Bike Diva

3rd Annual Pedaling for Pathways

Sunday, January 25th, 2009 marks the date of the Naples Pathways Coalition 3rd annual Pedaling for Pathways Bicycle Ride & Brunch. What

• A fully supported road bike ride
• Choose from 10, 20, 30, 62 or 100 mile options
• Ride through Naples, Florida and surrounding areas of SW Florida
• Ride begins and ends at Lowdermilk Beach Park in Naples

Visit www.naplespathways.org for breakfast and ride schedule. Register online at www.active.com. Register before 1/11/09 and receive breakfast, event t-shirt, lunch and more. Details

• 6:30 AM - Registration and continental breakfast begin
• 7 AM - 100 mile ride begins
• 8 AM - 62 and 30 mile rides begin
• 8:30 AM - 20 mile ride begins
• 9 AM - 10 mile ride begins

Mission Statement The mission of the Naples Pathways Coalition is to build "a fully integrated and safe transportation network of sidewalks, bike lanes, bike paths, and multi-use paths and greenways, to be used by cyclists, pedestrians and other non-motorized users, throughout Naples and Collier County." Take care, Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Catch and Release Video

On October 21st, I posted up information on GT Bicycles Catch & Release program. I just got a comment from a reader with a link to the Catch & Release video they found on U-Tube. Check it out - it's pretty funny! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzB06fwxQ0c] Take care, Lynn Smythe AKA Bike Diva

ZICO Coconut Water Video

The folks over at Healthy Food TV just created a video touting the benefits of ZICO coconut water. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6TNRXiQ4k4] Read the Bike Diva review of ZICO coconut water: http://bikediva.net/2008/11/10/zico-coconut-water/

ONE Natural Experience Drink Review

After seeing my review of ZICO coconut water on the Bike Diva site, I was contacted by a marketing rep for O.N.E. Natural Experience to see if I was interested in sampling their products. I received a case full of O.N.E. coconut water and 3 flavors of their all-natural juice.

I had a chance to taste the following items:

• 100% natural coconut water
• coffee berry juice
• cashew juice
• Amazon acai

Bike Diva's Review

The coconut juice is refreshing enough to be enjoyed straight out of the box, after being well chilled in the refrigerator. The three juices are all sweetened with organic cane juice. I found all the juices to be a bit too sweet for my taste, so I mixed them with a bit of sparkling water. Add a few ice cubes to a large glass, pour in around 3/4 of a cup of the juice, then top off with around 1/4 to 1/3 cup of sparkling water. My favorite flavor was the Amazon acai, I also liked the taste of the coffee berry juice. Although I didn't really care for the flavor of the cashew juice, my husband found it quite enjoyable.

Product Details

Each juice comes packaged in a single serving 1.1ounce Tetra box. Tetra Pak carton packages are primarily made from paper, a renewable resource. Visit the Tetra Pak website for further information on their green packaging products: www.tetrapakusa.com.

Cashew Juice

Each container of cashew juice contains 140 calories. The ingredients include water, cashew fruit puree, organic sugar can juice and citric acid. Cashew juice, comes from the fruit of the tree. Cashew juice is high in Vitamin C and may help to calm the stomach, soothe the throat and promote healthy skin.

Coffee Berry

Each container of coffee berry juice contains 107 calories. The ingredients include acerola puree (Amazon cherry), strawberry puree, whole coffee berry, natural flavors, organic evaporated cane juice and citric acid. Coffee berry juice is obtained from the ripe coffee berry. Coffee berry is an antioxidant, naturally caffeinated fresh juice. It contains about as much caffeine as a cup of green tea.

Amazon Acai

Each container of Amazon Acai, which is also flavored with Amazon cherry, contains 157 calories. The ingredients include acai berries, acerola (Amazon cherry), organic evaporated can juice and citric acid. Amazon Acai juice is high in antioxidants and each serving contains 3.3 grams of dietary fiber. Acai juice is reported to have a variety of benefits including: combat premature aging, increase energy levels, bolster immune system, improve mental clarity along with cleaning and detoxifying the body.

