Last month we profiled the innovative Wheelblades, which essentially allow a user in a wheelchair to better travel over snow and ice. Patrick Mayer, the visionary behind this technology, told us how he hopes it can improve the users’ lives. Continue reading Sunday Q&A: Patrick Mayer Talks Wheelblades
Category: Outdoors
Weekend Reading List (5.5.2012): Otter Tech, Daft Drafting, Gym Nourishment
Otter Tech
From BikeRadar: Sea Otter 2012: Tech news round-up
The Sea Otter Classic may no longer be the first event on the international mountain bike race calendar but it’s still the earliest opportunity for many manufacturers to show off their latest wares to the press and public, and this year’s outing didn’t disappoint. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (5.5.2012): Otter Tech, Daft Drafting, Gym Nourishment
Shower Power
After a day hiking in the wilds a warm shower can be so welcome, but if you’re camping the best option might be a jump in the lake. There are systems that use propane and an electric pump, but those are only ideal for car camping – and aren’t the sort of thing to camp in the wilds with.
However, another option is the Helio Pressure Shower from Nemo Equipment, which takes the basic gravity shower up a notch. It uses the Nemoid Foot Pump to provide an even-pressured stream of water – ideal for getting clean but still small and easy enough to take on a trek in the woods. It offers 11 liter capacity, where the water can be heated by the sun, and provides around five to seven minutes of shower time or even dish washing. But after a long day we think a shower in the woods would be seven minutes in heaven.
Danish Bicycle Super Highway
Traditional Axe Coming to America
The axe is a tool that has stood the test of time, and while there are more modern versions today, outdoor and bushcraft enthusiasts, know a quality “old school” axe just gets the job done. Sport Hansa is now offering authentic, handmade Swedish axes from Wetterlings that are perfect for hikers, campers and anyone looking to use a quality tool made the old fashioned way.
Since 1880 the company has produced a unique brand of quality axes, making it the oldest axe forger in Sweden. Today, Wetterlings produces an array of bushcraft, forest, and splitting axes made of Swedish carbon alloy steel heads and American hickory handles. Not only does Wetterlings have a strong commitment to quality, but they also have demonstrated a commitment to the environment, and since 2012 the company’s factory has been completely energy self sufficient through the use of environmentally friendly waterpower. Continue reading Traditional Axe Coming to America
New Bike Racks Ready to Park on the Streets
An increase in biking calls for an increase in places to park your bikes. We don’t see to many of those multi-bike parking structures anymore, they take up too much space. But there are lots of new options coming out that take up little space, and are kinder to bikes. Continue reading New Bike Racks Ready to Park on the Streets
Wheelblades Let Users Cut Through the Snow
We’ve seen a variety of technology that allows those in a wheelchair to go off-road, but usually only on hard-packed and more importantly dry ground. Most winter conditions remain a difficult, if not impossible proposition, for those in a wheelchair. Wheelblades looks to change this.
These small yet high-quality skis can be mounted to the front wheels of a wheelchair with a simple click, and can allow for easier movement through the snow. While obviously not intended for downhill skiing, or traversing deep snow, these could still allow users greater flexibility come winter.
Weekend Reading List (4.28.12): Caught on Camera, Home Cooking, Strange Surfing
Hit and Run Caught on Camera
httpv://youtu.be/h3LatOGCWVc
From YouTube: Berkeley Cyclist Hit by Car
Me and my friend were hit by a car in California – Berkeley
The guy did not stop! He ran away!
Thank guys for your support! Yesterday I went to the police department and I reported the crime. I also gave the video to the police officer. It was possible to identify the number of the car on the video. The police have located the car and the owner. Now I’m waiting for the return of the police on the case. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (4.28.12): Caught on Camera, Home Cooking, Strange Surfing
Work Your Core on Water with Paddle Board Yoga
Yoga is showing up everywhere these days, even on water. Paddle board yoga, a combination of paddle boarding and yoga, is the latest craze in Florida and with June just around the corner, could become this summer’s hot new exercise.
Paddle boarding is a form of surfing while standing up. Unlike traditional surf boards, paddle boards are thicker and more buoyant. The sport has been around for some time and provides a low impact, high-intensity workout. Combined with yoga, paddle boarding becomes a completely different kind of workout hitting every muscle in your body, especially your core which is used to keep you from falling off the board. Classes, which can be up to 90 minutes long, include everything from stretches to sun salutations, all performed on the board. Continue reading Work Your Core on Water with Paddle Board Yoga
New Shop for Surfer Girls
While surfing has been a coed sport long before the days of Gidget, most surf shops still cater to a surfer dude type of clientele. The South Coast Surf Shop, which is been a staple of the communities of Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach since 1974, looks to close one of its five retail locations near San Diego’s most popular beaches. Beginning this month South Coast Longboards will be transformed into South Coast Wahines Ocean Beach, catering to the female surfer. Continue reading New Shop for Surfer Girls
Device Lets You Know the Quality of the Air Out There
While it is possible to see smoke, and even to some degree smog, it is sometimes hard to know what the quality of the air might be. For many, even a little pollution in the air can go a long way towards big respiratory problems. Unfortunately, it isn’t so easy as just looking out the window to know whether the air quality is good enough for extensive physical activities.
A new personal monitoring device may make it easier to know whether you might want to keep the activities indoors. The MircoPEM was created by North Carolina-based RTI international, and is small enough to be worn on your body and help you know the quality of the air out there. It can measure pollution content of the surrounding air, and monitor your workout levels at the same time – and more importantly inform you if you should cease activity. Continue reading Device Lets You Know the Quality of the Air Out There
Bicycle Friendly Businesses Booming
While rising gasoline prices may have many commuters down, more than 500,000 American employees are now using pedal power to get to the office, and work at a Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB). This is the result of pro cycling leadership in the private and public sector, and this week the League of American Bicyclists announced 67 new BFBs, who joined the ranks of the 412 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies that are transforming the American workplace. Continue reading Bicycle Friendly Businesses Booming
Trailer Tent for the Pedal Crowd
Despite its name, the Midget Bushtrekka from Kamp-Rite isn’t just for little people. It is actually a bicycle trailer-mounted pop up tent. It weighs 56 pounds but offers up to 48 gallons of storage space, and is designed to go off road, and can be towed by bicycles with real sizes ranging from 20 to 29 inches. As a tent they can be erected atop the trailer, measuring 90 inches long by 32 inches wide, and offering 40 inches of headspace. This doesn’t offer a lot of room for a guest, but as a one-man tent they could beat sleeping on the ground. additional images