Sunday, November 6, 2011

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Pearl Izumi Pro softshell jacket

Now that I've ridden several times with the Pearl Izumi Elite Softshell Jacket, I decided to get another one. This time I found the P.R.O. Softshell jacket on sale at Huck N Roll.

http://www.hucknroll.com/pearl-izumi-p.r.o.-softshell-jacket-mens

So far I've been very happy with the Elite softshell jacket. I paid $112.46 for the Elite jacket last week. The P.R.O. jacket only costs $149.96, which is 33% off the retail price of $224.96. Having a second jacket makes it easier to ride every day. Often times I can't ride the clothes immediately after a ride, so it may not be dry by the next day.

Why do people ride?

My kids ask me "why don't you go to the gym instead of riding in the freezing weather?" Honestly, if I could handle spending 30mins on a stationary bike, spin class or gym workout, it would be preferable. Sadly, it's too damn boring and I have a hard time doing it. At some point, I will have to force myself to go to the gym when the road conditions are too bad or the temperatures too cold.

Lots of people ride for different reasons. My reasons are pretty simple, I'm addicted to riding. But that leads to the question of "why are you addicted to riding?"

I could list a bunch of rational reasons like cycling is low impact, great for cardio, gets you outside, and natural scenery. Honestly, I just love the feeling of being on a bike and riding around. I'm not into racing and don't have some hope of being an elite cyclist.

Being on a bike, is a zen thing for me. Everything else just seems to disappear and I'm only focused on riding. Most of the time 99.9% I don't think about work or anything else. My focus is on my cadence, breathing, looking out for potholes, listening to the gears and the feel of my legs. It rejuvenates my body and soul. Even when I'm out of shape, being on a bike for an hour gives me a great feeling.

On the downside, if I don't ride for a few days, I am very cranky. It's totally aweful.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Pearl Izumi long sleeve thermal baselayer

Last week I ordered another baselayer. To my surprise, it wasn't what I expected.
Pearl Izumi Thermal long sleeve baselayer is different than the transfer baselayer.

I have three of these Pearl Izumi transfer baselayer and they work well.

Looking at the pictures, they don't look any different. In terms of warmth, the thermal baselayer is warmer. The material is thicker and feels nice. Hopefully tomorrow I can get up early and go for a ride.