From the Adriatic Sea to the Apennine Mountains: Cycling Riccione, Italy

Last December, a rider from my local cycling club announced a trip to Italy scheduled for September 2026. He and his wife had visited the Hotel Dory in March and enjoyed it so much that they decided to return. I was initially unsure, but after hearing his presentation at the club’s holiday party and seeingContinue reading “From the Adriatic Sea to the Apennine Mountains: Cycling Riccione, Italy”

Showers Pass NEW Century Jacket Review

Showers Pass Century Jacket – Men’s | Women’s 4 stars Price: $219Sizes: Small to 3XLFit Type: Regular cyclingColors: Leaf Green, FirecrackerWeight: 250 grams (medium)Fabric: Artex Gold UltraVenting: Yes, two core vents and a large back vent for flow-through ventilation  Waterproof Rating: 25,000mmBreathability: 25,000 gsm/dayVisibility Elements: Yes; Scotchlite reflective trim for 360-degree visibilityPackable: YesTaped Seams: YesHood:Continue reading “Showers Pass NEW Century Jacket Review”

Women’s Cycling Gear Roundup

SHREDLY In June, SHREDLY, known for women’s MTB clothing, launched its Cadence Gravel and Road collection. This is the company’s first venture into road and gravel, something they say SHREDLY riders have been asking for. The full line comes in extended sizes from XS to 3X, making it inclusive of women of various shapes. “WomenContinue reading “Women’s Cycling Gear Roundup”

Across the Iron Range: Biking the Mesabi Trail

Last year, I planned a three-day bikepacking trip on the Mesabi Trail in Northeastern Minnesota. Torrential rains created major sinkholes along the trail, forcing us to cancel the trip. The trail remained on my radar, and planning began in early 2026—this time, the group wanted to make it a five-day trip, with out-and-back segments eachContinue reading “Across the Iron Range: Biking the Mesabi Trail”

Garmin Varia RearVue 820 Radar Review

4.5 stars Hot Onscreen visual alerts and distinction between approaching vehicle size (e.g., a bicycle, car, truck, truck w/trailer) Displays where vehicles are in relation to you (e.g., left, right, or directly behind) Tracks vehicles up to 175 meters (190+ yards) away with a wider field of view than previous models Vehicles traveling at theContinue reading “Garmin Varia RearVue 820 Radar Review”

From Pittsburgh to Harpers Ferry: My GAP and C&O Trail Adventure

For three years, the famous Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath have been on my radar. From Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., hundreds of miles of car-free riding, I hemmed and hawed over planning my own bikepacking adventure. Go solo? Book a tour outfitter? Some hybrid? I spent an embarrassingContinue reading “From Pittsburgh to Harpers Ferry: My GAP and C&O Trail Adventure”

BRANWYN Essential Supreme Wool Bra Review

Merino Wool, Seamless, and Comfortable I’ve been singing the praises of Merino wool bras for years, and BRANWYN is one of my go-to brands. The fabric’s fit, moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties, and comfort let you put the bra on in the morning and forget you’re even wearing one. Yes, it’s that comfortable. [Read my previousContinue reading “BRANWYN Essential Supreme Wool Bra Review”

Tailwind’s New Limited Edition Mango Yuzu Endurance Fuel

Tailwind Nutrition4.5 stars Price: $16.50 for 6 single-serving packetsCarbs/serving: 51 gramsElectrolytes: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calciumCalories/serving: 200Charitable Component: 10% of net sales from this flavor will be donated to The Conservation Alliance to help protect wild places and waterways.Availability: Online and retailHow Obtained: Company samples Refreshing, Light, and Not Overly Sweet Only a day afterContinue reading “Tailwind’s New Limited Edition Mango Yuzu Endurance Fuel”

Topeak E-Boost Digital Mini – Review

Topeak 4 stars Price: $154.95Max air pressure:  120 psi/ 8 BARMinimum air pressure: N/APre-set Half PSI Increments: NoValve Compatibility: Presta, Schrader, CLIK ValveMeasurements: PSI, BAR, KG/CM2Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.2 x 7.2 cmWeight: 120 gBattery: 5V 1.5ACharge Time: 45 min.Charge capacity:Charging Mode: USB-CFlash Light: Yes, built-inAdded Features: Storage bag, waterproof zipper bag, and extended hoseAvailability: OnlineContinue reading “Topeak E-Boost Digital Mini – Review”

Ornot’s New Micro Climate Jacket, Micro Grid Long Sleeve Jersey, and Droptail Cargo Bib Shorts – Review

In February, Ornot introduced several pieces of gear to address the shoulder season – Spring and Fall. In the Midwest, you never know what you’ll encounter. Sometimes mornings are brisk and become warmer as the ride progresses. Or a ride may start windy and cool, only to turn windy with drizzle. Ornot has you coveredContinue reading “Ornot’s New Micro Climate Jacket, Micro Grid Long Sleeve Jersey, and Droptail Cargo Bib Shorts – Review”