Take an UPSTAND to avoid scratching either of your rides (bike or car)

It's not a kickstand, it's and UPSTAND.  Ever want to just store your bike say in your garage or at the track while you get a run workout in?  Sure there are cars, posts, fences and walls you could lean it against but why. Leaning your bike on your car you run the risk of scratching your bike or even worse your car.  Garrett Blake, of the UPSTANDING Bicycle Company, invented just such a device to allow you to park your bike wherever.  The stand is easy to install in under a minute by just removing your quick release skewer on your back axle.  Simply slip the magnetic tab on the skewer, keeping in mind this is the only piece that stays with the bike while your riding.  The stand itself folds nicely allowing you to put it in your jersey pocket or seat bag.  The stand only weights a mere 15 grams, so those worried about weight have nothing to loose.   The stand can hold a bike weighting up to 32 pounds.  The different pieces of the stand are made of carbon fiber, aluminum, stainless steel. The folding pieces are held together with a shock cord and of course the foot is made of rubber.

Check out the quick video of myself installing the UPSTAND on my mountain bike. It's shot in realtime, just to show how easy and simple the installation is.

Plus3Network releases andriod app

My training workout schedule is in place.  The weather lately has had it all outdoors on the road. Of course, like always, it is very strict on using the HR monitor.  My 30 mile ride on Saturday included a three mile hill climb.  I had some trouble with inflating my tires, as when I would unscrew the valve adapter I have, the inside of the valve would come with it, letting all the air out very fast. Took three tries before it finally stayed in place.  No problems out on the road, the weather was perfect.

I am happy to say I'm using Plus3Network to help log my workouts.  Plus3Network released an Android app allowing you to raise money for non-profits and charities listed on their website.  It's a great way to keep your workouts logged and well, you're already working out.

 Workouts can by manually uploaded or based off GPS.

2013 is going

I started off the year with a 20.14 mile road ride, yes it was .01 over my projected 20.13, but I'm not complaining.  The New Year is off to a great start feeling healthy and injury free.  Not as much time for training as I had hoped for, but that will come along.  The first weekend into the year I was able to get out and ride with the tri group and log a 50 mile ride.  The weather was a little chilly even in the daylight sun.  I have put the slicks back on the mountain bike to get more indoor roller rides going.  2013 is going to be a great year both training and racing, I can tell. 

A year in review, while looking ahead.

2012 is winding down and 2013 is just a few weeks away. I am excited for the New Year and the race schedule I have planned out. I of course have my New Year's Day, 20.13 mile bike ride set to go to ring in the New Year.  Numerous triathlons, bike races (both road and mountain bike) and running races are all part of it my 2013 plan/goals. Maybe even another cyclocross race or two.  2012 was a time for me to heal from an injury and rebuild myself, with not competing in as many events or as much training as I wanted to accomplish.  I am super excited about the MIO Alpha, a strapless heart rate monitor, coming out just after the New Year. 

Giving Cyclocross a Spin

This past weekend I competed and found out what cyclocross is all about, or at least three laps of a course is like.  I took part in the second-class citizen race.  The race was myself and two other costumed riders.  The course was full of hairpin turns, trees, and a few hill climbs.  It was set up on a local working farm in town.   The hill on the course had both packed dirt and loose, which was easier to dismount and run the bike up.  Also the one direction you entered the hill on, it was both soft dirt on the way up and on the way down making it much easier once again just to run with the bike.  I attempted to ride my bike down on my second lap, but only was slowed up and lost some time.  With the race starting at 10pm, when most folks are tucked in bed, I was pumped and ready to test out the course. The weather was rainy the day before, as well as off and on the morning of the race. The course was pretty dry and some parts had some sandy areas.  My oldest brother came out to support me and wanted to see what it was all about too.  The organizers set up lighting around the route but  while riding in some parts of the course it got pretty dark.  I was really glad I packed my Lupine Wilma X Pro to light the way for me.  I opted to wear it mounted on my helmet so what ever way I looked the light revealed what was there.  A fun race and a kick-butt workout.
For those wondering about the 24 Hour race I was to be in, two of the four team members pulled out leaving us unable to continue.  I however have been looking into a 12 Hour race coming up in January 2013.  

Winter is just around the corner, but have not fear.

It's been a long time since my last post and a lot has been going on. To start off with training is in high gear and going great.  Next race is a 24 hour mountain bike race here in Arizona with a team of three others.  The race is around a 10 mile loop, with the winning team doing the most laps in that period of time.  I have been doing a ton of both mountain and road riding with no issues with my IT band for now, which I credit to my rehab work I have done with the RumbleRoller an other exercises.  I plan on entering my first cyclocross race next month to see really what that is all about. Fall is upon us with winter closing in which means less daylight.  I have no fear as I am now using the top rated German made Lupine Wilma X Pro mounted on my helmet.  This awesome 4 LED light throws out an impressive 26 degree light path.  Whether fast road speeds or tricky single track courses, this light is perfect. While being seen by drivers out on the road in early morning and late night rides, seeing where you are going is equally important. Staying clear of pot holes or broken bottles on the side of the road, the Lupine light illuminates everything in my path, making night rides just as enjoyable as those in the daylight.  Finally, I'm glad to see the weather here cooling off.  To tell the truth I have been wearing arm warmers during my rides in the early morning and wearing an undershirt.   In a final note, I'm excited to be protected out on the single track by Crash-Pads, both upper and lower body protection. Wearing the gear I feel more confident and feel more relaxed.  The padded clothing is comfortable and not confining.  The padding is placed in the right spots, while not being bulky like "padding" you think would be.  It's almost November and it's been a great year, now it's time to race to the finish, as I am looking forward to a great 2013, unless the Mayan's were correct.  Look forward to giving some detailed race reports soon.

RumbleRoller to the Rescue

I'll start this post with a riddle. 

 What has 200 thumbs and should never be passed by?  You give up?

 Well its the RumbleRoller and it has seriously changed my recovery routine.  I'm a real believer in "the stick" as it too has helped in my warm-ups and recovery. After giving the RumbleRoller a spin I was able to dig deep into the muscle tissue into my nagging IT - Band with my body weight. I have been pain free from an injury from last winter.....finally.  I must say, my masseuse does not know I have been cheating on her.  And if she found out she wouldn't want to see me anymore.  All I can say is, Dang, she is going to miss me. I have found something much better than any massage therapist could do.  I have started using the RumbleRoller, and holy cow, it is AWESOME.  Sure, I still use "The Stick", but for treating my IT Band troubles, the RumbleRoller is just what the doctor ordered.  I have used it on my lower body (hamstrings, calves and quads). Working it on my upper and lower back feels great, although those with back issues may find it uncomfortable.  So what is the RumbleRoller? It a type of foam roller with little knobs, which act like thumbs of a massage therapist, but better.  The roller comes in two types of densities which is indicated by the color, blue or black.  It's also is made in two different sizes for those wanting to possibly use it to travel with.