Outdoors | Evolving Consumer

Space Out

Many bike lights will shine the way but they have a design that will make you glad it’s dark so no one will have to see it. Fixed Bike Lights has designed a line of permanently attached lights that will look good day or night, and this includes the Space Light, which can sit below the steam in the stack of handle bar spaces. It is angled to light the path ahead, and features a double-lens and is sealed with a silicone gasket to make it weather resistant.

This is designed for both 1-inch and 1 1/8-inch steer tubes, and by sitting in the spacers this light is difficult to steal and will be there at night to light the way home.

Fixed Bike Lights Official Website

Kit to Survival

As we’ve seen from recent disasters, including Typhoon Haiyan and Superstorm Sandy, being prepared isn’t always easy. Fortunately there are ready-made kits that can provide what you need to survive a disaster. SOLKOA has long provided military-grade packages, and now it is entering the PSK (Personal Survival Kit) market through its Fast-Fire brand.

This includes 28 “top-of-the-line U.S. military-grade quality items” that will come in handy when the need arises. This package features: weatherproof fire tinder & matches, heat reflecting blanket, water filter straw & purification tabs, 4x magnifier, day/night signaling mirror & reflector, luminous compass, mini multi-tool, fishing kit, high-decibel whistle, specialized heavy-duty resealable water carry or water proof bag, and much more.

You don’t know when disaster will strike, but this one will ensure that you’re prepared.

Fast Fire Official Website

Ready to Erupt

While you can rock it like a hurricane, if you’re heading to Nicaragua you can get a sense of what lava might feel like. The Bigfoot Hostel near colonial León offers plenty of historic attractions but for thrill seekers there is the ability to ride down the slopes of the 2,388-food Cerro Negro on a specially made toboggan. Speeds reach up to 55 mph, which is faster than lava and a whole lot of fun.

Volcano Boarding at Bigfoot Hostel

OGIO Looks to Get Noticed

While the snow hasn’t even starting fall in much of the country the folks at OGIO are ready for spring. The company has unveiled its 2014 Golf Bag Collections. Seeing this under the tree this holiday will have you wish you could be on the greens.

All these collections had been carefully crafted to offer golfers an array of looks that will get noticed on the shelves and in the fairways. Continue reading OGIO Looks to Get Noticed

Feds Becoming Bike Friendly

While many businesses have been steadily embracing cycling, things haven’t been as smooth on the government side of things. However, this month the League of American Cyclists announced that many federal agencies are now becoming bike friendly as well.

The League of American Bicyclists announced 91 new Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFB) from across the country, extending the program to 43 states and Washington, D.C. These new awardees join a trendsetting group of more than 600 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies across the United States that are transforming the American workplace.

“Government agencies are definitely following the lead of the private sector in creating better places to work,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “That’s particularly exciting because the health savings, environmental benefits and increased productivity of a healthier and happier workforce benefit us all. Let’s hope the politicians on Capitol Hill are paying attention to this good work!”

On the government side of things the National Park Service, which manages the nation’s parks and National Mall, moved up from Bronze to Silver this round. In addition the Federal Communications Commission moved up from Bronze to Silver this round. The FCC has seen its number of bike commuters double since the agency received Bronze, and leaders look forward to even more participation with this latest announcement.

Also based in D.C., the International Monetary Fund is a new Bronze-level business. The IMF boasts more than 400 registered bicyclists in its workforce.

Current Bicycle Friendly Businesses Fall 2013 Official Website

Get Wild

When heading to the wilds you don’t need to do so like a wildling. WILD, a new brand based in Portland, Oregon is look to bring a civilized line of outdoor apparel for those who spend time in the great outdoors. This includes the new Park Place Snap-Front Jacket (above), which is made of synthetic corduroy. It is waterproof – a must in the Pacific Northwest – but is breathable as well. It is just the thing for a wild one who wants to stay warm and dry.

WILD Official Website

Major Manta

With the Osprey Manta 28 hydration pack on your back you’ll have plenty of water for that long hike and a lot of storage for just about everything you might need. It features a dual compartment zip front pocket and stretch mesh side pockets that offer plenty of storage.

It also comes with a built-in raincover, helmet attachment, and ErgoPull hipbelt so it will remain comfortable and balanced for those long hikes.

Osprey Manta 28 Official Website

Fat Weekend

We know that “Fat Tuesday” is the usually held for Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but Ogden Utah will have a fat Friday and Saturday. The Global Fat Bike Summit will be held January 24-25 to promote fat bikes’ low environmental impact, seek access to lands currently off limits to bikes, and explores the potential for local economic growth opportunity such access can bring. It will bring together dealers, consumers, land managers, fat bike manufacturers and media representatives.

The two-day event, co-sponsored by Quality Bicycle Products and Ogden City, combines educational seminars, a fat bike expo, a festival, and a race.

Global Fat Tire Bike Summit Official Website

Monster of a Light

Halloween was more than a week ago, but for next year plan on having the Tacprogear TM15 Tiny Monster Rechargeable Flashlight on hand as this monster will surely light the way. It blasts out 2450 lumens, making it the world’s smallest yet brightest rechargeable searchlight on the market.

It utilizes three CREE XM-L LEDs, and is constructed of aircraft grade aluminum that has been HA III military grade hard-anodized. It is also IPX-8 waterproofed to two meters, and features a coated mineral glass to resist scratches.

Tacprogear TM15 Tiny Monster Rechargeable Flashlight 2450 Lumens by Nitecore Official Website

Dual Purpose Deck

There have been a few concept skateboards that looked to go off-road, and others that looked to provide some juice to get up and go. The Altered V3 DS, is the world’s first dual sport electric skateboard. In other words, this concept – which is now being developed through a Kickstarter project – is both on-and-off road board, and it features an electric engine. It could make it the go-anywhere board – but only if it gets the funding it seems. Video after the jump

Weekend Reading List (11.09.2013): Lance Comes Clean, Student Board, Race Circuit

Lance Comes Clean

From Cycling News: Lance Armstrong exclusive interview: Part 1
A year on from USADA’s Reasoned Decision, Lance Armstrong swivels in his desk chair as he talks at length about the last 12 months and many aspects of his career starting from when he turned professional back in 1992. The now disgraced Texan has agreed to sit down with Cyclingnews Editor Daniel Benson for a face-to-face interview in his new temporary home in a sleepy suburban district of Austin. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (11.09.2013): Lance Comes Clean, Student Board, Race Circuit

Out of Africa Or Anywhere Else

Whether you’re heading to the open African plains or the wilds of Alaska, or just the local camp site you should have some creature comforts. There is nothing barebones about the Barebones Safari Tent. While it will set you back nearly $2,000 it will have you camping in style with 120 square feet of floor space, while the weatherproof Cordura shell and floor will protect you from the elements and so much more.

It is like bringing civilization to the wilds.

Barebones Safari Tent

New York’s Finest Use the Bike Lanes

New York’s finest – as in the NYPD – are apparently putting the city’s robust bike lane infrastructure to good use. However, the police aren’t riding on the bike lanes. They are using the bike lanes for parking. We previously witnessed this first hand for a few years, but the problem has grown so big that someone has launched a Thumblr blog that tracks it.

The website Cops in the Bike Lanes, noted: Rules of the City of New York, § 4-08 (e)(9): “It is against the law to park, stand or stop within or otherwise obstruct bike lanes.”

To serve and protect indeed!

Cops in the Bike Lanes Official Website