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United Spokes of America

While Washington may be known for gridlock from time to time, The League of American Bicyclists hopes to see movement in D.C. at next week’s National Bike Summit. This event will take place in advance of the next transportation bill.

The League is mobilizing behind the theme “United Spokes: Moving Beyond Gridlock.” The Summit will feature top transportation, government and political leaders including:
• Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
• Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ)
• Jack Wells, Chief Economist, U.S. Department of Transportation
• Texas Sen. Rodney Ellis
• Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto
• Phillip Darnton, Executive Director, Bicycle Association of Great Britain Continue reading United Spokes of America

Camo Cooler

Last year Nikon introduced the AW110 Camo Camera, which we dubbed Cool Camo. Now the company has introduced the follow-up – the Nikon Coolpix AW120 Camo Camera, which features a 16-megapixel sensor, built-in Wi-Fi, GPS and can shoot video at Full HD 1080p.

It is waterproof, shock-proof and freeze-proof and once again features a camo pattern to blend in the surroundings. It might go with some of the latest camouflage products we’ve seen.

Nikon Official Website

Mobile World Congress: Samsung Gets in Gear

At this week’s Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona Spain, Samsung introduced the Gear Fit, the first curved, Super AMOLED wearable device. Aimed at active consumers, this device features a pedometer, stop watch and can monitor heart rate.

It is IP67 rated to be water and dust-resistant, and features an accelerometer and gyroscope. The Gear Fit can connect to Samsung Android-powered mobile devices via Bluetooth 4.0. We hope to hear more about the Gear Fit leading up to its launch in April.

Press Release: Samsung Expands Industry-Leading Wearable Line with Samsung Gear Fit

World’s Greatest!

How do you celebrate a silver anniversary? By proclaiming you’re the world’s greatest. That is what Timbuk2 is doing this month as it celebrates its 25th anniversary with the release of an update to its Classic Messenger Bag. To trump a classic it went with “World’s Greatest Messenger Bag.”

It is 25 percent lighter than the classic, and features Cordura 940D Endurance Nylon, which provides higher tear strength and is also water repellent. This bag also offers a double-loop cam buckle offers easy fit adjustment while eliminating excess webbing, an adjustable shoulder strap with a permanent air mesh strap pad adds comfort and new corner flaps keep out water. The new bag also has a low profile top grab handle.

It takes a lot to be the greatest but Timbuk2 went all out with this one.

Timbuk2 Official Website

Team USA

While it is still just the end of February and that puts the Fourth of July many months away, you can show your national pride with Cincelli’s new cap that is meant to honor Nelson Vails – who went from NYC bike messenger to silver medal Olympian back in 1984 on the track.

Cenelli Rider Collection Cap: Nelson Vails

Fighting Knife

Most of us probably aren’t going to get into a knife fight – and we’re certainly not suggesting anyone try it – but a knife designed for the rigors of combat can endure just about anything. That’s the concept behind the OKC Chimera, which incorporates key features inspired by some of the company’s most popular survival and military-issued knives to deliver unparalleled performance, versatility and durability.

“The OKC Chimera is an important piece in the broad array of new products Ontario Knife has planned to release during our 125th Anniversary year”, said Kenneth Trbovich, president and CEO of OKC. “We are taking Ontario’s long and storied history and harnessing its experience to drive us forward into a new era.”

The Chimera – named after the monstrous fire-breathing creature of Greek mythology – features a high quality design and production. It offers a 13 5/8-inch full-tang blade that is built for ruggedness, long life and superior penetrating power. A portion of this 7 7/8-inch long, 200-inch thick blade features a broad serration pattern, perfect for handling a wide range of survival assignments, while the phosphate coated steel butt cap can be used as a glass breaker to assist in escape efforts.

The knife also features a set of machined holes that allows the knife to be affixed to spear-poles and other objects using cords, wires or even vines. In other words if you are going to bring just one knife on your next adventure, this might be the one to chose.

