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”

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”

ASSOS New UMA GT S11 Endurance Collection

At the beginning of February, ASSOS launched its new endurance collection, the Mille (men’s) and UMA (women’s) GT S11. The collection is designed for everyday riding, with the new jersey and bib shorts offering comfort, breathability, and a modern look. ASSOS made updates to the material, fit, and logo. “The MILLE/UMA GT is the backboneContinue reading “ASSOS New UMA GT S11 Endurance Collection”

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”

SaltStick FastChews: The difference between a DNF or finishing strong

I can confidently say that SaltStick FastChews were a lifesaver during Unbound and saved me from a DNF. The company sent me samples in late February, but the temperatures in Chicagoland made it impossible to test the product. I waited for the weather to warm up, and then Unbound arrived. The combination of a challengingContinue reading “SaltStick FastChews: The difference between a DNF or finishing strong”

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”

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”

Preparing for Unbound Gravel 100: One Month and Counting Down

At the beginning of this year, I shared with the RBR readers my plans to “race” Unbound Gravel 100 on May 31st. I’m currently one month from making the nine-hour drive to Emporia, Kansas, and rolling up to the start line for my first 100-mile gravel race. Training is going well, and my conditioning isContinue reading “Preparing for Unbound Gravel 100: One Month and Counting Down”

ASSOS Everyday, Every Ride Performance Solution

Step into any local bike shop that stocks ASSOS apparel, and the racks are a sea of black. But that all changed in February with the launch of their new DYORA R line of jerseys and bibs, which includes new color options and an entry-level price point! It’s been over a decade since I lastContinue reading “ASSOS Everyday, Every Ride Performance Solution”