June Newsletter 2013

NEWSLETTER go out and play!

Gifts for Dad The gear you need for the weekend Merrell launches M - Connect

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MEN’S SHORTS. THE PERFECT GIFT FOR FATHER’S DAY

With warm June weather finally rolling in, it may be time to upgrade Dad from the gym shorts! Wild Rock has a great selection of men’s casual and technical shorts in stock and ready for summer! Long shorts, short shorts, shorts for the water, the office and relaxing on the weekend!

We have shorts from all our excellent brands including Patagonia, Kuhl, Horny Toad, Arc’Teryx, The North Face, Royal Robbins and more!

Make sure you ask Jess about the new Icebreaker Merino Wool short - that’s right your favorite merino wool all summer long!

HOW SHORT CAN YOU GO?

Royal Robbins Blue Water $65 Available in Tan A classic... replace your old ones from 1986 with almost the exact same ones.

Woolrich Canvas Trekking $65 Available in Blue Who wears short shorts?! This guy.

Patagonia Guild $69.99 Available in Grey and Tan Perfect for the shorter man or hipsters.

HEADING SOMEWHERE HOT?

Patagonia Back Step $69.99 Available in Green Super lightweight mix of hemp and organic cotton. For the Ecoconscious.

Horny Toad Easy Street $79.99 Available in Grey It is easy keeping cool with this linen short for men.

Arc'Teryx Rampart $89.99 Available in Tan, Dark Tan, and Grey Hate natural fibres? This synthetic short is made just for you. Keeping natural fibre haters cool since... well.... now.

GOT THE TRAVEL BUG?

Columbia Global Adventure Short $69.99 Available in Black, Tan, and Grey Very light and stretchy, you can go from plane to surf to dinner and still keep it classy! A definite wife pleaser.

Royal Robbins Fuse Short $75 Available in Tan and Grey Quick dry, stretchy, and manly. Made for tough men.

Kuhl Renegade $75 Available in Brown and Tan Has 2 travel-friendly zip pockets. For the man who likes to collect things in his travels.

WHAT’S SUP DUDE? WANNA HIT THE DOCK?

The North Face Class V Cargo $49.99 Available in Blue and Grey It's pronounced "Class Five", dummy.

Liner, belt, zip pocket; what more could you want for $49.99?!

Patagonia G1 3 Water Short $65 Available in Grey, Tan, and Blue Great for the guy who wants to wear swim trunks but doesn't want to look like he's wearing swim trunks.

Burnside Duo Short $39.99 Available in Grey Stripe A classy boardshort for a garish price.

BEEN TOLD TO TAKE A HIKE LATELY?

Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Short $59.99 Available in Tan, Brown, Green, and Grey Countless pockets for the ultraprepped man... getting lost for days won't be a problem with these puppies!

Kuhl Ramblr $65 Available in Brown, Tan, and Grey For the rough and rugged. Bearded men need only apply.

The North Face Paramount Utility Short $59.99 Available in Grey, Tan, and Brown Minimalist utility with a low number of only 5 pockets.

ARE YOU READY FOR PATIO SEASON?

Arc'Teryx Bastion Short $79.99 Available in Tan and Grey Go from a 6 to an 8 in the hottest short out there. Yummy.

Marmot Cay $65 Available in Grey Plaid and Tan Plaid Match that bold ego with a bold pair of plaid shorts. Guaranteed to make you stand out.

The North Face Greyrock Cargo Short $59.99 Available in Green or Tan Keep it cas with this pair of standard cargos. Laugh at the guy in the plaid shorts.

MEETING THE IN-LAWS?

Woolrich Lighthouse $55 Available in Tan and Navy Look Ivy League without the tuition costs.

Horny Toad Kurt Short $79.99 Available in Grey and Tan This slightly longer short is the definition of business casual. Also great for tall men or men who are selfconscious of their knees.

Icebreaker Escape Short $119.99 Available in Green Believe it or not, these Merino wool shorts are actually super breathable and probably should be more expensive.

