I’m DC RAINMAKER…
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.
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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.Want to compare the features of each product, down to the nitty-gritty? No problem, the product comparison data is constantly updated with new products and new features added to old products!
Wanna create comparison chart graphs just like I do for GPS, heart rate, power meters and more? No problem, here's the platform I use - you can too!
Think my written reviews are deep? You should check out my videos. I take things to a whole new level of interactive depth!
Smart Trainers Buyers Guide: Looking at a smart trainer this winter? I cover all the units to buy (and avoid) for indoor training. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
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Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
Get all your awesome DC Rainmaker gear here!
FAQ’s
I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.
- Do you have a privacy policy posted?
- Why haven’t you yet released a review for XYZ product you mentioned months ago?
- Will you test our product before release?
- Are you willing to review or test beta products?
- Which trainer should I buy?
- Which GPS watch should I buy?
- I’m headed to Paris – what do you recommend for training or sightseeing?
- I’m headed to Washington DC – what do you recommend for training?
- I’m from out of the country and will be visiting the US, what’s the best triathlon shop in city XYZ?
- What kind of camera do you use?
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5 Easy Steps To The Site
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.
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!
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.
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!
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 2023 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.
Tag Archives: 5 Random Things
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
We’re down to our last 9 or so days here in Cape Town, and working to make the most of them! Here’s what we were up to over this past weekend. 1) Mountain Biking Morning Early Friday morning I headed … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
While it may seem a bit quieter on the site in recent weeks – that’s mostly because I’ve been slammed trying to get things all set up in the new space, as well as compiling the huge buyer’s guides (Power … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
An in between weekend – that’s what this was. I’ve been home the last week after my Interbike and such trips the week before. But come the end of the weekend it was back on a plane and across the … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
After having spent a little over a week stateside for Interbike and a few other meetings, it was time to head back to Amsterdam for another week at home. Here’s what I was up to over the past weekend while … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
It was a relatively quiet weekend here in Amsterdam – a bit of a calm before the storm of tons of travel, industry events, and plenty of other product related stuff. Here’s what we were up to! 1) Lunch inside … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
Ok, this post would be slightly behind the curve, but it’s been a super busy last few days, especially yesterday. As one might expect, lots of ‘new stuff’ coming over the next few weeks. September is usually when you see … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
Yes, I’m still alive – despite being a bit quiet on the site this past week. Playing catchup after last week’s quick 46hr round-trip from Amsterdam to NYC and back. Add to that managing to get a bit sick the … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
This was a relatively calm and relaxing weekend, as we come up on a few busy weeks worth of goodness (actually, about 8 weeks of busy). So, here’s what we were up to! 1) Ride with The Girl Friday evening … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
A reasonably productive weekend the last few days have been (well, except on the pizza oven list). Especially for some upcoming new products. Here’s what I was up to nonetheless! 1) Arts and crafts project: A couple weeks ago the … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
With the weather deciding to normalize a bit for the weekend (down from the near 100°F/38°C temps), we were able to enjoy things a wee bit more, and have actual energy to do stuff beyond laze on the couch staring … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
After a number of crazy busy weeks for travel between Florida in June and Eurobike related stuff the last few weeks – it’s time to bring back the 5 Random Things series. Usually, when things get busy during the week, … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
A busy weekend back home in Amsterdam after a few weeks of travelling. I couldn’t begin to include all the random things in this weekend’s list, it was so packed with stuff. So here’s the top five! 1) Openwater swim … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
Ok, it’s been a long day (it started Sunday morning for me, and it’s technically now 1:25AM Tuesday morning). But I wanted to knock out this post before the week gets a bit crazy. Here’s what I’ve been up to … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
Mid-last week we loaded up the family and jetted across the pond for a couple week visit to both of our families. In this case, they were both conveniently currently located in Florida, making the jaunt between them far less … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
This weekend The Girl was off enjoying the weekend away in Austria, giving me full reign of the two kiddos. As such I was a bit limited in terms of doing things like outdoor rides on a road bike…but I … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
With our second full weekend in the Netherlands in the books, here’s what we were up to. I think we’re settling in quite nicely! 1) More DCR Cave V2 Office Visits Out of all of the complexities of moving countries, … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
Phew! This weekend flew by. I just got in the door two minutes ago from the airport, after a whirlwind day that didn’t actually involve any flights. Here, let me explain. 1) We drove to Paris We kicked off things … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend (Final Australia Edition)
And just like that, it was time to say goodbye to Australia. After being here a bit under three months, we were ready to begin our trek home. How time has flown by! I can’t believe it’s been that long, … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
While it was a bit cooler this weekend in this little section of Australia I’m in, it’s still a heck of a lot warmer than the rest of Europe – so I consider that a win! Here’s what I was … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
All sort of goodness went down this past weekend, including both gadget and not gadget stuff. The perfect blend! 1) Riding to the shipyards Friday afternoon I set out for a quick ride to and from the shipyards a bit … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
Despite my rainmaker moniker – it hasn’t rained a single day on me during my stay in Australia to date. Instead, it’s been endless sunshine. Well, actually, it was overcast one afternoon here in Perth. But otherwise, it’s the best … Read More Here
5 Sports Tech Tidbits: Hammerhead Karoo, Garmin Vivofit 4, Shimano Power, New Bike Build, CES 2018
Happy New Year! As you’ve likely noticed, it’s been a wee bit quiet around here the last few weeks. I wish I could say it was because I was relaxing on a beach, but alas, I’m exhausted from it all. … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
Brrr…it got chilly here in the city this weekend, which I suppose only makes it appropriate for winterish things like holiday parties and Christmas trees. Here’s what I’ve been up to the last few days! 1) A lunch date: The … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
It got kinda chilly here this weekend. Not like Finland cold, or Siberia cold. But the kinda cold that reminds you to ensure you’ve got colder running stuff at least on deck. In my case, I still ran in shorts…just … Read More Here
5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
Somehow, the weather is still fantastic here in Paris in November. It’s cooled down a bit in the last 24 hours, but overall, I can’t complain much. Lots of sun, blue skies, and still largely short sleeve workout weather. 1) … Read More Here