Bike Diva: August 2010

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August 2010

08/31/2010

Lake Cycling Sponsors Cross Vegas Cyclocross

PRESS RELEASE

Lake announces CrossVegas Cyclocross sponsorship

BOULDER, CO - August 27, 2010 - Lake Cycling announced their role as "Supporting Sponsor" of the CrossVegas cyclocross event, one of the premier UCI events on the domestic calendar providing spectators and competitors alike with an exhilarating experience.

Lake has a long history of supporting US cyclocross events and athletes. Chris Dimmick of Lake stated, "We believe this event truly represents the finest of what the US cyclocross scene has to offer - show stopping theatrics and a great international field of today's best athletes. We're thrilled to be involved and show our support."

Chris and other representatives from Lake and Veltec Sports, Inc. will be on-site at the Lake Expo booth to exhibit the newest, most technologically advanced line of shoes available in today's competitive market. With features like the first-ever usage of Boa lacing system in a cycling shoe and Outlast® temperature regulating technology, Lake has led the industry in innovation and design for over 25 years.

The event kicks off at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 with the Wheelers & Dealers race, followed by Elite Women at 7:50 p.m. and Elite Men at 9:00 p.m. Among the Elite Men will be Lake's own Jeremy Powers - long time sponsored rider of Lake and member of the Cyclocrossworld.com racing team. Fans are encouraged to stop by the Lake booth for a meet & greet with Jeremy.

About Veltec Sports

Since 1984, Veltec Sports has thrived on bringing industry leading brands to customers in Europe and North America. Veltec's Boulder, Colo.-based portfolio consists of brands with heritage in cycling and a passion for triathlon and running including Descente and Shebeest apparel, Lake shoes and Vredestein tires. Veltec is committed to supporting athletic passion and for promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

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Posted by Lynn Smythe on 08/31/2010 at 01:18 PM in Bike Racing, Cyclocross, Press Releases, Trade Shows | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

08/24/2010

Women's Cycling Series - Tampa, FL

PRESS RELEASE

Penn’s Cycling School Presents: Women’s Cycling Series:
Who: Women looking to improve their cycling skills and enjoyment.
When: 5 weeks Monday’s September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, (Oct 18- rain date)
Time: 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Where: Flatwoods Park (Tampa) Bruce B. Downs entrance parking lot
What: Experience specialized instruction in a small group to Improve and develop bicycle handling skill, safety maneuvers, group riding skills riding and training techniques. Learn to ride safely in a group and on multi-use trails.
Taught by Sharon Monahan a League of American Bicyclists (LCI) and USA Cycling-Coach
Cost: $100.00 (includes materials) Pre registration required, 5 rider minimum to hold clinic, space is limited.

Sharon Monahan

Important Information

All riders must sign a release form.

All riders must have an approved Helmet and 2 wheeled bicycle in good working order – see your local bicycle shop for tune-up details.

Contact: Sharon Monahan: (813) 482-4364
Website: http://pennscyclingschool.blogspot.com/
Face book:

Register online: http://www.BikeReg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=11504

Posted by Lynn Smythe on 08/24/2010 at 07:00 AM in Florida News, Press Releases, Websites & Blogs | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

08/23/2010

Riding Hills in Clermont, Florida

Above: nice rolling hills in Clermont.

On Saturday, August 21, 2010, I got a chance to ride my road bike in Clermont, Florida with members of my local Team in Training cycle team. I am currently training with the Palm Beach Team in Training cycle team for the Intracoastal Waterway Century Ride which takes place on October 31 in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Team in Training is the main fundraising program for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Above: Team in Training member Larry Goldberg celebrated his 50th birthday in Clermont. Delicious chocolate cake and photograph by team mentor Chris Maly. Don't ask about the banana, some team members act like they are 5 years old.

Team in Training Cycle Team

Clermont is located approximately 30 miles west of Orlando, AKA the home of Mickey Mouse. Ten team members made the trip up to Clermont, including Coach Bryan and Coach Rob. Coach Rob is my husband, and we carpooled up to Clermont along with Coach Bryan. We met team members Tina, Shanon, Andrea, Jen, Chris, Larry and Alex at the Holiday Inn Express hotel. Clermont is about a 3 hour drive, northwest, from Palm Beach county. Palm Beach county is flat-as-a-pancake, unless you count some of our larger bridges such as Blue Heron as "hill" training.

