Saying good bye to 2020

 Saying good bye to 2020

I have many goals I am wanting to achieve in 2021. I'm not into a lot of New Years resolutions, but with the year that 2020 was, it would be great to start off in a good direction. 

In October I will turn 50, so my major goal for that is to get in 50 mile mountain bike ride. This past year I was able to hammer down a 26 mile ride and felt pretty good doing it. With some better nutrition before and during the ride, as well getting stronger off and on the bike. 

Of course for a lot of people is setting a goal of losing weight, which wouldn't be a bad idea for me, but it's not the main priority. 

There are a few training programs I have already, that I just need to buckle down and get strict with following them through. 

Hacker's Luck Seven

I've released my "Lucky 7" gifts to give or get this season.

These products I KNOW, USE and LOVE.  

0:15  - KINeSYS Sunscreen
              Use this link to get to order your sunscreen 
                 https://www.kinesysactive.com/?ref=BESUNSAFELIKETIM
              At checkout use the code       TIMHACKER

0:45  -  Pickle Juice picklepower.com

1:08  -  Sound Helm soundhelmaudio.com


1:40  -  Alpha Inserts alphainserts.com
             These are incredible shoe inserts that have help me in with my plantar fasciitis
              Use the code “HACK30” and save 30 percent off your purchase

2:14  -  ArcticCool Gear workout apparel arcticcool.com
2:30  -  TraxFactory  —  Hot Sockees and Sweat Buster, traxfactory.com
3:10. -  Orange Mud hydration packs for running, hiking or mountain biking orangemud.com

 

Join in on this Cyber Monday deal you can't pass up

Alpha Performance Inserts is Veteran owned and the product is American made.  

Jump in on this deal I can offer you.  Use the code "HACK30" and get 30% off your purchase. 

When you order from their website Alpha Performance Inserts, use the promo code when checking out. 

I have used these inserts in my daily walking shoes, my road running shoes along with my trail running shoes. They swap out easily, or if you don't want to do that, get yourself two pairs. 

I have also worn them in my cycling and mountain bike shoes. They feel amazing inside the show while pedaling. 

More on the insert. 

The shoe insert was made to reduce injuries and strengthen your feet. 

I initially tested and used them three weeks in every situation I could throw at them.  

After wearing them I could feel myself on the way to recovering from a terrible situation with Plantar Fasciitis. 

The ALPHA shoe inserts have made a difference. I am able to walk, hike and run with no pain during or the next day. In the first two weeks of testing the inserts I logged just over 24 miles on a treadmill. 

The ALPHA inserts come in many sizes, so check the web site for your shoe/foot size. They also are available in four different colors. Orange, grey, blue and black.  I chose orange, so a quick glance down at my shoes before putting them on, seeing and knowing with the bright orange color they are inside the shoe. 

Here is the update my video and blog. 

By the way, if you’re not subscribed to my YouTube channel, please do. 

The season just got started

 My son's NICA junior high mountain bike club had three skills sessions and their first ride on the desert trails.  I took all the coaching required online classes and passed everything. We were notified at the beginning of the next trail practice that the official season was canceled. As a group we have decided to keep practices going, twice a week along with weekend travel destination courses around the state. 

I am excited to still get to explore the state and the different trails we can travel to. 

What apps on your phone do you use to look for potential trails to ride? 

I have been using Trail Forks and All Trails, and they seem to be pretty good. 

Finished, Wine Country Challenge

 DONE!  I finished up the Wine Country Challenge a few weeks back.  I am just now getting around to writing about it.  A great virtual challenge consisting of 120 miles, I did on mountain bike. 

The weather has been cooling of more in the mornings, making it easier to ride a little longer. I am excited for the cooler weather moving in. 

Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro

 Like and Subscribe

Nutrition and hydration are key to any outdoor activity. 

The Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro hydration pack. This pack is great for runners, hikers, or anyone wanting to bring hydration with them using a bladder type system. Easy to use and expandable use of collapsable flasks up front in chest pockets allow this 1 Liter bladder pack to potentially hold 68 to 74 total ounces.  There are pouches on the shoulders for holding nutrition. A small key hook on the inside of the zippered pouch can be used to clip your keys on. 

Enter your email at OrangeMud.com and receive 10 percent off your first purchase. 

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The Orange Mud HydraQuiver Bottle Hydration Pack

 

Nutrition and hydration are key to any outdoor activity.

The Orange Mud HydraQuiver hydration pack. This pack is great for runners, hikers, or anyone wanting to bring hydration with them yet not hold a bottle in their hand while doing so. There are pouches on the shoulders for holding nutrition. A small key hook on the inside of the zippered pouch can be used to clip your keys on.

Enter your email at OrangeMud.com and receive 10 percent off your first purchase.

Like and Subscribe

New challenge starts next week

Next Monday, the 10th of August starts my next virtual challenge I have signed up for. 

This challenge runs of almost two months. I have signed up for the 120 mile distance. I figured it would keep me active and keep my miles counting towards something besides training and fitness. 

Sign up if you would like to join. Use this link

WINE Country CHALLENGE 

Replacing my SRAM SX rear derailleur and NX cassette

Over the past month, warranty repairs are finally done. 

Top - replacement SX 12 gear derailleur

Bottom - Non working spring back derailleur 

So my issues all started when I was riding with some friends. About six miles into our mountain bike ride, as I was pedaling, my chain dropped.  I stopped to put is back on the front chain ring but noticed the one jockey wheel on my derailleur came off.  I was able to find the parts along the trail I was on and thankfully repair the part that came off. 

When I got home, I looked over the derailleur really good and made some adjustments on it.  However, this time the chain would climb up the cassette but not return back down.  After working with it for some time, I was able to start of the process of getting a new replacement one under warranty.  The process was pretty fast, but not fast enough, as I had to do my July 4th, 20 mile trail challenge with limited gears with the new derailleur arriving the weekend after. An update I am loving about the replacement derailleur is the limit adjustment screws are now allen key screws, replacing the Phillips head limit screws. 

older SX 12 gear derailleur with Phillips head limit screws

NEWER SX 12 gear derailleur with allen key head limit screws

After getting the new derailleur attached and adjusted and working great, my chain, which is under two months old, was skipping around and having a hard time on the third to biggest cassette cog.  One tooth was missing on that particular cog.  Knowing that this part too was under warranty, I started the process to get it replaced also.  In the meantime needing to keep riding and training, I just had to be aware of when switching gears not to ride in that cog. Over the two weeks while I waited for the replacement part, the cog went from a first grader missing one tooth to a hockey player, now missing a section of the cog which I think should have been three or four teeth! 

New cassette arrived and I was able to place it on the wheel.  All is good for now as I have some challenges and training goals I am looking forward to. 

"Look Ma, I have all my teeth."

In the end, I understand the groupset, I am running is not the highest quality SRAM makes and I am looking at saving up some money to upgrade before too long.  SRAM and the local bike store I have been dealing with have been great. 

It doesn’t look like any formal or group races will be going on for awhile.

  

I myself have been out on the mountain bike trail getting some much needed mental and physical miles in.  I have even done a few virtual challenges/races and looking to maybe sign up for another. This would be the Wine Country Challenge. I would have almost two months to complete 120 miles on the mountain bike. 

If not training for a race, these virtual races are a great way to keep active and stay healthy.  

Last weekend, on the 4th of July, I completed the 20 mile Pickle Juice Virtual Summer Series: Independence Day Rally for Dallas Off Road Bicycling Association.  I got out early to avoid the heat. The day started at 85 degrees. Hydration and nutrition is important as well as sunscreen to start the day off. 

Besides the indoor weight sessions I am working on and off and on again treadmill miles and mountain bike miles. I am trying to stay active. 

