Sailing!

 Dr. M. at the bridge sailing to Nantucket Island

We had a wonderful tour of the New England states including Rhode Island, Cape Cod Massachusetts and Nantucket Island.  One of the highlights of the trip was our whale watching excursion which took us out near the coast of Maine on the open seas.

One of things we did to prepare for this trip is see to it that we had proper footwear.  The decks of even the most luxurious yachts can be extremely slippery so you will need to pack shoes that work on both land and sea.  That's why we wore our Sperry Topsiders!

The Figawi sandals, pictured here are amazingly comfortable both shipboard and for walking.  Many of the vessels we were on had ladder stairs to climb to the top deck which were often wet.  These sandals actively gripped the surface and prevented what could have been a very nasty fall, (woman overboard!), or slip.  On land, they were cool and did not absorb water so our feet stayed quite dry.

Photo: Magda at Nantucket Marina wearing her Sperry Topsider Figawi 2 strap sandals. Cue: "Sittin' on the dock of the Bay!"

We did a lot of boarding of watercraft during our tour where the angled gangplanks were often wet and slippery.  The Sperry Topsiders were perfect on the docks as well as on board.

Much of this tour also involved a lot of walking.  We did quite a bit of shopping after disembarking.  For example we walked all over Nantucket Island, stopping in at the Whaling Museum, the Artist Guild for their famous Lightship Baskets and then down to the beach for a swim.  The Sperry Topsiders came to the rescue again!  My althetic shoes, the Sperry Topsider SB1070's pictured to the right have the same water displacing soles as the Figawi sandals, which grip wet surfaces like crazy.  While whale watching aboard the Dolphin, we were rocking quite hard due to a swell out in the Atlantic.  No problem.  The Sperrys gave us all the sure footed grip we needed. 

The smart way to pack for a land and sea excursion like this is to take footwear that does double duty.  Lightweight, low water absorption and very stable on wet surfaces such as can be found on ship decks and gangways.  These were also the perfect athletic shoe for shopping and taking a tour of nearly all 70 rooms in The Breakers, the Vanderbilt's summer mansion in Newport, R.I.  We also walked through Mystic Seaport, the National Seashore Park and the JFK Memorial in Hyannis Port.  No sore feet at the end of this tour!

Photo: Front entrance of The Breakers, perched on the cliffs of Newport, R.I. Fashion designer, Gloria Vanderbilt, summered in this "cottage" and is the mother of news journalist, Anderson Cooper of CNN.
 

Visit Sperry Topsider Online at:  http://www.sperrytopsider.com

When undertaking a tour of this scope, you'll need to pay special attention to your nutrition.  If you are like me and not much accustomed to high fat, low fiber resturant foods and strange water, your digestive system can suffer.  This is why I take along Proactive 1B by Rainbow Light.  This is a complete probiotic formula that helps maintain healthy digestive flora, supporting regularity and optimum immunity. This the perfect companion for any trip where you don't know what you'll be eating!

Photo:  Boating activity in Providencetown Harbor.  The gangplank to your right is what is used to board these ships. "Slippery When Wet!"

It was here in Providencetown that the Pilgrims really landed first and where we boarded the Dolphin VIII for our sunset whale watching cruise.  On the way out of the harbor, we passed our old friend, the Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware's Tall Ship, headed back to port.  We went about an hour and a half out into the deep Atlantic and pretty much off the coast of Maine by the time we began to see Humpback whales spouting off in the distance.  Through the summer months until about the end of September, pods or familes of whales, mostly mothers and calves feed and play in these nutrient rich waters.  We saw at least 20 pods during our excursion with one young calf completely lifting his head up out of the water so that we could actually see his baleen filtering jaws.  Incredible!  Later an adult and calf both did a breech and a complete 360 before belly flopping back into the ocean.  Since we were caught in a bit of a swell from a passing storm, it was a little rough...choppy even.  We skipped the sleep inducing Dramamine and opted for some natural crystalized ginger root.  No problems on deck for us although we did see a few green-faced shipmates running below!  Oh well.

