Happy Friday

Happy Friday all! I've got a busy day scheduled, but I am still thrilled to be heading into weekend zone. I've got some hiking and snowball throwing in store...

Trek Bicycles and Women Cyclists

photo credit

How many years have you been riding a bike that doesn't quite fit right? One, three, maybe even five? I'm guilty too. My first two or three years riding were spent on too big of a steed. I had a good streak for 8 or 9 years with a Jamis hardtail, but later got sucked back onto another bike that was too big (which I am currently riding still).

Well here's your big chance to tell it like it is ladies. Trek is looking for our opinions on all sorts of bike fit questions on their facebook. Head on over and help 'em out.

I left 'em a few words of my own and then continued to drool over my beloved Era bike by Specialized. Made. for. women. Whoot-whoot!

Semi Custom Terry Bicycles

Not the first time that I've drooled over Terry's amazing bikes and probably not the last. Did you know that Terry offers a custom bike program? They work with you over multiple conversations and fittings to find the bike that will be your forever friend.

Their Isis Sport is absolutely salivating. The Isis sport features a lightweight double-butted steel frame and fork coming in at around 18 lbs. I've been riding my steel beauty for about two years-ish from Jamis and find that the comfort of steel on bike touring trips is well worth the weight. But to have the comfort and the lighter weight?! I'm sold.

The Isis Sport also has more gears for those of us who need the comfort of - just one more gear (which is so me). Did I mention the sparkly details on these bikes? So sweet.

Best Outdoor Blogs for Women

I've been culling my list of the best outdoor sites or blogs for women. Some are by women or for women. Some of them are companies, groups, or organizations for women. It's heavy on biking blogs, but there is a little something for everyone. Without further ado- The Best of Outdoor Blogs for Women. Enjoy!

Gear Gals

Gear Gals is a blog dedicated to reviewing and featuring outdoor gear reviews for women. Not only are their reviews helpful and insightful- but they also have a pretty spiffy dress up section too.

Outdoor Industry Women's Coalition (OIWC)

The Outdoor Industry Women's Coalition is a group that brings outdoor industry women together through online networking, networking events, and kick ass professional development. Really a must join group for any female currently working in or interested in the outdoor industry.

Women's Adventure Magazine

Seriously one of my favorite sites to stop by. They have killer reader adventures posted on their blog, you can read past issue or current issues ONLINE. For reels. Amazing photograpy, writing, and inspiration for women adventurers.

Rock Climber Girl

Rock Climber Girl is a truly inspiring blog. She details her climbing adventures, provides tips and tricks on gear and climbing.

Specialized Bikes- Women

Specialized Bikes has truly expanded their women's bike selection. They're one of the few companies that really analyzes women's geometry and builds better bikes for female riders. More than that- they've got an inspiring website and have really spread out across multiple social media. Check them out on twitter or facebook. Specialized has been kicking butt in the women's specific arena- but here is my challenge for them. Remember the Specialized Trail Crew from last year? Well I think we really think we need to see a Women's Bike Crew...What do you say Specialized?

Outdoor Parent

The Outdoor Parent hasn't posted since last year, but they have a great collection of articles for parents who want to be outdoors with their family.

Mudd Bunnies

A women's biking club out of Vancouver, BC featuring forums, tips, and teams for downhill, freeride, or cross country mountain bikers. Oh, I so wish I lived nearby!

Outdoor Divas

Outdoor Divas are based out of Colorado and feature clothing, gear, killer events and classes for multiple sports.

Velo Mom

Connecting women, bikes, and their children. Truly informative posts on biking, pregnancy and biking, and kids.

Expand Outdoors

Totally original and authentic- a life coach with a specialty in the outdoors.

She Pedals Magazine

It's really pretty flipping fantastic that the bike industry has morphed enough to allow for a women's specific cycling magazine. She Pedals features reviews, industry news, and features on top athletes.

Chicks with Picks

Chicks with Picks is a site for women rock climbers and ice climbers. Their site features a blog, newsletters, and merchandise for female climbers. They also have amazing clinics all around the country for women climbers.

Hiking Lady

The Hiking Lady blog mainly features reviews and tips for women who hike or backpack. Honestly- she has some great tips on lacing your boots to prevent blisters as well as video features. A must check out blog!

Girl Mtn Biker

Girl Mtn Biker is a brand new site for women mountain bikers. Currently they feature a blog, reviews for women, and a great event section. I expect that we will be seeing more and more as this site begins to unfurl.

Terry

Terry has been making bikes and cycling gear for women before it was cool. Now they're still kicking butt and taking names in all things female and bike related.

Girls Outdoors

Girls Outdoors is a great forum for women outdoor athletes. Whether you bike, paddle, ski, or run- Girls Outdoors has tips, reviews, events, and inspiration for everyone.