Coconut Water

Each container of coconut water contains 100% natural coconut water, and no additional ingredients. Each serving of coconut water contains 60 calories and is fat free. O.N.E. coconut water is excellent for replacing lost electrolytes due to exercise or illness. The coconut water is currently available in a limited edition package, where O.N.E. will be donating over $100,000 to the Brazil Foundation for their clean water project. For each full pallet of the coconut water that is sold, a family in Brazil is able to build a cistern to get their own clean water.

Thank You I would like to thank O.N.E. Natural Experience for sending out the product samples. I will definitely be looking for O.N.E. Amazon Acai juice the next time I am at Albertson's or Whole Foods. Visit the O.N.E. website to see where the products are available in your area.

According to the O.N.E. webiste: "O.N.E. ™ is committed to improving the environment and making a positive difference in the farming communities from which these healthy products are sourced. A portion of all O.N.E. ™ proceeds goes to Healthy Child Healthy World."

Take care,

Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Cyclocross Article on Suite101

I just wrote a cyclocross article for the Suite101 website. Article Overview Cyclocross bikes, also referred to as cross, CX or cyclo-x, are a unique type of racing bike. Cyclocross races generally occur in the fall and winter. Check out my article, Intro to Cyclocross Bike Racing; CX Bicycles are Part Mountain Bike and Part Road Bike, when you get a chance. Take care, Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Tour of Boca

My husband and I are both members of the Boca Raton Bicycle Club. They just updated their website a few months ago: http://www.brbc.clubexpress.com/. The club has rides scheduled just about everyday of the week. Each ride is classified according to the average speed that the cyclist's will travel. My husband and I ride with the B group, which averages 18-21 MPH. New riders may want to check out the monthly Tour of Boca ride, which starts from Patch Reef Park in Boca Raton. Registration begins at 12:30 PM and the ride starts at 1 PM. There is a $2.00 registration fee per rider. The Tour of Boca is sponsored by the City of Boca Raton and the Boca Raton Bicycle Club. For further information call 561-391-6109, or visit the club's website: http://www.brbc.clubexpress.com/. Here are the dates of the next few rides; December 14th, January 11th, February 8th and March 8th. Each ride takes place on a Sunday afternoon. Ride Features Distance: 15 miles Average Speed: 10 MPH Police Escort Minimum Age: 10 years old with parent Rest Stop: Rutherford Park, for beverages and snacks Take care, Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Governor's Advisory Council Sports Awards

