Staying cool while biking in the hot, humid weather

Here in this bike pic, digging through our summer archives, we captured this biker dude pedaling along the East River Road or Mississippi River Trail on the Saint Paul Bicycle Classic course this fall.

With the return of summer heat, welcoming to most of us here in upper Midwest, we are finally feeling the warmth. With the temperatures again fluctuating up into the high nineties this week and the humidity down right tropical, here are some helpful suggestions to make the most of your summer activities while we all enjoy our warm weather outdoor activities.

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Sledge Sunglasses are designed by cyclists for your riding comfort

Thanks to today’s oversized styles from Tifosi Optics, choosing a pair of eye-catching sunglasses for cycling is easy and affordable. The latest Sledge models will have you riding in style when the sun is shining. Plus, if you are like me, when you want a more detailed view,  they comfortably fit over your prescription glasses. Either way, you wear them, you'll get the airy fit and the protection you desire.

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The Apres-Ski Recovery Boot works well for post fat biking activities

Like the Telic's sandals, the new Apres-Ski Recovery Boot turned out to be the perfect footwear after fat biking along snow-covered trails. After enjoying a fun-filled day in Minnesota's True North landscape it was time to fit into some comfortable footwear and enjoy the local festivities. Originally designed for athletes to help relax the feet after training and competition, my wife found this women's boots perfect for most post riding activities.

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The Blaine 10-mile bike loop can add more memories to a sporting event

With miles of connecting bike trails around the city of Blaine, sports fans and visitors alike will find many phenomenal sights on this 10-mile bike loop. One of the nine communities of the Twin Cities Gateway this city is a perfect destination for a bike vacation tied to a sporting event. The city offers many trail opportunities surrounding the sports facilities here. So, if you are an athlete or a visiting sports fan looking for some added fun we have some ideas starting with the Blaine 10-mile bike loop.

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Border Bike Ride makes it easy to explore towns in Iowa and Minnesota

The Border Bike Ride allows all levels of cyclists the opportunity to ride on two trails, with several communities along the way. The fun begins in Riceville, in northeast Iowa, at the trailhead and welcome center of the Waspi-Great Western Line (WGWL) Trail on Saturday, August 22nd. With many Border Bike Ride route options, recreational riders of all levels have several opportunities. The 56-mile route option crosses the border into Minnesota and to visit communities along the Shooting Star Trail.

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A healthy energy boost makes any off-road cycling adventure better

This bike pic Saturday, enjoy your time out riding the trails with family and friends as the fall colors are at there peak.

If you are like me, I like to carry a few energy boost jell packs while enjoying nature in the wild. On my latest adventure, before the snow covered the Northwoods landscape, I found Trail Butter. Trying them I found they were delicious and provided a level of energy that lasted longer. Plus, having several flavors added to the experience and fun of mountain biking in the true north. 

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A perfect pair of sandals can add to your bicycle touring adventures

If you are like me when cycling in a new area, it is fun to get off the bike and walk around a historical area, along the beach or venture into a shopping area with sandals. Many times these extra-curricular stops can lead to more treasured memories. The only problem, hiking around in bike shoes isn’t always the best for walking. And, even if they are fairly comfortable you don’t want to get them wet or dirty, especially if you use them in conjunction with clip-on pedals. So having a second set of footwear, a pair of comfortable Telic sandals along, can add to your comfort and fun!.

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The perfect wearable and convenient bike lock, the Hiplok Spin

Testing out the new Hiplok Spin for trail riding and running errands this last week the lock offered me hassle-free convenience in keeping my bike safe. With other bike locks, when zipping around, where do you conveniently store it so it won't rattle or snag an item of clothing? Now with the simplicity of the Hiplok Spin, wear it as a visible belt and as fast as you can click the lock you are ready to leave the bike secure. 

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A bicycle headlight that works well on or off the bike

No matter what time of the year there is never enough daylight and having a bicycle headlight is a necessary item for any cyclist riding on the road or on trails. Over the last couple of months, I have had the chance to test the Fenix BC21R v2.0 bicycle headlight in several applications with memorable success. The Fenix worked well while commuting by bike and fat biking through the snow. This 1,000-lumens capacity light offered me several beam output settings that I needed at dusk and in the dark to see and be seen. Plus its makes a handy stand-alone flashlight when not on my bike.

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