ROYAL ROBBINS. NOT JUST FOR OLD DUDES. I recently had a conversation with a good customer (who will remain nameless but you know who you are!) about the “coolness” of Royal Robbins. This customer had tried on a pair of shorts – a nice plaid that he was specifically looking for – and really liked them. Then he noticed that they were Royal Robbins… He thought to himself “What do I do? I am not old enough to wear Royal Robbins. I am too cool and young and hip to wear a brand that is known and worn by an older generation. But I like these shorts… What do I do?”* *wording may have been changed from actual conversation ;) I tried to explain to him that Royal Robbins IS cool! Yes, it has been around for over 30 years; yes, it has typically been worn by an older audience, possibly because they have loved the brand from day 1; and yes, it has traditionally had a more “mature” fit and style. But things have changed! A couple of seasons ago, Royal Robbins decided that they needed an update and changed their designer. What they wanted was a younger, more fashionable look that still appealed to a wide range of ages. Re-inventing a brand is not an easy task, but they managed to do it without alienating any of their loyal followers. It seems that the more mature customer wanted something more fashionable as well – go figure! I think we all feel and look a little younger than we actually are these days, and no one truly wants to “dress their age.”

So for those of you who didn’t think Royal Robbins was for you, well, maybe it is. And to those who have loved them all along, thank you for your continued support – I hope you have been rewarded well! Royal Robbins is now made for the young and the young at heart, with no discrimination.No matter what Royal Robbins has done with their brand, some things haven’t changed – they have the same high quality and durability that users can abuse when going everywhere and doing anything outside, comfortably. ~Jessica – Sportswear Buyer

THE STORY What is Royal Robbins? Or do you mean “who” is Royal Robbins?! If you are interested in pioneering climbers who are also successful entrepreneurs, check out this interview in Climbing magazine online.

FUN FACTS Royal Robbins wrote a book Basic Rockcraft in 1994 – an instructional book on how to climb -Made some epic climbs with buddy and Patagonia owner Yvon Chouinard in the 60’s -The brand loves to make unique fabrications such as Cool Mesh: a blend of cotton and organic cotton that improves breathability and keeps you cool with its open-mesh construction -They also love using natural fibres like hemp and organic cotton – see pic of Mary Jane jacket for $75, Mary Jane tank for $49.99, and CoCo Crop pant for $75.

-Love other fabrics that keep you cool in the summer like CoolMax® polyester, Modal® Rayon and Tencel® see pic of Desert Traveler for $59.99 and NEW Granite short for $69.99 -Have no fear! Royal Robbins still retain some classic pieces that have stood the test of time - What’s Old is New again – see pic of the Blue Water Short for $65

“Royal Robbins has been a staple at Wild Rock since its inception. In true form, carrying Royal Robbins follows a core ideology of the type of clothing that suits the recreational outdoors person, the traveler, and the hard user that takes advantage of the practical aspects of the brand.

All will share and enjoy the fashion side of Royal Robbins while enjoying their individual pursuits. Royal Robbins has been and will continue to be a clothing line that fits our store and the customers that visit it.” Jon M - long time employee and part owner. ~Jon - Wild Rock Store Manager for 19 years and part owner

M CONNECT

The connection, speed and glove like fit of Merrell Barefoot now expanded for hiking, training and running.

Available at Wild Rock Outfitters

Feel connected no matter were your day takes you!

New casual Merrell M Connect footwear for men and women.

Clockwise - W’s Wonder Glove $120 in Black, W’s Zest Glove in Port.

M’s Radius Glove in Coriander, M’s Excursion Glove in Boulder.

A

s a kid I loved spending the summer barefoot. At the time I believed it was the mud between my toes that was so satisfying but now I know differently. Today’s crop of minimalist footwear has taught me a thing or two about why I loved being barefoot. Looking back I don’t think it was just the dirt. Nope, it was the natural joy of feeling connected to the earth.

I forgive you if you are getting bored with us writing about the barefoot/minimalist footwear movement. The advantages are myriad and we have written about them many times. Today I am not writing about the mechanics but rather the styles. What started as a revolution in running footwear is finally maturing into more universal range of shoes. Moving away from the term “barefoot shoes”, Merrell is leading the way with their new M Connect line-up.