Florida Mountains

Clermont is sometimes referred to as the Florida Alps. Many people are surprised to learn there are actually a few hills to be found in Florida. Clermont has lots of rolling hills and a couple of pretty steep climbs. Quite a few triathlons occur in Clermont and it is also the home of the National Training Center. It was really nice riding in Clermont. We normally ride along A1A in Palm Beach county, which has nice ocean views, but WAY too many angry drivers. Most areas of Clermont had very little traffic and beautiful scenery including many views of the various lakes in the area.

Above: start of the climb up Sugarloaf Mtn Road.

Climb a Hill in Clermont

Due to some team members having to walk up a few of the hills, and taking a few breaks to fill up our water bottles and regroup with the team, it took us just over 3 hours to travel 40 miles. That seems like an awful long time to do a 40 mile ride, but those hills were brutal!

Above: members of the Palm Beach Team in Training cycle team taking a break after climbing up Sugarloaf Mountain. Photo by Alex Melkonian.

Thanks to Coach Bryan's research on bike rides in Clermont, through the Map My Ride website, here's a little bit of information on the major hills we climbed up during our 40 mile bike ride.

The Wall

135' elevation gain
18% slope
0.21 miles

Buckhills

223' elevation gain
11% slope
2.5 miles

Sugarloaf

207' elevation gain
14% slope
0.73 miles

North Ridge

164' elevation gain
12% slope
0.6 miles

Above: another view of Sugarloaf Mountain.

Not for the Faint of Heart

It took us quite a while to do our 40 mile bike ride in Clermont. The hills were a lot harder than most team members anticipated. I guess if you live in the area, the hills would get easier if you started training there on a regular basis. But for us Florida flat landers, dang if we didn't get our butt kicked! Many of the team members ended up doing quite a bit of walking to get over some of the bigger hills. And the only members of the team to make it all the way up Sugarloaf Mountain were Coach Bryan, Coach Rob and Alex. GO TEAM!

Above: the Bike Diva pauses in Clermont and wishes Coach Rob would stop saying "this is the last hill." Photo by Alex Melkonian.

Sugarloaf Mountain and Other Hills

Rob and I first went to Clermont about 3 years ago when we were training for the El Tour de Tucson 109 mile road bike ride with Team in Training. Neither one of us made it up Sugarloaf that trip, and I seem to remember having to walk a couple of the other hills too. So I was pretty happy making it up all the hills except Sugarloaf. I was having some clunky/slippy gear problems at the top of most hills, and took my road bike in to the Racer's Edge bike shop to get a tune up after getting back into town. I'm not sure if I would have made it up Sugarloaf even if my bike wasn't having problems, but it does make me wonder.

Above: Andrea filling her water bottle at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain Road. Photo by Jen Biedermann Coull.

Grab Some Water

For the past few years, the house at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain Road, has been placing out coolers of water and cups for cyclists training in Clermont that attempt the climb. There aren't a lot of places to stop for water along the way, it is a really rural area where most of the Clermont rides take place. So to have cold water available to fill our water bottles with after our assault on Sugarloaf was a welcome treat. Clermont residents Harry & Janice Fenstad place two large, orange coolers, paper cups and trash cans at the end of their driveway for any cyclists passing by that need a cool drink, and they aren't even cyclists!

Above: Coach Rob and the Bike Diva taking a break in Clermont.

Find a Ride in Clermont

If you are interested in bike riding in Clermont, visit the Map My Ride website. Map My Ride contains pages and pages of preplanned bike routes from a few miles up to 100 miles. Here is the link:

www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-states/fl/clermont/page1

Above: team member Andrea Blair purchased a new Trek road bike the day before our Clermont ride! She found the bike at The Cycling Hub in Clermont, just down the street from our hotel and where we started/ended our 40 mile bike ride.

