Saturday, December 31, 2016
It’s Another New Year
“My name is Cole and I’m new to the world of thru-hiking.” I wrote that a little over a year ago before I began my NoBo AT thru-hike on January 1st, 366 days ago. I spent four and half months in the back country, making it to Katahdin on May 20th, a week before the mountain officially opened. Seven days later, I returned to finish my thru-hike on May 27th. Since that time, I’ve dedicated my hiking energy to a lot of physical therapy and, ...
The post It’s Another New Year appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hAsOfv
Trekking into 2017
Reminiscing and Appreciating
Friends, family, and hikers alike, I wanted to take a moment to create a short post on my excitement of the upcoming year. A LOT is happening in my life in the upcoming three months. After four years without sleep I’ll be graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design on March 14th with my Bachelor of Fine Arts. Three days later I am set to begin my Thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.
...
The post Trekking into 2017 appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hAo6hL
It’s a new day on the Appalachain Trail: What I’m leaving behind, taking with me and bring home.
Minutes turn to hours, hours to days, days to years. The world turns, and life passes by. There’s not much to speak of about the lost time.
I go through the motions too often in life, squandering precious moments due to complacency and laziness.
I’ve decided to go through a different motion — one foot in front of the other 2,200 miles, four to six months, to Maine.
I’ll leave behind a few friends, family members, ...
The post It’s a new day on the Appalachain Trail: What I’m leaving behind, taking with me and bring home. appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2iBb456
Thru-hiking in the age of Trump
One of the nice parts about thru-hiking is that it’s incredibly easy to make friends. Everyone’s sharing such a wonderful experience, one that almost has to be talked about, shared, commiserated over. And behind the mask that comes with your trail name, you can be just about anybody. The blessing–and the curse–is that everyone else can, too.
On my thru-hike of the PCT, I met people who ran the gamut of political persuasions, from anarchists to socialists to Donald Trump voters. ...
The post Thru-hiking in the age of Trump appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2iQb8gy
Friday, December 30, 2016
The Shocking Moment of Truth — or a Desperate Plea for Packing Help
For the past eight months, ever since I decided to attempt an AT thru-hike, I’ve been accumulating hiking gear. Since I tend to be somewhat anal (okay, totally obsessive), I’ve been doing exhaustive research, then buying each item piece by piece to be sure I’m getting exactly what I’ll need. So today, with my closet bursting — and less than three months until I begin my thru-hike — I figured the moment of truth had arrived. ...
The post The Shocking Moment of Truth — or a Desperate Plea for Packing Help appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2iglf1p
Feeding Your Golf Addiction In The Winter, Part 1: Play Golf
This is the first in a series of essays on things to feed your golf addiction in the off-season, when cold and snow drive those of us in the northern climes away from our beloved game.
The best thing a golfer can do in the golf off-season is to play golf. There’s no need to stay off the course just because the weather has turned cold. If the ground is clear of snow, there likely are courses open.
The key is not to expect much. The cold temperatures, hard ground and wind all will conspire to prevent you from scoring well. The course will have temporary, winter greens, so putting is a joke. Some courses in Michigan even reverse the tees. You start with a temporary tee near the 18th, and play backward to the 18th tee box, which has a hole cut in it. The final hole is the first tee.
Proper clothing is essential. Keep your head covered, your core warm, and dress in layers. I wear a wool hat from Tilley (I love the built-in ear flaps), flannel lined pants from LL Bean, Nike turtlenecks
Of course, all those extra clothes will keep you from making a full turn. But maybe that’s a good thing. I tend to overswing anyway.
The hard ground makes it very difficult to play irons, so I load my bag up with woods and hybrids. It’s easier to sweep the ball off the permafrost than dig into it. Lob shots are impossible, but that just makes it a good time to practice your sweeping pitches. The winter wind—at least in Michigan—is often strong, so you’ll need to work to keep your tee shots low.
Golf ball selection is important. Get one that has a very low compression and a soft cover.
Winter golf is fun, though. I’ve played golf every month of the year; on Thanksgiving break; Christmas Eve; New Year’s Day; and in mid February and March. As soon as the snow clears, and the skies are sunny, I’m packing my clubs for the course.
The post Feeding Your Golf Addiction In The Winter, Part 1: Play Golf appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2iNqZRj
dhb Aeron Rain Defence Long Sleeve Jersey – review
Excellent waterproof jersey for fast riding in bad weather
The post dhb Aeron Rain Defence Long Sleeve Jersey – review appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2iLnIOb
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Golf Is Everywhere: Kroger Country Club Crackers
I spotted these Country Club Crackers at my local Kroger the other day. The artwork reminds me of some classic golf travel posters that I’ve seen.
The post Golf Is Everywhere: Kroger Country Club Crackers appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hQRfpD
Daschunds Golfing
This video of Daschunds golfing is both ridiculous and cute.
The post Daschunds Golfing appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hzdnZM
The Weight Factor: Losing Weight on a Long Distance Hike
When the word weight is used in the backpacking world, it usually refers to what you are carrying in your backpack. The weight I’m thinking about now, is the weight I carry in every day life. The weight of my body.
The Old days
Back when I was still active duty military, I was expected to keep my weight within standards and I was pretty good at doing that. (Although, as I got older, it became harder to drop weight quickly if I needed to). ...
The post The Weight Factor: Losing Weight on a Long Distance Hike appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2ib8wwM
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
3 Decorating Ideas for Winter Window Treatments
Inspire your windows with these 3 decorating ideas for winter window treatments and keep cozy during these cold months. Consider the following ideas: adding a cheerful statement, considering bold prints and dressing up plain curtains.
Image Source: Flickr
Adding a Cheerful Statement
Think big and bright when making these bold ornaments. Red and green scrapbooking paper in fun patterns adorns shapes cut from poster board. We found ornament silhouettes online then enlarged them to suit the window. Glue three papers onto each ornament. Punch a hole at the top, then hang them on red cording or yarn taped to the top of the window. A valance of live greens finishes the display. Source: MidwestLiving
Considering Bold Prints
Bright florals that attract traditional tastes and graphic geometric patterns that offer youthful spunk are some of the bold prints being seen on windows lately. “With pattern becoming more important, it will change the way a designer designs for the window and how the client views her [or his] window fashion,” says Barrett. Source: HGTV
Dressing up Plain Curtains
Although it’s hard to go wrong with simple, solid sheers or panels, why not take them a step further? Give them a custom look by painting on a pattern or stencil, try glueing on embellishments such as silk flowers, beads or pom-poms. Or add bands of contrasting fabric to the bottoms of curtains that need a little boost.
Budget: Modest. Pretty trims can be had for a few dollars, and unadorned curtain panels for not much more. You also can go heavy on humble fabrics and light on expensive ones to get a more upscale look for less cash.
DIY: Absolutely, whether you’re working the sewing machine or wielding a glue gun. Source: DIYNetwork
Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988
The post 3 Decorating Ideas for Winter Window Treatments appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.
from Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters http://ift.tt/2iGAiSO
Preparing for the Trail- New Orleans Style
12/28/2016
This is my first post on the AT Blog. I am so excited to be part of this community. I am writing you from Covington, Louisiana which is just outside of New Orleans. My family has a home over here, so we often come over for vacations. I teach sixth grade English, and I am enjoying my last few days before school starts; I return on January 2, 2017. Covington is an adorable small community about an hour outside of New Orleans that boasts an historic district with great shops, ...
The post Preparing for the Trail- New Orleans Style appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hOtXRb
Hostel Etiquette: An Appalachian Trail Hiker’s Guide
It is my sincere hope that anyone who stays in a hostel has a fantastic experience, gets a good night’s rest, treats the hostel owner and other guests with respect, and walks away with a smile on their face. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. I received personal accounts and countless anecdotal tales from other hikers of hostel experiences gone bad during my research for this article.
