OneLifeiD // Just to be safe!

I was reading an article a couple of weeks ago in a cycling magazine while I was waiting in the physio's waiting room and an interesting article cought my attention. It was about a company who sells fully personalised wristbands that can be used in case accidents to identify the owner. After I finished the article I got very interested and ordered my OneLifeiD wristband on the same evening. 

 

Basicly the point is this: about 95% of the times I'm out on the bike on my own. I know it is not good, but normally I don't have iD on me. This and the fact that I can't be too careful guided me towards the decision to place my order and get one of these, I my opinion very useful wristbands. 

After about two weeks the parcel has landed

Nicely presented product indeed

The idea is very simple: there is this stainless steel plate on the silicone band. The plate has an engraved barcode and also personalised information (name, ICE number, blood type, ect...). The barcode is linked to a personal online profile that can be updated with necessary information (medical history, medicine allergy, ect...) In case of emergency the most important details are right there on the plate and also if you scan the barcode that online page pops up with additional information. 

Cool design, strong material, comfortable to wear and weather proof. What more can I ask for? 

The full kit

Getting the size right

The proper clasp makes it easy to put it on and to take it off

I think this is a great and simple way to have iD on me all the time when I'm out on the bike. I know people have different opinion about these things but the way I look at it is this: it's better to be safe than sorry. I just feel like it can only be good to have something like this in case of anything happens out there. But the best would be if it never gonna get used, if you know what I mean! :)

The Sally Gap broke me for the 1st time in 7 years...

Something has happened today that I did not see coming I have to say. Today's "mission" was to have a road spin over the Sally Gap before I get to work. Got up nice & early and left the house all hyped up about the fact I'm on the bike for the second time this week. 

Now, as we all seen today: the weather wasn't exactly cyclist friendly. Very strong headwind I got pretty much all the way out but things got pretty bad after I started to climb from the Loug Tay direction. As I was making my way up towards the Gap the weather has turned from bad to worst withing minutes. Got extremely strong side/head wind and got hit by this proper snow storm that was very heavy. Kept climbing but after I passed Lough Tay things got to the point when I just said that enough is enough. I'm not the type who just randomly turns back but I felt like I could get into trouble up there quiet easly 'cause the wind was throwing me so badly and most likely it would get even worst as I was making my way higher and higher up to the mountains...

So I turned back and finished my road spin on a bit safer route. Ended up doing a 3 hours long spin that I ok with anyway. Wasn't too happy about turning back but I think I made the right decision 'cause the Wicklow could be quiet rough at this time of the year. And I can only hope that I need to wait at least another 7 years before the Sally Gap or any other hill can break me like this again! :) 

 

Endura Pro Nemo Gloves // Simply the best so far!

Gloves have been always the most important piece of clothing related equipment to me since I'm having trouble with my hands and fingers during the cold(ish) winter spins. Have tried many different makes and models before and I'm happy to say that I found the best ones yet: Endura Pro Nemo neoprene gloves. 

I've picked up a pair about a month ago and have tested them in pretty much all weather conditions to see how good they are. Turns out very! :)

The most importtant thing to me is to keep my hands warm, don't mind if it's wet but it needs to stay warm as long as it's possible. 

The other thing that comes into count is how light & flexible they are because I don't like the big, rigid  gloves as they have very restricted flexibility. (That was one of my problem with my other pair of gloves from SealSkinz...they are not flexible enough to me...)

Product details

- super strech neoprene outer

- wicking terry inner

- silicone grip print palm

- reflective trim

- deep cuff

The neoprene fabrique works exactly the same as the wetsuits and diving suits: it lets the water in but the water seals the hands and the neoprene maintains the temperature keeping the hands nice and warm. Simple and perfect solution to me indeed! :)

Testing these bad boys in snow and the result surprised me: still warm even after 2 hours

So at this point I have to say that it was a great move to switch to them, no regrets whatsoever. They are ideal for both road & off-road spins, comfortable and very durable pair of gloves. Hoping to have them for a very long time! :)

My plans for the 2013 racing season

Well, it is end of January now, so it's time to start making plans for the year. I've been thinking about things for a while: what to do, what to keep as a priority, what to miss and all the rest. The thing is that I have about a ton of motivation but if I want to be realistic I gotta admit that I still don't spend enough time with training...so I'm trying to make time but it's isn't easy... But the plans are there, so let's see them:

My focus in 2013 will be on cyclocross instead of mountain biking. I want to race a full cross season, taking part in all the rounds of the series and get the best possible overall result. The main goal is to race well in the Cyclocross National Champs and get the best possible result there. But the Big Goal is to take part in the Three Peaks Cyclocross race over in the U.K. That is the big one for me, had my eyes on that one for a while.

On the mountain bike the I have two big plans. One would be to ride the 12 hours Bull Raid as a solo rider (I've done it as part of a 2 man team in 2011 ) and the other one is to ride the Wicklow Way in one day.

On the road the only thing that I can't miss is the Wicklow 200. I also would love to beat my own record on the Kilmashogue Lane, to get a double digit number would be sweet.  

The plans are here, nothing else to do but stick to the list and get most of it done. If I can race all these races and complete my parsonal goals I sure will be a very happy cyclist! :) 

Winter Wonderland // Threerock

Enjoying winter on the bike, needless to say too much about it! The pictures tell the tale! Enjoy! :)