Bike Diva's Final Word

Although I wasn't quite so found of going fast downhill, as I was climbing uphill (I think I am the team mountain goat), I probably would go back to ride in Clermont. Some of the team members got up to 40 MPH going down some of the bigger hills! Dang, I was using way too much brake coming down the hills, kind of freaked me out going that fast on a bike. So I guess I really need to go back and conquer my fear of descending. And I would still like to be able to make it all the way up Sugarloaf Mountain without having to do any walking.

There is a nice multi-use trail, that we rode on for a little while, that connects with some of the rails-to-trails. I think you can do close to 60 miles on the multi-use trails. We rode part of the South Lake Trail, AKA Lake Apopka Trail. I also have to remember to take my Go Pro video camera with me the next time, that would have been some awesome video footage to upload to the Bike Diva blog.

Photos

Please note, I found the 3 photographs of the Clermont hills through a search done on Google images.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Posted by Lynn Smythe on 08/23/2010 at 06:00 AM in Bike Diva News, Bike Routes, Florida Bike Rides, Road Biking | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

08/18/2010

Bike Diva Races Mack Cycle Trilogy #3

Mack Cycle Trilogy Races

On Sunday, August 15, I went down to Key Biscayne, to compete in the Mack Cycle Trilogy #3 race which started and ended in Crandon Park. Key Biscayne is about 62 miles from my house, so whenever I have a race down there, I get up around 4 AM, leave the house by 4:30 or 4:40 and get down to Key Biscayne just after 5:30. Dang, that is too early. The duathlon race starts around 7, then I wait around for the awards ceremony, then I'm back home in Delray Beach by around 11 or 11:30. So at least I've got the rest of the day to chillax, do some laundry, etc...

Above: duathlon start. That's me, the Bike Diva, on the left hand side in the white/gray/blue Team Aquaphor uniform.

Multiple Race Options

There were three races to choose from; I participated in the sprint duathlon.

Sprint duathlon

1 mile run
10 mile bike
3.1 mile run

Sprint triathlon

1/4 mile swim
10 mile bike
3.1 mile run

International triathlon

.5 mile swim
20 mile bike
5.2 mile run

The international distance triathletes all got a really nice finishers medal as soon as they crossed the finish line. Sprint distance duathletes and triathletes don't receive finishers medals, but they do qualify for the overall and age group awards.

Above: Bike Diva during first run of the duathlon race. New mile PR for me; 8:07, I am NOT a fast runner, but I was real happy with that time.

Bike Diva's Race Results

I shaved another 1 minute 5 seconds off my previous best time racing the Key Biscayne duathlon course. I finished in a time of 1:16:42, and that was with walking about 1/2 mile of the second run. I normally wouldn't walk during a sprint distance race, but I had done a 52 mile road bike ride the day before, with the Palm Beach Team in Training cycle team, and I was pretty stiff, sore and tired. It was also brutally hot and humid out and I just have a really hard time with my asthma under those conditions.

Above: Bike Diva climbing William Powell bridge on her Cervelo P2 triathlon bike.

Lynn Smythe's Race Results

Run 1: 8:07 -8:07 pace
Transition 1: 1:21
Bike: 32:26 - 18.13 MPH
Transition 2: 1:05
Run 2: 33:44 - 10:52 pace
Total time: 1:16:42
Overall: 61 out of 86
Gender place: 16 out of 31
Category place: 1 out of 4

Above: Bike Diva during the second run portion of the duathlon race.

Other Duathlon Race Reports

Here are a few links to some other duathlon race reports I've posted to my Bike Diva and Run Diva blogs.

Bike Diva Races Mack Cycle Trilogy #1
Run Diva Competes in First Olympic Distance Duathlon
Run Diva Races Egg Hunt Duathlon
2009 Race the Troops Duathlon
Anatomy of a Duathlon and Triathlon
Bike Diva Races Singer Island Duathlon
Independence Day Race at Tradewinds Park

Above: Bike Diva crossing the finish line at Mack Cycle Trilogy #3 with a smile on her face.