Since the introduction of “barefoot shoes” many users have fallen in love with the light weight, playful feel while appreciating the natural muscle development that they experience. The biggest complaint we hear from our customers is, “I love the shoes but I can’t wear them for…” M Connect from Merrell works toward solving this by bringing to the market everything from casual leather shoes for the street to light hiking boots and sandals. No longer is minimalist footwear only for runners and those who are running-inspired.

If you are unfamiliar with the barefoot/minimalist movement here is a great progression of videos to walk you through the transition.

To get a look at some of the new styles have a look here.

Drop by Wild Rock and ask for M Connect. It is time to feel like a kid again.

WORDS: K.ANDREWS PHOTOS: M.STETSON

Run, train, connect. M’s Trail Glove 2 in Blk/ Tanga $129, M’s Bare Access in Granite $109, M’s Road Dash $120

New women’s M Connect. W’s Bare Access 2 in White/Orange $109, W’s Road Glove Dash 2 $110 in Grey/Blue, W’s Crush Glove in Pink $130

K

awa!ha

H

ighlands

How to book a site at Kawartha Highlands Signature Site.

Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Provincial Park was established in 1999. The park was expanded in 2003 to make room for more backcountry campsites. The vast network of small lakes and mild to moderate portages that link them together are ideal for short and long paddling trips.

Until recently (2010), the park operated on a first come, first serve campsite policy.

However due to the growing popularity of the park, you now have to make reservations.

Making a reservation is easy. However there are a few things you will need to know before you call the booking line or visit the website.

1. Where are you going? If you are not already familiar with the park you will need to purchase a park map to plan your trip with. There are several access points to the park.

Make sure to pick the access point closest to your campsite, or allow for paddle/portage time to get there before dark.

2. How will you get there? Once you have established where you want to stay in the park, you will need to provide transportation to your campsite via canoe/kayak or other. Note that motorized boats are not permitted on most lakes in Kawartha Highlands.

3. The Plan: Once you have established the following: (a)-Where in the park you want to stay (b)-How long you will be staying at your campsite(s), (c)-How you plan on getting to and from your campsite(s).

You will be ready to book your trip with Ontario parks reservation website, or the Ontario Parks reservation hotline.

4. Website: You can link to the Ontario Parks reservation page by going to www.ontarioparks.com. Roll over the “Online Services” icon and select “Reservations”.

Under the reservations heading select “By internet”. Note: You will need to create a user profile in order to make a reservation. *Ensure that the “reservation type” drop down menu is on the “backcountry” setting, otherwise Kawartha Highlands will not appear on the park/campground menu. Once you have selected Kawartha Highlands as a park, all you need to do is select your access point and campsite(s) then click the reserve button.

If you have any issues or prefer to book over the phone you can call the Ontario Parks reservation line at: 1-888-ONT-PARK Now…Go Out and Play!

To reserve camping gear and or canoes/ kayaks for Kawartha Highlands call Wild Rock at 705-745-9133 or 1800-WILDROCK.

PHOTO: MATT STETSON

FOR THE WEEKEND 6

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WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR SUMMER WEEKENDS TO COME AROUND! HERE IS THE GEAR TO HELP MAKE THE MOST OF THE TWO BEST DAYS OF THE WEEK! 1. Absolute Slacklines. Slacklining is good fun - set up a line in your backyard or the cottage - just start small! Puma Kit - $94.99 2. Boombox. Bring your music with you! These tough, waterproof Bluetooth speakers are made for life outside. EXOBT - $129.99 3. H2O Headphones. Waterproof, sweatproof, submersible headphones. Perfect for your SUP board! X-1 Surge headphones - $49.99 4. Be A Hero. Record your weekend antics with the hot selling GoPro Hero3 Black. Comes with Wi-Fi remote control and waterproof case. Hero3 Black $449 5. Longboards. Wild Rock is stocking Sector 9 longboards - for the ultimate in summer cruising.

