While Amsterdam could arguably be the cycling capital of Europe the Mayor of London looks to develop a new €1 billion master bike plan aimed at revitalizing urban cycling. This plan backs Dutch style infrastructure with a strong commitment towards better cycling routes, traffic restrictions and even so-called “Little Holland” style developments. This is just some of what could occur via a 10-year plan that could see the majority of the new infrastructure built within the first four years.
“Both the Mayor and I pay tribute to the London Cyclists’ Campaign, journalists, bloggers and other campaigners for driving the issue so far up the political agenda,” says Andrew Gilligan, London’s newly appointed cycling commissioner. Continue reading Bike London
There are times when a tent isn’t needed but sleeping under the stars isn’t quite possible either. Bugs and critters make sleeping on the ground a little less desirable, but the Blue Ridge Camping Hammock from Lawson will get you off the ground and have you covered as well. It features a nylon pack cloth bed, nylon rope, aluminum alloy poles and no-see-um netting. There is an O-ring in the ceiling for hanging light while a nylon rain tarp will have you covered in case the weather turns. It weighs just 4.25 pounds making for less to carry while on the go.
Have enough space for either a full sized dining table or a table tennis table but not both? Consider the Table & Tennis, which is designed to serve as dinner/meeting table while also being just the right size to be a regulation ping pong table. It features mirrored stainless steel base and a walnut veneer that evokes serious stile. There are even drawers to store paddles, balls and a quick-release net.
There are times when you can’t bring the bike inside. If you have to store the bike outside consider the BikeParka, which isn’t a cover for you but for your bike. This all-weather cover is designed to fit bicycles of all shapes and sizes, and is available in two versions.
While Teddy Roosevelt may have said walk softly but carry a big stick he probably didn’t mean to get in shape. However, the American Nordic Walking Association has noted that walking with poles burns more than 40 percent more calories per hour and works more muscles than normal walking. It also provides that big stick – just in case.
Those who enjoy rock climbing maybe inspired to grab one of the glasses from CruzMugs. Each one features an artificial climbing hold. While it could actually make it harder to get a grip on the glass we’re sure those who frequent climbing walls might like it.
There are the ram’s horn handlebars and of course the bullhorn handlebars, but Brooklyn Designer Taylor Simpson has created the Moniker Cycle Horn, a handcrafted handlebar that features real deer antlers! We’re not sure who exactly would want to ride with these but we suggest you stay out of the woods during hunting season!
When we think of Detroit we think of cars and maybe Motown music, or more over how the city could use a turnaround. Fortunately some smaller shops like Detroit Cargo are trying to get innovative and taking the good old Motor City innovation in a new direction with quality products.
While we like the innovative spirit behind most products, for the second time in recent memory we’ve seen a barebones bike rack offered as something special. The Make 001 Bike Rack does have more style than the Bike Hook – which is why that one was called out as a Kinetic(Mis)Shift and the Make 001 is not. But that said we still question whether $180 is money well spent on a few pieces of wood. Nice design but worth the cost; we don’t know.
The Swiss Army Knife has been the gold standard for pocket knives for generations, and this year Wenger is introducing a Junior version for younger campers, backpackers and scouts. The Junior Swiss Army Knife features a locking safety blade with rounded tip to help reduce blade-related accidents, and also includes scissors, Philips head screwdriver, nail file, nail cleaner, toothpick, tweezers and key ring – because what would a Swiss Army Knife be without lots of nifty tools!
At this week’s SHOT Show television survival expert Les Stroud was on hand at the Camillus booth, where the company introduced 20 brand new models of cutlery including the Les Stroud Elite series of fixed blades that offer a full tang 440 stainless steel with olive wood handles and hand crafted leather sheaths.
When we think of “Battle Axe” two things come to mind and yes, one is Fred Flintstone’s mother-in-law (or most mother-in-laws probably), and the other is something carried by dwarves in The Lord of the Rings. However, axes have real purposes today, and the Lansky Fireman’s Battle Axe is ideal for more than fighting fires. It features an impact tool, hose wrench and gas valve wrench. Probably not the first choice for camping, but if you’re going to own one axe for all your axeful uses this is probably the one to have.