DART-nuun Gear Review

Hayes Stroker Trail Disc Brakes

noreply@blogger.com (flyAR) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:42:00 +0000

You can put over 250 miles on your bike completing in a single adventure race. You need to count on your bike setup to last through the tough conditions and abuse of long races, and you also need your bike to get you through your trainings by holding up week after week with minimal maintenance.

This is why I switched to disc brakes three years ago even though they are a bit heavier than rim-style v-brakes. I wore through a set of brand new v-brake pads partway through the Ecomotion 2005. That race was incredibly muddy and tough on bikes, and v-brakes just didn't cut it in those conditions.

I have found that disc brakes have more stopping power, particularly when you get to the bottom of a large hill. I was very glad to have disc brakes in the 2008 Baja Travesia, where I lost two spokes, and my wheel came way out of true. Again, I would have been dead in the water with v-brakes, but I was able to finish the race with no issues. My experience has led me to beleive that disc brakes are the only way to go for adventure racers.

I am happy to report that disc brakes have continued to evolve since I started using them. This year Hayes supplied DART-nuun with their brand new Stroker Trails. Here are the features of the Strokers that I believe have improve my riding:

Power - the large brake pad surface area provides ample stopping to prevents crashes. They allow me to use one finger on each brakes lever and four fingers on each grip during technical downhills.
Modulation - the brakes have an intuitive feel. The modulation allows me to descend better, but it also helps me to climb loose steep terrain and to get over obstacles. It does this by allowing me to apply the slightest amount of back brake, which keeps the front wheel on the ground.
Consistent performance - there is no fade at the bottom of long hills. The brakes work well in wet muddy conditions found around the Pacific Northwest.

Hayes Stroker Trial disc brakes are the most powerful and responsive brakes I have owned. They are a strong offering for adventure racers. Two additional features are worth mentioning.
First the brake lever distance can be adjusted on the fly with no tools. Second the brake pads are extremly simple to install with no tools.

Hayes Stroker Trail disc brakes: $175.

Replacing Luck

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:23:00 +0000

Successfully completing a multiday adventure race isn't about luck. It is skill, conditioning and having the proper tools. Navigating through the night can be a daunting task. Especially when cold, tired, and hungry. On Team DART-nuun, we rely on Suunto to improve our conditioning and get us through the toughest navigational challenges that any race director can throw at us.

Every teammate is equipped with a Suunto t6. This is a fantastic tool that helps us improve our performance. Since we are constantly training in many different disciplines, our training needs to be focused with no "junk miles". Suunto helps us achieve quality workouts because of the features including heart rate monitor, altimeter, speed/distance information, watch, timer and lap functions. And for you women out there, Suunto has a new t-Series for women with softer wrist straps and other feminine features.

While GPS technology is not allowed in adventure racing, we will often use the X9i while training or exploring. The X9i is the worlds smallest and lightest wrist mounted GPS unit and provides incredible real-time location and post workout review of any route in the backcountry.

Where Suunto really shines, is in the dead of night when we are working toward that control in the deapest wilderness. The t6 together with my MC-2 compass provides me with all the real-time information I need to lead my team to the control. Elevation, distance traveled, direction, and elapsed time, help me to precisely keep my team focused on the fastest route. The MC-2 is the best field compass on the market. With large mirror, adjustable declination, and large baseplate, this compass goes with me whenever I head into the mountains.

Given the performance of the t6, I can not wait for an upgrade to the new t6c. This wrist computer is part of the new Suunto Training Series. This new computer has customizable screen layout, Comprehensive physiological analysis on PC, and many other new features.

Vasque Blurs come through in Primal Quest

noreply@blogger.com (flyAR) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:50:00 +0000

Primal Quest is a long and tough race, so I experienced a significant amount of trepidation leading up to PQ Montana. One of my main concerns was how my feet would hold up. Particularly, since the foot sections were rumored to be over 200 miles. By the end of PQ Utah, my feet were a sore and blistered, and I came shuffling into the finish line with a gimpy gait. This time around I was determined that my feet would last the whole race.

