The first thing I noticed was comfort, even on longer 5 to 6 hour road rides. The Smith Pivlock frames have enough spring in the temple arms to hold snugly in place, but aren’t so tight that they dig into your head like some glasses do. The ends of the temple arms that rest behind your ears are covered with a pliable rubber material that both cushions and grips. Smith calls this material “Hydrophillic Megol”, but it’s basically rubber to me. The nosepiece is constructed of this same material, and is the most comfortable nosepiece I have ever worn. These glasses are so comfortable that you tend to forget you have them on. 

Lens changes couldn’t be easier. Both temple arms swing up to remove easily, and snap into another lens in seconds. The nosepiece is also easily removed by squeezing the sides together, and snaps into the lens with a confident click.

These glasses replaced some much more expensive glasses I have with interchangeable lenses that are individually snapped into the frame. I found that system, which is common in several high-end brands, to be cumbersome and time consuming compared to Smith Pivlocks. My Black Platinum Mirror Pivlock V90’s came with a dark mirror smoked sunglass and two additional lenses, one a clear mirror lens for riding before dawn or after dusk, and the other a rose colored multi-use “ignitor” lens that I found best for everything but full afternoon sun.

I carry a change of lenses in a jersey pocket, safely enclosed in the lens bag that comes with the system. Showing Smith’s attention to detail, the lens bag is made of a material that lets it double as a lens cleaning cloth. I have often changed lenses mid-ride, on occasion even while stopping at a stop light, literally in seconds.

The Pivlock system is also surprisingly durable. After months of hard use they still clean up to look and work like new. I had my doubts when I first saw them, but I’m a believer. I’m looking at buying a second set in the slightly larger Max size, as a backup and to give me different lens color options.

If you’re looking for some great, affordable cycling sunglasses, check out Smith’s Pivlock system. You’ll be happy you did.

• Outstanding Cycling Glasses
• Comfortable, Easy Lens Changing

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What a pleasure it’s been to test ride the Strider Running Bike! Our little Gabriel loves it! Gabriel is 2 ½ but definitely feels like a “big boy” on his “big boy” bike! He has three older sisters and with his new Strider, has joined the ranks of capable bike riders in our family! 

The day his bike arrived, he couldn’t wait to get it out of the box. I was so surprised that the box and bike together weighed less than 10 lbs. The bike came in his favorite color, green, which he promptly named his, “John Deere Bike.” Assembly was very simple (I barely glanced at the directions at all) and using the wrench Strider included, the bike was ready to go in less than 5 minutes. Right away, Gabriel hopped on his bike and started scooting around the house. He used his feet to push the bike forward and slowly found a rhythm to move ahead.

The Strider’s seat height is adjustable from 11” to 16” high. This is a tiny little bike made to accommodate tiny little riders. It’s designed for children ages 1 ½ – 5. The Strider doesn’t have any pedals because most children in these young years aren’t able to coordinate the peddling motion. The bike is designed to be scooted on and propelled by pushing the feet on the ground. Eventually, little riders will ideally be able to glide on their Striders, lifting their feet and resting them on rest pads, comfortably located where peddles would normally be. The idea is that young riders, although unable to peddle, will learn how to balance on this tiny two-wheeler without ever having to use training wheels. When Gabriel’s bike arrived, I assumed that he wouldn’t master gliding and balancing on the Strider for a few more years. I was wrong.

For the first few days, Gabriel wanted his bike to go everywhere he did. This new bike was definitely his new favorite toy! He even insisted that his Strider be parked in his room when he went to bed. Being such a little bicycle, it was easy to accommodate his request. Indoors and out, he wanted to travel everywhere on his Strider!

When he was outside, Gabriel continued to push himself around with his feet and soon found a swift rhythm, accelerating his bike to a speed similar to a speed achieved by peddling. He continued to keep his feet on the ground or very near the ground for balance. The Strider has thick non-pop tires, which also give added stability to this bike. Gabriel definitely took some spills but not nearly as many as I would have expected. The handlebars are thick as well, and very maneuverable. They make big turns in either direction, which again, increases stability and helps avoid falls that come from sharp turns.

Over the next week, Gabriel continued to increase his speed and his love for his new bike continued to grow. Every time he went outside he wanted to ride his Strider. Still, I was very skeptical that he would learn to glide and balance on the two wheels, no matter how stable the Strider was.

