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”

2025 Unbound Gravel 100: The Final Chapter

Missed my articles leading up to Unbound? Read them here:Unbound Gravel – New Year New GoalsPreparing for Unbound Gravel 100: One Month and Counting Two Weeks Out: The Countdown Begins As the two-week countdown to Unbound Gravel kicks into high gear, I find myself buried in a checklist that’s as long as the race itself.Continue reading “2025 Unbound Gravel 100: The Final Chapter”

Cycling Sunglasses Roundup

Sunglasses for Every Budget and Personality The first half of this year saw a large number of new sunglass models from a variety of brands. In my roundup of shades, you’re bound to find a pair to fit your face, personality, budget, and riding style. Several brands have incorporated sustainability into their materials, packaging, andContinue reading “Cycling Sunglasses Roundup”

Tailwind High Carb Fuel Review

Designed for High-Intensity Efforts Just before Sea Otter Classic in early April ’25, Tailwind Nutrition launched its newest product― High Carb Fuel mix. This new product mix immediately caught my attention for a couple of reasons. First, it was developed with the help of Ellen Campbell, an elite cyclist I met at The Cycling HouseContinue reading “Tailwind High Carb Fuel Review”

Peppermint Cycling’s Women’s Signature Jersey, Bibs, and Socks

I wasn’t familiar with Peppermint Cycling until they contacted me to stop by their booth at Sea Otter Classic to view their 2025 Spring/Summer line. The company, founded in Montreal, Canada, designs cycling apparel for women. They feature comprehensive collections for road, mountain, and gravel riding. Peppermint Cycling’s new Spring/Summer 2025 apparel includes: Road: CompletelyContinue reading “Peppermint Cycling’s Women’s Signature Jersey, Bibs, and Socks”

Randonneuring Rookie: Tales From the Long Road

With origins in late 19th century France, Randonneuring grew out of interest in touring the countryside by bicycle. It is a long-distance cycling sport where riders attempt courses of 100K with options of 200K+, passing through predetermined “controls” (checkpoints). Riders aim to complete the course within specified time limits and receive equal recognition regardless ofContinue reading “Randonneuring Rookie: Tales From the Long Road”

Showers Pass Elite Jacket Receives an Update

The Elite III jacket recently received a significant update. Known as Showers Pass’s flagship cycling jacket launched in 1997, the Elite III retains the classic fit and heritage styling while introducing several improvements to enhance a cyclist’s comfort and performance. What’s New with the Elite III Jacket? Showers Pass uses Porlite waterproof-breathable technology for itsContinue reading “Showers Pass Elite Jacket Receives an Update”

Find Your Stolen Bicycle with this Ultimate Bike Tracker Solution

If you’ve ever had a bicycle stolen, you know all too well that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. I had that feeling firsthand in the summer of 2019 while vacationing in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. We walked out of a restaurant only to find an empty hitch rack. Two fat bikes were gone! IContinue reading “Find Your Stolen Bicycle with this Ultimate Bike Tracker Solution”