Heads up! The Garmin Enduro 3 is down to $829, some $70 off. That’s the lowest price to date on this new device. The Enduro 3 is notable though because it’s basically a Fenix 8 Solar minus the dive/voice features (and the Fenix 8 Solar/MIP starts at $1,099). Everything else is there, and it gets all Fenix 8 software features (and, insane battery life). Meanwhile, the Fenix 7 down to $429! Or Epix at $429. There’s a bunch more sports tech deals listed here too!
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
Here’s how to save!
Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.
You can also pick-up tons of gear at REI via these links, which is a long-time supporter as well:
Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!
You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.
-
Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
-
5 Easy Steps To The Site
1
In Depth Product Reviews
You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
2
Read My Sports Gadget Recommendations.
Here’s my most recent GPS watch guide here, and cycling GPS computers here. Plus there are smart trainers here, all in these guides cover almost every category of sports gadgets out there. Looking for the equipment I use day-to-day? I also just put together my complete ‘Gear I Use’ equipment list, from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things). And to compliment that, here’s The Girl’s (my wife’s) list. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!
3
Have some fun in the travel section.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
4
My Photography Gear: The Cameras/Drones/Action Cams I Use Daily
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds (including drones & action cams!)! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
5
The Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2024 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
Not counting commuting with bicycle every working day, my last cycling workout was riding 87 km (54 miles) in 2 hours and 45 minutes (rain and about 5°C/40°F) almost two weeks ago. I actually almost did hit a hedgehog.
Soon it’ll be all snow and ice here (Finland), so that might turn out to be the last cycling workout of this year. On the plus side, I’ll soon get to dig out the skis from the basement!
Last cycling workout was yesterday. 30K on the MTB testing my new Ki2 gearsystem from K-edge! Cool stuff. Thanks for a marvelous and readworthy blog.
Hi
I haven’t been riding much over the past couple of weeks due to a recurring cold which conveniently comes back every time I regain some fitness. Finally I got over the cold and managed to put in some good running training for a half marathon I was planning to do. Unfortunately I then had a fall and managed to break 2 of my fingers which ended up with me in a cast and no half-marathon. Things are looking up though, the cast is off and I did my first run again last week. As soon as I’m completely healed I’ll be back on the bike and training for the Cape Town summer league.
Niklas
P.S. the squirrels in my neighbourhood are excellent at dodging cyclists, runners and cars
That’s a generous giveaway!
One of my recent bike rides was a nice 73km out and back with my cyclocross, mostly on forest gravel roads. Zero squashed squirrels!
My last cycling workout was nearly 2 years ago – when I got hit by a car. As summer is coming up I am willing to put aside my cycling fears and buy a new bike (mainly because my knees are shot from so much running).
Going to check my leg !
Its been close to a year since I’ve done a bike workout (Not very many road bike friendly places in Afghanistan) However I have been busy buying bike stuff anyways and really working out my wallet. Waiting at home a Trek SC 7.1, boxes of new parts, new wheels w/ powertap, and a new Trek Madone frame waiting to be built.
My last cykling workout was in the basement yesterday at 21.00 after that I have sent my 4 children to bed. I managed to workout for 65 min, 30 km, then I was near to fall in sleep. Today it is -2 degrees celsius in Sweden so the indoor season is here to stay…
My last training ride was a week ago now, it was a quick 14 mile lunch time blast with no squirrel hits…..not been out since as been sitting in the hospital after the birth of our son, mind you I was tempted to wear a gps device to work out how many miles I have walked around the hosptial from car park to room to vending machines etc :-)
My last cycling workout was a 101km ride out and back the three biggest hills here in Brisbane – it’s spring here, so the weather is beautiful!
90km group ride couple of weeks ago. Taking a break now before starting base period.
Wednesday I did my first ride after a bad crash in a Gran Fondo. Wounds were healed, weather was fine, I was ready to ride again. All went well, untill I reached a small wooden bridge, covered with leaves (it’s autumn). I rode really slowly because I didn’t want to crash again and I took the bridge without problems. 100 meters down the road (asphalt) there was a right turn. I took it at normal speed and… my front wheel slipped on the leaves and I hit the asphalt again. Luckily without injuries this time. Next ride is scheduled for tomorrow. My main goal? Staying upright.
Last ride was a commute on 23:rd of August on my way home from work. It was raining, but warm. Had to detour from my normal route due to some heavy road work and thereby going over a wooden bridge. On the downslope I had to use my breaks. The tires locked up and the bike just flew under me. My hand broke when I landed on the slippery wooden bridge.
