The Castle Brooke Paralaces are laces to love. These hand-crafted bootlaces are reportedly the toughest around, and feature a seven-strand construction with 550 pound-tested Nylon Kernmantle rope, and aglets made from polyolefin plastics. Those bind and mesh with the nylon fibers to become one with the lace. These are even available in a variety of colors including the old standby in black.
Category: Outdoors
2013 National Bike Challenge
The League of American Bicyclists Challenges you to get out there and ride. The bicycle advocacy group is calling on Americans to unite and ride 20 million miles!
The goal: To unite 50,000 bicyclists to ride 20 million miles in communities across America. The Challenge is simple, free and open to everyone in the United States. Sign up as an individual or as a team, log your miles, share your stories and encourage others to join you. Users can download the free, GPS-enabled Endomondo mobile app to record travel distance and automatically upload their miles. Riders will compete for prizes and awards from sponsors Sierra Nevada and Scott Natural on the local and national level.
In 2012, the Challenge engaged 30,000 individual riders, 9,000 workplaces and 500 communities to ride 12 million miles. We’re already looking at breaking those records in 2013.
Light Gloves
The Doppleganger gloves aren’t lightweight and in fact these probably weigh more than most cycling gloves. But these aren’t even gloves at all. The Doppleganger LED Turn Signal accessory actually attaches to your current gloves and provides a little light on the hands. These provide an indicator that can help cars see your arm movements at night when you signal you are stopping or turning.
The Japanese made glove accessories are powered by a watch batter that can provide up to 120 hours of light in the flashing mode. Light on!
Hemp Cover
Australian skateboard maker has introduced a new type of grip tape alternative for its boards. Instead of the traditional tape, the company is utilizing hemp. The FGT Series woven hemp requires a special application process and takes at least two days to get it done, but it could be the last grip material you’ll ever need to apply. The results aren’t pretty – in our opinion – but it looks like it will do the trick and then some.
Dog Gone Camera Mount
On the British science fiction series Doctor Who the robotic dog K-9 had a laser and could talk, but even in the future K-9 couldn’t take video for some reason. Sony hasn’t invented a way to make dogs talk or even shoot a laser, but the AKA-DM1 harness could allow you to mount an action camera on the dog. Whether the footage will be any good is the question.
Let’s just hope it doesn’t capture footage of your dog licking itself!
Wiley X Supports PVA
Kudos to our friends at Wiley X, will announced that it will continue to support the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and has renewed sponsorship of three key programs for 2013 – the PVA National Trapshoot Circuit, the PVA National Bass Tour and the PVA Hand Cycling Racing Team. Wiley X will be providing its high performance protective eyewear as featured prizes throughout the 2013 season of PVA shooting, fishing and hand cycling events.
“Wiley X is proud to be associated with PVA and honored to support its shooting, fishing and hand cycling competitions,” said Wiley X co-owner Myles Freeman, Jr. “These events celebrate America’s outdoor heritage and encourage men and women to excel – regardless of what physical challenges they may face. We applaud the efforts of these athletes and the many staff and volunteers around the country who make these events possible.”
The new WX Valor Model #CHVAL06 – a member of Wiley X’s battle-proven Changeable Series – will be worn by staff, directors and volunteers at the PVA National Trapshoot Circuit, while Wiley X protective eyewear will be included in prize packages for the winners.
Wiley X will again support the PVA National Bass Tour with its new Climate Control Series WX Echo Model #CCECH04, combining Gloss Black frames with Polarized Emerald Mirror lenses. These state-of-the-art fishing glasses will be provided to staff, directors and volunteers, as well as winning anglers. Wiley X will also play an important role in PVA’s hand cycling events, where these “road warriors” race wheel-to-wheel just inches from the pavement.
Wiley X Official Website
Paralyzed Veterans of America “Get Sports” Official Website
Stereo Vision
A digital camera with a telephoto lens is great for taking photos from a distance, but Sony has another way to see nature. Last week it unveiled its DEV-50V binoculars. These digitally powered binoculars don’t just let you view the action, but you can record it as well, and these capture still and video images. Since these use stereoscopic lenses these are in essence a 3D camera as well.