Bike Shop Girl

A site dedicated to helping women handle more of the mechanics in biking, reviews on gear, and bike industry info.

Women's Wilderness Institute

Courses, news, tips, and inspiration for both the seasoned outdoors women to young girls.


See any great sites or blogs that I missed? Please comment below and we may include them in future posts!

Big Agnes Tent Shopping

A fateful tent pole snap while setting up our tent this summer has put us in the market for a new tent. For years we've been happy with our dual door and vestibule, lots of mesh EMS Tristar tent. We've trucked around many a states, forests, and campsites with our trusty tent.

While this tent has been great in downpours, muggy weather, and extreme bug attacks- its downfall has really been with the tent poles. Year two a pole snapped and EMS swapped it out for us. Year four the poles were getting really crackly around the openings and the cord was getting extremely stretched so we ordered new ones from a tent pole company in Colorado.

The new poles worked well for about two years and then we had to get new ones due to similar wear factors. So when this year we had a full splintering of a pole segment- we duct taped and decided that we needed a new tent for next year. Enough of the duct tape, sealent, and water proof spraying- we needed something new.

So after several months of debating and checking out lots of websites, I think I am leaning towards a Big Agnes tent. Here are my two top picks:

Emerald Mountain Tent SL2

The Emerald Tent has basically every one of our important tent characteristics. We like dual doors, lots of mesh, and dual vestibules. What really made me interested in this tent is the optional zip on vestibule that really enlarges tent space. What a great retreat for those colossal late day downpours.

Fly Creek UL2

The other options I've narrowed it down to is the Fly Creek UL2. While this tent doesn't have dual doors & vestibules and the mesh is significantly less than the Emerald Tent, it's super lightweight coming in at just 2 lbs. 10 oz.

We've started to put some longer miles together backpacking and have been really feeling it with tent weight. We may just be willing to give up a few things to cut down weight.

The Big Agnes tents seems to have some interesting setup/tent pole features which may be slightly tricky to set-up. Anyone out there sporting a Big Agnes tent have any feedback about the tent poles?

Seriously

Seriously we just got more snow. This is getting insane. Our snowfall averages are currently exceeding what we typically see for a whole season. Now the weathermen are predicting an arctic cold front on its way in. They're expecting that we won't see above zero degrees for days and then of course more snow for the work week. Brrrrrrr.

You know what that means right? Time to get outside all weekend! We have to get some fun in before our buns freeze off....

snow face

I Only Write You When It Snows

These days I seem to only post when it snows out here... The only days I tend to have off are the ones that I physically can't drive into work for...Here is what we like to do in the snow..

Misty has a fondness for the snow. She doesn't love the cold, but she REALLY loves the snow. Biting it. Tasting it. Scrounging in it.




"Come on. I need to find that pesky mole," she says. "Whoa, it's windier than it looks."




"It has to be here somewhere"



"How does my hair look?"



"Snap. I'm going to have to shake this one out."



"I'm going to close my eyes and when I open them it is going to stop snowing."



Didn't work

Wishing You

Just writing to wish you all a great week. I've been busy and stuck in the day to day lately- but hope to break free soon. I hope you all break free even sooner than me!

Good things are in store this week I can just feel it....

Snowed In

Misty and I have been enjoying the snowed in life today. A little ol' Nor'Easter hit today and dumped a ton of the white stuff on us. Since I've been suffering through a winter cold- we haven't had much of a chance to play in it yet-but sometimes Misty can't wait...

Trail Decorating

Many of our treks through the woods have included coming across trail... ahem... "enhancements." Mainly as we hike down lesser known trails we've come across rock chairs, which are discouraged on most trails as people tend to dismantle stonewalls to make these chairs, and other trail decorations, like these ornaments.



I am not a very starchy environmentalist- so I am okay with these types of trail "artwork" but I can see why others might not be. What are your thoughts? Should people be sticking more by the Leave No Trace motto or is a little artwork/ modifications alright in your book?

Hiking Sleds

Speaking of sleds...this orange beauty called the WHAM-O Woody sled looks like it may be perfect for a hiking sled. Something you can possible strap to the back of your pack, but still durable enough to withstand the treacheries of an open mountain access road.

Happy 2011

Happy New Year! We are pumped that we have a fresh slate to start with. 2011 promises great things- I can just feel it. On our New Year's slush hike we encountered some spotty weather. The plus side- spotty weather tends to be blessed with great light.

Misty brings in the New Year...

Hope your new year started off great! We ate sushi and watched Twilight Zone for six hours. I seriously love spicy food and the Twilight Zone. We got our New Years hike in a day late, but the weather was gorgeous. Gorgeous in the sense that it was warm- but still really slushy and icy. Our easy hike turned out to be a slow plod through the mushy stuff. Can't wait for all the new hikes 2011 brings!