Peru - $219

6. Beach style. Summer hats are essential. Add some style with the OR Fedora. Beverage opener included. OR Fedora - $45 7. Shades. New shades from Oakley are in stock great new models and colours. The best optics in the business. Top to bottom: Holebrook - from $140, Jupiter Squared - from $140, TwoFace from $150 8. Relax. Mildew resistant, tough, parachute fabric hammocks from Soul Catcher. Packs small and light for canoe tripping and camping. Just add two large trees. Napping made easy. 2 person - $65.

9. Protect. Kinesys sunblock battles hours spent in the sun and being active. spf 30 - $15.99 PHOTO: MATT STETSON

MADE IN CANADA. Wild Rock has been carrying Scott Canoes for approximately 7 years. Located in New Liskeard, Ontario, Scott Canoe has been a leader in fibreglass and kevlar production since 1976. With that in mind, Wild Rock started carrying Scott canoes to satisfy the customer that needed a top quality product without the high end pricing usually associated with it.

Wild Rock carries 3 different models from Scott Canoe.

These are the Echo 14' and 16' made from fibreglass, the Elite 14' and 16' made of kevlar and the Prospector 16' also made of kevlar.

The Echo series is identical to the Elite series with only the lay up as its main difference. The Echo 14' and Elite 14' are 35" wide at the beam making them a stable boat with excellent tracking characteristics due to their moderate rocker. A shallow shoe keel helps to stiffen the hull making oil canning a thing of the past. Personally, I enjoy the shoe keel as it helps to minimize scratches to the boat when paddling in shallow water or coming into shore. Overall, the Echo 14' and Elite 14 are excellent choices for the Kawarthas, whether out for a day trip or weekend getaway. The 16' models are ideal for longer trips and if you are weight conscious, then deciding to acquire the Elite Series in kevlar is the choice for you.

Another Scott model that we carry is the Prospector 16'.

Made famous by Canadian icon Bill Mason, the Prospector flaunts it's all round design for the paddler wanting to paddle flat water or incorporate moderate river running. Its design, with increased rocker, means the boat is more maneuverable so it tends to turn much easier than other models, which is ideal for getting into tight places or navigating twisting creeks. An excellent choice for those needing a boat that does everything, including an increased volume making the carrying capacity of the Prospector ideal for longer trips or heavy loads.

Wild Rock hopes that a Scott canoe be your next choice of boat when intending to purchase a Canadian made boat.

Echo 14' fibreglass $1099 Echo 16' fibreglass $1199 Elite 14' kevlar $1599 Elite 16' kevlar $1799 Prospector 16' kevlar $1999 WORDS: Jon M.

NEW BOAT GARDEN

SALE!!!

BOAT SALE!!!

If you have been shopping at Wild Rock over the past few months you may of noticed some changes.....

Wild Rock is happy to announce that our Outdoor Boat Garden is ready for paddling season! Located off the back of our store, and accessible from inside, the Boat Garden is a large, covered area to house all our boats year-round! We have a great selection of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddling boards in stock and on display.

Next time you drop by the store make sure you have a look, as Wild Rock has become your one and only source for the best in paddling this summer!

From boats, to gear, to rentals and the expert advice that you have trusted for years - come see us before you hit the water!

SOL Cruzer SUP board Reg $1399.99 > Sale $1199.99 Surftech Laird SUP board Reg $1999.99 > Sale $1699.99 Perception Acadia kids kayak Reg $449.99 > Sale $249.99 Pungo 100 kayaks Reg $699.00 > Sale $599.99 RENTAL BOAT BLOWOUT! Kayaks & SUP boards: Necky Chatham Reg $1699.99 > Sale $899.99 Starboard Atlas Extra Reg $1259.00 > Sale $799.99 Surftech Laird 11'6" Reg $1999.99 > Sale $1499.99 RENTAL GEAR BLOWOUT Select 2-6 person rental tents $99 each Ask about more rental gear on sale!

SUP SAFETY WHAT YOU NEED TO SUP SAFELY AND LEGALLY

PFD 45’ OF ROPE WHISTLE FLASHLIGHT IF OUT WITHIN AN HOUR OF SUNRISE OR SUNSET

SUP CLINICS BASIC/BEGINNER SUP CLINICS.