I had been using Vasque trail running shoes for only about 10 weeks prior to the race. I took a pair of Blurs out of the box, threw in a pair of Sole Custom Footbeds, put them on, and ran the capitol peak 50k. I was extremely pleased with the Blurs that day, but I was uncertain how they would hold up off trail. The next test I put them through was the Kayak Lake Mead 26 hour race. Except for a few kayaking and swimming segments, the entire race was on foot and off trail. The Blurs treated my feet well in the dry dessert terrain surrounding lake mead, so I decided to use them for Primal Quest.

PQ proved to be long and tough. Record late snowfall meant great glisading, full rivers and, of course, lots of time spent trekking in the snow. The race put us through three mountain ranges: the Spanish Peaks, the Bridgers, and the Crazy Mountains. There was beautiful apline terrain, but every spectacular trek seemed to finish with a long trail or road section. The prerace briefing listed the mileage on foot at 330 km. Through all this, my feet suprised me. I was able to wear the same shoe for the entire race without my feet swelling up or getting blistered. My feet finally started to hurt from the week of pounding six and a half days into the race. Fortunately, we only had a few hours of trekking left at this point.

Overall my feet held up wonderfully and allowed me to see a tiny sliver of the great state of Montana. In addition to finding a pair of rugged lightweight shoes that fit my feet, here is a list of things that contributed to my feet doing suprisingly well:

Clipping my nails carefully prior to the race.
Drying my feet out during sleeps.
Applying Sportslick lube between my toes at TAs.
Staying hydrated with nuun.
Using Sole footbeds in both my running and biking shoes--for additional cushion and support.
Using Outdoor Research Flex-Tex gaiters to keep rocks and debris from getting into my shoes--get the S/M size for trail running shoes.
Bringing and using Leki Carbonlite trekking poles on each leg--amazingly light and tough.

Vasque Blurs: $85.
Sportslick Pocket Slick: $4.
nuun: $6.
Sole Custom Footbeds: $45.
Outdoor Research Flex-Tex gaiters: $30.
Leki Carbonlite trekking poles: $200.

Ibex Knee Warmers

noreply@blogger.com (DARTvg) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 22:14:00 +0000

Ever had that need to bring your total body temperature up but it wasn't cold enough to warrant full leg warmers or another layer up top? I've found that knee warmers help moderate total temperature and of course fill that void of keeping the knee caps warm on mild shoulder season days.

In the off chance that you find your self in need of gaitors for some off trail travel the knee warmers can be pulled down to keep goat heads and thorn out of your biking shoes while bushwhacking to your next great trail experience. While racing in Australia at the XPD, a 5-10 day race throughout Australia West coast, I was in dire need of some ankle protection coming off of a bike section. After heading into the bush, 13 hours later, I removed a couple of thorns and pulled them back up to warm the body on the bike. Who would have thought?

Ibex pulls it off again, great quality product that just keeps on giving.

Vasque, Aether Tech

noreply@blogger.com (DARTvg) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:14:00 +0000

The Vasque Aether tech running shoe is right out of a dream and were just what the doctor ordered to get me through my first Ultra marathon. After running 55 kilometers and climbing 4500 feet in over six hours my feet were injury and blister free and I was able to daydream about my next run.

The Aether tech have a good sized toe box that kept my toes and toe nails from getting destroyed on the descents and a firm fore front to the shoe that provides protection against kicking roots and rocks.

The exterior of the shoe is made of Nylon air mesh and drains great while the added reinforced fiber and synthetic leather add some structural integrity. The duration of the run was in a variety of conditions including mud, water, snow and dry trails and the shoe held up very well in all of them.

The Boa lacing system was very easy and I did not have to touch it after the race started. It seems that the even distribution of the lace has been well thought out and tested as it treated my feet like royalty.

I'm now looking forward to the next run in my Aether Tech's and might use them as an excuse to get into the next mud puddle I see.

Ibex 3/4 bike knickers, Winter riding can always happen

noreply@blogger.com (DARTvg) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:01:00 +0000

This statement is 100% true when you factor Ibex wool riding clothing into the equation! For people who love those chilly winter rides, the Ibex ¾ Bike Knickers provide amazing warmth and comfort. Made out of climawool lite, these bike shorts are both wind and water resistant. I have tested them in -10 C winter conditions (Pacific Northwest weather) and they get the job done. Even when wet, the fabric warms to the skin which is extremely important for long rides.