Going to do my first small try to get back on a bike now on Saturday or Sunday. But I’m starting out with my city bike since the hand is still much too weak to handle any road bike driving position or handlebar.
End of season easy ride, riding for fun now, not for performance
My last ride was last sunday for about 40k. I hit some rain and cut some wind.
Last ride was two weeks ago (I’m working out of Vietnam this month). Nice 56 mile ride in the Poconos.
haha, i am visiting the homeland right now, and riding a crummy bike at mach speed through amsterdam. the other night i dropped my chain. no hand brakes on this slightly rusty beauty. so i kept rolling -it took 4 blocks for me to be slowed down enough to dare set down my foot!
was very glad this happened late at night on a quiet street!
I’m just getting into cycling so my last workout was a couple days ago on a stationary bike, doing an hour at 113 watts
Hi, my last workout was cycling up to the mountain “tusten” in Molde,Norway. About 4km 600 height meters. Good weeken to you all!
Great easy cycling workout last night, clear skies, dry roads and nice temperatire here in the East of England. I like cycling in the dark makes you feel like your much more part of the bike! Ok, no squirrels but a near miss with a cat if that counts?
Keep up the good work fella!
I did’t hit any squirrels on my last 24Km cycle ride that took about an hour but there was one on the road completely flattened except for the tail. He didn’t need it any more so I finished the ride with it strapped to my bike seat.
My last real cycling workout was my debut Ironman distance race in Kalmar, Sweden. Far too long ago, back in August..
ride to work only 10min ago, 17km in 35min, while stopping by at the Applestore to see the crowed waiting for the iphone 4S :)
Didnt ride a race bike since the Nice IM in June.
I simply commute by bike on day to day basis, that’s enough so far.
’bout 6 weeks ago (after my first tri season) when I crashed…. Nothing broken but a sore frist since, hoping to be on the bike soon.
while I can’t run due to achilles tendon I go biking out a lot more. Last workout I did was riding the course of the Ostend Marathon that was taking place on sunday. I was a bit more than 5 hours on the bike due to being extremely windy that day, glad to be home after a ride like that!
I’m at the beginning of a prep period at the moment and I do a flat easy course durinmg 1 hour and a half.
My last training round on a bike was a few weeks ago (getting cold in Sweden) 45km at the area around the royal castle. No squirells nor porcupine’s was injured during that workout, (just my ego).
Last ride was a morning lap of the Swan River in Perth, done, dusted and in the coffee shop by 6:40am!
beautiful workout after knee injury.
Cold but sunny. No pain … Happiness!
(not seen a squirrel :-) )
My last cycling workout was “Fight club” on the turbo. It’s already too cold here in Scotland to be out on the road :-(.
On thursday i rode 3h mountainbiking in really dark forest. it was only 20k, but that felt like 50k. it was incredible fun!!
112 miles in Kentucky. My bike is still in my bike bag. One day. Soon.
Rode 106 kilometers this morning – no squirrels (Im in Australia) but swerved around a kangaroo or two :)
My last cycling workout was a 20km cyclothon last weekend….
My last bike session was yesterday, my first outing on the road bike in a while. 60km in a light rain in the west of Ireland. I’m not sure why, but it was one of the nicest cycles I have ever had. I felt great, the bike felt great, and the absence of wind was a novelty here in Connemara!
My last cycling workout was at the lake district, I am now almost in transition apart from a half marathon on sunday
Last cycle training (x-training): to and from work at the island Als (Denmark). Approx. 21,2 km one way in 46 min (to) vs. 42 min back.
Cheers,
Jasper
Last workout was yesterday. My second ride on my new (and first) CX bike, a CAADX 105. An hour hitting some running and horse riding trails in the local park/forest.
Lots of fun!
Last workout was when it was still good weather here in Holland. It was a 56km’s ride. The only thing I hit on this ride was a huge pile of horse droppings (and no rear fender on my bike).
3 hours trainer ride watching season 5 episode of Lost… No squirrels in my house…
Last cycling workout was the Etape Cymru in Wales – 90 miles of hills and twisty country roads. Just under 6 hours of turning those pedals.
An easy 20km ride around the administration capital of Malaysia. No animals were injured during the ride.
Just biking to work, nothing too exciting! No squirrels were harmed in doing so, so I suppose this is quite a victory!
MTB on local trails, just 30 km, though, but I didn’t hit any squirrels!
