Jan 13 2013

Cool Cat on the Trail

head band & neckie

Cool Cat is your new trail friend.

Trail Fashion Meets Trail Function

It’s not easy to find trail products that are fashionable, versatile and functional in all four trail seasons. But here at Trailsnet, we have discovered the Cool Cat. The Cool Cat is a head band, wrist band, balaclava, neck protector, head cover and face guard… all in one great product.

The Cool Cat is the perfect trail companion for bike riders, trail runners, snowshoers, canners and more. Some of our trail nemeses include sweat, sunburn, cold & foul air. Can one product help to remedy all of these? Well the Cool Cat has certainly provided some great assistance.

For those who hang out in bars, smoke gets in their eyes. But for those of us on trail, sweat gets in our eyes… and on

particle filter & face guard by Cool Cat Pro

face guard by Cool Cat

our hands. The Cool Cat can be used as a sweat band around either the wrists or the forehead. It makes a great sweat barrier for those mid-summer runs or bike rides. But what about in the winter? Cool cat also makes a great face protector on those cold winter snowshoe treks. It provides warmth for both the neck and the lower face without being so bulky as to hinder breathing. In fact, the Cool Cat also provides warmth on those cool autumn & spring bike rides. As most bicyclists know, it’s tough to fit hats or ear muffs underneath a bike helmet. But the Cool Cat is thin enough to cover your ears and still fit a helmet over the top.

My favorite use for the Cool Cat is as a sun barrier on my neck. It seems like no matter how much sunscreen I apply, my neck always gets burned. Or at least it used to get burned. Now, the Cool Cat provides a great barrier between the sun and sensitive necks. And the sun isn’t the only element that is blocked by the Cool Cat. On days of heavy pollution or high pollen count, the Cool Cat works nicely to block particulates from polluting your lungs & sinus cavities. In fact, according to the Human Performance Resource Center (HPRC), “Inhalation of major air pollutants has been found to decrease lung function and exacerbate symptoms of exercise-induced [maladies].”

Since the Cool Cat has multiple snaps, it is adjustable to fit any size neck, head or wrist. So the Cool Cat is invaluable for trail users of all shapes, sizes, abilities & interests. So next time you ride a bike trail, jog a running trail or navigate a snowshoe trail, think about adding the Cool Cat to your trail supplies. It’s inexpensive, lightweight and extremely versatile.

Information for this blog comes from the CoolCatPro with Public Relations by Deep Creek PR.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/01/13/cool-cat-on-the-trail/

Jan 10 2013

Travelers Enjoy Bicycle Friendly Cities

bike trails in city

city bike trails

Bike Friendly Communities for Active Travelers

As a bicyclist, you are most likely aware of the fact that some places cater to those on two wheels, while others fall flat (no pun intended). If you plan on bringing your bike with you on your next trek, then it might help to know of the best places for bicycles, before you purchase a ticket or create your itinerary. Need some help choosing your next vacation destination? Here are five amazing cities for bicycle friendly travel:

Copenhagen, Denmark. This city is so bike-friendly that nearly thirty percent of its residents commute to work every day via bicycle! Copenhagen is even home to a progressive neighborhood, called Christiania, where cars have been banned, in effect making bicycling mandatory.

Chicago, Illinois. This self-proclaimed, “most bicycle friendly city in the entire United States” is not joking when it comes to taking initiatives to get its residents and tourists on two wheels. From bicycle lanes on all the major roadways to special laws that protect bicycler rights, you can be sure to get some good use out of your bike when you visit this city. Before you travel, check out the city website to find all of the information you need about bicycling in Chicago.

Paris, France. Sure, the city of lights is known for being a romantic destination for lovebirds everywhere, but it is also home of the world’s most expansive bicycle renting program. Choose from over twenty thousand modern three-speeders at over 1,450 bike rental locations across the city. Prices vary depending on how far you plan on travelling, but you can snag all of the under 30-minute bike rides you want for free!