My advice is not to be afraid of having an adventure.  I've come to trust God to make it happen for me.  We can step out in faith, (but maybe not on water), just as Peter did!  You don't want to reach old age with a long list of regretful, 'I should of's'.  With a little planning, the right gear and proper nutrition, you can live your dreams instead of just sleeping through them.  We'd like to thank Sperry Topsider, Rainbow Light, Dorfman Pacific, Athleta and the Sierra Club for their wonderful support for this excursion.  The right gear and supplies makes all the difference. Come with us this fall as we will show you how to prepare for cool weather bicyling for commuting and cross training pleasure!  Also, remember to come out for the Ride for Rett charity bicycle ride on Sunday, October 5th 2008.  Rett's Syndrome is a disabling, neurological disorder which primarily effects female infants.  Sign up for this great tour for a great cause online at: http://www.signmeup.com/61644

Photo: Heading back to Providencetown Port after our sunset whale watching cruise aboard the Dolphin VIII.  The tall spire near the center is Pilgrim's Monument, the highest point on Cape Cod.

God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful & increase in number & fill the water and the seas..."  Genesis 1:22

Photo: Out on the water at the 2008 Outdoor Adventure Expo. Sunblock Hat by Dorfman-Pacific, Nautical Top by Sweet Child, Boating Sandals by Sperry Topsider

 This year's May Outdoor Adventure Expo featured the best in outdoor activities including fishing, camping, kayaking, canoeing, rowboating, paddleboating and rock wall climbing.  We carefully picked our take along essentials in hats, footwear and backpacks for this challenging Outdoor Adventure Expo which was perhaps our most successful ever.

Photo: Kayak and Canoe dock. Hat by Dorfman-Pacific, nautical top by Sweet Child, water sandals by Sperry Topsider

Other than a flotation vest, the most important piece of equipment is your footwear.  We chose the Blue Figawi water sandals by Sperry Topsider because they make high quality boating shoes that look as good as they perform.  They are made to grip on slippery decks and we found them superior in performance for our boating needs.

  

                 Built more like a triathelon sandal, these Blue Figawi 2 Strap boating sandals are very comfortable yet up to intense physical activity on the water and land.

Low Low Water Absorption Materials & Waterproof Leather are Quick Drying

AEGIS™ Microbe Shield for Odor Control Protects Against Odor Causing Bacteria

Active Drainage System Featuring Drainage Ports Helps Dry Feet Quickly in Wet Conditions

Fully Adjustable Quick Release Buckle System Offers a Secure Fit & Added Stability

Scuff Rubber Mudguard Offers Extra Durability & Traction

Removable Contoured Exposed EVA Footbed For Ultimate Low Water Absorption & Maximum Water Drainage

Contoured 3-Piece EVA Midsole/Footbed Provides All-Day, Under-Foot Comfort & Stability

New Hydro-Grip™ Rubber Traction Compound is the Ultimate Performance Traction Outsole Compound

Non-Marking Rubber Outsole with Quadro-Grip Multi-Directional Wave-Siping™ for Added Wet / Dry Traction

 

 

 

Photo: Steering from the Stern. Outback hat by Dorfman-Pacific, cargo shorts by St. John's Bay, SB1070 Boating/Athletic Shoes by Sperry Topsider, napsack Sierra Club Logo Waterproof Canvas Backpack

Mood:  caffeinated

I'm not one to say, "I told you so", but my prophetic visions from three years ago have proven true.  Then gas prices were teetering on $2 a gallon and we were all complaining.  Seeing the handwriting on the wall, I made it my goal to use my bicyle to run 50% of my local errands.  You know, those little trips to the post office, library, farm market and local stores.  What I began to see is my enjoyment level rising with each ride.  I even procured a woman-specific road bicyle made by Terry Precision Cycling just for sporting use.  My Terry Semmetry is perhaps the best road bike I have ever ridden and remains my favorite.

As I got stronger, I was able to go further and ride more frequently.  I got Angle-Tech Panniers, (saddlebags), for my touring bicyle and a small seat bag for the Terry road bicyle.  Early mornings, 6:30 am would find me headed out past the picturesque horse farms and country roads that dot my riding route.  Later in the day, I would use my touring bicycle with the panniers to do errands and shopping.  I felt great and slept like a baby every night. Using my bicycle for local trips rose from 50% to 75% very quickly.  Soon I was only filling up my gas tank once a month instead of every two weeks.