Location: Silver Bean Cafe located in Millennium Park by the Otonabee River.

The demo will take place on the dock located just below the Silver Bean Cafe.

Description: The goal is to promote SUP in the Peterborough community and to learn the basics of SUP boarding.

This event will run from 8:30am to 9:30am. The demo is suitable for beginners. All participants should dress in comfortable clothing that will get wet.

Participants will be provided with a SUP board, paddle, and PFD. Participants will learn how to carry a board, stand on a board, paddle the board with provided paddle in a straight line as well as learn how to turn the board.

Cost: The cost of the event is $20, you must register and pay in advance at Wild Rock as space is limited.

LEARN ABOUT ADVANCED CLINICS HERE

F

or the most part, I don't like being late for things. Even if there are no clear plans, if I have something to do during the day I like to do it sooner rather than later. Particularly if it has anything to do with getting outside. The first big trip of the season is usually a little shaky, but as I hadn't unpacked my gear bag from a trip to Collingwood the day before, I was happy to find I hadn't forgotten anything. As my climbing partner and I tucked the last of our food into our packs, we decided that it was time for coffee and breakfast. It was 12:00 in the afternoon. Lunch time.

Though we had planned on being on the Eardley Escarpment which forms the southern shoulder of Gatinueau Park in Luskville Qu about this time, I decided I wouldn't be bothered by this and instead enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood with fresh bagels and coffee. Though we had planned on being on the Eardley Escarpment which forms the southern shoulder of Gatineau Park in Luskville Qu about this time, I decided I wouldn't be bothered by this and instead enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood with fresh bagels and coffee.

WORDS: DREW L.

Though we had planned on being on the Eardley Escarpment which forms the southern shoulder of Gatineau Park in Luskville Qu about this time, I decided I wouldn't be bothered by this and instead enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood with fresh bagels and coffee. I had only been here once before; last October when the whole forest looked like it had been lit on fire. Brilliant red, orange and yellow leaves had stretched out in every direction along the Ottawa River and out of sight. Now, at the beginning of May, fat green leaves reached up towards the sky while other trees still bore buds just starting to pop open. It was near thirty degrees and by the time we had hiked up to the base of the wall and dropped our 25lbs packs we were already beat. We ate peanut butter and bagels while we lay out our draws and slings, got out the harnesses, taped up our fingers and flaked out the rope. The whole time I was going through my usual routine of preparations and I was looking, not at the rock I had been planning on visiting since last year, but at the impressive view that lay before me.

Same crag, but new partner, new routes, new season. New adventure in a familiar place. You can't hurry when there is so much to take in. I looked at my partner who was absent mindedly snugging up the waist belt of her harness while watching turkey vultures circle over head. "If it wasn't so nice out, that would be a little ominous, don't you think?". We tied in and started up our first pitch. The climbing was good, working through the beta seemed to come more easily as we adjusted to the rock, but I realized that I hadn't come here strictly to climb, more to be in a place that I had missed and relish the fact I had three days to enjoy being here. I know this sounds pretty "nuts and berries" but I think its good to have an intimate connection with a places like that, something which is lost when you go visit a city. Tired, sun burnt, and beer in hand we decided that climbing was the purpose of this trip, but in the end it was to be somewhat secondary. It was more an excuse to get outside somewhere different, slow down and enjoy the view and good company.

‘If it wasn’t so nice out, that would be a bit ominous’

GIMME SHELTER. 4 3 2 1 Time for a tent? Summer time means the start of camping season for most of us. Â This year Mother Nature has been toying with us with some up and down weather. Be prepared with the proper tent! In good weather or bad a good tent can keep everyone happy if you need to be "indoors" for some of your trip. Wild Rock carries a wide variety of tents ranging from 1-4 person - from ultra light to more durable models. So come in for a visit and chat with our staff to find a tent that will fit your needs!

PHOTOS: MATT STETSON

4 Marmot Limelight 4p - $429.99

3 Nemo Losi 3p - $349.99

2 MSR Hubba Hubba 2p - $319.99

1 Marmot Pulsar 1p - $285

PLAN YOUR NEXT CAMPING TRIP WITH THE EXPERTS AT WILD ROCK! THE BEST GEAR FROM THE BEST BRANDS. USED, ABUSED AND ENDORSED BY OUR STAFF! EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GO OUT AND PLAY THIS SUMMER!