About ten days after receiving the Strider, Gabriel was riding it in the driveway. He got up some good speed and suddenly he lifted his feet! He balanced and glided for about six feet! I couldn’t believe it! My tiny two year old was balancing on a two-wheeler! Since then, he’s been all about going faster and farther on his new bike! He can now glide for about 10-12 feet, pushing and resting his little shoes on the resting pads. It’s quite a sight to see! The other day a woman walked by and asked in a shocked voice, “Is he riding on a two-wheeler?!”

The Strider is a fantastic bike and it really works! It meets children right at their level, giving them the opportunity to ride a “big kid bike” without requiring them to peddle. It’s been a very fun and rewarding experience to see Gabriel gain confidence and ability on his Strider. I would recommend a Strider to any family looking to give their toddler/preschooler a very fun and enabling cycling experience!

Below are a couple videos that are also featured on the Strider website.

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2. Hoss Technical Gear Stallion Mountain Bike Shorts Review
3. Merrell ST Stature 2 Trail Running Shoes Review

Right off I was impressed that these boots have such an excellent grip.  A majority of the trails that I have been on include crossing paths with slippery rocks and passing through creeks, however the boots maintained a steady grip.  The boots also did a great job of keeping most of the water out.  They got a little bit wet, as to be expected when completely submerged underwater, but dried quickly. 

Another aspect of this boot that I would like to compliment is the ankle support.  Within an hour of hiking with my previous pair of boots, I could already begin to feel the strain on my ankles.  With the Oboz Yellowstone, there was no point within my hikes that I ever felt discomfort in my ankles.

The boots have a stiff heel cup which initially had me worried about blisters, however I have not had a problem with this unlike previous boots I’ve owned.

They are comfortable and light on my feet.  Whether I’m at work or hitting the trail, these shoes seem to be perfect for all day wear.

The design was attractive, and the soles rugid for rough terrain seem to work well.  Deeper tread voids held mud which ended up getting everywhere later on, but that’s pretty much all boots so I can’t complain too much on that subject.  The metal top lace holders were a nice touch as well and make for a much more durable boot.  More than anything I was happy with the fact that no matter how much water, mud and dirt these shoes have encountered they always clean up well and continue to look brand new.

Overall I was very pleased with the Oboz boots and will continue to enjoy them on my hikes throughout north Georgia.

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1. Cleaning the Keens with Nikwax

Unlike lesser compasses, the Silva Ranger 515 CL Compass‘ enclosure is specced with military style lesatic sights on it’s enclosure. This permits more accurate bearing acquisition when you’d rather take a quick glance than stop and utilize the Silva’s attached protractor..  The mirror doubles as a survival tool for signaling should you become lost (or need help) in the wilderness.  The compass features markings for various map scales (1:24,000, 1:25,000, and 1:50,000) and 1/20-inch and millimeter rules for mapping which helps with navigation.  It is extremely light, weighing in at just 2.2 ounces.  The compass’ bezel is very easy to read with luminous markings for low-light situations and adjustable declination.  The clinometer is used to measure slope angles…this is useful to winter travelers to help estimate the danger on avalanche prone slopes.  Uses 0-360 degree azimuth scale in 2 degrees increments.  Includes a removable 15 inch lanyard with declination adjustment screwdriver.  Guaranteed to be accurate -40 – +40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Silva’s US operations changed hands in 1998, initially leading some to question the stability of the brand’s reputation. After over 6 months of trail use in a vast range of temperatures and weather conditions, we think we’ve found the answer to that question.  We think you’ll find this model’s combination of lightness and durability to be a strong buy at this price point.

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Warrior Dash is the ultimate event for thrill-seeking athletes.  This 3-5 kilometer race is held on the most demanding and unique terrain the U.S. has to offer. Participants will take on intense obstacles, and celebrate their feat with music, beer, and muddy shorts!

2010 Series:

4/10 & 4/11: SoCal
5/1 & 5/2: Texas
5/22 & 5/23: Southeast
6/19 & 6/20: Midwest
7/10: Northwest
8/21: Rockies
9/18: Northeast
10/9: Mid-Atlantic
10/30: NorCal

Some of the intense obstacles you will overcome:

• Warrior Roast – Leap over the warrior fires
• Muddy Mayhem – Crawl through the muddy pit to the finish.
• Cargo Climb- Maneuver over the cargo nets
• Black Forest- Forge your way through uncharted forest
• Junkyard Jam – Stampede through the scrapyard

See video of previous Warrior Dash races.

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Upon opening the website up today I noticed that the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is currently hiring! Now this is definitely an opportunity for a few individuals for their chance at their dream job…I just had to post something on this website. 