Above: Bike Diva on the podium. First place female 45-49. Guess 2nd and 3rd place didn't stick around for the awards ceremony. A friend of mine said 2nd place was first loser, and in this case, 3rd place was last, so they were party poopers and didn't pose for their picture. I just think I look silly standing on the podium all by myself, but what the heck, I won first place so heck yeah I'm getting my official photograph taken wearing my medal!!!!

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Posted by Lynn Smythe on 08/18/2010 at 12:34 PM in Bike Diva News, Bike Diva Sponsors, Florida News, Multisport, Triathlons & Duathlons | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

08/16/2010

Title Sports Drink

Title Sports Drink

I recently had a chance to try Title Sports Drink at my last duathlon race. I participated in the sprint distance duathlon at Mack Cycle Trilogy #3 on Key Biscayne, on Sunday, August 15. As you cross the finish line, there are a number of volunteers waiting to assist you. One volunteer takes the timing chip off your ankle, another one hands you a bottle of water, and at Sunday's race, there were a few more volunteers handing out ice cold sports drinks.

I checked out the label, to make sure it wasn't a brand I don't like. I really can't stand Gatorade, it makes me sick to my stomach, and I don't like the taste. But it was a brand I haven't heard of; Title Sports Drink, so I decide to try it and see how I liked it. I tried the lemon frenzy flavor. It was really refreshing, wasn't too sweet and didn't have that nasty, salty aftertaste like some brands of sports drink have.

All Natural Hydration

Title is available in three flavors; Lemon Frenzy, Optimal Orange and Fierce Berry. Title Sports Drink is an all natural product and contains no artificial coloring. Title also claims to have more electrolytes, and fewer calories and sugar than other brands of sports drinks. Title is sweetened with pure, organic cane sugar and contains zero high fructose corn syrup.

Hydration for Athletes

It was a really hot and humid day, and I sweat a lot, so I cross the finish line in a slightly dehydrated state. I try to drink lots of fluids as soon as I cross the finish line and throughout the remainder of the day. As soon as I cross the finish line, I head right over to the athlete's food tent. I avoid the pancakes and bagels, that's just too dense a food selection for my stomach to handle right after a race. I go right for the fresh fruit: orange slices, watermelon, cantaloupe and bananas.

After I gathered up my bike, and all my racing gear in the transition area, I headed out to the parking lot to drop off all my gear in my mini van, and change into some dry clothes while waiting for the awards ceremony to start. I placed first in the female 45-49 age group, so I stuck around after the race to collect my medal and pose on the podium. I had my recovery drink powder waiting for me in a shake container in the van, so I just added some water and drank it before heading back over to the race area.

I was still really thirsty so I headed back over to the finish line to get a cold bottle of water and see if there were anymore Title Sports Drinks left. I grabbed a bottle of the optimal orange flavor which was also really tasty. Title also makes a berry flavor, but I didn't get a chance to try that one out.

Purchasing Title Sports Drink

Title can be purchased at Walgreen's drug stores and Publix grocery stores throughout Florida. A 20 ounce bottle of Title costs around $1.39. Title's website has a link to an online coupon that you can print out; the coupon is good for $1.00 off a purchase of 5 bottles of Title, or $3.00 off a purchase of 10 bottles.

Additional Information

Title Sports Drink is manufactured by The Electric Beverage Company, based out of Miami, Florida.

The Electric Beverage Company, Inc.
4770 Biscayne Blvd.
Suite 1480
Miami, FL 33137

Website: www.titlesportsdrink.com

Facebook page:

Twitter:

Leave a Comment

How do you stay hydrated during your longer training workouts and during/after races? I would love to hear about your favorite flavor/variety of sports drink. Leave a comment on this blog post with your thoughts and opinions on electrolyte sports drinks. Please, no comments about any of those energy drinks or links to your online shopping cart that sells energy drinks. I moderate all comments, before publishing them to my Bike Diva blog. I will not approve comments with inappropriate links to commercial websites.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Posted by Lynn Smythe on 08/16/2010 at 02:55 PM in Food & Nutrition, Product Reviews, Triathlons & Duathlons | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

08/09/2010

Chicago Bike Sharing Demo

PRESS RELEASE

B-cycle Teams with the City of Chicago and Bike and Roll to Launch a Bicycle-Sharing Demonstration Program This Summer