KIDS LOVE BIKES

WHY BUY FROM US? Kids bikes have long been the domain of the department store. Lets face it - kids are hard on equipment and grow like weeds - so why would you spend more on a kids bike from a bike shop?

Read on parents - Wild Rock is looking out for Mom and Dad, and the little ripper too!

1. We get it. We love bikes, and have kids too. Wild Rock stocks the same bikes that our kids ride to school and in the park on the weekend. We know that good quality kids bikes will last longer, work better, and be more fun to ride.

2. Expertise. Every kids bike we sell has been assembled by a trained, professional mechanic the same ones setting up those $5000 dream machines. When you wheel that new bike out the door you can be sure it is safe and ready to ride.

And just like all our bikes, our kids bikes are backed by a great warranty and our commitment to service.

3. The right fit. We stock kids bikes in all sizes, for boys and girls. From tiny “run bikes�, to your child's first off-road machine, Wild Rock can make sure your little one is on a bike that fits and is safe to ride.

4. Quality. With kids bikes paying a little more gets you a lot more! Better quality frames, longer lasting components, and lighter weight all add up to a better ride for the kids and peace of mind for parents.

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Kid’s Bike

sizing

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24” bike

51-63” 130-160cm

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20” bike

45-52” 114-132cm

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39-46” 99-117cm

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35-40” 89-102cm

RECEIVE UP TO $600 OF FREE CYCLING GEAR! WITH QUALIFYING 2013 ROAD BIKES DROP IN WILD ROCK FOR ALL THE DETAILS!

TREK DUAL SPORT Redesigned and lighter for 2013 the Dual Sport line of bikes has become the do-it-all bike of the Kawarthas! Road, rail trail, backroads and everything in between.

Trek 8.3 DS - $699.99

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o you love to ride your bike right? Your rides include some pavement, crushed gravel, rail trail, maybe a backroad or two. What bike is best? Road bike? Hybrid? Mountain bike?

How about a bike that can do it all?

Enter the Dual Sport bike.

What makes a Dual Sport bike special? Take the comfortable, upright riding position of a hybrid bike, add easy rolling 700c wheels with larger tires, throw in reliable disk brakes and bump eating front suspension - and there you have it!

For riders who are searching for a bike that maximizes versatility, but won’t break the bank, the Dual Sport bike fits the bill.

Perfectly suited for a daily commute during the week, enjoying the Trans Canada trail, or exploring Jackson Park.

“These smooth-riding, adventure-loving bikes are fast on the road, capable and confident when the road turns rough, and ready to roll from road to trail if that’s where the day takes you.”

STOPPING POWER Our best selling Dual Sport bikes - the Trek 8.3, 8.4 and 8.5 all feature reliable, powerful disk brakes front and rear. Disk brakes offer better braking in all conditions, and excel when riding in the wet.

“One bike that does it all” COMFORT FIRST If your bike isn’t comfortable, you won’t ride it.

The Dual Sport line features a comfortable, upright riding position - allowing you a better field of view in traffic, and reducing fatigue on your long weekend rides.

LANG-HASTINGS TRANS CANADA TRAIL Officially opened on May 2nd 2013, the Lang-Hastings Trans Canada Trail connects Peterborough to the village of Hastings. The 33 kilometer stretch of Trans Canada Trail allows cyclist to explore the beauty of the Kawartha Northhumberland region on a quiet pathway free of motorized traffic. Looking for a perfect day of riding on your Dual Sport bike? Look no further! Read More about the Lang-Hastings Trail!

CATEYE STEALTH 10 When people begin to train seriously to race their bicycle, it often follows their will automatically be outfitted with the latest gadgetry, designed to log all kinds of numbers — More numbers than you thought possible! To be sure, there is good reason for this. In this game (the bicycle racing game), numbers can be/are important.