The full-time positions that are currently open are:

Annual Fund Director – Headquarters, Harpers Ferry, WV
The ATC is happy to announce that it is seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of Annual Fund Director to be located at our headquarters in Harpers Ferry, WV. This individual will be responsible for developing and implementing exciting and effective strategies to increase major donor gifts to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the sole nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and preserving the entire length of the Appalachian Trail. Reporting to the Director of Membership & Development, the incumbent will work with the Executive Director and Board, as well as a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to meet the major donor goal.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Lawson Bresette HR Coordinator at lbresette@appalachiantrail.org on or before May, 7 2010

Annual Fund Director Job Description

Marketing Manager – Headquarters, Harpers Ferry, WV
The ATC is happy to announce that it is seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of Marketing Manager to be located at our headquarters in Harpers Ferry, WV. This position supports the ATC mission to help with the permanent protection and sensitive stewardship of the Appalachian Trail footpath and associated resources.

Under general direction, the incumbent manages the marketing and communication activities of the Conservancy—he/she will develop and implement comprehensive marketing plans for ATC programs and develop goal directed internal and external messaging and tactics to substantially grow ATC brand identity, awareness and organization membership.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Lawson Bresette HR Coordinator at lbresette@appalachiantrail.org on or before May, 7 2010

Marketing Manager Job Description

Visitor Services Representative – Headquarters, Harpers Ferry, WV
The ATC is happy to announce that it is seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of Visitor Center Representative to be located at our headquarters in Harpers Ferry, WV.

The Visitor Services Representative (VSR) will be the primary point of contact for the visiting public at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Harpers Ferry visitor center, especially on weekends. The VSR will essentially be the “face” of the ATC, interacting with most of ATC’s more than 15,000 visitors, who include current and potential ATC members, hikers, volunteers, and others who play a significant role in management and protection of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.).

This position’s primary responsibilities are to ensure that all visitors are greeted and assisted in a friendly and courteous manner and provided with accurate and helpful information that allows them to enjoy the A.T. safely and responsibly. The purpose of this position is also to generate support for the ATC and its mission through positive and helpful interactions with visitors, by generating revenue through membership and merchandise sales, and by ensuring that the appearance and atmosphere of the visitor center reflects well on the ATC.

Please note: Our visitor center is open 7 days a week and this position directly supports the weekend staffing. Interested individuals will be required to work weekends and three other days during the regular work week.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Lawson Bresette HR Coordinator at lbresette@appalachiantrail.org on or before May 7, 2010

Visitor Services Representative Job Description

Information Assistant – Headquarters, Harpers Ferry, WV
The ATC is happy to announce that it is seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of Information Assistant to be located at our headquarters in Harpers Ferry, WV.

The Information Assistant will receive, understand, and interpret requests for hiking, visitor, and general trail information, research those requests, and respond in a timely and efficient manner. Additionally, this position is responsible for building an on-line collection of inquiries and responses for the benefit of the broader hiking community.

The person in this position will be expected to observe patterns and thereby suggest general information topics that might anticipate the publics’ desire for information. The information assistant will work in close coordination with visitor center personnel (staff and volunteers) to capture topics of interest as well as to provide general information support to visitor center staff.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Lawson Bresette HR Coordinator at lbresette@appalachiantrail.org on or before May 7, 2010

Information Assistant Job Description

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A quote from Singular’s website tells the following:

Singular Cycles brings you bikes for the type of riding you do. A blend of modern concepts with proven design and materials makes for beautiful bikes, which ride like a dream.

We’ve become disillusioned with ever more fragile bikes and components which offer no real benefit to the everyday rider who wants a bike which rides sweetly, looks lovely, and doesn’t need replacing every year.

Singular Cycles – singularly distinctive bicycles.

When the package first arrived, I remember opening it to find the Swift frame inside, the glorious shade of blue, vintage style logo, smooth welds, and the bling of a Phil Wood eccentric  bottom bracket…an overall classic and clean look.  It was love at first site.  Even today, I own several bikes, but this one is the one that gets a lot of my attention and gets pampered.

The introduction of 29ers to market is still relatively new which lends for increased experimentation to their counterparts.  Nothing is “written in stone” so to say.  Singular’s geometry is quite unique.  The head angle is a bit on the steep side as well as the top tube.  The seat angle is slacker which we really liked because there isn’t much of the bike sticking out behind you when riding.  It sports a Reynolds extra long 485mm axle-to-crown rigid fork with a 48mm offset.

I set the bike up to be fully rigid and have ridden off-road as well as on pavement.  It is a fun bike to ride on both!