100 mile sportive through the New Forest in the UK. No squirrels – but lots of horse and cattle wandering across the road
last ride – 60 miles in day 2 of the MS 150! no squirrels, but I did see a snake…
My last workout was a a block of two times twenty at FTP. A bit late in the season for doing this, but I did rest for six hours between intervals… I’m going to work on cutting that down next season!
Columbus Day Ride – went out and scouted a new route for our Sunday afternoon group ride – put in 50 miles.
Did my first “winter” ride of the season this morning (25 km commuting to work). It was nearly freezing, but I was well dressed and enjoyed it!
This was also just the second ride with my new GSC10 speed/cadence sensor combined with the trusty old Forerunner 305. This time with wheel size set to “auto” which yielded a (much) larger size than the one I got from some table. I guess I should do a rollout test this weekend to see which one is right. If the auto size is correct though, I have done more (and faster) km’s this year than I thought. :-)
I’m replacing my dying bike computer with this FR305+sensor combination now, and if I like it, I may get an Edge 500 for Christmas.
All this inspired by your excellent product reviews!
My last cycling training was some weeks ago, a 10k time trial. Now my bike is all wrapped up in a nice box, ready for my relocation from the Netherlands to Philadelphia!
40 miles at 20.9mph in the rain on a 55 degree night.
40miles at 20.9mph in the pouring rain on a 55 degree night through CT.
Here in the dark morning of Maine the deer are really moving around. Actually had a deer (could not tell if male or female) stand by the road side the other morning as I ran buy with my red flashing head light. My Garmin heart rate moniter was off the charts. Anyway, enjoy your reviews, just wish I could email you with questions. Thanks
Tuesday early morning, 40K doing laps around Century Park in Shanghai (about 5k each lap). No squirrels here, but managed to avoid all motorcycles and Chinese old folks doing tai chi.
Keep up the good job Ray, great blog!
I’ve been very lazy bike wise, last bike workout was the bike leg of the ESi Augusta 70.3 on 9/25/11. But I’ve been running a lot since then……….lots of running.
Hi Ray, it getting too cold for bike here. Instead, I go rollerski quite often, winter season is around the corner. On my last ride I nearly hit a deer crossing the road in front of me. Roller skis have no breaks, and by nearly I mean one or two feet. It was damn close. Have a nice weekend!
a very sweaty 60 min spinning class on thursday, i must have lost 2lbs in sweat alone, on the bike this sunday hopefully
Actually, I have taken a break from cycling training since my last race 2 weeks ago: it was a 100 km MTB race in another country (I am from Latvia and it was in Estonia). Race was called Haanja 100. Race was quite challenge, as I completed it in 6:53 (winners time 4h26). I felt satisfied with the result, being a “weekdnd warrior” type of racer :)
40k ride, no squirrel hit, just angry car drivers(as usual btw) ;)
my last cycling was abroad, when my friends were out for a 100 km race and meanwile I was on my bike as photgrapher
my last cycling was abroad, when my friends were out for a 100 km race and meanwile I was on my bike as photgrapher
Computrainer 10 mile time trial with a little run afterwards. Thank goodness no squirrels.
Good luck this weekend!
Eric A
Appledoc23@yahoo.com
A very romantic ride with my new girlfriend through the countryside. I was impressed how she kept my wheel during intensive intervals.
The edge 500 will be for her :-)
Last cycling workout was a tour up my favorite hill around here. 780m elevation gain on a 75k round trip. That’s the most I can do around my home in Frankfurt.
75 minute interval workout, 27 miles, one close call with a squirrel, but everyone survived.
My last ride was my usual saturday group ride… Four hours and 100k of leisurely riding.
My last bike workout was just a quick brick in the country. 11k, 20 minutes. No squirrels, but I there were a few caterpillars running for their lives.
My last cycling workout was 25k XC ride for about 1 hour. No squirrels were harmed but my face was full of small insects.
Keeping it very very low, training for the best 20K race in Europe and only riding on Fridays back from the office home. Enjoying a nice Indian Summer lately, it is really nice to ride simply for fun, no HR or power or time worries…
Sept 24th, 2 days before my meniscus surgery.
63.52 km, average 24kph, average heart rate 142 bpm, cadence wasn’t measured as the battery of the sensor died in that training.
Have to wait now for another week until I’m slowly back into cycling.
Droffen
Been taking it easy this last month and as such it’s mostly been commuting on the bike with some easy runs and swims.
My last ride was last night on the way back from swim training. Which was cancelled when they shut the pool on discovering a “floater”. Lovely!