Hostels are a delicate balance between comfort, affordability, and accessibility. ...
The post Hostel Etiquette: An Appalachian Trail Hiker’s Guide appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2htUVjH
The World of Golf 2017 Golf Calendar
The World of Golf 2017 Golf Calendar
Twelve month golf calendar, with spectacular photos to keep you inspired while you’re hard at work indoors.
The post The World of Golf 2017 Golf Calendar appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hnTFLv
Interview: Drops Cycling’s Becky Womersley on women’s cycling, Yorkshire and cracking the Classics
"I turned around at one point and Marianne Vos was behind me. I thought, ‘What do I do? This isn’t right.’"
The post Interview: Drops Cycling’s Becky Womersley on women’s cycling, Yorkshire and cracking the Classics appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2iq4zCb
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
The Importance of Not Giving a Shit
“Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come,
or a plane to go or the mail to come,
or the rain to go or the phone to ring,
or the snow to snow or waiting around for a Yes or No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.
Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, ...
The post The Importance of Not Giving a Shit appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2iCD73e
Monday, December 26, 2016
Ultralight Backpacking 103: The Skill Set
The following series on ultralight backpacking is brought to you by Gossamer Gear, a leading UL gear manufacturer since 1998. Gossamer Gear is a small, passionate company whose mission is to improve your experience with backpacking with the best ultralight products.
How is Lightweight Gear Different than Traditional Backpacking Gear?
t can be easy to find lightweight gear and backpacking intimidating. At times the UL gear looks like it belongs on a spaceship, and UL enthusiasts can delve into confusing webs of technical specifications. ...
The post Ultralight Backpacking 103: The Skill Set appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2i1B8sd
Mental Mondays: A Perfect Swing Is Not Necessary
Anyone who’s played golf for any length of time has seen players who are ruthlessly efficient with their very ugly swings. They aim fifty yards to the left to compensate for their slices; they have a Jim Furyk hitch; chicken wings; a follow-through that spins them around; or are constantly off balance. But somehow these players manage to get around the course in a workmanlike manner.
A guy in our golf league has a double pump at the top of his swing that’s so weird, that I try not to look for fear that it’s infectious. But somehow he’s always at the top of the league standings. It’s nasty, but it works for him.
Always remember that the game is about getting the ball into the hole with the least number of strokes. There’s no bonus for having a beautiful swing.
This is not to say that you should not try to improve your swing. You should. But when you’re out on the course, play with the swing you have, not the one you wish you had.
This mental golf tip, and 99 others can be found in The GolfBlogger’s book, The Five Inch Course: Thinking Your Way To Better Golf.
This tip is an excerpt from The Five Inch Course: Thinking Your Way To Better Golf
The post Mental Mondays: A Perfect Swing Is Not Necessary appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2i8htFc
Leather Cigar Case With Cutter
This leather cigar case holds 3 cigars up to 51 gauge and has a cutter attached. It’s a very classy way to keep your cigars safe on the course.
The post Leather Cigar Case With Cutter appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hYV8vL
RCUK’s Best Buys – this week’s hottest deals
Our round-up of this week's best road cycling deals
The post RCUK’s Best Buys – this week’s hottest deals appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2i76dsx
How to Eat (Well) on the Trail
Happy Holidays! It’s Christmas evening and this thru-hiker is feeling pretty content. I spent a few hours on the phone with family, hung out with a few friends (Rogue One is awesome, by the way!) and even had the opportunity to cook a quick breakfast with my roommates. I’m currently sitting on the couch, half-heartedly watching A Christmas Story and munching on some smoked almonds. Life is good – I might even get this article posted before all’s said and done. ...
The post How to Eat (Well) on the Trail appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hmlmY9
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Scottish Christmas Music
Scottish Christmas Music. I can’t help myself. I love fiddles, dulcumer, guitar and pipes. Haunting and beautiful.
There’s about an hour’s worth of Christmas music from Scotland on this playlist.
The post Scottish Christmas Music appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2herfDy
Have A Murray Christmas
The post Have A Murray Christmas appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/1JBIWou
Friday, December 23, 2016
The Top Sleeping Bags on the Appalachian Trail: 2016 Thru-Hiker Survey
e surveyed one hundred eighty-eight section and thru-hikers who were on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2016. We asked about the sleeping bags and pads they used. For the second year now, this included questions about quilts and hammock underquilts! For the first time, we added specific information about temperature ratings for northbounders, southbounders, and flip-floppers. For the details, keep reading – otherwise skip to the TL;DR at the end.
Insulation
Sleeping bags typically come with one of three fill types: natural down, ...
The post The Top Sleeping Bags on the Appalachian Trail: 2016 Thru-Hiker Survey appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hRzXvE
British Cycling appoint sailing supremo Stephen Park as performance director
Former RYA Olympic coach to lead team towards Tokyo 2020
The post British Cycling appoint sailing supremo Stephen Park as performance director appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2i2raY3
End-of-year review: 16 GIFs that sum up the 2016 cycling season
An animated year in cycling
The post End-of-year review: 16 GIFs that sum up the 2016 cycling season appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2hPtzot
Minion Golf Ornament
Despicable Me Minion Golf Ornament
Ridiculous Golf Item of the Week
The post Minion Golf Ornament appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hjdJ6y
Pearl Izumi Pro Softshell Lite Glove – review
Lightweight winter gloves for mild days
The post Pearl Izumi Pro Softshell Lite Glove – review appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2i1tmio
Thursday, December 22, 2016
This Tiger Woods Photo Can’t Be Unseen
This Tiger Woods Photo can’t be unseen. What was he thinking. It is one thing to look like an idiot in front of your own kids. But why would you tweet it? Has be been taking twitter lessons from Donald Trump?
The post This Tiger Woods Photo Can’t Be Unseen appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hwVGWM
The Linville Gorge Loop
Linville Gorge Loop ~ 22 Miles
Western North Carolina
The Linville Gorge Wilderness is located in part of the Pisgah National Forest in Western North Carolina. It is one of only two wilderness gorge areas located in the southern United States and is named in honor of John and William Linville, explorers who were killed by the Shawnee in the gorge in 1766. The Linville river runs through the so called “Grand Canyon of the East” which isn’t lacking in amazing views, ...
The post The Linville Gorge Loop appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hNzivh
20 Ways Thru Hiking is a lot like Christmas
Thru-Hiking is more like Christmas than you might think…
1. You are almost always surrounded by pine trees. Though the trees may not be decorated with ornaments and lights, it always smells deliciously like Christmas.
2. Every night, lights come on to light up the darkness. These lights may be attached to people’s heads via headlamp, but they’re pretty none-the-less.
3. You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get around the holidays? Hikers have that feeling every time they summit a mountain, ...
The post 20 Ways Thru Hiking is a lot like Christmas appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2heytdX
It’s A Wonderful Life
For many people, hiking the Appalachian Trail, like high school, has the potential to be either the best or worst time of your life. From casual acquaintances to the kindness of strangers, our connected stories are woven through each annual migration. Our collective experience binds us together, even as we graduate and move off into separate directions the moment we step off the trail.
The post It’s A Wonderful Life appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2i6EeJ1
New Hike, New Gear
In the past, my severe budget limited what gear I could afford. I used walmart trekking poles, wore a lot of cotton layers, and had heavy gear that wasn’t too durable. There’s nothing wrong with saving money, but it was obvious that text equipment I used was making my hikes much less enjoyable, maybe even unsafe.
When I finally decided to do a thru hike, I resolved to get better quality gear.
Big Five
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1
Though many hikers prefer the UL2, ...
The post New Hike, New Gear appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2ikoMZq
Keeping The Hands Warm On Winter Golf Rounds
Cold weather absolutely does not stop me from playing golf. Assuming that the ground is clear of snow, there are several courses within a short drive of GolfBlogger World Headquarters that remain open much of the year.