After entering the Woods Hollow Classic Mountain Bike Race and winning, the advanced division, I knew there were no limits to what I could do with God's help. Now mind you this took time!  If your sit bones are sore the first time out, don't get discouraged.  Simply invest in a good seat such as a leather model by Selle Italia, (Lady) and make sure you have at least two pairs of chamois padded cycling pants such as those made by Terry.  These are really your best friends on the road next to your cycling jersey.

So how do you get road ready with the bare minimum of equipment?  Here's the down 'n dirty checklist:

An Adult Bicyle: No, you can't borrow Billy's Mongoose!  Small wheels won't cut it.  Best choices are full sized touring bicycles because they are framed to hold panniers or saddlebags.  For some great choices such as Madelline, visit Terry Precision Cycling at: www.terrybicycles.com

A Set of Panniers or Saddlebags:  If you have a touring bicycle, it may already have a rear rack.  This is what you attach your panniers to.  You can also purchase a trunk bag to sit on top of the rear rack giving you even more space.  Visit Angletech's website for the Techwind Panniers pictured above at: www.angletechcycles.com

Padded Cycling Pants: The cut of cycling pants makes sure the cuffs stay out of the crank area.  The padding also works to reduce soreness and slipping off the seat.  The best that I have used are by Terry Precision Cycling: www.terrybicycles.com

That's about it.  Make sure to wear a helmet and a pair of stiff soled shoes.  Soft sneakers waste energy so leave them at home.  Also get a flashing tail light like the ones that can clip on your rear trunk bag or seat post.  Sigma Sport's CubeRider attaches quickly to your seat without tools and is very bright.

Nutrition Talk

Perhaps the most discouraging things we face when starting a new physical activity is:

1.) Not having enought energy to complete the task

2.) Being exausted after attempting the task

3.) Feeling sore after the activity

If any of these three issues concern you, I have some wonderful solutions.  Rome wasn't built in a day so if going around the block is all you can do at first, then Bravo!  What you need to do is start a training table program so that you will have enough fuel for road and beyond.  Here is a program that I follow for high energy and reduction of muscle and joint pain associated with intense exercise.

Training Table Program for Cycling

Early AM - 1/2 cup of a Fruit Smoothie (berries, apples, carrots, etc.) made with Rainbow Light's Vanilla Protein Energizer. 

Lunch - Large Chef Salad, Women's Nutritional System Multivitamin, (Multi + Daily Program)  Ultra Energy Plus

Dinner - 3 oz of low fat protein, (chicken or turkey breast or fish, beef once a week) 1 cup dark leafy green vegetables, 1 cup orange, (beta-carotene rich), vegetables.  Arthx Relief Immediate Relief Formula / Multilieve Fast Relief for Common Aches & Pains.  Wolfberry Concentrate capsules, (antioxidant). 

Before Bed - Rainbow Light Calcium + will allow your muscles to displace the lactic acid they've built up during your ride.  You'll sleep so much better for it!  Don't forget to take along healthy snacks like a Luna Bar which is designed specifically for women's nutritional needs. It will give you the extra boost you need to hit that hill.

Rainbow Light supplements are based on whole foods and therefore very easy to digest.  They absorb very quickly allowing you to get the most benefit from each formulation.  They really help you sustain high energy levels and you will see the difference after one week. Visit them online at: www.rainbowlight.com

The benefits of this green solution to high gas prices are many.  Even a moderate amount of cycling will cause your body fat to drop and your stamina to increase.    Mental clarity increases when more oxygen is made available.  Stress, which is a major factor in health deterioration, is also decreased.  You'll feel good about what you are doing environmentally, physically and emotionally too.  Cycling gives you a real lift and can help to reduce the soaring cost of transportation.  Come on, be proactive!  See you out there.

PHOTO Tubbs Bear Paw Traditional Wood Snowshoes

 PHOTO MONTANE Lite-Speed Jacket

FINDING THE WAY HOME

One of the most important pieces of gear you'll need for hiking is a reliable compass.  HighGear has this down to a science with the compact, multifunctioning AltiTech2 Digital Altimeter / Compass.  I keep this instrument with me at all times and it looks great latched onto my Coach Bucket Bag!  Really, the AltiTech2 is only a bit larger than a wristwatch but gives you accurate cardinal point readings, temperature, altitude and weather forecasts.  Even has a backlight for night time use.  It is a chronograph and a watch as well.  Harbinger clip allows it to attach easily to your backpack or jacket.  A must have if you are out tracking.