The fabric is durable and can withstand a great deal of washing. Even though they are wool, no shrinkage has happened. These are probably one of the most comfortable bike shorts that I have ever used. They provide a great fit and are flattering on the female body. Wool knickers will continue to be apart of my winter active clothing!

Written by: Jen Segger

Ibex Wool Clothing Put to the Ultimate Test

noreply@blogger.com (flyAR) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 05:37:00 +0000

A checkpoint at the 4th Dimension 24-hour adventure race.
Rain starts in October and doesn’t let up until July on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Rainfall averages 12 feet per year in this temperate rain forest. DART-nuun team member Glenn Rogers was the course designer for an epic late summer race called the 4th Dimension Adventure Race staged on the spectacular peninsula. The first cold weekend of the season caught teams by surprise. It can be wet, even when it isn’t raining. Three teams got soaked from wet bushes and pulled out of the race due to hypothermia.

Many more teams would have found themselves in trouble had the weather been the freezing cold rain a few of us set out in three weeks later to retrieve several of the checkpoint flags left over from the race. We biked, hiked out bikes, and because Glenn was the mastermind of the route that day, carried our bikes up steep cliffs. We were out for 7 hours, and totaled 10,000 feet of vertical gain for the day.

I dressed head to toe in Ibex wool bike clothing underneath Gore Tex outer layers. For once, I was the warmest person in the group. Although the rain was biting cold on our faces, I was able to keep warm by staying in motion. My Ibex under layers became damp from perspiration, so I was not completely dry. However, the hardshell Gore Tex prevented the freezing rain from getting inside, and wool has the lifesaving property of insulating when wet. Ibex wool clothing insulates significantly better than any other bike clothes I have used. It was neat to be moving fast through such an extreme environment, and still be able to maintain some physical comfort.

I find Ibex clothing to be comfortable, and, being wool, it does not retain as much odor as polypro.

For my upper body, I wore Ibex Long Underwear Top ($60), Ibex Arm Warmers ($30), and my team-issued trustworthy Arc’teryx Alpha SL Jacket & Tau Pullover. For my lower body, I wore Ibex El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers ($120), Arc’teryx Alpha SL Pants, and Teko wool socks. On my hands I wore Gore Tex lobster claws over Ibex Wool Glove Liners ($25).

Ibex wool can be purchased from http://www.ibexwear.com/shop.

Gregory Backpacks - Anti Gravity Series - Versatility

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:09:00 +0000

Our success in adventure racing has a lot to do with our versatility and ability to adapt to changing conditions. We select gear that also has these traits. Gregory Packs exemplify the type of adventure racing gear that meets our stringent demands. Since races can vary in length from 4 hours to multiple days, and mandatory gear lists can be as small as water or as extensive as a novel, our packs need to fit well, carry our required gear, be lightweight but tough, and ergonomically be easy to use.

We primarily use four packs from Gregory’s Anti Gravity Series

Stimulus

The Stimulus is the smallest of the Gregory Packs that we use. It is perfect for those short sprint races where the mandatory gear list is minimal. At 300 CU IN and just over 1LB, the pack easily carries your water, food, and some extra clothes. Like all Gregory Packs, the waist pockets are handy for carrying your food or nuun tabs. Many of us also use this pack while running ultra marathons and mountain bike races.

Reactor
The Reactor is one of our most used packs. Its size allows us to use it in a variety of situations. At 700 CU IN, it holds twice as much gear as the Stimulus. This is our go to pack for most 24 hour races. It has enough capacity hold a day’s worth of food, our Arc’teryx cold weather gear, and any other mandatory gear required by the race director. This pack weighs just under 1.5 LBS. Also notice the built in tow loop at the center bottom of the pack. This is a great addition to help out any teammates that may be suffering.

Iso
When it comes to large loads, the Iso is the way to go. It is just 4 oz heavier than the reactor with almost twice the carrying capacity at 1,200 CU IN. Sometimes, race directors require us to carry large loads and the Iso is our first choice. At the USARA National Championships, we were required to carry everything we would need for the entire race. We needed enough capacity to carry our running shoes, clothes, mandatory gear and enough food for the entire race. The Iso handled the load perfectly. The Iso also worked extremely well in expedition races such as Primal Quest and XPD. Often, we are in deep water during races. Like all Gregory packs, the Iso drains well and dries quickly.