Last training ride was Sunday after I ran the Army 10 Miler, I felt good so went home and jumped on the bike and rode another 40 miles to make it an even 50 for the day! Of course no hills makes it really easy to get done fast!
My last cycling workout was a 20 mile ride through Rock Creek Park and downtown DC. I did encounter some “suicidal” squirrels, but none were harmed in the making of this workout.
My last bike workout was a 20k dualathlon in st Augustine last weekend.
My last cycling workout was a during a dualathon this past weekend. I didn’t hit any squirrels but there were a few along the course that appeared to have been freshly hit.
Road ride on my jack of all trades cross bike. Threw in some gravel for good measure, No wildlife crossings but I did see two deer, at least one was a buck, standing awful close to the road and quite far from any sizable woods.
I rode 60minutes to clear my head from all the thesis writing I’m doing at the moment. 2x8minutes FTP helps clear your thoughts!:)
Have a nice weekend everyone!
Last mtb ride was 25km with a big bastard hill in the middle. Any squirrels I hit were coming right for me.
My last workout was a 140km group ride, I didn’t hit any squirrel but my friend did. For my part I did hit a small snake though ;)
My last training real training ride was actually my first OD distance and the ride home from it afterwards (which was considerably more painful than the event itself).
No squirrels here in Singapore, and rats usually only come out when it’s cool :p
Last training was one more of testing my new canyon roadlite 7.0, and preparing for the first half ironman, only 30km’s and around 60 minutes, still adapting to a road bike.
My last workout was a fairly miserable hour on my Kurt Kinetic Road Machine (6x6min “sweet spot” intervals). On the upside, very few squirrels were harmed;-)
Well does yesterday’s ride to (and from) the very chilly lake swim count? Before that was cyclocross practice Tuesday night, 10 miles of lung busting hell on wheels! Not to many squirrels that I recall but the were a TON of Canadian geese hanging around the course that weren’t too happy with us.
quick, after-work ride in/around Mason Neck Park. 1 hour of riding, 1 hour in traffic. I didn’t hit any squirrels, but I almost got hit by some of the cars zooming around that area. Tomorrow it’s the SeaGull Century. I found out this week that it’s known to send people to the hospital because there’s so many people riding in the event that they are bound to crash… Wish me luck.
Last workout was a easy spin Wednesday night on the rollers. I’m doing the Black Bear Century this weekend, so it was a taper ride…
My last workout was on a trainer riding an aluminum frame X-Planet road bike. So…no squirrels. This month has been a pretty low-key month but I am trying to stay somewhat sharp for a ride with Tom Danielson who is coming to CT tomorrow for a charity ride.
last cycling workout was Tuesday from Brooklyn to Central Park and back for a total of 52+ miles.
Last Sunday, about 30 km around the hills west of Zurich, Switzerland. Zero squirrels!
Nice hour trainer ride. Kinda early for it in NC!
Thanks
Clinton F from North Carolina
My last cycling workout was Wed evening, 120 km on the indoor trainer (3h40). Boring as hell, but preparing for IMFL and daylight is too short for a longish ride on weekday eve.
last ride was today(friday) on the trainer 45min EZ spin… no squirels just had to avoid the cat!
EwaN
No squirrels hit, but rode Sunday in my first tri of the season here in Brisbane, Australia. Good bike time (for me), not so good swim or run :)
Last bike workout was a 17 mile ride with my 13 year old son. He’s a great X-C runner, but rides with me on Sundays for cross-training. We took it easy and chatted about iPods, Kindle Fire and tables. He’s in the market. :-)
Horia
Very few squirrels on my cold balcony in Sweden where I tested out my new Cycleops Fluid 2 trainer. Not a long session, it was to late at night and my bike needs to be serviced to lower the noise from the bike (not the trainer!).
Oddly enough, my last workout did nearly involve a squirrel decapitation… It was a 50 miler to the Surrey hills south of London (UK).
Training ride through the Cuyahoga Valley, I had to avoid the Wollybears!!!!
My last ride was home from work on Wednesday. In a complete downpour. It was still better than taking metro :)
My last training ride was from the centre of Sydney south to Botany and back, a pretty gentle 40km.
I got my wheel stuck in a tram track about half a km from home and it threw me off the bike. No trams around and luckily no serious damage to anything except my pride!
Hi Ray,
Thanks for all the great give-away’s! I sure hope I win…
My Last cycling workout was a scenic route stating in Loganville, GA. No squirrels were hurt during this ride, but saw lots of cows and other farm animals.