B-cycle Helping Chicago Commuters and Visitors Get Green on the Go

CHICAGO, July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- B-cycle is helping Chicago residents and visitors increase daily activity and reduce carbon emissions with a major U.S. City bike-sharing system, Chicago B-cycle. Chicago B-cycle will launch with 100 bicycles at six B-stations around the city, offering a green alternative to cars for short commutes and errands. The bikes will be available July through October 2010 and the following spring. Locations include McCormick Place, Museum Campus, Buckingham Fountain, the Chicago Park District Administrative Offices, Daley Plaza and the John Hancock Center.

"Chicago has a national reputation as one of the best large cities in the United States for bicycling. We've been working for many years to lessen traffic by offering alternatives to using the automobile," said the Mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley. "I want to thank Bike Chicago and Trek Bicycles for their hard work in putting together this 'B-cycle' project. My goal is to make Chicago the most bicycle-friendly city in the United States."

B-cycle was formed by a partnership between Humana, Trek Bicycle and Crispin Porter + Bogusky based on a shared belief that bicycles should be a vehicle for positive health and environmental change as well as an important part of a community's transportation ecosystem. Together, the founding partners developed a bike-sharing system designed specifically for U.S. cities, universities and corporate campuses. Chicago is B-cycle's second installation and follows on the heels of the successful Earth Day 2010 launch of Denver B-cycle - the first citywide bike-sharing program in the U.S.

To check out bikes, residents and tourists can register on the B-cycle Web site or at the B-stations conveniently located along the lakefront and Loop. The program will be managed by Bike and Roll Chicago.

"Bike-sharing was created for the commuter whose transit stop is two miles from the office, the urbanite running errands, and the tourist out sightseeing," explained Bob Burns, president of B-cycle and general counsel for Trek Bicycle Corporation, a B-cycle partner. "With this in mind, B-cycle offers a cruiser-style bike that is comfortable for people of all sizes and biking abilities."

Bike-Sharing Gains Speed in the U.S.

First popularized in European cities such as Paris and Barcelona, bike-sharing is quickly expanding around the world in places like Beijing, Montreal and, most recently, Mexico City. Chicago is the fourth U.S. city to set up a bike-sharing program in 2010, succeeding installations in Denver, Minneapolis and Boston. Dozens more cities, universities and corporations are considering such programs.

About B-cycle

B-cycle is a partnership between Humana Inc., Trek Bicycle Corporation and Crispin Porter + Bogusky. The founding partners share a belief that bicycles should be a vehicle for positive health and environmental change and an important part of a community's transportation ecosystem.

About Bike and Roll

Chicago B-cycle is owned and operated by Bike and Roll Chicago. Bike and Roll Chicago was founded in 1993 and operates ten lakefront bicycle rental and tour locations in the city. The company is managing partner of Bike and Roll, a national network of bike rental and tour companies with additional locations in Chicago, Miami Beach, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100729/CG43377
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100729/CG43377
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN15
PRN Photo Desk,

Source: B-cycle

CONTACT: Jeremy Rothschild of Bike and Roll Chicago, +1-773-230-4422,

Posted by Lynn Smythe on 08/09/2010 at 07:00 AM in Press Releases, Product Reviews, Road Biking, Urban Biking | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

08/06/2010

Oregon Scientific's All-Terrain Video Camera

PRESS RELEASE

Outdoor Enthusiasts Get Extreme With Oregon Scientific's New HD ATC9K All-Terrain Video Camera

Upload Videos from the Slopes, Waves, Road, or Trails to Facebook for a Chance to Win

TUALATIN, Ore., July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Camcorders and camera phones step aside, because there is a new way to capture video - in high-definition! - even when scuba diving or jumping out of a plane 12,500 feet above the earth's surface. Oregon Scientific, a leading designer and worldwide marketer of personal electronics, today announced the launch of its highly anticipated ATC9K All-Terrain Video Camera, the next generation of the award-winning ATC line of action cameras. This easy-to-use, waterproof and shock-resistant camera can be strapped to a helmet, handlebars, surfboard, or snowboard, so it can follow athletes places they wouldn't dare bring a normal camera - and shoots in high-definition. Beginning today, extreme sport enthusiasts can share videos of their own outdoor adventures on Facebook for a chance to win a Grand Prize Package valued at $750.

