I always like reading books about places where I’ve been and places that I’d like to visit, even if they’re not technically “travel books.” When … Read the rest
I’ve Had Way Too Many Hobbies Over the Years
I love hobbies. After all, traveling and mountain biking are the reason I created this blog. Sure, I sometimes write about other things (especially electric … Read the rest
Hardtail versus Full Suspension (Updated 10/2021)
[I originally published this hardtail versus full suspension bike blog post in March of 2020, right when COVID-19 started to hit. It just got a … Read the rest
7 Facts about Mountain Biking at Brown’s Ranch
Brown’s Ranch Mountain Biking at a Glance
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- Four Trailheads
- More than 165 miles of trails
- Well-constructed trails
- Endless Options
- eBikes are Not Allowed.
- Watch for
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EV Versus Gas SUV: The Numbers Don’t Lie
EV Versus Gas SUV: By the Numbers
2016 Subaru Forester: Holds 534 kilowatt hours of energy. About 464 miles of range. That’s .868 miles per … Read the rest
Two Nights on the Fanxipan Express
[I originally wrote this as a guest post for a website that no longer exists. I’m republishing it to preserve one of my more interesting … Read the rest
Mountain Biking the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
I rarely ever get out to the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve. It’s one of the newer bits of municipal open space in Phoenix, but it’s … Read the rest
5 Important Types of Bike Accessories for New Cyclists — UPDATE Oct. 2021
A Roundup of Bike Accessories
At a Glance
Bike accessories can be just as important as the shiny new bike you’re buying. Here’s a quick … Read the rest
How to Buy a Full-Suspension Bike – 2021
How to Buy a Full-Suspension Bike at a Glance
- Try Rental Bikes
- Get Familiar With Geometry
- Think About Frame Material
- Don’t Obsess About Parts
- Considerations
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 … Read the rest
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
Mountain Biking in Estrella Mountain Park
Mountain biking in Estrella Mountain Park near Phoenix is, for me, a lot like eating at one of the ubiquitous fast-food joints with “berto’s” in … Read the rest
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 … Read the rest
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 … Read the rest
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. … Read the rest
3 Steel Road Bikes for 2020 and Beyond (Updated 9/21)
3 Great Steel Road Bikes for 2020 and Beyond
Read on to find out what’s up with steel road bikes in the carbon-fiber era, plus … Read the rest
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
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 … Read the rest
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 … Read the rest
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 … Read the rest