What are you doing to stay active? 

Level One NICA coaching complete, let's see how the season rolls

Just finished my courses for a Level One Mountain Bike coach over the weekend.  This will be the second year in helping my son and his team.  I am optimistic as to how the season will go with stay in place and other restrictions due to COVID-19.  I myself have been out on the mountain bike trail getting some much needed mental and physical miles in.  I have even done a few virtual challenges/races.  My son’s season is five races, spread out over every other weekend staring in September.  It is fun to get out and practice with the team and help them achieve their goals. It is also fun to travel around getting to ride other courses around the state. 

Virtual Race about a week away.

Pickle Juice Virtual Summer Series: Independence Day Rally for Dallas Off Road Bicycling Association

I am signed up and ready. Well, sort of.  I am prepared to take on the 20 mile distance on this virtual event. 

About a week ago, I had some mechanical issues come up.  

First was needing to add more tubeless sealant for summer riding, as I think the sealant inside was running low. 

Second was my rear derailleur.  It was causing issues shifting, but it's main issue was being able to climb up the cassette, yet not return to the bottom when the shifter was activated. After a visit to the local bike shop a few phone calls and photographs later showing the issue, I am getting a replacement for the derailleur under warranty. 

Hopefully this replacement arrives in time to get my virtual race in on July 4th. 

APHIX PODs system by Sound Helm

Listening to music while exercising doesn't just relieve boredom — it can help improve the quality of your workout by increasing your stamina and putting you in a better mood.

The National Center for Health Research study, showed that music that is motivational or synchronized with your exercise is shown to have physical and psychological effects.

Listening to music while working out enhances your physical performance. 

I want to introduce you to a great set up allowing you to bring your music playlist out on the trail with you. 

This is the APHIX PODs system by Sound Helm. With this ’NEAR EAR SYSTEM you will let you listen to your motivating music while still allowing your ears to be open to your natural surroundings. 

Aphix Pods by Sound Helm easily attach to your helmet.  Before sticking to your helmet, place them where you are wanting to attach them too, then peel the double stick 3M tape already applied to the back of the speaker part and firmly press down.  Run the connecting cables up in the helmet and they will be out of your way.  Figure out the best place on the left side of your helmet to place the control buttons / on-off switch. This may be for some up on the visor or along the side of the helmet. Make sure the 3mm plug can still access the unit. 

Pair it is easy with Bluetooth to your smartphone.  Now you are able to play your playlist or streaming music service through the speakers.  

Pressing the - button lowers the volume while pressing the + button raises the volume.  These buttons can also be used to skip a track, simply by long pressing the + button.  

Want to pause the music playing, hit the top arrow button, the same one you used to turn the device on. 

Not only is it able to play music, but if you get a phone call (while Bluetooth attached to your phone), you can take phone calls with the APHIX. 

SOUND HELM

Inhaling vapors of Olbas Oil, using the Foojin

Inhaling vapors from a few drops of Olbas Oil in the Foojin, individual essential oil diffuser quickly stimulates and enhances the breathing passages. 

The best I've felt on the mountain bike in a long time

Crushed 20 miles this morning before the desert heat sets in.  Dare I say when I started I was a little cold with it being only 70 F degrees outside. By the time the two hour, 20 mile ride was over it was in the mid 80's. 

Not really having any planned route in my favorite mountain bike trails, San Tan Mountain Regional Park, I started on the San Tan Loop. 

I originally set out just to hit 15 miles. Planned my gel intakes at every 45 minutes and it was best I've felt on the mountain bike in a long time. 

Not really focused on speed but picking the best lines and conserving energy when I could. Hydration was key too.  Sipped on water from my hydration pack often. 

Looking forward to more of the summer and getting in the early miles before the sun rises. 

Back on track with the ALPHA from Apex Gear Co.

The Apex Gear Company is Veteran owned and the product is American made.  