Staying warm is always an issue when playing winter golf, but as a bare-handed player, keeping the digits warm is of particular concern. What you see in the photo above is my solution. It works like a charm in the coldest weather in which I dare play golf.
On my cart handle are a pair of push cart mittens
Inside each the mittens, I keep a Zippo Black Hand Warmer
The only problem with the Zippo hand warmers is that once you start them up, there’s no way to turn them off. They will just continue to generate heat until the fuel is exhausted.
At any rate, with this setup, I can keep my bare hands toasty warm between shots. With my hands in the mittens, I push the cart to my ball. There are a few moments of exposure to the elements as I select a club and swing, then the paws are back in their cozy warm environs.
I also keep a couple of balls in the Ultimittens and swap them out on each hole. My operating theory is that it keeps them from getting hard from the cold.
The post Keeping The Hands Warm On Winter Golf Rounds appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hLj19M
Sleeping with Strangers — Part 1
Oh, hi, class of 2017! Notebook here. Congratulations on your decision to take the plunge and make a thru-hike attempt! That took a lot of guts!
One thing you might be wondering about is sheltering versus tenting, and hosteling versus hoteling, so I thought I’d put together a little guide to help you consider your options and decide what will be best for you. In Part I, today, we’ll discuss shelters versus tenting.
Shelter Life
You have probably heard the rumors already or experienced yourself some of the less-savory aspects of shelter sleeping. ...
The post Sleeping with Strangers — Part 1 appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hdqEFz
Decorating The Trek Tree
What hiking, backpacking, trail, or trekking ornaments are on your tree? I know not everyone celebrates Christmas or decorates a cut or artificial evergreen for the holidays, but I do. I adorn my tree with an eclectic collection of decorations gathered over the past several decades.
Very few of my artificial tree’s adornments were purchased by me. Some are hand-me-downs inherited from my parents, reminding me of my childhood. Others have been gifted to me by friends and family. ...
The post Decorating The Trek Tree appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2ijeKHP
Why Every Hiker Should Visit Pennsylvania (Part 2)
If you read my previous post all about Pennsylvania hiking, then you have probably figured out by now that I love my state along with every tree, rock, and rattlesnake in it. With that being said, I will be the first to admit that PA is my least favorite state so far on the AT. Not only does the trail go through one of the least dramatic sections of the state, but those rocks are like meat tenderizers for your feet and it seems like every view is full of farm land as compared to endless views of mountains along other sections of the trail. ...
The post Why Every Hiker Should Visit Pennsylvania (Part 2) appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hWuDVD
Winter Golf Tees
Winter Tees (Multicolor, Set of 3)
These look ridiculous—unless you’ve ever tried to peg a tee into frozen ground. If you’re a winter player just waiting for the first snow-free day, these will make your round go much better.
I have used these and they work.
The post Winter Golf Tees appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hg4OTz
Because…Why not?
I’m sure the most repetitive question prospective thru-hikers get, is simply “Why?”.
“Why would you leave a promising career just to walk for months on end?”
“Why do you want to hike for 2,000+ miles?”
“Why would you willingly be cold, wet, tired, and sore just to see a few mountains?”
“And Why now?”
At first, these answers may come easily, but the more I was queried, the more I asked myself the same thing. The conclusion I keep finding myself at is “Why Not?”. ...
The post Because…Why not? appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hupfYO
Hello everyone, I’m Flagstaff
Allow me to introduce myself. In the civilian world, I go by Bryan Hickman, but on the trail, I’m adopting the alias Flagstaff.
Why Flagstaff?
My luxury items are an American Flag and a POW/MIA Flag. These two flags have been with me on every hike. I’ve had to sacrifice some food and water to make room in my pack, but I would never go on an adventure without them.
Why did I decide to start hiking? ...
The post Hello everyone, I’m Flagstaff appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hKeZyF
Survival on the high street: how the local bike shop has had to adapt to survive
Can the venerable local bike shop compete against the internet giants? We spoke to three different shops to find out
The post Survival on the high street: how the local bike shop has had to adapt to survive appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2h4SlNv
Tacx Blue Matic turbo trainer – review
A budget trainer that comes packed with speed and cadence sensors for use with smart training apps
The post Tacx Blue Matic turbo trainer – review appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2hcR1eU
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Dehydrating 103: Get Cooking!
A collection of my favorite dehydrated trail meal recipes.
The post Dehydrating 103: Get Cooking! appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hX98GQ
Video: Exposure Lights and the joy of night riding
There's a certain satisfaction in defying the seasons and heading out for a night ride
The post Video: Exposure Lights and the joy of night riding appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2ifKJZp
The Longest Night; The Shortest Day
Today marks the longest night and shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
On the Winter Solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is leaning furthest away from the sun. This positions the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, and at its lowest position in the Northern Hemisphere’s sky. A From now until the Summer Solstice on June 20, the days get longer. Exactly how much longer each day depends upon your latitude and the date. Things speed up until the Spring Equinox on March 20. At that point, the rate of change between day and night is the greatest.
The transition from longer days to shorter and back again is due to the tilt of the earth on its axis. That’s the same situation that causes the seasons. Each hemisphere has winter when its side of the earth is tilted furthest away from the sun.
The word “Solstice” comes from the Latin, which roughly translates to “sun standing still.” That refers to the impression people had that the sun’s noontime position did not change for several days surrounding the Solstice. It does, of course, but without accurate tools, the change was imperceptible.
We face the longest night tonight, but the good news is that from this point, every day gets longer until the Summer Solstice on June 21. For us golfers, the longer, warmer days cannot come fast enough.
The post The Longest Night; The Shortest Day appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2h9SoL4
Sportful Fiandre NoRain Jacket – review
Seriously warm jacket with added water resistance
The post Sportful Fiandre NoRain Jacket – review appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2ieZz2d
Tom Boonen hails ‘best bike ever’ – and it has disc brakes
Four-time Paris-Roubaix winner riding Specialized Venge ViAS Disc this winter
The post Tom Boonen hails ‘best bike ever’ – and it has disc brakes appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2i9JXkJ
Toe Warmers For Winter Golf
Little Hotties Adhesive Toe Warmers
I’m always looking for ways to extend my golf season. which in Michigan means finding ways to stay warm. I’m going to add these toe warmers to my arsenal.
The post Toe Warmers For Winter Golf appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2iexcBx
Interview: Jon Dibben on swapping Manchester for the blue Sky ahead
World points race champion wants to ‘learn from the best’ after Team Sky switch Jon Dibben has finished the year by swapping rainy Manchester for wall-to-wall sunshine on the Cote d’Azure. This might in itself be sufficient reward for his graduation from British Cycling’s Olympic Academy to the ranks of Team Sky, but the 22-year-old’s […]
The post Interview: Jon Dibben on swapping Manchester for the blue Sky ahead appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2hZC9yI
Cinder-elly Cinder-elly, get fitted for a pack before hiking Cinder-elly
Since returning from the Trail, I’ve started working at an outfitter. While retail is definitely not a pleasant experience when coming back to “real life,” especially with the Christmas apocalypse upon us, it has been nice to still have this small connection to the Trail in my everyday patterns of existence. I get to talk about gear and the outdoors with customers who are at least 50% tolerable. This is of course a massive improvement over my previous retail experience with only 2-3% of the customer base being tolerable. ...