The trouble with capturing extreme sports on video is that most cameras can't handle the dirt, grime, or water - and holding the camera steady is an even bigger challenge. The compact ATC9K, however, features a built-in G-sensor that measures the force of gravity during acceleration, deceleration and hang time, allowing users to record and review every detail of their performance. A laser pointer on the camera also helps users line up the camera, so they never miss a moment of the action. Designed for the rugged adventure, the ATC9K does not sacrifice function over form - it features full 1080p professional quality HD video, shoots up to 60 frames per second, has 130 degree wide field of view, captures 5-megapixels photos, and has a built-in color LCD display that allows users to preview and play back videos.

Through September 30th, ATC fans can get in on the action by uploading their own videos to Facebook and sharing the mud, sweat, and glory of their own outdoor conquests. From dirt-biking to sea kayaking, the ATC9K can capture it all - even up to 65 feet under water. Video submissions that meet contest terms and conditions will be narrowed down to the top five videos. The winning videos will be selected by a panel of judges and prize packages include one Grand Prize package valued at $750 and one Runner-up prize package valued at $350.

The ATC9K is also compatible with a unique GPS plug-in (sold separately with availability in October) that enables PC-users to map their location, speed and distance travelled on their computer during playback using Google Maps or Google Earth. While watching the video clip playback on a computer, users can view corresponding location, acceleration and altitude displayed on the map. Outdoor enthusiasts, trainers, and sports lovers alike can view or edit footage on single screen with this useful tool and keep track of each wilderness trail, road race, or coastline.

The ATC9K All-Terrain Video Camera is currently available for the suggested retail price of $299.99 at www2.oregonscientific.com and includes a remote control, a USB cable for connecting to a PC or Mac, and an HDMI cable for HD playback on a TV. A Velcro® strap, handle bar, helmet grip, and silicon strap mounting accessories are also included.

For more information about Oregon Scientific, visit http://www2.oregonscientific.com/.

About Oregon Scientific

Founded in 1989, Oregon Scientific is headquartered in Tualatin; a quaint suburb of beautiful Portland, Oregon. Oregon Scientific offers six families of products, ranging from Youth & Learning to Sports & Fitness. Built from its hallmark of timing and weather devices, Oregon Scientific is expanding to meet the diverse needs of its customers to enhance the way we live, work and play. Consider Oregon Scientific's products to be Innovating the Everyday.

Oregon Scientific is a division of one of the world's premier electronics manufacturers, Integrated Display Technology, Ltd. (IDT), based in Hong Kong. IDT was founded in 1977 and is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as IDT Technology and on the Singapore Exchange as I-Com.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100730/NE43403
PRN Photo Desk,
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100730/NE43403

Source: Oregon Scientific

CONTACT: Mike Rush, 360 Public Relations, +1-617-585-5792,

Web Site: http://www2.oregonscientific.com/

Posted by Lynn Smythe on 08/06/2010 at 09:03 AM in Bike Gear, Press Releases, Product Reviews | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

08/04/2010

Profile Design Aerodrink VS Aquacell

Profile Designs hydration systems: Aerodrink and Aquacell.

I'm relatively new to owning a triathlon bike. I just purchased mine the end of October, 2009, after racing my first season of duathlons. I'm still figuring out all the bells and whistles to add/subtract to the bike, a Cervelo P2C, as I learn more about the multisport lifestyle.

The smaller reservoir in the Aquacell is removable. You could fill this cell with water, freeze it overnight, then place it in the Aquacell on the way to your race or training session. This would be a great way to keep your fluids cool.

Aerobar Hydration Systems

I mostly race in sprint duathlons and have been using Profile Designs Aerodrink hydration system, which fits between my aerobars. I've been trying to figure out a way to carry more fluid on my tri bike for my longer training rides and races. I'll be doing the 1/2 Ironman duathlon at Miami Man on November 14, which is a 1 mile run - 56 mile bike - 13.1 run event.

