• Which Jobs Combine Tech and an Adventurous Lifestyle?

    October 23, 2016

    As someone who has mostly made a living out of working in tech, but who loves the outdoors I have questioned the kind of existence that comes with “screen based work” - framing it as something that is at odds with an adventurous lifestyle. Here are some kinds of work that could combine the two. Capturing media and stories from spectacular places. The adventure content producer is someone who uses modern media capture technology - film, audio, written word etc to create stories which include company product placements.

    Tags: CareerIndustryJobTravel

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  • Every Ride Has a Story - Adventure Mountain Biking

    October 23, 2016

    Over the years I have seen a definite evolution of mountain biking. 15 years ago it was a niche activity and anything was acceptable but the marketing side was only just emerging and what was visible was the glamorous competitions and downhill world cups. The opportunity presented by owning and riding a mountain bike raises thoughts and possibilities of how to go further, take different routes or adjust equipment to increase the potential adventure.

    Tags: ItalyAdventureMountain bike

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  • How to Improve Mountain Biking Skills

    October 23, 2016

    Notes from when I did my mountain bike technical leader course Climbing Weight position Position your weight to keep the front wheel on the ground for effective steering and sufficient traction through the rear wheel. The can require a shift forwards onto the front of the saddle. Pull back rather than up on the handlebars with the elbows bent and tucked in. This helps keep the front wheel on the ground and going straight.

    Tags: Mountain bikeSkills

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  • 5 Top Day Trip Backpacks Review

    October 23, 2016

    QUECHUA Forclaz 22 Air Day travel Backpack Quechua are the budget option but usually well made and good value for money. Designed for day hiking in all weather (hot, rainy, etc.). Weight is distributed between the shoulder straps and belt. It features a ventilated back, belt, water bladder (not included) and mesh pockets and a rain cover. A decent budget option. more Osprey Daylite Daypack A daypack for a fast hike, trail running or city walking.

    Tags: BagBackpackDay tripHikingKitGear

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  • Interview with Goat from Ridingthespine.com about Fatbiking the Length of the Americas

    October 23, 2016

    I contacted Goat from the ridingthespine.com because I was planning to do a similar trip. Goat and two friends rode the Great Divide Mountain bike route from Alaska down to Mexico and then rode off road all the way down the mountains of South America. I haven’t seen another trip quite like it and I was attracted to it’s adventurous spirit, ambition and willingness to get off the roads. Goat is known for his wonderfully poetic writing and his email response to my queries about his bike, route, and other thoughts was equally mystic.

    Tags: AmericaInterviewBikepackingTouring

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  • Kitebiking - Wind-powered Biking Without Pedaling

    October 23, 2016

    Adventure cyclists always complain that the power of wind is the worst problem or best feeling on a bike. Either a headwind pushing you back or a tailwind pushing you along. What if you could harness the full power of the wind with a bike? Luckily its a thing. Kite-biking involves pulling yourself along whilst sitting in a wheeled vehicle using kite power. Requires wind so you need a back up if it dies down De-power the kite if wind gets too powerful Wide open space with space overhead for kite Kite manoeuvring skills Manoeuvre the kite whilst controlling the bike and avoiding obstacles Training from an experienced practitioner Bikes PTW Cougar 2.

    Tags: Human-powerWindKiteKitebiking

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  • 2007 Shimano XTR Rear Gear Mech Review

    October 23, 2016

    Shimano XTR back in 2007 used to be highest end version of Shimano mountain bike drivetrain products. The question I had was should I used XT or XTR for a touring drivetrain? XTR was the more expensive higher end product. However, XT had a reputation for reliability and still worked well. Features: Speeds: 9 Long Cage Weight: 237 grams SIS rear derailleur Direct mount Centeron G pulley. Shimano model RD-M952.

    Tags: MechXtrShimanoGearsDerailleurrear-derailleurbike-components

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  • Ultimate Job? Job of the Week: Windsurf Tester.

    October 23, 2016

    Can you imagine spending every day testing out a new windsurf rig sailing off a sandy palm tree-lined beach? That is my job of the week. Read more tests at the Boards magazine website. A hut on the beach with a variety of gear. New gear being sent weekly. The chance to test out all the gear over a prolonged period of time. Know what is the best fit for you and to become a master of your craft.

    Tags: TesterExtremeWindsurfJob

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  • How to Survive Living in a Big City Like London

    October 23, 2016

    I lived in London for 4 years between 2010 and 2014. London is a great place for walking and cycling. There is a huge amount to explore. Anyone who has been a cyclist in a big city will know how it feels to ride amongst the busy traffic and people on the streets. When I first moved down I applied the following rules and self-help tips. Get a bike. A strong frame with semi-slick puncture resistant tyres.

    Tags: AdvicePhilosophyLondonCycling

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  • How to find a good restaurant in a new city to taste local authentic food

    October 23, 2016

    When travelling almost everyone wants to enjoy a local meal . It’s part of the travelling experience . If you’re not careful you may end up in an expensive, “extremely” tourist oriented place, which may not even represent the local gastronomy. One of the problems with most review websites is when restaurants go into a positive spiral. They attract more visitors due to their position and those visitors review them again reinforcing the spiral.

    Tags: FoodTravel

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  • Top 5 multi fuel camping stoves

    October 23, 2016

    MSR DragonFly Stove The MSR DragonFly Stove is a multi fuel stove which can burn any liquid fuel including diesel. Feature / benefits Dual-valve for precision, simmer-to-boil control. Extra Wide Pot Supports - hold up to 10” maximum diameter pots or fry pans for group cooking. Multi-Fuel: Burns white gas, kerosene, unleaded auto fuel, diesel, and jet fuel for versatility. Compact: Folds to 1/3 of its working size for easy storage.

    Tags: EatingMulti-fuelStoveFuelCookingMsrTrangiaCampingTravel

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  • Pros and Cons of Making a Creative Living in the Adventure Travel Niche

    October 23, 2016

    When I decided to go cycle touring back in 2007, it was because I wanted to have an adventure. I had no intention of making a career of it. When I found a film company to help make a podcast of my journey, it changed things. Now there was a company who wanted to sell a film involved in the process. Add more companies, friends with ambitions and the rest.

    Tags: MarketNicheBusinessMoneyTravelAdventure

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