Ontario Knife Company Official Website

Back to Boston

Despite last year’s tragic and cowardly terrorist attack on the Boston Marathon the race will go on! Even if you can’t be there to run in Boston you can be there in spirit. This month B.A.A. (Boston Athletic Association) launched the Boston Marathon World Run app that virtually connects runners around the world and their social networks with the 2014 Boston Marathon. The mobile app, which is available on the web as well as for Android and iOS devices, allows runners to participate in the athletic spirit of the event regardless of ability or geography.

Participants, whether individually or in teams, can log miles alongside past champions and elite athletes and can achieve their self-determined running goals by April 21 to receive bib numbers and digital training and finisher badges. Boston Marathon World Run is also encouraging runners to contribute to One Fund Boston through voluntary online contributions, which will be updated in real time.

Boston Marathon World Run Official Website
One Fund Boston Official Website

Rudy is the Man

This month Rudy Project was named the official Ironman helmet, while it opened a year-round retail boutique in Kailua-Kona, home of the Ironman World Championships. It was announced that the company signed a multi-year agreement that named it the Official Helmet Ironman for North America.

We’re thrilled with our Ironman partnership, as it provides us an opportunity to support triathletes at some of the most grueling competitions on the world stage and to share our helmet technology — specifically designed to aid athletes in reaching their peak performances. Our Ironman connection also reinforces what the world’s best triathletes are already saying with their product choices,” said Paul Craig, president of Rudy Project North America.

Rudy Project Official Website
[Via Bicycle Retailer: Rudy Project designated official Ironman helmet for North America]

A Mightly Wind

Nike’s new Hyperadapt Wind Jacket, which was released last month, might just blow you away. This jacket features four-way stretch technology but with a sweater-like feel that is windproof and rain-resistant, while elastic cuffs will keep the sleeves from moving up and down during the swing.

Nike also used reclaimed materials – in this case recycled coffee grounds – to produce the windproof coating on the outer shell. This helped reduce odor from perspiration while also assisting in UV protection. It is ready for spring… if that ever gets here!

Press Release: Nike Golf Introduces the Hyperadapt Wind Jacket

Tongue Tied

We’ve heard of a “silver tongue” but not a Cactus Tongue – at least not until recently. The Cactus Tongue won’t speak a word but it will hold your bike up. This simple bike rack is designed to hold any bike up to 33 pounds. It can support a bike via the top tube for horizontal storage of the bike on the wall, or by the handlebars for vertical storage.

Cactus Tongue Official Website

California Touring – Tour of California Route Announced

The Organizers of the Amgen Tour of California have announced this year’s route for America’s highest ranked stage race, which runs north to south from May 11 to May 18. It will cover 740 and organizers have said that the toughest and most critical stages occur on the first few days as a way create a new dynamic in the battle for the overall title.

The peloton will face the longest stage, the fast and flat time trial, and the hardest stage in the first three days of racing. In past races, the time trial and Queen stages – which typically shape overall standings – came late in the race, and the leader after that point had to defend his top position for only one or two remaining days. This year, with several days of difficult racing to follow, it is likely 2014 race fans will see the coveted yellow leader jersey change hands throughout the week with top performers in close contention and challenging each other until the very finish,” a race press release said. Continue reading California Touring – Tour of California Route Announced

The Cost of the Olympics (And Other Facts)

The flame of the Winter Olympic Games has been extinguished. The final costs for the games in Sochi Russia might not be known, but it was a reported $51 billion or more than the previous 21 Winter Olympics combined. GearJunkie compiled some interesting facts, and among those the games cost roughly $18 million per athlete!

Check out the other interesting facts!

[Via GearJunkie: Sochi Cost $18 Million Per Athlete and 34 Other Fascinating Olympic Facts]

Under Armour Rearmed With U.S. Speedskating

Despite an underwhelming performance at last the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, the U.S. Speedskating team isn’t putting the blame on “suitgate.” The company has signed a deal to provide the U.S. team with uniforms through 2022.

This was the first U.S. medal shutout since 1984. Beyond the talk that perhaps it was the uniforms were the culprit for the poor showing, training strategy and funding woes were noted. Back to the drawing board and back to the training.

[Via ESPN: U.S. sticks with Under Armour]