Portland, Oregon. This is largely considered the bicycle capital of the United States, and for good reason. Portland provides its cyclists with over 260 miles of biking trail infrastructure, and an impressive ten percent of its residents (that’s the highest amount in the United States) travel primarily by bicycle. What’s more is that you can expect a warm welcome from the well-developed bicycling community there when you travel.

Barcelona, Spain. With its initiation of a mass bicycle rental program in 2007, Barcelona was amongst the first of the European cities to take positive action toward promoting the use of bicycles for travel. If you plan on visiting in May, be sure to participate in the annual Bike Week, designed to spread awareness about bicycling and incite enthusiasm for what is quickly becoming a way of life there.

There is no shortage of great cities in the world where you and your bike are welcome to roam. Draw from this list for inspiration the next time you are planning a bicycle-friendly vacation.

About the Author: Armand Brandwein loves traveling and prioritizes cities with bike friendly destinations over others, when he can. This year he’s planning a Brazil tour with his wife followed by a bike through through Barcelona.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/01/10/travelers-enjoy-bicycle-friendly-cities/

Jan 09 2013

Trailsnet and Every Body Walk are Now Partners!

Trailsnet is proud to be one of the newest partners of Every Body Walk! If you have not yet discovered Every Body Walk! and their great website and social media network, Trailsnet would like to be the first to introduce you. Below is a description of the Every Body Walk! program and a list of their social media pages and sites. Please visit them, like them, follow them and get to know them.

Every Body Walk!

Launched in January 2011, Every Body Walk! aims at getting Americans up and moving. Through the help of partners, the campaign works to spread the message that walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week can improve overall health and prevent disease.

The walking hub contains news and resources on walking and combines a website property with social networking presence, a free mobile app and media partnerships with multiple entities in the non-profit and corporate realm.

The centerpiece of the website is a series of short video vignettes featuring average Americans and motivational stories about how walking has changed their lives and lifestyles. The videos and information on www.everybodywalk.org are intended to be shared with family, friends, neighbors and colleagues.

Every Body Walk!

Every Body Walk! and Trailsnet.com are now partners!

Every Body Walk on YouTube

Every Body Walk on Facebook

Every Body Walk on Twitter

Every Body Walk on tumblr

Every Body Walk on Google+

Every Body Walk on Pinterest

 

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/01/09/trailsnet-and-every-body-walk-are-now-partners/

Jan 06 2013

Avoiding Injuries While Running On Trails

Trail Running Tips for the New Year

 

trail runners

trail runners

Your New Years resolution may have involved getting in shape for 2013. Good for you!! If you plan on getting started on a trail running program, be sure to start out on the right foot. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and health for your 2013 trail runs:

Avoid Trail Injuries While Running or Jogging

An injury can prevent you from running for several weeks. Fortunately, there are a number of things that can be done to prevent running injuries. Below are some tips that will help prevent you from getting injured while you are trail running:

 Warm Up Prior To Running Up

Many people make the mistake of going for a run without warming up first. Your chances of getting injured will be much greater if you do not take the time to warm up properly before you go for a run. You will need to spend about 5-10 minutes jogging slowly or walking briskly. You will also need to stretch.  A good warm up will prepare your muscles for exercise.

Additionally, you should cool down after you have completed your run. Cooling down will also help reduce the risk of injury.

 Avoid Overtraining

Some runners think that they can improve their performance by training vigorously every day. On the contrary, overtraining will not improve performance, and it will also make you more susceptible to getting injured. That is why you should gradually build up your intensity and mileage.

For example, you have set a goal to run six miles. You can start off by running two miles, and then adding a mile every week. Additionally, you need to give yourself time to rest. You should have at least two rest days out of the week. Furthermore, you should make sure that you are getting at least eight hours of sleep every night.

Get Your Running Shoes Replaced Frequently

If you run a few times out of the week, then you will probably need to get your running shoes replaced once every two or three months. Buying running shoes frequently can be quite expensive, but they are a worthwhile investment. You also need to make sure that you only use your running shoes for running.

 Stay Hydrated

You will need to drink water before, during and after you go for a run. Being dehydrated will make you more susceptible to getting injured. If you think you may need more electrolytes, you may want to drink a sports beverage, such as PowerAde or Gatorade, if you will be running for more than 90 minutes. Sodium and other electrolytes are lost through sweat. Sports beverages help replenish those electrolytes.