Since I am mostly a luddite, I can tell you I am the exception to this rule. When training started to get serious for me, I stripped my bike of anything electronic. Here's why: Years ago, I was riding with Wildrock's own, Noel Savage. He was gracious enough to invite me to his weekly training ride — a ride where I would "get my head kicked in" week after week and was often left questioning bicycles, life, the universe and everything.

THIS O

During one particular cold, wet and gloomy ride I was on the front taking a pull, glancing at the numbers on my computer thinking "This is not sustainable, these numbers are not realistic for me". I flicked my elbow and Noel pulled through . . . the pace quickened. The numbers I believed to be already insane, began to creep up even further. Noel was pushing it over the top!

Before I inevitably cracked, I popped my computer off and tucked it in my jersey pocket.

Never to be put on my bike again. There was some data better left alone, I thought.

Fast forward to last month. Noel Savage (the same Noel Savage) mentions he has a newfangled bicycle computer sitting on his desk: "Would you like to try it out and maybe write some words about it?" The same guy who drove me to remove my bicycle computer in the first place, was now offering me one. "Sure thing" I responded.

The Cateye Stealth 10 is a standalone unit — It uses fancy GPS technology to track your speed and distance.

As such, it eliminates the need for any sensors or magnets. It's base functions are quite simple and straightforward. What's more, aside from setting your timezone (which you should only need to do once) there is zero setup. The unit will record each of your rides and can store up to 60 hours of data — which you can later upload and view using Cateye's own downloadable software or Strava. The Cateye 10 charges via USB — which is super handy until you are without a USB port. From what I can tell, the battery life is awesome. (10 hours on a full charge)Cateye does offer a model similar to the Stealth 10, the Stealth 50, but with the added features of cadence and heart rate. This may be better suited to your needs. Of course, since I respect your privacy, I have no idea what your needs are!One of the things I love about this unit is that you can quite easily swap if from one bicycle to the other. If you are interested in tracking your mileage from your grocery getter bike and your fancy carbon whip — it's possible on the same computer, with minimal effort. Will the Stealth 10 get me back into the bicycle computer game permanently? It may be too early to tell, but so far so good. Though, Noel has only gotten faster, so I may need to implement a 'no looking' rule during training rides.

WORDS: D.BLONDEL

GARMIN EDGE 510 Why a GPS? That is the big question, but one with an easy answer. GPS cycling computers are complex little machines with simplicity at the core.

Secure the unit to your bike, turn it on, satellites lock, press start, and you are recording and displaying your ride. The ease of use and reliability are second to none.

R THAT

Garmin has become a household name over the years. As much as Xerox is to fax machine, Kleenex is to facial tissue, Garmin is to GPS. The ease of use has made Garmin GPS units a common site in cars, boats, and hiking through the woods. Garmin has stepped into the world of cycling computers over the past few years, and have brought with them all the great technology and ease of use to help the data loving cycling world get a little more out of their rides.

New for 2013 Garmin made some updates to the much loved Edge cycling series - bringing forth the 810 - with full mapping capabilities, and the new 510 - the updated version of the hit Edge 500.

What is new the 510? The big news is that the 510 has increased in screen size (easier to read), has gone to a colour display (very nice) and is now a touch screen (that even works with gloves!).

At the root of it all the Garmin computers use GPS satellites to track your speed, distance, and also record elevation, temperature and any of the wireless ANT+ devices you please - heart rate and power being the metrics of fashion.

All this data is nicely displayed on the unit - and all easily downloadable to the Garmin Connect website and app for your viewing pleasure when the ride ends.

Battery life with the 510 is claimed to be upwards of 17 hours - which is fantastic. Probably the nicest thing with the 510 is that it can be as simple or as intricate as you want.

Just want to see your speed and distance displayed - no problem. Want a bit more info - speed, distance, watts, heart rate, cadence, direction........ it is all possible. Cyclists are fairly guilty of getting nerdy over their rides - seeing there numbers, keeping training logs, adding to the monthly kilometer tally. Nothing wrong with that - it is all part of this great sport. Thankfully the Garmin makes getting all kinds of geeky that much easier!!

WORDS: J.ELCOMBE