The post Cinder-elly Cinder-elly, get fitted for a pack before hiking Cinder-elly appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2h0FprV
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Gear Review: Gossamer Gear Carbon Trekking Poles [LT4S]
Basic specs:
Gossamer Gear, LT4S Trekking Pole
Custom-manufactured carbon fiber for optimum strength to weight ratio
Spiral Wrap at the tip section for added durability
Carbide tip
Small trekking baskets included
Small spectra core loop below handle for attaching a “keeper” cord
Floats, in case you drop it in a stream
0 oz/pole with straps and baskets
$103/pole
Circumstance of review:
These poles were broken in on a 20ish mile section of the AT in Virginia. ...
The post Gear Review: Gossamer Gear Carbon Trekking Poles [LT4S] appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hphhQL
Trail Food Hacks, Part 2: More work, more taste
Life after noodles
So Ramen and Knorr sides were never your thing, but Mountain House dinners, at $8 a pop, are just too expensive for what, in the end, is unimaginative food (Chili Mac and Cheese, blah). What’s a hiker to do?
First, buy or borrow a dehydrator. A word on this: Yes, an Excalibur is top of the line. But I’m guessing you’ve never held back from making margaritas or smoothies in a cheap shit blender because you can’t afford a Vitamix. ...
The post Trail Food Hacks, Part 2: More work, more taste appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2h8584M
Trail Food Hacks Part 1: Easy Recipes for Frugal Hiker
If you’ve already decided to go stoveless, or if you’ve taken out a loan to buy six months’ worth of Mountain House, this blog isn’t for you. Ditto if you’re super health-conscious and/or a serious foodie, someone who would pierce your heart with a hiking pole before eating boxed Mac & Cheese (although stay tuned for my forthcoming blog, “Trail Food Hacks Part 2.” Nope, it’s for the rest of the world, the folks who empty a pouch of rice or pasta sides into a cooking pot almost every night, ...
The post Trail Food Hacks Part 1: Easy Recipes for Frugal Hiker appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2id2qbW
Keeping ‘The Watch’: How Thru-Hiking Changes Your Sleep Cycle
Turns out long-distance hiking can accidentally put you in touch with a reeeeally old way of catching Zs.
The post Keeping ‘The Watch’: How Thru-Hiking Changes Your Sleep Cycle appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2gZg5CJ
The Top Tents and Hammocks on the Appalachian Trail: 2016 Thru-Hiker Survey
or the third year running, we surveyed long-distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail in 2016, regarding the shelter systems they used. This year, we added more specific questions about tent sizes, tarp sizes, and preferences for couples versus solo hikers. For the details, keep reading, or skip to the TL;DR at the bottom for an overview.
The Survey
One hundred eighty eight thru-hikers and long distance section hikers from the AT’s Class of 2016 participated in the survey. ...
The post The Top Tents and Hammocks on the Appalachian Trail: 2016 Thru-Hiker Survey appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hEJtlv
Ride Unfamiliarity
Today I was hit with the feeling that most recent grads fall in to: What now?
As I finished throwing all of my belongings into my Jeep to leave my quit-familiar college town, I became nostalgic.
Although, I’m not exactly finished with school, it’s crazy to think that I’ve finally made it to the gap year that I ever so longed for. Over the past three years, I can remember so many sleepless weeks where I dreamed of the days that I wouldn’t have to study. ...
The post Ride Unfamiliarity appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2ic6xVK
Footjoy WinterSof Gloves Review
Grade: A
Teacher’s Comments: I use these every day, on the course and off.
Footjoy’s Winter Sof gloves are quite obviously intended for cold weather use on the course, but I have a pair that I keep in my jacket pockets for every day use. As you might expect from a pair of golf gloves, they are close fitting, without the bunching and awkwardness that you get from more traditional winter gloves. I particularly like the suede leather palm; not only is it good for gripping clubs, it also works well on steering wheels and for operating cameras and cell phones.
As for warmth, the Wintesof perform admirably. The body of the gloves is a nice fleece, and there’s a knit cuff that keeps that heat point in your wrists warm. It also helps to keep the gloves from sliding around.
Recommended.
The post Footjoy WinterSof Gloves Review appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hE4XyP
More Meditations in Nature: More Quotes to Inspire and Live By
Get inspired, or get pumped about your next big hike!
The post More Meditations in Nature: More Quotes to Inspire and Live By appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hDYHai
Bridgestone Signs Big Deal with Tiger Woods
Bridgestone Signs Big Deal with Tiger Woods
Although Tiger Woods has been out of the game due to a back injury recently, it doesn’t look like the 40-year-old is set to forget about golf just yet. Recently it was announced that Woods and Bridgestone finalised a relationship on Thursday 15th Dec, with the brand announcing that they have signed a multi-year deal with the world’s number one golfer, who will be promoting their range of golf balls. Woods, who is going to be turning 41 at the end of this month, is expected to be appearing in their television commercials and featured in all print advertising for the brand, along with appearing on their website, on packaging, and at point-of-purchase displays.
The Right Decision
In a statement, Woods said that finding the right golf balls is hugely important to any serious golfer, and that the balls are an extremely important part of his equipment. He has been evaluating new deals by having various products sent to him, however, he has reportedly not been very interactive with the brands, including Bridgestone who reported that they ‘had no communication with him’ and had nothing in the way of helping to influence his decision to choose them to sponsor through marketing. According to Bridgestone director of marketing Corey Consuegra, the brand supplied Woods with the product but the communications stopped there before he finally chose them.
According to Woods’ agent Mark Steinburg, the star golfer ‘did a lot of testing’ but this product was the one that really shone for him. His agent went on to say that the whole process was all about finding what works for Tiger and which products he actually finds useful and would buy himself, before finalising a promotion deal. Since turning pro in 1996, the Bridgestone brand is the third to be endorsed by Woods, who used Titleist balls from the beginning of his career until 2000 before switching to Nike. Although he will continue to be an ambassador for the brand as he has been for the past two decades, the new move to Bridgestone comes as Nike made the decision this year to cease manufacturing golfing equipment. If the new move means that Woods is set to restart playing professionally, don’t forget to be ready to place your bet with some of the great options at Bookmaker Ratings.
Industry Boost
Bridgestone ranks behind Titleist and Callaway as the third favourite golf equipment brand, according to research conducted by industry tracking firm, GolfDataTech. However, the golf ball market is currently flat, similar to the rest of the industry – meaning that Tiger and Consuegra have made an important decision which will support the credibility of the brand. So far, notable spokespeople for Bridgestone include Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar, and Brandt Snedeker.
However, there is one potential new challenger entering the game. During the past few months, Costco have become a competitor as they have started selling golf balls price at $30 for two dozen, working out at just $1.25 per ball. This could present a new challenge for Bridgestone, as according to Costco’s website, the golf balls have already sold out and are quickly becoming one of their favourite new products. Bridgestone currently sells their Tour B-S330 balls at $45 per dozen, working out at over double the price of Costco’s product at $3.75 per ball, however, this is in line with other high-end golfing brands and shoppers can certainly expect only the best quality.
Future Plans
According to Steinburg, Tiger is still testing other clubs but no decisions have been made yet. Although there was an initial buzz around Woods potentially endorsing Bob Parsons’ PXG brand, that was brought to an abrupt end when Parsons told Golf Digest that he didn’t think Woods’ game was what it once was.
Does the new move mean that the world number one will be returning to the top of golf soon?
The post Bridgestone Signs Big Deal with Tiger Woods appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hPFMaL
Rapha Festive 500: eight tips to conquer the challenge
Tempted by the Rapha Festive 500 but intimidated by the challenge? Then read our top tips
The post Rapha Festive 500: eight tips to conquer the challenge appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2hPm3rT
Revamped Ribble R872 available now from £1,099
British brand's best-selling carbon race bike overhauled for 2017
The post Revamped Ribble R872 available now from £1,099 appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2h5ZVdN
Cobra King F7 Irons For 2017
The Cobra King F7 Irons are a progressive set that transition from hollow body long irons to half-hollow mid irons to cavity back short irons.