 Dress Appropriately for The Weather

Before you go for a run, you need to make sure that you check the weather. If the weather is cold, then you want to make sure that you wear layered clothing. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing should be worn during the summer months. During the summer, you should try to run early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You also want to make sure that you wear sunscreen.

Furthermore, if the weather is below freezing or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then you may want to consider postponing your run.

*Matt Kyle submitted this Trailsnet guest-post about how to prevent injuries while trail running. You can find more information about trail running and how to prevent running injuries at http://altrazerodrop.com.*

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/01/06/avoiding-injuries-while-running-on-trails/

Dec 30 2012

How Trails Help You Meet Your New Years Resolution

Fitness Trails

Most people in the fitness industry are pretty darned fit. Not too surprising, right? But that isn’t necessarily a good thing when it comes to helping average folks get into shape. So rather than focus on hard-core mountain bike trails or bike racing tips, let’s take a look at how trails can help everyone meet their New Year’s resolution of getting in shape and staying in shape.

Trails Help Fitness Motivation

Anybody can make a New Year’s resolution to get in shape. The hard part is actually getting off the couch and exercising. Then the hardest part of all is sticking to your exercise regime. Trails will help you overcome both of those obstacles for the following reasons:

  • Trails are everywhere: I guarantee, you have a trail somewhere nearby.
  • Trails are free (most of the time). No more pesky gym fees.
  • Trails are fun.
  • Trails are scenic.
  • There are trails and trail activities for people of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels.

Trails are Perfect for all Fitness Levels

Don’t worry if you’re out of shape. There’s a trail for you and a trail activity that will meet your needs. Trails are not just for the adventurous or the ultra athletes. On Trailsnet.com and other trail websites, you can often find trails by both location and by trail activity. You don’t have to be a trail runner or mountain biker to enjoy trails. It’s okay if you’re a walker or a beginning bicyclist. The majority of trails out there are perfect for leisurely strolls or scenic cruiser bike rides.  In fact 90% of the trails on Trailsnet.com are perfect for novice bicyclists who just want to ride their bikes for fun rather than competition.

Alternative Trail Vehicles (Personal Transportation Vehicles)

What if you’ve tried walking or bike riding and they just didn’t work for you? Don’t despair. There are many other trail options for you. Let’s take a look at some other ways that you can enjoy the trails:

  • Electric bikes are a great fitness option for those who want to ride a bicycle but don’t feel comfortable on a regular
    Trikke rider on boulder creek path

    Trikke T-12 body-powered carving vehicle

    bike.

  • Discover Trikke trails for a full body workout. You can purchase a beginner Trikke for as low as $120. Or start out with an electric Trikke until you’ve mastered Trikke carving.
  • Stride Ride by StrideCore is a great way to get your heart rate up quickly for those folks who have limited trail time. They work best on paved trails or cement trails that are not too steep.
  • For folks with a sore neck or bad back or just for those of us who enjoy a more comfortable and laid back ride, recumbents make great trail vehicles. The stereotype that recumbents are for old folks is definitely an urban legend that needs to die. They’re great for trail riders of any age and especially great for those who enjoy cycle touring. Ergonomically, they make a lot more sense than a regular bicycle.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/12/30/how-trails-help-you-meet-your-new-years-resolution/

Dec 27 2012

Best Trail Series on Trailsnet

Submit Ideas for Your Favorite Trails

What's your favorite trail?

What’s your favorite trail?

What is your favorite bike trail? How about your favorite running trail, hiking trail, equestrian trail, inline skating trail, snowshoe trail, touring trail, rail-trail, cross-country ski trail, backpacking trail, scenic trail, historical trail, loop trail, Trikke trail…?

For 2013, Trailsnet is featuring our Best Trails series. Some of the articles will be produced in-house and some from guest-bloggers. If you have ideas or opinions, feel free to submit them to the Trailsnet Contact area or in the comments below each blog post.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/12/27/best-trail-series-on-trailsnet/