Advent Pro
Paddles, PFD, tent, sleeping bag, satellite phone, these are some of the things we are required to carry during expedition races in addition to enough food and clothing to stay out for 2-3 days at a time. When we are carrying the maximum, we go to the Advent Pro. Even with this pack loaded up, it still fits well and feels comfortable. During Primal Quest, we were on our bikes for 18 hours with our Advent Pros loaded and this was just the beginning of the section. At 2,200 CU IN, this pack will have enough capacity for the longest races. We also use these packs for our multi-day training up in the cascades.

2,200 CU IN
2LB 9OZ

Montrail Odyssey Trail Shoe Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 02:51:00 +0000

being a montrail ambassador means i'm constantly being asked about montrail shoes. i would say the shoe i suggest the most is the montrail odyssey. this is because the montrail odyssey is the most versitile trail running shoe on the market today. even the most hardened trail runner is forced to run road on ocassion. the montrail odyssey was designed as a light weight trail shoe that is just as comfortable on the road as on the trail. matter of fact... this is my road shoe. it's also my favorite light weight trail shoe (just 12oz). i even race ultras up to 50 miles in this shoe because it's light weight, stable and has a great cushioned sole for my achey knees. is it tough? i wore a pair of montrial odysseys on a circumnavigation of the sisters mountains in oregon. 45 miles and 10,000 feet of gain with a summit of the south sister and a 3,000 foot decent on a lava rock and scree... and i'm still running in them. on those hot days you'll appreciate the upper being made of very breathable mesh and on the wet days you will appreciate the gryptonite treads. great shoe.

the montrail odyssey in action! - olympic national park

outside magazine's take on the montrail odyssey

No More Leaks

noreply@blogger.com (flyAR) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 04:56:00 +0000

I am finally happy with a water bladder! I have been subjecting Hydrapak hydration bladders to as much use (abuse) as possible over the last year, and I have still not had one of them leak. This is huge, because other bladders have failed on me during long hard races when I really needed water.

These failures originate from design flaws, material failures, and operator errors. Hydrapak designs are well thought-out, and they are fabricated from incredibly strong and stretchy material.

One source of operator error happens when crewmembers fills bladders during an adventure race. For example, a nice person once left the silicone seal protruding from the screw top of a poorly designed bladder in one small area, and I lost all of my water at the start of a long desert run.

The Hydrapak bladders utilize innovative roll top or sliding enclosures. A bomber seal is easy to achieve, and the instructions are printed right on the bladder to make doubly sure.

A cool feature of the Hydrapak Reversible Bladders is their ability to be quickly and easily turned inside out, cleaned and dried. This solves the funk problem that plagues other bladders.

Hydrapak reversible resovoirs can be purchased at http://www.hydrapak.com/catalog/product2110.htm for $25.99.

Rudy Project Rydon II Eyewear

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:57:00 +0000

Having eyewear that is comfortable and designed for performance is probably one of the most important aspects of gear that athletes look for. While everyone’s face is a different size and shape, finding the right pair of glasses that works for you is critical.

I have been using the Rydon II by Rudy Project for over 2 years now. This frame is designed for the smaller face shape in mind. Its constructed of an ultra light carbon, flexible, and heavily durable materials. They are so light in fact, that I often forget they are even on my face. The nose bridge can be adjusted to create a custom fit and the arms are equally flexible, having the ability to flex and bend as much as desired around the head.

The Rydon II comes with 3 different interchangeable lens’s which are easy and quick to switch. I have tested these glasses to the max and beyond. They have withstood the abuse of multi-day racing and the constant bashing around in my backpack during the night. I love them because they are reliable, tough and comfortable to wear.

written by: Jen Segger

Montrail, Nitrus - you son of a hardrock!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:57:00 +0000

for three months there has been a box in my bedroom. the contents of which has been called "the son of the hardrock". well the hardrock and i have a long standing relationship, we are very close... so i've been waiting patiently to take her son, the nitrus, out for a real trail run.