The clubs feature:
- PWRSHELL™ FACE
Cobra says that a high strength 17-4 stainless steel cup face design produces a larger sweet zone on a thinner, stronger face. This is said to produce more distance and forgiveness.
- 100% CNC MILLED GROOVES
The Cobra King F7 irons feature CNC Milled Grooves to increase spin and optimizes trajectory throughout the set.
- CENTERED CG
Weight is strategically removed from the center of the club head and redistributed around the face lower and further back. Lower and centered CG placement creates more precision without sacrificing forgiveness.
The post Cobra King F7 Irons For 2017 appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2iay9e5
Ultimate Étapes by Peter Cossins – book review
A valuable resource for the road cyclist with ambition, and a beautiful, coffee table book for anyone else
The post Ultimate Étapes by Peter Cossins – book review appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2ias6WW
Christmas survival guide: how to strike the cycling and social balance over the festive season
How to keep on top of your training through December
The post Christmas survival guide: how to strike the cycling and social balance over the festive season appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2iadAyk
Monday, December 19, 2016
Six. Months. Of. Food.
As someone who's 40 years old with particular dietary preferences that don't include candy bars and pasta sides, I've decided to prepare all of my food in advance and have my partner, Ginger Dragon, ship it to me. It's an intimidating undertaking.
The post Six. Months. Of. Food. appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hOBNxN
5 Last Minute Christmas Decorating Ideas
With all the rush and parties that happen during the holidays, you might not have been able to prioritize decorating your home. With only a week left before Christmas you might think time has run out, but it hasn’t! Here are 5 last minute decorating ideas you can try before Christmas arrives:
Image Source: Flickr
Nostalgic Photo Display
A fireplace mantel mimics the function of a Christmas tree when festooned with ribbon, beads, and nostalgic photos. Decked in blue and white, this display can last all winter long. Simply remove the Christmas-theme ornaments and leave the snowflakes and photographs in place. Source: BHG
Good Wish Tree
Fill the house with holiday cheer by hanging holiday card cutouts from branches in a vase.
Cut recycled holiday cards into small rectangles and punch a hole in one end. For the blank side, invite guests and family to write notes of thanks and hope. Hang on fallen branches displayed in a vase. Source: MarthaStewart
Bottles and Branches
Gather empty soda or olive oil bottles and place branches with red berries inside to make these simple and elegant decor pieces. Green-hued bottles give off the right amount of Christmas cheer, but clear bottles will do the trick, too. Tie tags with holiday greetings onto the bottles for a finishing touch. Source: WayFair
Dress the Doorknobs
Yes, trust us when we tell you, it looks great. Add a bit of holly to your doorknob for a fun holiday/Christmas touch. Add a satin ribbon, tie a wee sleigh bell and you are done. If you do not have holly or don’t want to buy one, just snap some leaves out of any tree and tie them to your door knob with a ribbon. It will look just as pretty. Source: HuffingtonPost
Window Dressings
There’s more to holiday decorating than just the tree and the mantel―consider window ledges and empty bookshelves, too. Place pine boughs in a large vase and hang a handful of ornaments on them. Fill old jars with pistachio nuts, winterberries, or red peppercorns and nestle a tealight on top. Or go for a seashore motif, assembling an array of starfish draped with a length of plain red string. Source: RealSimple
We can surely help you out with all your window treatment needs. Contact us!
Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988
The post 5 Last Minute Christmas Decorating Ideas appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.
from Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters http://ift.tt/2hBSBHw
Resistance is Insidious*
Resistance is a funny thing. It makes me laugh. It always comes up when I’m about to do something that’s really important to me. Today, it was snowing and super slushy outside, so I decided to stay inside and work on my resupply strategy. I opened my computer and clicked on Craig’s PCT Planner. Before I could begin, I needed my Yogi’s PCT Handbook, which happens to reside in my backpack (no it won’t be there for the trail, ...
The post Resistance is Insidious* appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2h5wkTD
This Week’s Top Instagram Posts from the #PacificCrestTrail
Thru-hiking season is in full throttle on the #PCT! And there are some great photos floating around thanks to all the hikers out there! Unfortunately, if you are reading this right now, you probably aren’t out on the trail (thanks for reading if you are!). Good news, this is the next best thing!
If you’d like to be featured, we search Instagram for great photos with the hashtag #PacificCrestTrail, #PCT and #PacificCrestTrials (our personal favorite) and select a few standouts each week for your viewing pleasure. ...
The post This Week’s Top Instagram Posts from the #PacificCrestTrail appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hBxXYd
Shaken Down and Laid Up
The cold rains are blowing into Philadelphia and the Christmas lights are popping up all over the neighborhoods. Old ladies and hipsters are walking their poor dogs dressed in obnoxious holiday sweaters. As the sun sets, more or less, on my 2016 camping season, it’s time to drink strong beer, reflect on my shakedown hikes, and get excited for spring.
Two trips in particular stand out. The first was a fantastic hike in the Shenendoahs, which was an important trip to me for several reasons: I needed to test a new pack, ...
The post Shaken Down and Laid Up appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hNr46I
What Matters Most to Colleges?
Essays, extracurricular activities, and teacher recommendations all go a long way in showing admissions committees the talent, curiosity, and engagement a student would bring to campus. But grades and test scores still take the lead.
According to a recent report by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, grades, academic rigor, and standardized test scores are the most important factors in admissions decisions (and have been for the last 20 years).
What does this mean for your patrons?
- Aim for good grades in challenging courses. Advanced math, honors, AP, and IB classes all signal to admissions officers that a student is ready for college-level course work. Colleges look at overall GPA, too!
- Make a plan to prep for the test of your choice. Colleges accept both the SAT and ACT, so students should explore both to see which test is best for them.
Great grades and stellar test scores do more than just help a student get into college—they can also factor into financial aid decisions. Some colleges offer full scholarships based on GPA and SAT/ACT scores, while others give out large merit-based grants for academic achievement. Even at schools where awards are based solely on financial need, applicants with impressive transcripts receive optimal aid packages—those with a higher percentage of grants and a lower percentage of loans.
The Path to College
Here are a few tips for college-bound students as they build their transcripts.
- Start early. Students should ask themselves, “What is the most rigorous schedule I can take and be successful?”
- Look at the big picture. Students should be aware of the prerequisite courses they need to take first so that they’ll be ready for more challenging courses later.
- All four years of grades matters. Sophomore and junior year grades are of particular interest to colleges, both for GPA and rigor, but admissions officers will see them all.
- Even if your student had a rough school year, there’s still time to turn their grades around. Many colleges will reward their upward trajectory.
- Honors or AP courses? Colleges like them both. The bottom line is that admission committees want to see that students are challenging themselves with the course options available to them.
- Don’t forget to leave room in the schedule for test prep. Most students take the SAT or ACT for the first time in the fall or spring of their junior year. Plan to start a study plan as many as 8 to 10 weeks before your student takes the test.
Taking a challenging workload that will appeal to colleges does not mean students have to feel perpetually overwhelmed. A key component of a smart high school plan is knowing where to go when you need help. At Tutor.com, our experts are online 24/7 to give students a hand whenever they get stuck. In fact, 95% of student who work with us report improved grades, giving them a better chance to get into the college of their choice.
Sign up for a demonstration of the new Tutor.com for Libraries with SAT/ACT Essentials, powered by The Princeton Review.
[contact-form]The post What Matters Most to Colleges? appeared first on Official Tutor.com Blog.
from Official Tutor.com Blog http://ift.tt/2i7ISpz
Ultralight Backpacking 102: The Gear Guide
The following series on ultralight backpacking is brought to you by Gossamer Gear, a leading UL gear manufacturer since 1998. Gossamer Gear is a small, passionate company whose mission is to improve your experience with backpacking with the best ultralight products.
f you missed the first installation in this three part series: Intro to Ultralight here’s a quick fix to get you up to speed. In the first part we talked about how to get into the mindset of a lightweight backpacker. ...