PRESS RELEASE Governor's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Awards HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Schools, individuals and groups that have developed innovative ways to engage people in exercise received awards today from the Governor's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Physical Activity, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The award program honors local efforts to significantly increase physical activity in communities, workplaces or schools. The program recognizes up to seven award winners each year who receive a certificate and $2,000 to invest in their physical fitness program. The award recipients for 2008 are: -- Healthcheck F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Senior Wellness Center (Northampton County) -- Mt. Pleasant Area School District (Westmoreland County) -- Newport Elementary School (Perry County) -- Seneca Valley Swim Club (Butler County) -- Shamona Creek Elementary School (Chester County) -- United Way of Lackawanna County (Lackawanna County) -- Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center Staff (Washington County) The Governor's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Sports was established through a 1997 Executive Order. The council's mission is to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians by providing leadership that promotes physically active lifestyles and links families, communities, schools, worksites, health care and media. The awards program is an initiative of the Governor's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Individuals or groups submit nominations to the Department of Health each year and award determinations are made by the council during public meetings. To learn more about this initiative, visit http://www.health.state.pa.us/. EDITOR'S NOTE: Award recipient program details are listed below: Healthcheck F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Healthcheck Senior Wellness Center F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Fun, Relaxing, Invigorating, Exercise, Needs, Determined, Seniors) is a cross-training program in which seniors work out with weights, resistance bands, low-impact aerobics, stretching and calisthenics. Twice-weekly classes are led by a peer who is 84. The median age of participants is 82. Many participants are referred to this program upon discharge from physical therapy. Mt. Pleasant Area School District Mt. Pleasant Area Junior High offers an interactive virtual reality exercise center using video consoles that interface with various types of exercise equipment. All students exercise vigorously for 20 - 30 minutes. Mt. Pleasant Area plans to expand the concept for use in its high school. Newport Elementary School - Stew Kirk Stew Kirk, the physical education teacher at Newport Elementary School, started a morning walking program for 4th through 6th graders that he nicknamed, "No Child Left on Their Behind." Many students used to arrive to school early and sit in the halls waiting for classes to start. Kirk encouraged the students to use this free time to walk on a track adjacent to the school. He offers a small token or prize for miles logged and has created a "50 Mile Club." Seneca Valley Swim Club (SVSC) The Seneca Valley Swim Club offers an ongoing Learn to Swim program for children. They are responding to parents' requests for swim lessons for children with special physical and emotional needs. The club will be the only club in its immediate area to offer adapted group instruction with the teacher/student ratio required to accommodate swimmers with special needs. Shamona Creek Elementary School The Shamona Creek Elementary School started a Healthy Active Living (HAL) waiver program. Parents sign a waiver attesting their children participated in more than eight hours of physical activity with an outside organization during each marking period. Community organizations that promote fitness are publicized school wide. They also promote IRONKID, a team triathlon that includes swimming, running, and biking. United Way of Lackawanna County The United Way of Lackawanna County leads "Healthy Futures," which helps children become more physically active while learning how to make better nutritional choices. The program aims for 60 minutes of daily physical activity. The group hopes to expand the program. Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center Staff The staff of the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center works to address childhood obesity and substandard fitness levels through innovative physical activities and nutrition awareness. Offerings include rock climbing, swimming, yoga, circuit training, boot camp nutrition, and whole-family activities. Staff members are starting a new after-school program that will offer a nutritious snack, academic support time and structured physical activities. CONTACT: Stacy Kriedeman (717) 787-1783 Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health CONTACT: Stacy Kriedeman of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, +1-717-787-1783 Web Site: http://www.health.state.pa.us/ http://www.state.pa.us/

Review of YogaFit for Cyclists DVD

I just had a chance to review Beth Shaw's YogaFit for Cyclists DVD. Beth is the founder and creator of YogaFit Training Systems Inc. YogaFit for Cyclists can be used by mountain bikers, road bikers or spinning class enthusiasts. The YogaFit for Cyclists DVD is 60 minutes long. Chapters

1. Warming Up for the Ride
2. Yoga for Cycling
3. 5 Minute Post Ride Stretch
4. Bonus Features: Essence, Breathing, Spa

I found the DVD to be wonderfully relaxing. It's the perfect way to unwind, stretch out to improve flexibility, and relax before going to sleep. You can also use the DVD to warm up your muscles, before going out for a bike ride, or attending spinning class. I highly recommend this DVD to cyclists of all abilities, as a compliment to their normal exercise routine. Benefits of Working Out with YogaFit for Cyclists DVD According to the YogaFit DVD, "Bicycling and indoor, stationary cycling are among the best forms of cardiovascular conditioning but they often leave the participant with tightness, aches and even pain. Using this DVD, as a consistent sport related yoga program, will alleviate many of these symptoms; including lower back pain, trapezious stress and tight hamstrings and quadriceps."

Reduce stress & pain

Experience more flexible hamstrings, glutes and quadriceps

Built a strong core center and upper body

Balance your body and reduce the risk of injury

Open chest, shoulders, and pectorals

Use these Yoga poses to create strength balance and flexibility

The YogaFit Style YogaFit is designed to improve the health, performance, and mental acuity of athletes or individuals interested in improving their level of fitness. Based on the ancient fitness science of hatha yoga, it blends balance, strength, flexibility and power in a fitness format. YogaFit overcomes the mystery of yoga by delivering a practical, user-friendly style, which is accessible, understandable, and doable by individuals at any level of fitness. Further Information For additional information on the YogaFit for Cyclists DVD and other Yoga related products, such as books and clothing, visit the YogaFit website: www.yogafit.com. Other DVD's available on the YogaFit site, that look interesting, include YogaButt, YogaAbs, YogaFit Kids and YogaFit Seniors. Take care, Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Stationary Bikes by Hudson Fitness Products