today... (after three months of injury) was that day and we got along swimmingly. this shoe could be my go to shoe. however i was open and honest with the nitrus. she knows i'm seeing other montrails (including her mother the hardrock - kinda weird). so we'll just have to see how the relationship developes. the first thing i noticed was the nitrus is very torsionally rigid and has a super protective sole called the terraflex (which is a three component system combining a high-traction outsole, a protection plate and a shock-absorbing midsole). it's designed for "high mileage hammerheads" (perfect!) so it's very supportive, stable and cushioned. they also felt super light (13oz) and have a lot of breathable mesh on the upper for the big sweaters. the upper is also designed to accomodate a wide foot, which i don't have but couldn't notice a difference. it also has the gusseted tongue to keep degris out, but it really helps to keep the tongue in place more than anything. for the pronator, this shoe also has a medial post.

put simply: they felt light, very supportive (for my poor knee), stable and they fit really well.

Michelin Tires, XC Dry

noreply@blogger.com (DARTvg) — Tue, 08 May 2007 23:01:00 +0000

These tires are fast and furious. The low rolling resistence makes for a smooth ride and the medium height knobs are enough to provide grip on a semi wet Pacific Northwest trail. The enhanced durability, thanks to its heavy-duty 66 TPI casing , gives the tires a longer useful life and will allow you to get more bang for your buck out of your tires.

The optimal conditions for the Michelin XC Dry are gravel roads, trails with a high concentration of rock base and any arid climate trails. In slightly moister conditions one might keep the dry on their rear wheel and go with the more knobby Michelin All Terrain up front.

The ideal Puget Sound ride with the XC Dry is Devil's Gulch. This Washington state classic is near Cashmere, starts with a 4000 foot gravel road climb and has some of the most flowing and fast paced downhill in the state. The XC Dry will get you up the climb and aid in your fast paced cornering on the way down.

Teko Socks and Sole Foot beds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 17:21:00 +0000

It finally happened – I finished a 3 day expedition adventure race and walked off the course BLISTER FREE!! I owe my feet happiness to the well designed products of Teko Socks and Sole foot beds. The two of these together are a winning combination.

Teko Socks – Made from Ecomerino wool, these socks pull moisture from the feet and in turn, greatly reduce the change of blisters and chaffing. They are very breathable and soft to put on. The wool stands up after multiple washes and can take the abuse of mud, sand, dirt and water. I highly recommend these as a must for any outdoor enthusiast. Oh ya, and they dry really quick – another key feature for blister prevention.

Sole Footbeds – Because these footbeds are heat moldable, they fit your foot properly. Having the extra bit of cushion in your shoe is critical for races and training days where you will be putting miles in on your feet. These foot beds helped me to overcome my chronic pain of plantar fasciitis. Take care of your feet now so the future becomes foot friendly!

Written by: Jen Segger-Gigg

Montrail, Hard Rock

noreply@blogger.com (DARTvg) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 16:19:00 +0000

The Montrail Hardrock is my "go to" running shoe. I might race in a lighter shoe from time to time but I put in most of my miles in the Hardrock. This is because it is the most supportive and protective trail shoe I have found. It protects my foot from the elements. The shoe was designed for ultrarunners running the Hardrock 100, considered the hardest of the 100 mile ultramarathons. The course is notorious for rough rocky terrain including extended scree sections. The hardrock has a protective plate that runs the entire length of the sole for protection when you land on those jagged rocks. This past winter I ran the Presidential Traverse in my Hardrocks. This traverse is 26 miles of nothing but rocks. Without the Hardrocks I would have suffered severely. Instead I finished without a single blister or injury. Recently in training i put in a 200+ mile week of trail running. I would not attempt this with any other shoe period.

I occasionally suffer from knee pain and have had surgery on one of my knees. With the Hardrock I know I'm getting the most cushion and supportive trail shoe on the market. This shoe takes care of me and fits great as well. The reinforced heal cup keeps my heal in the shoe and happy when climbing. And for those long days on the trails there is plenty of room in the toe box for your toes to move around (and not blister). I know many people who use this shoe for various other activities. Hikers are starting to realize they don't need a big leather boot to hike. I have many friends who use the Hardrock as their main hiking shoe, or even an approach shoe.

If you want a great protective trail shoe, or are someone who puts in a lot of miles the Hardrock is the shoe for you.