The cooler weather of fall into early winter prove to be both bane and blessing. The cooler, crisp air allows you to go much further on your bicycle with less chance of heat prostration more common in the summer months. On the other hand, you will need to make sure you are warm but not overheated. This is a tough transitioning period weather-wise but with some proper planning and the right gear, you’ll get much more out of your touring cycling season than you ever thought possible.

Road Rules

The fall is the time when depending on your area of the country, you may get a lot of rain or have to ride in gusty winds.  I use a Kestrel Weather Meter which gives me altimeter readings which predict oncoming storms as well as wind speed readings. It can clock the wind speed in miles per hour which can save a lot of effort and energy on the road. Likewise it has an onboard thermometer which adds in the wind chill factor and can help avoid overexposure of the extremities. Certain pieces of clothing are good down to a specific temperature. Knowing this in advance can save a lot of discomfort! As a general rule, full fingered gloves are best when the temperature drops below 50 degrees. While touring, you have to add in the wind chill factor to your actual air temperature. If you’re breezing along at a good clip, expect that your hands, which are just along for the ride, are going to get pretty cold without proper protection.  Another piece of technology I wouldn't be without is a digital compass.  Most newer cars are being equipped with GPS systems.  You should at least have a good compass.  The AltiTech digital compass shown here gives you exact cardinal directions in a hurry.  More than that, it has an altimeter and shows upcoming weather conditions via cool graphics such as a sun, rain cloud, etc.  Both the AltiTech and Kestrel come equipped with a backlight for night vision.

So what do I need?

You may need to switch tires on your touring bicycle if you expect to encounter a lot of fallen leaves or even a wet road surface. A touring bicycle is generally more stable than a high performance road bicycle but you will still  have to judge what sort of changes in road conditions you will be facing as a result of the fall to early winter season. Now I’m not saying get out the snow chains but you might consider the sort of tires found on many mountain bikes. There is a reason they have that sort of tread and width. I have competed in and won the advanced section of the Woods Hollow Classic Mountain Bike Race and can tell you those tires may not be incredibly fast but they are rock - solid stable!

Madeline-Terry’s Flagship Touring Bicycle designed specifically for women

Baby its Cold Outside!  Cycling Clothing Essentials...

You'll want to be sure that you are dressed right for the temperature and the tour.  The first outfit is by Georgena Terry and can be comfortably worn in temperatures as low as 45 degrees with the knickers and even lower with Terry's ColdWeather Tight. Full fingered gloves are also a necessity and Terry's Light T Gloves are perfect for this transitional period.

Terry's Aqua / Cream GT Jersey

and Bella Knicker

Aerodynamic TechWind Panniers by Angle Tech

Georgena Terry's new GT Jersey really has all the bases covered.  Super soft fleece lining with great looks for the road.  This is the jersey you'll wear the most because of how it looks and feels against your skin.  360 degree reflectivity which is great for when the sun sets at about 4 pm and you're still out there pedaling.  Three open rear pockets make it a true cycling jersey but with none of the bulk. 

Terry's new Bella Knicker is the perfect 3 season cycling pant.  The chamois, is very flexible but effective and the six panel flat seam construction assures a super comfortable fit.  With the added reflective bands at the calf, these knickers offer the most riding versatility for the money.  The fit is fantastic and they will definitely be the cycling pants you'll wear most!

Stop Freezing to the Road!

When the temperatures dip even further, let's say below 40 degrees, you'll need a bit more coverage while not restricting your movement or putting on bulky layers.  What is great about these Terry pieces is that they can be worn for other cross training purposes, such as snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sledding or snowboarding.  This way you get triple duty out of the same outfits!  Terry's new Cashmina Jersey is luxury and function combined.  A perfect example of a jersey that can go from the pavement to the ski slopes, seemlessly. 

