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”

Green Guru Bike Bags from Upcycled Materials

I came across Green Guru at the 2026 CABDA Show this past February. Their booth was decorated with colorful bike bags and backpacks made from upcycled materials. Since the cycling industry is one of the worst for contributing to landfills, it’s encouraging to see a brand working to be part of the solution, not theContinue reading “Green Guru Bike Bags from Upcycled Materials”

Shimano’s PRO Sirin Women’s-Specific Saddle

A Woman’s Specific Saddle: For Women, Tested by Women. The saddle is one of three contact points you have with your bike—bars, pedals, and seat. If you are uncomfortable at any of these contact points, you’ll fatigue faster, and the ride will be less than ideal. Get them dialed in just right, and you canContinue reading “Shimano’s PRO Sirin Women’s-Specific Saddle”

Pedals, Panniers, and Trails: My First Bikepacking Adventure

It’s a thrill to check bikepacking off my 2025 bucket list. The trip might have been my first, but it certainly won’t be my last! I kept an eye on the forecast for days before leaving. Wisconsin has been experiencing a lot of rain. At times, the forecast was pristine, but then it suddenly changedContinue reading “Pedals, Panniers, and Trails: My First Bikepacking Adventure”

Bikepacking Gear Roundup – Part 2

Figuring out how to carry gear on a bikepacking trip can cause anxiety, especially if you don’t have a bike with dedicated mounting points. Companies are well aware of the growing interest in bikepacking, particularly with non-traditional bikepacking bikes, and now offer solutions that allow you to use any bike for your adventure. Yes, roadContinue reading “Bikepacking Gear Roundup – Part 2”

Bikepacking Gear Roundup – Part 1

One of my goals for this year is to try bikepacking. I lean toward credit card camping (aka hotels, motels, BnBs), but I haven’t ruled out sleeping in a tent. Either way, a multi-day adventure will have me carrying gear on my bike. I currently have two exciting adventures planned. A three-day trip in WisconsinContinue reading “Bikepacking Gear Roundup – Part 1”

A Kit Designed for the Long Haul

At Sea Otter Classic, Velocio launched its 2025 Spring/Summer collection, which included the new Merino LUXE jersey and LUXE bibs for men and women, specifically designed for the long-distance rider in mind. Merino LUXE Jersey  Men’s  Women’s 4 stars Price: $199 Sizes: XXS-3XL (women’s); XS-4XL (men’s) Colors: Smoked paprika, Black, Sulphur Materials: 71% Wool, 18%Continue reading “A Kit Designed for the Long Haul”

USWE Rush 8L Hydration Pack Review

No Dancing Monkey on My Back! I’m writing detailed product reviews on gear that got me through the Unbound Gravel race. One key item was a USWE Rush hydration pack. What sets it apart from other hydration packs? The No Dancing Monkey (NDM) design. The team behind USWE (pronounced you-swii) grew up riding off-road motorcyclesContinue reading “USWE Rush 8L Hydration Pack Review”