Riding into Fall in Comfort: ASSOS Women’s UMA GT Bib Tights

There’s now a chill in the air as I start my morning fall rides in Chicago. The temperature fluctuates from chilly starts to milder mid-50s by the end of my ride. I’ve been testing the new UMA GT bib tights from ASSOS for several weeks now, and they’ve quickly become a favorite for cooler weather.Continue reading “Riding into Fall in Comfort: ASSOS Women’s UMA GT Bib Tights”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”