The post Ultralight Backpacking 102: The Gear Guide appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2i1WOp7
Happy Holidays
This is a test. The site where my blog is hosted recently changed its URL , and I want to make sure it can work before I hit the trail again in 2017.
So, if my post works, happy holidays! And if not, I will be back to the drawing board. ...
The post Happy Holidays appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hjpGoF
On The Mistakes I Will Make
Although long distance hiking will be a new endeavor for me, I have a lot of solo travel experience. However, every experience is ripe with mistakes, awkward exchanges, and almost always practicing my magical ability of getting lost. Sometimes in impossible to get lost in locations. None of which bodes well for the trail.
On a 3-month solo jaunt to South East Asia, I missed my first plane out of Alaska. By 24 hours. Because I forgot to double check the date. ...
The post On The Mistakes I Will Make appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hMkxGK
Great Walks in History
The climb out of any trail town is always a little brutal. Your belly is a bit bigger than usual, your food bag is fuller, and it’s always uphill. It was hot when we left Hot Springs, and Megan (trail name: Voldemort) had just caught up with me. We were barely a couple miles north of town and we were already missing it. In addition to seeing friends from home and family (I’m from near there) we had also been treated to a rare performance during our brief stay. ...
The post Great Walks in History appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2i7qsFk
RCUK’s Christmas Gift Guide 2016: last-minute cycling gifts
Left it too late? Here’s what to buy if you’re still looking for some cycling-inspired gift inspiration The final weekend before Christmas has been and gone, the school holidays have begun and, let’s face it, if you’ve not sorted your Christmas shopping you’re in a spot of bother. But fear not – if you’re still […]
The post RCUK’s Christmas Gift Guide 2016: last-minute cycling gifts appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2i7feR8
Sir Dave Brailsford reveals medical package delivered to Team Sky at 2011 Criterium du Dauphine contained fluimucil
Brailsford reiterates faith in the system and insists Sky did not abuse TUEs
The post Sir Dave Brailsford reveals medical package delivered to Team Sky at 2011 Criterium du Dauphine contained fluimucil appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2hRHmZf
Classic cols, pro-level support and banter with the Black Widows: riding the Haute Route in the magical Pyrenees
Fancy taking on the Haute Route next year? Here's our own Haute Route Pyrenees debutant got on in 2017
The post Classic cols, pro-level support and banter with the Black Widows: riding the Haute Route in the magical Pyrenees appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2hiG3C7
Cobra King F7 Connected Driver
Cobra King F7 Connected Driver
Cobra may be breaking some new ground with its “connected” King F7 Driver. The club has an electronic tracking device built right into the grip, which connects with your phone and lets you track your distance and consistency.
It is an interesting idea. I wonder if a set of clubs is coming with similar built-in gadgetry.
In addition to the tracking system the club features:
- Extreme Carbon Fiber Crown-Extreme carbon fiber yields a 20% lighter crown allowing for more weight to be redistributed lower and deeper into the club head for extreme distance and forgiveness
- 3 DRIVERS IN 1-Three different CG settings in the front, back, and heel positions
- MYFLY8 with SMARTPAD-8 easily adjustable loft settings to manage trajectory
- Forged Ti-811 E9 Face-A New, re-engineered Forged 8-11 Titanium E9 face is a variable thickness structure that is lighter, thinner, and hotter, creating faster ball speeds and a larger sweet spot.
For another great adjustable driver, read the review on the Mizuno JPX 900.
The post Cobra King F7 Connected Driver appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2h2JeS5
Boardman Bikes granted planning permission for ‘revolutionary’ cycling performance centre
Cotswolds facility to include a wind tunnel, physiology testing suite and concept store Chris Boardman’s dream of opening a ‘revolutionary’ cycling performance centre is set to become a reality after planning permission was approved for an 18,000 square feet site in Worcestershire. The Boardman Bikes Performance Centre will house a cycling-specific wind tunnel, physiology testing […]
The post Boardman Bikes granted planning permission for ‘revolutionary’ cycling performance centre appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2i64PVW
Sunday, December 18, 2016
My Lifelong Dream…72 Days
So the Appalachian Trail…
It all started as a kid, doing day hikes on the AT with my dad, seeing thru-hikers at Fontana Dam after fishing as a child, then books, then documentaries, then a realization that I was going to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. I just graduated from Western Carolina University a few days ago, a semester early (GO CATS!). I decided to take part in this journey this past summer on a hike at Max Patch, ...
The post My Lifelong Dream…72 Days appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2i5f2Sw
Gear Review: Montbell Spiral Down Hugger #5
It’s no secret that Montbell has become one of my favorite UL gear manufacturers. You can see this is evident by reading my other gear reviews: Torrent Flyer Rain jacket, Anorak Down Puffy, Convertible Rain pants. I completed my entire through hike carrying all of those items in my pack. They were all amazing in their own right and will continue with me on all of my hiking in the future. I carried the Montbell Spiral Down Hugger from Virginia through Massachussetts. ...
The post Gear Review: Montbell Spiral Down Hugger #5 appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hKkqhe
RCUK’s Best Buys – this week’s hottest deals
Our round-up of this week's best road cycling deals
The post RCUK’s Best Buys – this week’s hottest deals appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2hI5Q7w
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Hold Up, Let Me Introduce Myself
This is an intro blog to help you get know who I am (including some fun facts!) and how I got to this point. I'm two months out from leaving for my 2017 NOBO thru-hike attempt.
The post Hold Up, Let Me Introduce Myself appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hvtk1Z
Friday, December 16, 2016
Gear Review: Women’s Big Agnes Sunshine Hooded DownTek Jacket
I never go backpacking without a puffy, and this is my new favorite. Find out why!
The post Gear Review: Women’s Big Agnes Sunshine Hooded DownTek Jacket appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hDmIPk
For The Weekend: St. Brendan’s Cream Liqueur
Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Liqueur
Grade: B
Teacher’s Comments: Smooth, rich and lightly sweet.
Cream liqueurs are a blend of cream and a liquor, most commonly a whiskey. They’re often used in coffee drinks, but also are good over the rocks. In the past, I’ve enjoyed Bailey’s, which seems to be the most commonly available brand. On a recent trip to the store, however, I spotted Saint Brendan’s and was intrigued by the shape of the bottle.
St. Brendan’s Irish Cream Liqueur has a smooth and rich taste, with hints of chocolate, vanilla and coffee. It is sweet, but not overly so. In comparison to Bailey’s, I think Saint Brendan’s is a bit less sweet and a bit less thick.
In any case, a cream liqueur is for me mostly a dessert, to be enjoyed when I want something rich and sweet, but not filling. Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Liqueur fits the bill quite nicely.
The post For The Weekend: St. Brendan’s Cream Liqueur appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hszrE1
Henrik Stenson named as the 2016 European Golfer of the Year
Henrik Stenson has been named the 2016 European Tour Golfer of the Year, winning the award for a second time after an impressive year once again.
The 40-year-old produced an impressive 11 Top-10 finishes on the tour on his way to winning the Race to Dubai title for the first time since 2013. The formidable Swede finished ahead of nearest challenger and Masters champion Danny Willett in the Order of Merit, in a season which also saw Stenson gain a silver medal at the Rio Olympics and represent Europe in the Ryder Cup.
If you enjoy placing bets on the big golfing events on the European Tour, there is a great free bet calculator for working out your bets, which is particularly handy for multiples and exotics.
A re-tear of the right knee saw Henrik Stenson fail to qualify for the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship, giving the Swede more time to recover for the Ryder Cup, where he played all five matches for Darren Clarke’s side, where victory in the Friday fourballs alongside Justin Rose and a Sunday singles triumph over Jordan Spieth was not enough to stop Europe falling to a 17-11 defeat to the USA.
