4 Awesome and Random Short Bike Gear Reviews
When I buy new bike stuff, it’s usually because I broke something I already had or I just wore it out. And it generally doesn’t require a thousand words to tell you what I think of it. That’s why I’ve …
Thinking About Buying a Bike in 2021?
Here’s a handy roundup of advice for people buying a bike in 2021. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Hybrid Bikes
- Gravel Bikes
- Mountain Bikes
- Random Thoughts
This post is inspired by a message from one of my high school friends:
“Any …
Recap: Mountain Biking in the Estrella Mountains
Mountain biking in the Estrella Mountains near Phoenix is, for me, a lot like eating at one of the ubiquitous fast-food joints with “berto’s” in their name. A few years will go by and I’ll think “hey, why don’t I …
Forget the Tesla Killer. Which Electric SUVs are a Subaru Killer?
The current bunch of new and soon-to-be released electric SUVs are a weird crop. They look like SUVs, sure. But are they really just 21st Century station wagons?
When it comes to compact SUVs, I think of the Subaru Forester …
How to Safely Transport Bikes on a Car
How to Safely Transport Bikes on a Car:
At a Glance
Here are the main ways to transport bikes safely on a car. This article will break them down in greater depth.
- Hitch-Mount Racks
- Roof-Mounted Bike Racks
- One for the
Who Makes the Best Cork Yoga Mat?
I’ve used a cork yoga mat since 2015. I bought it after being fed up with using regular mats in a hot yoga studio. Hot yoga people always have to use towels with a grippy back to avoid sliding …
Steel Road Bikes for 2020 and Beyond
All of you people searching for info about the Lemond Zurich and various other steel road bikes have inspired me to give you something new to chew on. I already wrote about what were then “modern steel road bikes,” but …
8 Versatile Camping Essentials for New Campers
Camping Essentials at a Glance
- Light sources
- A decent fixed-blade knife
- Tools for starting a fire
- A way to carry and collect water
- The super-versatile shemagh
- Cordage
- Carabiners
- Cookwear
I don’t have the numbers to prove it, but I’ll bet …
Recap: 2020 Aravaipa Jangover Ride
The answer is the Aravaipa Jangover Ride. The question is, what race starts just a few hours after a long work week and goes to the wee hours of the morning?
I registered for the 6-hour solo category of …
What You Need to Know About Paradise Valley Bike Rides
It’s ironic: Paradise Valley is a pretty good place to ride a bike most of the time. Yet the town wears that status begrudgingly. The town’s government and residents seem united in a hatred of cyclists.
There is simply no …
Testing the SOS Hydration Mix
Hydration is the difference between a good ride and a low-down, cramp-filled, no-good sufferfest that will make you regret ever getting on a bicycle (or running, or kayaking, or whatever it is that you do). I largely have my regimen …
Bicycling in Southern California – A Quick Guide
Bicycling in Southern California is a real treat, especially if you’re from the desert like I am. Even in June, you can count on mild temperatures, decent cycling infrastructure and some hilly routes to help burn more calories.
If you’re …
5 Tips for Buying a Titanium Bike
If you’re thinking about buying a titanium bike, I understand why. You’re probably after a combination of ride quality, cool factor and longevity.
People can debate the ride quality to death – there are plenty of variables that can impact …
Abandoned Movie Theaters of Scottsdale
South Scottsdale is nothing like the palm trees-and-golf courses luxury destination you expect it to be. My neighborhood is full of abandoned and disused property. It’s almost like there’s a systematic plan to make the area look crappy so everyone …
It’s hot. Let’s talk about summer hydration.
It’s not even June yet, and I’m already doing my usual summer hydration stuff when I exercise. Beating cramps and the dreaded post-exercise headache is a huge undertaking. For me, getting it right is the result of trial and error.…
COVID-19 Quarantine is Getting People Outdoors. But There’s a Problem.
COVID-19 is driving a lot of people outdoors to find some relief from the quarantine. On the surface, that’s a good thing.
But a lot of these people discovering (or rediscovering) the outdoors are going to wind up injured, sick …
Where to Ride on the Grand Canalscape Bike Path
My local news outlets recently had a bunch of headlines about the Grand Canalscape bike path. Most were breathlessly impressed by a bike/pedestrian lane that would stretch “12 miles from Tempe to the I-17.”
I’d bet that not a …
VIDEO: The Pivin Loop and Papago Park
The Pivin Loop at Papago Park has become unbelievably fun over the past few years. It didn’t even exist until a few years ago when the City of Phoenix decided to — without public input — plow the existing singletrack …
What Does it Cost to Use a Blink Charging Station?
Back in September, the cost to use Blink EV charging took a slight dive. They switched from time-based charging to kilowatt-hour charging. This makes a lot of sense. Before this change, it actually cost more to use the Blink Charging …
Review: Frenzy Hills Mountain Bike Race
The inaugural Frenzy Hills mountain bike race put on by Aravaipa Rides was one very cool event. Some of this was by design, and some was luck of the draw from Mother Nature.
In a weekend extravaganza of off-road activity, …