Terry's Cashmina Jersey in Snow Leopard 

Terry's CoolWeather Tight with Padded Seat

Terry Light T Gloves (full finger)

Cycle Shoes by Specialized

Aaron Helmet by Rudi Project

Terry's Cashmina Jersey, shown here in Snow Leopard has a stand up collar for extra warmth, princess seaming and a 12 inch front zipper.  Three open rear pockets make it as road worthy as it is beautiful.  Better yet, the Polartec fleece doesn't add bulk while keeping you comfortably warm.  Made in the good old US of A!

Terry's ColdWeather Tight with Chamois rises equally to the challenge when the thermometer dips below 40 degrees.  These tights are super comfortable and really knock the chill off your cold weather ride.  They hug like a glove with an eight panel fit that has plenty of length.  Made of Polartec Windpro Hardface.  This is another cross training essential that with or without padding can do extra duty on the ski slopes.

What about proper nutrition and immune system support?

These are real needs as the added stress of cool weather cycling can put serious demands on your body.  More than that, your immure system is under greater attack in the cooler weather due to closed windows and the lack of fresh, circulated air.  Not to worry, there is a lot you can do to prepare for the coming cold season while extending your cycling time. 

Vitamin Routine: Rainbow Light Women’s Nutritional System, Protein Energizer and Immuno-Build...Health Essentials for Active Women

Rainbow Light's food based, woman geared nutrients are just what the nutritionist ordered!  All of Rainbow Light's products are gentle on the digestive tract but even better, they deliver the multi-food and herb based nutrients women especially need.  Their Women's Nutritional System, for example packs a full 1,000 mgs of bone building calcium.  This is so important for healthy bones and averting those awful late night leg cramps after a long ride.  A woman can get the daily recommended amount of calcium, that is between 1,000 and 1,200 mgs easily with Rainbow Light Women's Nutritional System.

Likewise Women's Answer is HRT and birth control compatible while providing patented antioxidant protection.  The more you exercise, the more oxygen you take in.  Therefore exercise, although healthy for you, increases the need for antioxidants.  Rainbow Light's Immuno-Build with Reishi-Shitake mushroom complex gives you that extra edge of protection.  I have taken just one when I felt symptoms of a cold coming on.  It seemed to stop the virus dead in its tracks as I have not come down with a cold since using it.

During cross training, we like to start each day with a fruit smoothie featuring strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.  After making our favorite juice blend, we add a scoop of Rainbow Light's Protein Energizer.  Loaded with 15 grams of rice protein, 6 grams of fiber and 500 mgs of Spirulina, it is the perfect morning drink before and after a brisk ride.  Available in Vanilla and Chocolate with no added sugar, it is a low carb alternative to many other protein powders. This product performs as hard as we do and you will feel the difference in your ride and road endurance.

Extra Juice!  Adam's 100% Mangosteen Nectar 

Everybody is talking about Mangosteen these days.  It is an exotic Asian fruit and we recommend those bottled in the USA by Adam's of California.  Mangosteen fruit is amazingly rich in antioxidants but also has immuno boosting and antiinflammatory qualities.  You'll really appreciate that if you frequently suffer from soreness or stiffness after cycling.  Another bonus is that it is shown to have anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.  What more could you ask?

Adam's 100% Mangosteen Juice is really delicious and can be served straight over ice or added to chilled green tea. It is the only Mangosteen drink on the market with extra Xanthothones and 10 lbs of Mangosteen fruit in every bottle.  Adam's 100% Mangosteen Nectar is perfect to take along on the tour for extra energy and protection out on the road.

So you needn't put your touring bicycle away just yet.  The leaves are turning and it is a great time to get out  and see it all.  Touring by bicycle has become increasingly popular because you are able to take food, extra clothing and equipment along via panniers and rack trunks.  A day out on the road can seem like a mini-vacation so why not treat yourself?  Get out there and enjoy the seasons in style!  It's God's gift so celebrate His creation.  With the proper gear, cycling clothing and nutrition, you can extend your riding season well into the first snow.  Then you can get out the tire chains!

For more information on the recommended gear and products featured in this article, please visit the following company websites listed below:

Terry Precision Cycling   www.terrybicycles.com

Rainbow Light Nutritional Products  www.rainbowlight.com

Adam's 100% Mangosteen Juice     www.mangosteens.com

Kestrel Weather Meters        www.nkhome.com/ww/wwindex.html

AngleTech TechWind Panniers

www.angletechcycles.com/accessories/techwind.htm