Being fully rigid takes a little getting use to when riding off-road…the first couple of times out your arms will be quite sore.  However, after a few outings your arms will become more tolerant and you will find the advantages of a lighter front end providing a very agile bike.  The bike was very flickable over the rough stuff and with the 29″ wheels ironed over obstacles on the technical sections of the terrain.  An unfamiliar feeling was that of the geometry never changing on a climb or descent…this because there was no flex from suspension.  I love suspension, but as much as I love suspension, I loved this feeling as well.  I promise that if you get out on a fully rigid bike you’ll discover this love too!

On pavement…you can’t ask for much more of an enjoyable ride.  I’ve ridden the bike with my girlfriend a few times out on the paved trails and although she is a real head turner as well I’m at a loss for who’s company I enjoy more.  This bike just puts a smile on my face at all times.

If you’re in the market for a cross country trail bike and interested in a bike that can be setup as rigid or geared, then give this frame serious consideration.  It is a real head turner, one that gets you instant respect whether on dirt or asphalt.

Interested in purchasing?  Contact The Prairie Peddler.

Prairie Peddler
theprairiepeddler.blogspot.com

200 West Blackhawk Avenue
Prairie Du Chien, WI 53821-1425
(608) 326-7357

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The stand is very lightweight using anodized aluminum tubing, yet still falls into the category of “heavy duty”.  It is portable and easily folds down into a carry case using quick release clamps similar to a seat post clamp. The total weight of the stand is 12.6lbs and with the stand’s large tripod base can hold up to 85lbs of weight and setup on uneven surfaces.  The ease at which the stand can be setup and compacted down combined with it’s lightweight makes this a pro-quality, portable repair stand.

The quick release clamp head is attached to a 360 degree rotating clutch which allows you to work on your bike in just about any position.  This is an excellent feature providing the user to clamp onto the seatpost or bicycle tubing allowing the mechanic to work on the bike from different angles.  The clamp closes using  ratchet-action and opens with a push-button release.  The tri-knob located at the side allows for fine tuning of the clamp jaw’s pressure.  The clamp is made of a plastic composite to ensure the cosmetic safety of your bicycle, however we took things a step further and lined the clamp with a rag when clamping to our bicycle.

Quick release clamps make setting up and tearing down the stand quick and easy.

This is the lightest and most well constructed portable stand we have tested.  If you typically shy away from products that have too many features and moving parts and go for simplistic designs, rest assured we’ve been using the stand now for about a year and the clamp, clutch and everything else still functions as if it were brand-new.  We would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a portable stand and even for those looking for a permanent fixture in their garage or workspace.

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From their Facebook Page, “Planet Earth is an action sports clothing brand with a deep respect for the welfare of our planet and the environments that support our passions.”

Offering a blend between action sports function and street-wise fashion, the new Planet Earth assortment offers a fresh perspective on the cross pollination of urban, suburban, and natural settings with a full range of jackets, pants, thermals, and accessories in earthy hues and earth sensitive materials offered at competitive prices.

Planet Earth is a deep rooted, authentic action sports clothing brand inspiring mature minds to stay young at heart by producing 100% eco-sensitive technical products that look and feel good on the body and the planet.

A company with strong roots in action sports across the board they are setting standards for progressive urban action-wear.

I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this gear!  When I first browsed Planet Earth’s website, it was as if their line was designed specifically for me…as if they knew exactly my style of clothing because all of their outerwear peaked my interest.  A relatively unfamiliar company to myself and colleagues, we didn’t know what to expect and only had the pictures from the website to go off of.  Having received several models to test and review, I’ll make a VERY bold statement early on…this could be the product line that we are most excited about in 2010!  We have yet to put the gear to the test on the slopes, but based upon style, fit, and quality of materials and construction we have a lot of enthusiasm for this brand.

Be sure to check back with our site as we’ll soon get some reviews published of some jackets and pants.

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We said get familiar…we mean it, check out the videos on the point6 website under the About Us section of their site.  For me, buying outdoor gear isn’t entirely about the product (although it weighs heavily into my decision), but I like to buy from company’s with the right attitude and do business with people that are fun to do business with.  For me, point6 has struck a chord deep inside of me and “had me at hello.”  I think they’ll tickle your fancy too…maybe even make you chuckle.

Upon first glance of these beauties one notices the reinforced areas of the sock as well as the soft merino wool.  Who says a sock needs to be just a sock?  The superior material, styling and reinforced areas of the sock makes them something to salivate over.  We’re looking forward to getting our feet snug into a pair soon!

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