To bolster his position as the most revered golfer on the continent, Henrik Stenson also won the Golf Writers Trophy for the second time in 2016. This particular award is voted by members of Association of Golf Writers and is awarded to the European player that has made the year’s “most outstanding contribution to golf”. Few would argue Stenson hasn’t earned it.
Esteemed company, but Stenson is riding the crest of a wave at the moment and he is a man to watch in 2017. Staying injury free will be the most important factor in how the next few seasons play out for Stenson, a knee injury can be very tricky especially under the strain of professional golfing. Provided he stays in one piece though, the confidence and experience gained in 2016 can only propel his game forward again.
The post Henrik Stenson named as the 2016 European Golfer of the Year appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hXmgba
This Week’s Top Instagram Photos from the #AppalachianTrail
Ready for more of that sweet instagramy goodness to beam straight into your eyeballs? If you’re sad you’re not out on the trail today just sit back and join the rest of the Internet as we live vicariously through our hiker trash brethren.
We peruse all of the wonderful pictures from Instagram with the hashtag #TheTrekAT and #AppalachianTrials and select a few of the best each week to highlight for your viewing pleasure!
This week we take a look at photos snapped between 12/05/16 – 12/12/16. ...
The post This Week’s Top Instagram Photos from the #AppalachianTrail appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hXbce7
Ultralight Backpacking 101: A Psychological and Emotional Guide
The following series on ultralight backpacking is brought to you by Gossamer Gear, a leading UL gear manufacturer since 1998. Gossamer Gear is a small, passionate company whose mission is to improve your experience with backpacking with the best ultralight products.
fter increasingly unsteady steps, I stopped in the middle of the trail, unbuckled my hipbelt with a sweaty flick of my wrist, and wrested the 40 pound pack off my shoulders into the dry, Maine dirt with a resounding thump. ...
The post Ultralight Backpacking 101: A Psychological and Emotional Guide appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2gTtXRZ
Bianchi Oltre XR4 Dura-Ace road bike – review
Bianchi's flagship race bike lives up to its superb bike credentials
The post Bianchi Oltre XR4 Dura-Ace road bike – review appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2hENeVA
Ugly Christmas Golf Sweater
Ugly Christmas Golf Sweater
Ridiculous Golf Item of the Week
The post Ugly Christmas Golf Sweater appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2gRiRyt
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Experiencing the Weight of Glory, Desire, & Excitement.
This trail, this journey, this deep down desire, is a call to something greater: to be greater, experience great things, and to be in relationship with great people. I would have no desire in walking 2,109.3 miles unless something was calling me; something which I have been desiring to experience but did not yet know what would fill that desire.
The post Experiencing the Weight of Glory, Desire, & Excitement. appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hAaOWE
5 Avoidable Mistakes Gas Monkey has Already Made
Less than 100 days stand between me and the start of my thru-hike. One of the best ways I have prepared for this grand undertaking were the section hikes that I did prior to my start date. The best/worst part of these section hikes was making mistakes. While they sucked at the time, I’m sure glad that I won’t be making these decisions again. Here are my top 5 mistakes that I’ve already made so the rest of us don’t have to!
...
The post 5 Avoidable Mistakes Gas Monkey has Already Made appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hLZzeb
Safety Tips for Hiking in the City at Night
Long summer days are gone, and winter nights come early, especially here in Canada. I do a lot of my training for the PCT in the city, and sometimes I end up going out alone near sunset or after dark. For my peace of mind and Tim’s, I came up with a list of things to do in order to stay safe when out on these long walks at night.
Safety Tips for Hiking in the City at Night
Don’t go solo – if you can find someone to go with, ...
The post Safety Tips for Hiking in the City at Night appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2gQ5mxH
Choosing My Trail Name – The Rest of the Story
Why the Trail Name “Red Beard”?
In my bio, I imply my trail name, Red Beard, is based on my self image. However, there is more to it than that. When I was younger, I had blond hair and a red beard. I jokingly told people that I inherited my blond hair from my father and my red beard from my mother. So, my image of myself is not that of a bald, gray-bearded old man. ...
The post Choosing My Trail Name – The Rest of the Story appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hSQFY3
The Count Down is On
Wow! Only 58 days before I leave on my hike. Just think, this dream started over 40 years ago but became a reality only about a year ago. I have been planning, training, testing, and thinking about this hike for so long it feels like I have hiked the trail already. It started out as something I wanted to do when I saw my brother and some friends hike sections of the trail back in the 70s. ...
The post The Count Down is On appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2h59ZBv
LPGA Volvik Championship Tickets On Sale Now
Tickets for 2017 are on sale now. For golf fans in Southeastern Michigan, tickets to the Volvik LPGA would make a great holiday gift.
Grounds ticket prices start at $20 from Wednesday through Friday, with tickets priced at $25 for the final two rounds of action on Saturday and Sunday. A weeklong grounds ticket is only $60. Also popular is the $120 Weeklong Clubhouse ticket. This ticket allows you access to the TPCC Clubhouse starting on Monday through the Championship final round on Sunday. The Weeklong Clubhouse ticket represents a $130 savings from individual daily purchases. Children 17 and under receive free Grounds access all week, with a paid adult. Free Grounds admission for all fans during the Monday and Tuesday practice rounds.
Once again, the LPGA Volvik Championship will offer free Grounds tickets to Active Duty, Retired Military, and Veterans (and one guest) all week. Individuals need to present an acceptable form of identification at the gate. (Example: Copy of DD214, VA picture ID card, driver’s license with a veteran symbol.)
This year, complimentary Spectator Lot Parking is available with tickets purchased online in advance of tournament week (May 21, 2017, deadline).
Last year, Ariya Jutanugarn (-15) shot a final round 5-under 67 to win her third consecutive LPGA tournament by five strokes at the LPGA Volvik Championship on her way to a breakout year. Jutanugarn captured the 2016 LPGA Tour’s Player of the Year award, the LPGA money title and was the champion in the Race to CME Globe points competition that gave her a $1 million bonus.
“The fans, the business community, the volunteers and especially the LPGA players helped make the 2016 event one of the best tournaments in the country,” said Tournament Director Keith Karbo. “This year we want to replicate that atmosphere and develop more synergy within the community to make the LPGA Volvik Championship even better.”
For more information, go to http://ift.tt/1SKSHu8 or call 734-707-0789.
The post LPGA Volvik Championship Tickets On Sale Now appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hpi9aH
Tiger Signs With Bridgestone Golf
Tiger Signs With Bridgestone Golf
Former No. 1 in World Golf Rankings to Play Bridgestone Tour B330-S Golf Ball
Tiger Woods has signed a multi-year agreement to play and promote Bridgestone balls. The move comes in the wake of Nike’s decision to withdraw from the golf equipment market.
It still is not known which clubs Tiger will play.
Woods will play the Bridgestone Tour B330-S ball.
“Finding the right golf ball is extremely important. It’s an essential part of my equipment, and the Bridgestone B330-S ball is hands-down the best for my game,” said Woods. “Controlling launch and trajectory is critical, and with this ball I feel I have total control to hit all shots accurately. I’m not just here to play – I’m here to win, and the innovative breakthroughs of the Bridgestone B330-S ball can help me do that.”
Bridgestone touts its balls with data from amateur ball fitting sessions that suggest that the W B330-S flies six yards longer and is more accurate than the leading competitors. The data is based on 1,622 ball fitting sessions between February, 2015 and September, 2016.
Bridgestone golf balls currently are played by FedEx Cup champion Brandt Snedeker, Olympic bronze medalist Matt Kuchar, Masters winner Fred Couples, three-time major champion Nick Price and rising star Bryson DeChambeau.