I did Miami Man for the first time last year, just a couple of weeks after getting my new tri bike. I know, you're not supposed to go into your key race of the year with new equipment, but what the heck, timing and budget just worked out that way. I placed 3rd Female Masters at the 2009 Miami Man, not too shabby for someone that just started racing in duathlons in February, 2009.

Smaller Aerodrink installed between aerobars.

Affordable Hydration

I went through a ton of fluid during the 56 mile bike portion of Miami Man. It was a really windy day with winds averaging between 18-21 MPH, don't know if that was why I went through so much fluid? It really wasn't that hot out, even by south Florida standards. I am looking for a better way to hydrate without having to stop at every rest stop during the bike ride. I am a bit tight on money right now and had been looking at the Speedfill system and X-labs behind the seat water bottle carriers. But both of those options are over $100 by the time you add all the necessary components.

Larger Aquacell system installed between aerobars.

Profile Designs Hydration Systems

I noticed that my local bike shop, Racer's Edge in Boca Raton, carried Profile Designs dual reservoir Aquacell hydration system. The price was right, MSRP of $34.95 and Racer's Edge price was only $28.75.The guys at Racer's Edge said there might not be enough room between my aerobars to install the Aquacell and to bring my tri bike in to make sure it would fit before buying it.

Vince Damiani at Racer's Edge slightly tweaked my aerobars open just a hair so that the larger Aquacell would fit between my aerobars. I can still use the smaller Aerodrink during my shorter training rides and sprint races. I like having the option to use either system. I plan to carry electrolyte solution in the large compartment, and water in the smaller compartment. When I eat a gel pack, shot block or other solid food, I would rather wash it down with a bit of plain water rather than a flavored electrolyte drink. Lemon lime sports drink mixed with coffee flavored gel is just kind of gross if you want my personal opinion.

Comparison of the Two Hydration Systems

Profile Design Aerodrink

MSRP: $19.95
Weight: 171 grams
Capacity: 32 fluid ounces
Details: single reservoir cell
Cap: use with black plastic cap, or yellow plastic net "sponge" AKA splash guard

Profile Design Aquacell

MSRP: $34.95
Weight: 310 grams
Capacity: 50 ounces total; 35 ounces large reservoir, 15 ounces small reservoir
Details: two reservoir cells; capable of carrying two separate fluids such as water and an electrolyte sports drink
Cap: use with black plastic cap, or yellow plastic net "sponge" AKA splash guard

Aerodrink bracket by Profile Designs. Attaches between aerobars using Velcro.

Aero Bracket Option

If your triathlon bike has narrow set aerobars, then you should be able to use either of these hydration systems without any additional equipment. Just use a pair of Velcro straps or a couple of industrial strength rubber bands to attach the water bottle between the aerobars. If your tri bike has wider aerobars, you will need to add the Aero Bracket to be able to use either of these hydration systems. I had to have the Profile Design aerobracket fitted to my Cervelo P2C, with a suggested retail price of $11.95. This added another 31 grams of weight to my tri bike.

Additional Information

Once I've gotten a few test rides in using the new Aquacell, I'll post up another review to Bike Diva.

Visit Profile Design online: www.profile-design.com

Facebook:

Profile Design products can be found at many bike shops and online retailers such as Nashbar or Tri Sports.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Posted by Lynn Smythe on 08/04/2010 at 02:54 PM in Bike Diva News, Bike Gear, Bike Shops, Florida Bike Shops, Food & Nutrition, Multisport, Product Reviews, Triathlons & Duathlons | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Bike Diva

My Other Accounts

Categories

Duathlon Blogs

August 2010

08/31/2010

Lake Cycling Sponsors Cross Vegas Cyclocross

08/24/2010

Women's Cycling Series - Tampa, FL

08/23/2010

Riding Hills in Clermont, Florida

08/18/2010

Bike Diva Races Mack Cycle Trilogy #3

08/16/2010

Title Sports Drink

08/09/2010

Chicago Bike Sharing Demo

08/06/2010

Oregon Scientific's All-Terrain Video Camera

08/04/2010

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