Rudy Project, Ekynox

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 06:31:00 +0000

I have owned a pair of 2006 Rudy Project Ekynox sunglasses since last April. I have adventure raced, mountain bike raced, worked, and skied with them all year. They are very comfortable, good looking, and (most of all) durable.

The durability of these sunglasses became starkly apparent to me during a ski trip. It was a beautiful, sunny Northwest winter day and the Ekynox specs were a necessity.

Just after noon, I was ripping down the mountain at 25-30 mph came upon a well concealed “cat track”. Before I knew what hit me, I was kissing the hard packed snow with my face. Ouch! The impact flipped me forward onto my feet (skis ejected) 20 feet further down the hill. To my surprise, my face was unscathed. My Ekynox glasses had taken to brunt of the fall on the right temple of the frame, just under the brim of my helmet. Equally amazing was that the glasses were undamaged! Had I not been wearing my Rudys, I would have sustained significant facial trauma. The Rudy Project site states that the Ekynox frames are made with “Grimlamidä TR 55 LX construction providing structural integrity and stability”. I would add “safety” to that description. Great sunglasses for any sport!
Written by Tyler Patterson
Photo by Tyler Patterson

Arc'teryx, Gamma MX

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 19:32:00 +0000

Personally I think that endurance athletes make the best product testers on the planet. We are in our gear for very long periods of time and we hammer on it. I wore my new Gamma MX soft shell from Arc’teryx exclusively for 17 hours of ski mountaineering during the 24 hours of Sunlight race this past weekend. I think without a doubt Arc’teryx makes the best gear on the planet, and this coat is probably the best I’ve ever worn. I fought the soft shell revolution while the industry buzzed and everyone I knew bought one - I somehow did not. Because of the 24 hours of sunlight was, well, 24 hours, I had laps that were completed in the mid teens as well as some that were -8 degrees. The only thing I changed was how many layers I had under this jacket. For the warmer afternoon laps I had one super thin layer on under the Gamma MX. In the dead cold of 2:00am I simply added another light weight breathable long sleeve. The wind stopper protection was perfect for the cold down hills in the middle of the night and because it’s soft-shell it breathed very well on the way up in the sun. It also dried extremely fast as well. This is the best technical piece of ski gear I own. You can find it for around $300.00 US.

Written by Matt Hart

SOLE Custom Footbeds

noreply@blogger.com (flyAR) — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 23:52:00 +0000

When I go running or biking these days, you will always find a pair of SOLEs in my shoes. I even use them for indoor spinning. Correct knee and leg alignment is of paramount importance in these repetitive sports, and it all starts with the arches of the feet. The arches help to absorb each running strike and to transmit the energy of each pedal stroke. Well-engineered footbeds assist the muscles in maintaining the anatomical position of the arch. When the arch is not supported then it can lead to misalignment of the ankle and then the knees, hips and lower back, which can lead to injury in any of these areas.

I started using SOLEs in my running shoes after I first tried custom athletic orthotics from my doctor. I used my doctor’s orthotics for several months. They made my feet a little sore, but seemed to help my running. Then I used them in a foot race with a relatively new shoe. It was a hard race, and I developed the worst feet I have ever had. I was not sure if the problem was the shoes or the orthotics, so it was several months before I tried the shoes again. In the meantime, I had been given a pair of SOLE Regular Softecs, so I threw these in the shoes and went for a run. While I am not about to claim that SOLEs will always be better than orthotics you get from your doctor, this was certainly the case for me. It turns out the orthotics were too stiff and hard. Dirt and rocks had gotten between the orthotics and the arches of my foot and had worn my skin away. Once I started using the SOLE footbeds, the same pair of shoes that hurt my feet so badly, Montrail Continental Divides, became my favorite pair of trail runners. The SOLEs have just the right amount of cushion and help prevent blisters in addition to keeping my leg in proper alignment.

After much experimentation with mountain bike shoes I have settled on using Shimano SH-M120 (currently SH-M121). The shoes are rugged and comfortable, but the insole that comes with the shoe is flimsy and flat. After my success in using SOLE Softecs in my running shoes, I started using SOLE Slim Sports in my cycling shoes. When my feet swelled during Primal Quest last year, I went without socks on the bike. This strategy kept my feet dry and allowed them to heal on the long bike legs. If I had tried this with the footbeds that came with the shoes, I am certain my feet would not have fared so well.