The Sony DEV-50V is still a binocular with camera functionality and to that end it features twin Exmor R image sensors, which offer 5.4megapixel resolution. This is a far cry from what many point-and-shoot digital cameras offer and about a third of the resolution of a Digital-SLR.
The binoculars also offers built-in GPS for geotagging of photos and video, which could certainly appeal to the users who are more about seeing wildlife and nature up close. The device is also waterproof – at least to the point that it can be used in the rain. Continue reading Stereo Vision
Electrical Stromer
Stromer, the electric-bike brand of Swiss-based BMC, has launched its ST1 pedal-assisted electric bicycles. The 500-watt ST1 rolls out with style and functionality. This ST1 is aimed at commuters more than those looking for a casual weekend ride, and as such it offers a lithium-ion battery that can power a 500-wattt rear-mounted brushless-hub motor and provide up to 30 mph of speed with a 50 mile range. Regenerative braking further helps power the battery.
Stromer has actually rolled out four models, with two now available in the United States beginning at $3,499. While it is a lot to pay for a bicycle it might make that daily commute a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.
Fiber Vest
Everyone needs their daily fiber, but Noxgear thinks it isn’t the fiber you ingest but rather the fiber optics you wear. The Dayton, Ohio start up is looking to roll with its Fiber Optic Athletic Gear, which can help runners, cyclists or just anyone else heading out at night be seen.
The company is now wrapping up a Kickstarter campaign to bring out the Torch model for team-based activities, while the Tracer is aimed at running, walking and riding. Both models will provide 360 degree coverage and can be worn over t-shirts or even coats. Video after the jump
TomTom Joins the Club
Garmin might have to look over its shoulder as TomTom is set to introduce its own line of Multi-Sport GPS watches this year. Aimed at cyclists and triathletes, these entry level watches feature scratch and impact-resistant glass screens that offer three graphical race training functions. These allow for wearers to race against previous time in the Race mode, while Goal lets wears go for distance, time or calorie count, while Zone tracks a set heart rate. The watches are compatible with Bluetooth heart rate monitors and cadence sensors, and the step up model offers a built-in altimeter.
The Multi-Sport GPS watches reportedly lock onto the Russian GLONASS satellite array in case that means anything to you, Conrad!
Durable Notebook
GammaTech Computers has introduced the latest Durabook rugged notebook, the SA14, which is designed to go far from the traditional office desk. Ideal for those who work in the field, or just like to get away from it all the new SA14 can run for up to 11 hours and features assorted wireless connectivity options.
It is powered by either an Intel Core i5-3360M or Core i7-3520M processor, and features integrated USB 3.0 on a single-chip architecture. Wireless options include Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi Link 6235 series combo, as well as Intel mini-express Wireless LAN 802.1. Optional choices include GPS support and WWAN module.
This is a laptop that can boldly go where your adventures take you.
Earth Day is Business Day
Today is Earth Day and that means business for the League of American Bicycles, which announced 63 new Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFB) from across the country.
“More and more business leaders are realizing that bicycling is a simple and cost-effective way to move toward a more productive company,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “Promoting healthy transportation is increasingly attractive to employers and prospective employees – and it’s moving America toward a more sustainable future.”
The BFB program has now expanded to 44 states and Washington, D.C., and these new awardees join a visionary group of more than 500 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies across the United States that are transforming the American workplace.
Adventure Pod
Spiderman could – if the theme of the animated show was to be believed – do whatever a spider could (can). The Adventure Camera Kit from Breffo won’t let your action camera climb up a wall, but it will provide greater mounting options. Unlike specialized handlebar mounts this one is adaptable to multiple uses. Its eight bendable legs can be used to prop up the camera, or secure it in place and even wrap around handlebars and other objects..
The legs are rubber-coated and waterproof so ready for to whatever adventure you’re experiencing. Just let the crime fighting to the super heroes. Continue reading Adventure Pod