The Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro

Orange Mud hydration packs are very well built. The brand offers various products depending upon your distance you are looking to travel and how much gear you are looking to bring along. 

When Josh Sprague, owner of Orange Mud, designs a product, such as the Gear Vest Pro, not only is attention given to detail but functionality from an athletes point-of-view it taken into consideration. 

From the key clip holder inside the zippered pouch, to the whistle incorporated in the chest strap buckle, much thought has gone into the design of the Gear Vest Pro in feel and comfort. 

The Gear Vest Pro, holds a bladder up to one liter in size. That’s most for a lot of mountain bike ride distances, without having to refill. The Gear Vest Pro is capable in holding up to five liters in cargo. That means for me as a mountain bike rider, I can stash my CO2 cartridges, multi-tool, chain repair tool and other essentials and bring them along.

 The pockets up front, can carry plus sized phones and other nutrition. I like how it rides high on my back, yet not too high hitting the back of my helmet. The chest straps keep it in place going over rocky terrain.

 Not only is it good for mountain biking, but love to wear it running. I can lessen the load of bike tools and pack along sunscreen, etc. I just can't run with holding a water bottle in my hand, so this hydration pack makes total sense. 

"Disclaimer: I received a Gear Vest Pro from Orange Mud as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

Looking forward to a lot of fun

Next year my son, the oldest of my two kids begins junior high. In doing so more at school programs will open up for him. One that I am excited for him to take advantage of is the after school mountain bike club. The school he is going to, it is a new program just getting off the ground. They have partnered with a local high school, in which they will be a part of their team when the season gets rolling.  He wanted me to be apart of the coaching group, so I went through the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) program. 

There are different levels of coaches and I passed and will be a Level One coach, helping with support of the team and other coaches. 

Last week was the first off season training session in a local park, riding on grass with him learning some bike handling skills. The team can only meet a limited amount of times before the official season kicks off and more training rides take place. Looking to have a lot of fun in the build up towards the season and his training and racing. 

WIN sports detergent

After a good mountain bike training ride, I loaded the washing machine with my dirty workout clothes, and even some of my kids soccer uniforms. Put in one ounce of WIN and set the temperature of the washing water on hot.  Now with the “Free and Clear” version of the WIN detergent, there was not going to be a scent of any kind. It powered away at the nasty odor and removed the oils and everything.  I like how the detergent is compatible with HE machines.

 I let the machine do the work and was happy when the machine stopped. I pulled the clothes out of the machine and they did not stink like they did when they were put in there. They were clean!  The detergent didn’t leave a residue or anything on the sports fabrics at all. I would highly recommend any athlete to try this out in getting your active wear clean. 

Order online here

https://www.windetergent.com/ 

"Disclaimer: I received a bottle of WIN to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

Neptune Ice gel

I’ve been using and love Neptune Ice to speed up my recovery. Neptune Ice gel, combines four active ingredients, Lidocaine 4%, Menthol 1%, Camphor 3% and Dimethicone 3% deliver fast-acting, long-lasting pain relief to sore muscles and joints. It’s easy to apply using the applicator. Give it try before or after training or racing.

Use the link bit.ly/Neptune-timhakr and get 25% off your purchase and try it yourself. 

#NeptuneIce 🔵️#OutOfThisWorldPainRelief

Easy to use, hands free applicator 

Leaky tire issue solved

So I have been running tubeless tires on my mountain bike for the past few years. It is nice just to inflate before a ride and get out on the trail. I make a few adjustments to the PSI depending on the trail type I’ll be riding. 

A few weeks ago, I was losing pressure on my ride, about half way through. There was no obvious punctures in the tires and they held air fine to begin with. 

After investigating a little deeper,  the valve was what was giving me problems. Sure enough I took the valve core out and the tubeless sealant inside was causing issues not letting it seal all the way. A quick and easy solution was to remove and replace the valve core. 

BOOM, fix is done!  While I was at it, I added three fresh ounces of sealant and inflated the tire. 

I was able to get out on the trails again this past weekend and the tires I replaced both valve stem cores are holding air just fine again. 

You can see in the photo, the new valve core on the left and the older one on the right. 

Setting up the Griddle Hack with Pizza Hack attachment

Setting up the Griddle Hack with Pizza Hack attachment 

https://tinyurl.com/BUYYOURBBQHACK

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Pizza Hack set up. On the quest to make the perfect pizza on a wood fired pellet grill.

Check my blog shortly for what I have found out to be a great ultimate pizza. 

#grillsjustwanttohavefun #hack #BBQHack #PizzaHack

Putting two recovery sandals to the test Oofos vs. Telic

Telic  vs. Oofos 

 I have not been paid to say any of this, and both these sandals I purchased…… or got for a gift from a family member. 

Both claim to be recovery sandals, but which one is better.  

Having worn both of them after running, swimming and cycling. Walking around the house, around the pool and all around, I have my favorite putting these toe to toe. 

Wearing a good set of supportive footwear can reduce stress on your feet, legs and go up the body into the back. 

Both sandals fit with the strap going between the big and second toe. 

They both do a great job in letting your feet stretch out after being inside a running shoe or standing on your feet for a long period of time. 

But let’s take a look at each one separately.

The Telic has a deep heal cup and contoured bottom, a rocker styled textured sole and textured footbed. They are light. There is an arch support, but lacks in solidness. 

The Oofos also have a deep heal cup, but I have found the heal cup to be a bit deeper than Telic’s.  It too has a contoured rocker style sole, with some texture, but has bigger groves. They also have a textured footbed.  They too are light. The arch support is very good. Although the Telic’s felt good when slipping them on, these tend to be more inviting to your feet. 

After wearing both of them I find the clear winner is the Oofos.  They just offer better support and have a more cushiony comfy feeling.  Get yourself a pair of these very comfortable sandals.