PRESS RELEASE Hudson Fitness Products to Launch New Stationary Bike Lines Extensive Features and Value Priced DALLAS, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Hudson Fitness Products, well known among medical and physical therapy practitioners, is expanding its product line to high-traffic fitness, institutional and school environments. The company announced the introduction of its stationary bike products today. The experience and expertise developed in the medical arena is found in the two new product lines designed for high-traffic facilities. The first is the HEC 3200, an upright stationary bike and the HEC 3500, the recumbent model. These bikes feature:

  -- Ergonomic design, for a user-friendly workout
  -- Self-contained fitness computer with LCD display and hand-grip heart
     rate technology
  -- 5 - 300 watts of work load
  -- User weight capacity of up to 350 pounds

The second stationary bicycle line to be introduced is the HEC 400, an upright model and the HEC 400R, the recumbent model. These bikes feature:

  -- A belt-driven, self-powered generator system
  -- Self-contained fitness computer with hand-grip and wireless telemetry
     heart rate technology
  -- 5 - 400 watts of work load
  -- Sturdy construction that can handle 350 pounds of weight

Both of the new Hudson stationary bicycle lines have a 3-year warranty on parts and a 1-year warranty on labor. Hudson Fitness Products is owned by Source Brands, Inc. The National Sales Manager, Tim Duffey noted, "The challenges of a tough economy have encouraged institutional fitness facility managers to demand value in any new purchase. Our Hudson Fitness products combine rugged construction and a wide range of functionality with some of the best prices in the marketplace. We believe that our customers will find this value very compelling." For more information on Hudson Fitness Products, visit http://www.hudsonfitness.com/. For information on other Source Brands products, email info@sourcebrands.net. Source: Hudson Fitness Products CONTACT: Art Young, +1-972-644-8403, art@gamebike.com, for Hudson Fitness Products Web site: http://www.hudsonfitness.com/

Chrome Merino Wool Riding Jacket

PRESS RELEASE Chrome Bags Introduces the 'Cobra' Merino Wool Riding Jacket SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrome, a manufacturer of messenger bags and riding apparel located in the SOMA district of San Francisco introduces the "Cobra" merino wool riding jacket. Chrome complements the existing line of urban riding gear with the release of a full front zip, hooded merino wool riding jacket. The Cobra is made from 100% natural, sustainable and biodegradable merino fibers that stay soft and itch free. Because it's built with the finest merino wool, the Cobra regulates body temperature while keeping moisture away from the skin. http://www.chromebags.com/products/apparel/show/60/ Features include a lower cut back, hidden thumb loops, hidden front hand warmer pockets, full width hidden back pocket, high neck collar and a three-panel merino hood. In addition to being soft, washable, warm and stylish, this fleece backed merino helps trap small pockets of air, which provide excellent insulation while the garment remains light and flexible. A true urban chameleon the design gives the rider complete comfort and performance while maintaining a style that works well on the bike and can easily transition to work or to the bar. The relaxed fit and medium weight merino make the Cobra ideal for Sunday brunch or Cafe' racing. Chrome has been producing messenger bags used by the majority or professional bicycle couriers worldwide for the past 14 years. Top of the line materials and hardware fused with advanced design have been the ingredients of continued success. http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/messenger/ Chrome also manufactures three quarter length technical cycling knickers called "Shins". This 4-way stretch, highly wind resistant, breathable, water resistant and quick drying Tweave fabric ensures technical features on the bike and a fresh, clean look off. http://www.chromebags.com/products/apparel/show/44/ Whether you're a working messenger slugging it out everyday, a commuter riding to work or a fashion victim, feel secure knowing you have the best gear for the urban environment. Chrome's products are available nationwide at select retailers as well as online at http://www.chromebags.com/. For more information, please visit the Web site or email chrome@chromebags.com, or call 415-503-1221. Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071209/NYFNSP02 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Chrome CONTACT: Chrome, +1-415-503-1221, chrome@chromebags.com Web site: http://www.chromebags.com/