You can find detailed advice on the company website, www.yoursole.com, but here are a few tips:
+ SOLEs come in whole sizes, so buy the next whole size larger if you are a half size.
+ They are heat moldable, but you can definitely use them without molding them.
+ Before you mold your footbeds, make sure they fit in your shoes:
- Take your old insoles out.
- See if the SOLEs fit snugly in your shoes.
- Your old insoles can help act as a trimming guide.
- Progressively trim small slivers from the front of the footbed until they fit.
+ Mold in 3 easy steps:
- Heat the oven to 200F. Put the SOLEs in the oven for 2 minutes.
- Take them out, put them in your shoes, stand in your shoes, and lace them up.
- Stand with feet shoulder width apart for 2 minutes. In this position you best approximate neutral and your arch is at it’s highest. The footbeds will cool down and take the shape of your shoe and neutral positioned foot.
- **For bike shoes do not mold in a standing position. Instead heat them up and jump on your trainer for two minutes and spin. SOLE will take the shape of your foot in a non-weight pedal stroke, rather than a weighted standing position.
- Get outside and enjoy!

Arc'teryx Tau AR

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 05:59:00 +0000

We were starting the race at midnight in the central rocky mountains of Canada. The tempurature was approximately 40 degrees. The race was to start with a 3 mile lake coasteering which would include running and swimming a lakeshore. There would be no avoiding the cold water as some shoreline was impassible due to steep cliffs. I was concerned that without the proper clothing hypothermia would set in. In a race like this, we don't carry extra dry clothes and we don't stop to change. And we wouldn't hit our first transition until mid morning. That meant we would be traveling through the night off trail in thick forest.

I chose to wear the Tau AR because of its ability to stretch while swimming and its breathability which would allow it to dry quickly and provide warmth into the night after we left the shoreline.
The shirt was unnoticable while swimming. No binding and complete freedom of movement. Once we were off the lake, the shirt dried quickly and maintained my body tempurature throughout the night. Finally, through heavy bushwacking, its form fitting design allowed me to get through the thickest underbrush without getting hung up.

Although it is not designed as a swimming layer, the Tau AR showed its ability to release moisture and dry quickly, which it was designed to do. It can be purchased for about $175.

Blueseventy, Helix wetsuit in motion 37hrs straight!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 23:29:00 +0000

In 2006, I turned 40 years of age. Leading up to this milestone I found myself searching for an appropriate life-affirming challenge. In October of 2005, I decided I would swim nonstop around Lake Washington in August of 2006. In April of 2006, after too many miles of swimming at the local indoor pool, I decided to begin my open water training. With hundreds of hours of swimming planned for the next four months, I knew the wetsuit I chose would be critical. After considerable research, I determined that the blueseventy Helix wetsuit was the best product on the market and perfect for my needs.

The Reactive Stretch Technology (RST) neoprene surrounding my shoulders and lats combined with the preformed elbows allowed unrestricted arm motion through my entire stroke. This was crucial considering I made 10 plus swims greater than 15 miles long in a three month period while training for my goal. I just applied a little non-petroleum lubricant around the neck and under the arms and I was good for hours of continuous swimming.
I'm proud to say, on August 26th, 2006 I completed 55.5 miles of continuous swimming around Lake Washington after 37 hours straight! As I exited the lake, to cheering friends and family, someone yelled, "Hey Tyler, how about a victory lap?!" Thanks to my Helix wetsuit, I felt good enough to shout back, "Careful, don't tempt me!"
Contributed by Tyler Patterson

Photo by Erik Nachtrieb

Ibex Arm Warmers

noreply@blogger.com (DARTvg) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:29:00 +0000

Whether I am biking or running the easiest way for me to moderate my temperature is through a good pair of arm warmers. They are up when I am chilled and pushed down when I need to cool down a bit. The midweight Merino wool of the Ibex arm warmers is soft and provides just the right amount of protection from wind and weather while retaining its warmth when it is wet out. The encased elastic at the top opening keeps the arm warmers exactly where you want them and their stretchy fabric composition provides a comfortable fit without any circulation issues.

The 5 oz. arm warmers are small enough to fit into your back pocket when not being worn and cheap enough to not put a dent in your budget. Ibex arm warmers will be one of the most cost effective articles of adventure clothing in your wardrobe at a mere suggested retail price of $30.