“No one spends more time perfecting their equipment than Tiger Woods, and no one holds their equipment to a higher standard,” says Angel Ilagan, President and CEO, Bridgestone Golf. “His choice of Bridgestone sends a clear message that our golf balls are superior to all others.”
As part of the partnership, Woods will be featured in digital, social, print and broadcast marketing globally as a Bridgestone Golf ambassador. The winner of 14 major championships and 79 PGA Tour events is also excited to support the popular Bridgestone ball-fitting program, which he believes can stimulate a new generation of golfers and increase enjoyment for all players.
“Bridgestone wants to make golf easier for everyone,” said Woods. “Knowing that every golfer’s game and swing is unique, it works to match each individual with the best ball for his or her game. If you’re not switching to Bridgestone, you’re missing out on better scores and a better experience.”
Bridgestone introduced the Tour B330-S in early 2016. Bridgestone says that its performance advantages are the result of its patented TOURcore. Now six percent larger than the prior model, it produces even faster speed and less spin off the driver via Bridgestone’s gradational core formulation. For increased greenside control, the B330-S wears the breakthrough SlipRes cover, which increases stopping power without the usual negative effects of added driver spin.
The post Tiger Signs With Bridgestone Golf appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hxscLn
RCUK’s Christmas Gift Guide 2016: upgrades for your road bike
From added glitz and glamour to some serious performance enhancements, treat your bike to some upgrades this Christmas
The post RCUK’s Christmas Gift Guide 2016: upgrades for your road bike appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2h40Vgf
Fifteen things any cyclist who has ridden through winter will recognise
Whether this is your first winter on the bike or your a grizzled veteran, there are certain things any cyclist will recognise
The post Fifteen things any cyclist who has ridden through winter will recognise appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2hwLlNI
Canyon introduce clean sweep of disc-equipped road bikes for 2017 with launch of Aeroad Disc and Ultimate Disc
Twenty-one disc-equipped road bikes in the German brand's range for 2017
The post Canyon introduce clean sweep of disc-equipped road bikes for 2017 with launch of Aeroad Disc and Ultimate Disc appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2gDM4Il
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Meet the Class of 2016: 149 Glorious Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hiker Completion Photos
We’ve paid homage to the Appalachian Trail Class of 2016, it’s time to do the same for our thru-hiking friends to the west.
Throughout the last few months, we’ve shared your completion photos from Manning Park and Campo (for our SOBOs)- below is the roundup of all these photos, plus a handful of new photos.
“I THRU-HIKED THE PCT THIS YEAR AND I’M NOT ON HERE, DAGNABBIT!” you exclaim. No sweat, simply email us your photos here – be sure to include your Trail Name and completion date. ...
The post Meet the Class of 2016: 149 Glorious Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hiker Completion Photos appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2hwHwVH
We Did It
June 1, 2016-November 13, 2016
As my knees became shaky, my palms became sweaty, and as my heart raced faster than it ever has before, I climbed the very last mountain of the Appalachian Trail. I probably tripped over 50 rocks on my way up Springer Mountain. I was filled with excitement, pure joy, nervousness of life after the trail.. you name it, I felt it. It’s been one month since these emotions took over me, ...
The post We Did It appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2h0nZfQ
HOY100 sportive returns with new summer date: your chance to ride with Sir Chris Hoy
Six-time Olympic champion's sportive returns to Cheshire in July 2017
The post HOY100 sportive returns with new summer date: your chance to ride with Sir Chris Hoy appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2hv1UGQ
QuickStep Floors reveal new blue and white kit
JLT-Condor also unveil new jerseys, marking a departure from "Men in Black" look
The post QuickStep Floors reveal new blue and white kit appeared first on Road Cycling UK.
from Road Cycling UK http://ift.tt/2hvZwzX
Momentus Strength Trainer
For the winter months, the Momentus Strength Trainer may help to keep you in game shape. Over the past year, I’ve become a big believer in strength training — not only for golf, but for general well-being. I joined a gym a year ago and have been working out religiously since. I’ve never felt better.
The Momentus Strength trainer is something I’ve been looking to get. It’s designed to:
- Create a stronger and more powerful golf swing in just minutes a day
- Build strength and flexibility in the golf-specific muscles.
- The patented counter balanced weighting technology allows you to work out with a heavier golf club for maximum impact while maintaining proper form.
The post Momentus Strength Trainer appeared first on GolfBlogger Golf Blog.
from GolfBlogger Golf Blog http://ift.tt/2hEkQpM
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
3 Care Tips for Your Window Treatments
It’s important to ensure that your window treatments stay in great shape all year long. Continue reading to learn more about some care tips, including: follow the manufacturer’s instructions, install window film and use air.
Image Source: Flickr
Below are 3 care tips for your window treatments.
Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions
Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning, care and handling instructions for window treatments. Check the tag for care instructions.
Do not apply water-based solutions to wood blinds. The water will warp and discolor the wood. Only use products specifically formulated for wood. Source: wikiHow
Install Window Film
Sunshine and dust are a pain in the pane to most curtains. Installing window film to block UV rays will help reduce fading while a gentle tug when closing your curtains will prevent dust from collecting. Source: Angieslist
Use Air
Window treatments can last a long time, looking beautiful for many years…as long as they are treated well. Many of our clients or their house cleaners wear jewelry and while cleaning their rings or bracelets and watches have harmed their window coverings in the past. Not touching them and using only air helps protect your investment. Source: Houzz
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please give us a call or contact us here.
Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988
The post 3 Care Tips for Your Window Treatments appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.
from Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters http://ift.tt/2hr76hD
Why I’m choosing the AT over college in 2017…
If you have read the book Appalachian Trials, you know about the three lists which Zach Davis advises prospective thru-hikers to make before they begin (and if you haven’t read it, you should!). These lists are meant to remind you of your purpose for being on the trail when you begin to question it. So here is my logic behind my decision to hike 2,189 miles:
I am thru-hiking the Appalachian trail because….
I will be living up to my biggest dream. ...
The post Why I’m choosing the AT over college in 2017… appeared first on The Trek.
from The Trek http://ift.tt/2huNkPZ
Tudor House – Vancouver – Cambie Corridor
Arriving to the Cambie Corridor is a new boutique development by Formwerks called Tudor House. This stunning development is going to have 15 residences in a 4 storey building. We can expect to see luxurious finishes and spacious floor plans.
Tudor House will consist of 1, and 2 bedroom garden-level suites along with 3 bedroom townhouses. Situated near by is the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park and Langara Golf Course.
Pricing for Tudor House
Pricing has not yet been determined. Please register and join our VIP list to be one of the first to receive information
The post Tudor House – Vancouver – Cambie Corridor appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.
from Buildings – Vancouver New Condos http://ift.tt/2gIXJJa
Yukon Residences – Vancouver – Cambie Corridor
Albaster Homes is proud to announce there newest development to the Cambie corridor Yukon Residences. This Gorgeous development of boutique town-homes will be situated within walking distance of Winona park & Langara Golf Course.
Yukon Residences will consist of 33 3-4 bedroom homes Spread out over 4 buildings with spectacular views of Winona park and Langara golf course. Floor plans have not yet been finalized but finishes will certainly be high end and luxury in style.
Nearby the development there will be everything you need including Supermarkets,Restaurants,Bars,Fitness centers and if this is not enough Oakridge mall is only a few minutes ride on the Canada Line.
Pricing for Yukon Residences:
Experience living on Vancouver’s well sought after Cambie Corridor and be apart of an Amazing community, register now for more information on floor plans and pricing.
Expected Completion:
To be announced.
The post Yukon Residences – Vancouver – Cambie Corridor appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.
from Buildings – Vancouver New Condos http://ift.tt/2hC52Uu