colder climates we where visiting, not to mention felt great on warming up my glutes and hamstrings while riding in the car.  So these seat cushions can be used in a car that does not already have them as a cars built in features.  They simply plug into the 12 volt accessory plug (aka cigarette lighter). I am so glad I got them and would highly recommend them to others whose vehicles do not already have them factory installed.  The heated seat makes for a more enjoyable ride in the colder winter months. These heaters have an option for for a low or high setting.  Just remember if you don’t turn them off or unplug the cord, you could walk out to a dead battery. 

You can find them online here

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075QCNZ2K

Kali Protectives, MAYA Helmet

The Kali Protectives, MAYA is a very well made helmet with some sweet features. Kali Protectives produces helmets from full face helmets for downhill, enduro and trail to bucket helmets for BMX riders. Kali Protectives makes other body pads for legs, arms and shorts with padding built in. 

The Kali MAYA helmet has a visor that can be adjust slightly up or down, with a tension device installed just behind it, so it can be position and won’t move. Riding into the rising or setting sun this is a must.

 The visor also includes an accessory mount for attaching POV cameras, lights, etc. The helmet will keep you well ventilated with its 12 vents. Inside the helmet are anti-microbial pads along with a bug liner to keep bees and other bugs out from hitting your head. The helmet is light, weighing in at 360 grams. The helmet once adjusted and fitted using the straps and back of the head sliding buckle feels good and does not wiggle around. 

Kali Protectives offers its customers who have purchased a Kali bicycle helmet a limited Lifetime Crash Replacement (LCR) Warranty. If you have damaged your Kali bicycle helmet in a crash, you may file a claim to have your helmet replaced by Kali. You must send your helmet to Kali for inspection prior to receiving a replacement helmet. You cover the shipping, they will cover your head! 

If you crash your replacement helmet, then Kali will offer a 25 percent discount off MSRP towards the purchase of a replacement helmet. Contact warranty@kaliprotectives.com for further details.

Find out more on the 

Lifetime Crash Replacement (LCR) Warranty

Telic

The most comfortable flip flop I’ve ever worn.  Anatomically correct footbed and awesome support for my feet’s arches. Any chance I get, I get me feet out of my running or cycling shoes and slide them into my Telic flip flops. Great for walking around, standing or just relaxing with my feet up by the pool.  

This is Telic’s signature style! Designed with an anatomically correct footbed and offered in ten vibrant colors, this sandal is contoured to support the arches of your feet. It has a deep heel cup with great medial arch and metatarsal support. A slight heel rocker off-loads heel pressure and accentuates the arch support. Made in the U.S.A. 

Telic

OLBAS oil and other OLBAS products for easy breathing

Cold and flu season is just around the corner.

Instant Tea, perfect for relaxing before going to bed. 

  

It’s really about respiratory health. Cyclists warming up have done this for a long time.  They shove cotton pieces with Olbas oil on them into their nostrils. What is Olbas oil?, It’s a decongestion oil made with Cajaput Oil, Clove Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Juniperberry Oil, Levonmenthol, Dementholised Mint Oil and Wintergreen Oil. The combination of all these natural ingredients clear the sinuses and air ways making breathing easier and allow the necessary oxygen for a proper performance. So once again when it comes down to it, it’s really about respiratory health. 

If I don't use my Foojin (check earlier blog post), I will from time to time use the Olbas oil on a small piece of cotton.  If I wear them in my nose for the first few miles of a workout, I simply remove them and place them in my jersey pocket, to throw away later.

Olbas makes numerous products to help with respiratory health.  They make a salve, or you can use the oil, rubbed on the chest, neck, and other places on the body to help with aches and pains.  

They have an all natural tea, that will once again help with your respiratory health along with an inhaler that during cold season can be used.  I use the inhaler in the morning when I first wake up and right before going to bed.  It gives your lungs a relaxing sensation and opens up the nasal passages. 

They make a great bath soak, that once again will help with tired sore muscles and the vapors that rise from the hot bath water soothe the lungs and respiratory system.

Using the oil rubbed into the skin, it can help with tired or sore muscles after a training session or massage into your muscles before hand to help with relaxing. 

OLBAS

Progress taking place a month out from Race DAY!

A month out from race day and feeling very good.  From the progress I have made on the trail as well as my cardio, I am getting excited.  

I am in the process of still making a few minor adjustments to my bike. I am loving the 2.4, 29 inch tires on the front, helping me glide over the sandy washes that are part of the race course and lower PSI I can run in the tubeless setup. 

After every ride on the course, I am going back and looking at the stats my Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR is gathering. My progress on the course has taken me from just over an hour to complete one lap, to now just around 50 minutes. 

New MTB rims, prepping for race day

New tubeless rim set up Bontrager Mustang 29in Elite TLR wheels with Bontrager  XR4 Expert tires. The front tire is 2.4 wide with the rear at 2.3.  The aggressive tread on the rear tire, rubs on the front derailleur at the bottom of the seat stay. I am then only able to use either the largest chain ring up front or the smallest, of the three. 

The middle chain ring is not usable as the tire rubs when it is in this position. With the tire pressures being 24psi in the front and 26psi in the rear, I was able to knock out a very good training lap at race pace of the course for early next month.  A few more changes and tweeks, and I will be set for race day.  I have some tubeless ready tires, that are 2.2 that I will swap out in the rear, and the rubbing on the derailleur won’t happen. 

On this mornings test lap of adjustments, I felt strong and am impressed with the wheel and tire set up.