The shoe insert was made to reduce injuries and strengthen your feet. 

I have tested and used them over the past three weeks.  I am on the way to recovering from a terrible situation with Plantar Fasciitis. 

The ALPHA shoe inserts have made a difference. I am able to walk, hike and run with no pain during or the next day.  The two weeks of testing these inserts I logged just over 24 miles on a treadmill. 

The ALPHA inserts come in many sizes, so check the web site for your shoe/foot size. They also are available in four different colors. Orange, grey, blue and black.  I chose orange, so a quick glance down at my shoes before putting them on,, seeing and knowing with the bright orange color they are inside the shoe. 

Here is the update my video and blog. 

By the way, if you’re not subscribed to my YouTube channel, please do. 

Photographing Sagauro Flowers, technique

My daily training ( running, cycling or mountain biking ) has me out in the desert. There are numerous trails I will keep a watchful eye on near the end of April and early May. This is when the flowers start to bloom on the tops of cacti arms. They are usually 20 to 30 feet up in the air at times. I've found a way, without using a ladder, to photograph these flowers.

Take a look at the video and let me know what you think? 

Apex Gear Co.’s ALPHA performance shoe insert

I’ve talked a lot about suffering from plantar fasciitis over almost the past year.  The stretching and good supportive shoe are helping, however I am trying out the Apex Gear Co.’s ALPHA shoe insert. 

Apex Gear Co. ALPHA insert  was created by marathoners and pedorthists.  

So instead of you asking Google what a pedorthist is, I’ll tell you. 

Pedorthist

A pedorthist is a professional who has specialized training to modify footwear and employ supportive devices to address conditions which affect the feet and lower limbs. They are trained in the assessment of lower limb anatomy and biomechanics, and the appropriate use of corrective footwear – including shoes, shoe modifications and other pedorthic devices.

The company is Veteran owned and the product is American made.  The shoe insert was made to reduce injuries and strengthen your feet. 

The ALPHA inserts come in many sizes, so check the web site for your shoe/foot size. They also are available in four different colors. Orange, grey, blue and black.  I chose orange, so a quick glance down at my shoes before putting them on,, seeing and knowing with the bright orange color they are inside the shoe. 

Wearing these I am looking to improve my foot feeling and help eliminate the Plantar Fasciitis.

This should set me on my way to pain free walking and running. 

I’ll be trying these while running, walking and hiking over the next two weeks and update my video and blog. 

By the way, if you’re not subscribed to my YouTube channel, please do. 

Also check out the Apex Gear Co. site

KINeSYS sunscreen

The summer may seem like the only time you need or you apply sunscreen, but the sun is out all the time. Whether you’re at the beach, out kayaking, on a hike or out on a bike ride, every time you head outside you need to consider wearing sunscreen.  

 Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing to safeguard your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., but for some, that just isn’t possible. 

Here is where KINeSYS comes into play. 

KINeSYS sunscreen is a favorite of mine. With an SPF of 30 and water resistant for up to 80 minutes in the sun you can't go wrong. The great smelling, Mango scent, and alcohol and oil free clear spray will help protect anyone enjoying the outdoors hiking, fishing, training or just relaxing by the pool. 

Simply apply it with the pump spray bottle. 

To protect your nose, cheeks and tops of your ears, there is the SPF 30 CLEAR ZINC WITH 25 percent ZINC OXIDE which comes in a 2 ounce jar. 

The zinc goes on white but is clear after being fully rubbed in. 

Not a fan of scented sunscreen. They have a fragrance free version with an SPF of 50. 

I carry on the inside of my hydration pack the small Vanilla-Green Tea 1ounce bottle. I attached it to a small clip to keep it in place and easy to find. 

Use to code "HackerKC19" to receive a discount at check out on their site when ordering.  

You will love using KINeSYS everytime you spend time in the sun, out hiking, biking or just being a spectator outdoors. 

KINeSYS