Bike the Drive Chicago

This past weekend we participated in the 10th annual Chicago Bike the Drive. It's the one day of the year when Lake Shore drive is completely shut down from traffic and open to cyclists. The fun started at 5:30 in the morning. We got there about 6 am. Unfortunately this year is was a bit foggy, but that didn't stop the thousands of people from biking including Ryan and I. It was organized extremely well and fun no matter what riding level of experience you were. Two thumbs up to some of the kiddies that ate their Wheaties that day and completed the journey. It made me smile to even see kids with training wheels pedaling their little hearts out.


There were certain checkpoints and rest stops for those that needed a break. Thank you to Clif Bars for sponsoring our breakfast during the ride. What a fabulous pick me up to help us make it through to the finish line.(Love the white chocolate macadamia nut and blueberry crisp flavors)


When we finished our journey.....our butts were super sore, but that didn't stop us from going from tent to tent where there were a bunch of freebies and information on more rides.


This is definitely going to be one that we try and do again next year, it was a lot of fun. Hopefully next year the weather will be a bit better for taking pictures.



WALKATHONS

The weather is going to start getting nicer out, and you’re going to see people walking, jogging, and enjoying the outdoors. Sometimes it’s difficult to get motivated, but I’ve got good news! This is the time of year when the walkathons happen. I am sure there are many of you that have causes that you feel strongly about. So find out if there’s a walk that you can join to show your support. Or walk with a friend for a cause that they’re supporting!

If you’re like me and you sign up for something you commit to it. So then there’s no excuse. They’re counting on you to be there, and you’ve volunteered your time. What’s the worst that can happen?…..you get exercise and you support a great cause.

I have signed up for two walks so far this year. One is the March of Dimes walk http://www.marchofdimes.org/ and a walk in my area to honor nurses in our community.

There are plenty of other great organizations that need participants. Here are just a few:

Cystic Fibrosis

http://www.cff.org/great_strides/

Heart Disease http://www.heartwalk.org/site/c.rjJ0J6MHIoE/b.5767983/k.619D/Heart_Walk__Get_Involved.htm

Diabetes

http://www.diabetes.org/in-my-community/?utm_source=WWW&utm_medium=GlobalNavIMC&utm_campaign=CON

Breast Cancer

http://www.avonwalk.org/

http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/walks.faces?siteId=2

Pancreatic Cancer

http://tofightcancer.com/

Lung Cancer

http://www.lungcancerevents.com/

MS Walk

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/walkmapregion.aspx

There’s a ton more out there, but this should get you started on your journey if you’re interested in participating and don’t know where to start. I hope it helps. Feel free to share your walk or run that you’re going to participate in.

SNOWSHOEING

After too many weeks (OK months) of being inactive, and using the  cold and snow as an excuse (and our dog looking more “sausage” than Beagle), we decided it was time to quit making excuses and start making good use of the snow and cold.  After a little bit of research we decided to buy snowshoes.  Snowshoeing is a great way to get outside and actually get active in the cold/snowy months. 

Why Go Snowshoeing?

• Snowshoeing can help improve or maintain your cardiovascular fitness
• Snowshoeing can burn 500-1000 calories per hour  (which can be more than 45% more than walking at the same speed.)
• It gets you (and your fat dog) out of the house!

Our Snowshoes:

Tammy purchased the Tubbs Couloir 21 Snowshoes.  She bought them from REIOutlet and since they were last years’ model, we saved over $130 on them (compared to Amazon.com.) 

Pros:

• The bindings are pretty easy to get on, and VERY easy to get off. 
•  The Full Step Rotation makes it easier to walk/maneuver and helps with traction.

Cons:            

•  Price – these are on Amazon.com for $249.95

Overall:   Couldn’t be happier.  Great fit, great bindings and got them for a great price.  

Ryan went with the Redfeather Alpine Ultra 35.  We purchased an older model on clearance and saved about $100 on these. 

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to maneuver

Cons

•  Price – MSRP is $249.99
•  Bindings – difficult to put on and take off (much more so than the Tubbs shoes Tammy has)

Overall

• Compared to the bindings on Tammy’s Tubbs, the Ultra bindings of the RedFeather are FAR inferior.  She can have both shoes on before I get one on.  Hopefully with more use, I will become more adept!