Northwest Kayaks

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 07:47:00 +0000

When we need to bring a kayak to a race, we choose to bring Northwest Kayaks. To have the best, we have personally hauled them all the way to California. These boats are both versatile and fast. Our choice is the Seascape double or triple, when the race is a three person format. You can never know in advance the conditions or course layout in an adventure race. That’s why these boats are ideal. I would be comfortable shoving off into the night, in any conditions. They can take any weather and remain stable while still beating the field for their performance.

Finally, when the race is over, Northwest Kayaks make great family boats. They are stable and can carry loads of gear. A Seascape tandem retails for about $3,600 and would be the best family boat investment you could make. And for family adventures with the kids, the Outdoor Adventure Center offers great trips to paddle the San Juan Islands, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking and hiking trips. Just choose the trip and they provide the rest.

To power these boats, we exclusively use Epic paddles. We all primarily use the Mid Wing Full Carbon. These paddles are made for both sprints and long distance. They have a unique design that has not been matched. We have found that they truly provide the best stability with the cleanest entry and exit. They are extremely lightweight which makes an enormous difference when paddling long distances. The Mid wing Full Carbon retails for $450 and is worth every penny.
Contributed by, Glenn Rogers
Top photo by, Mike Bitton

FSA RD-600 Wheel Set

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 05:37:00 +0000

You might expect that we would only talk about gear specifically for adventure racing. However, many of us participate in other sports in addition to adventure racing. I do one road triathlon a year (Pacific Crest 1/2 ironman). I do this to keep me sharp and focused on personal performance. Last year, 2006, I used the FSA RD-600 wheelset equipped with Michelin Race Pro tires. Out of 590 finishers, I finished 2nd AG (excluding pros), 2nd masters (excluding pros), and 28th overall including a dozen or so pros.

The wheels and tires were on fire. I recieved many comments from other athletes about the wheels as they are fairly new on the scene and different looking with their giant center flange. The 110mm center flange sits directly behind the rim allowing a third of the spokes to be sheltered from frontal wind which increases the wheels aerodynamics. I didn't notice any others on the course. Since I am 41, my wave start is almost last. So, rocking my way throught 600 other racers on their bikes is a great feeling. Especially when the other racers are using wheel sets that were historically considered the best in triathlon. The best thing is that, this wheel set can be purchased for about $700 which is a fraction of the other's cost.

Arc'teryx Alpha SL jacket

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 22:56:00 +0000

The Alpha SL is simple but very sweet. This jacket has worked its way up my favorites list based on its functionality and eight ounce weight, amongst other things. The laminated pit zips pay big dividends in keeping you cool and ventilated when you are working hard on your bike, running or climbing a mountain and the two ply 290NR Gore-Tex® Paclite® fabric keeps you warm when the temperatures outside dip down below freezing. The single chest pocket allows for critical item storage and easy access. My biking, climbing and snowboarding helmets all fit into the storm hood and the well placed draw cords allow for a more snug fit when appropriate. With proper layering underneath the jacket you can use the Alpha SL anytime during the year and it will likely earn its place on your outerwear podium. The Alpha SL is currently retailing for roughly $250 in selected Arc'teryx distributors and is worth every cent.
Contributed by Ryan VanGorder
Top Photo by, Erik Nachtrieb
Lower Photo by, Aaron Rinn

Jenn Segger, Elite DART-nuun racer, talks about "nuun"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:09:00 +0000

Nuun – a necessity for both training and racing. I have been using this product for over a year now and having nothing but positive reviews to report on. I’ve used it during expedition races where maintaining adequate levels of minerals and replacing the essential electrolytes is critical to race performance. I take several tablets most days of the week, especially during or after intense training sessions when the body needs to be replenished. I love the fact that the flavor is desireable and that it has an appealing taste regardless of if the water temperature is mild or cold. The tube containers make it ideal for racing with and the tablet form provides for a quick dispersion amongst team members. I normally keep it in a pocket on the waist belt of my back for easy access. I never worry about it getting wet. The more convienent a product is to put in a bottle or drop in a bladder, the more likely it will be used. I look forward to the new flavors! Like it, love it, use it!!

Contributed by Jen Seeger