Re: Cycling!

Cycling is an incredible sport. You can fly like the wind using only the power of your body to propel you, often-times going as fast as a car as you coast down hills. Many of my friends are cycling enthusiasts – actually, scratch that, cycling nuts – and spend a lot of our time checking out the coolest new gadgets and tools to make our cycling even cooler; if that’s even possible. I ride my bike as a means of commuting, and I also get out on the weekend for a nice long ride. Heading out on my bike in the early morning helps me to clear my head for the week to come, and it’s also a great form of exercise as I pump through the hills and roads around my local area (and often further afield!). I have been poring over the cycling magazines and blogs in the hopes of finding the perfect gifts for Christmas – both for myself and for my fellow cycling buddies – as I know that there’s nothing better than getting a present related to something you love!

I have been leaving handy hints around for my husband, as I’m really hoping he’s going to get me something for my bike, and to help you fellow cycling fiends out there, I’ve compiled a list of my top five picks of cycling related fun for your gift wish list. Read on, and hopefully you find something that piques your interest here!

Number One: Speakers to rock your ride

I sometimes love listening to music when I ride, but it’s so true that listening to headphones is a serious risk, because you can’t hear what’s around you – and it can be a distraction. I have been riding without music for the past year or so, since I weaned myself off my headphones, but no longer will I have to cycle sans tunes! Introducing the Bike to Beach bike speaker! You can attach it to your bike’s frame and there’s a remote that is attached to your handlebar. I was blown away and so excited and considering it retails for under USD100, it’s a great choice for Christmas.

Number Two: GPS

I love to know how far I have gone on my bike and what my top speed is, and now I can see it all in real time with a hand bar mounted GPS. I love Garmin’s options, but you can also get one that links to your phone as well. Only problem is you have to bring your phone and to make sure it’s charged up – but let’s be honest, that’s no problem in today’s tech age!

Number Three: A trip to the Tour de France

I might have mentioned before that I’m a cycling nut? Maybe once or twice? Well top of my list of things to do is a trip to Tour de France 2016 to watch all the action. Plus, if my husband is keen for that we can always head off on a nice jaunt around the countryside after the action is over. Wine, cheese and cycling; I consider that a tour de force!

Number Four: Waterproof jacket and pants

There’s nothing worse than heading out on a ride and seeing blue skies and sunny weather, only to have the weather shift and dump buckets of rain on you an hour later. Ugh. I have been eyeing up some really lightweight waterproof clothes and know that they’re light and compact enough to fold up and stash under my bike seat in the event of a sudden downpour.

Number Five: Self indicating lights

Cycling can be dangerous sometimes and drivers are often unaware of our movements, no matter how much high-vis kit we wear. To assist in this department, there’s a handy device that works as an indicator to show when you’re turning. Handy stuff!  Eada Hudes