UltraRob's Adventures

People are searching for the perfect Christmas gift for their family and friends. If you're searching for gifts for a cyclist or someone into outdoor activities, here are 7 things I have and love or would like to receive as a gift.

Update: 12 More Gift Ideas for Cyclists

Crank Bros Multi 19 Tool

This multi-tool has everything you need for on the road or trail bike repairs. Not only does it have the standard hex wrenches and screwdrivers, it also has spoke wrenches and a chain tool. The chain tool doesn't work as good as my stand alone ones but it's saved me from walking many miles.

SPOT Satellite Personal Messenger

The SPOT is one piece of gear I don't have but have hiked with someone that has one. It is really nice for loved ones that are at home wondering if everything is alright while you're in the backcountry. It's a GPS unit that can send your location so others can view where you are on a map online. If you aren't where you plan to be, you can send a signal that all is Ok. If something does go wrong you can send an emergency signal and rescuers will know your exact location.

Mountain Hardware Windstopper Hat

I like the soft feel of fleece for a hat. I've had a regular fleece hat but in the strong winds it doesn't even feel like I have it on. Not so with my Mountain Hardware Windstopper one. It's nice and toasty even in the cold wind.

CamelBak Rogue Hydration Pack

The Camelbak Rogue is the hydration pack I use the most. Actually I have two of them I like it so much so I can do a quick swap during long mountain bike races. It has enough storage space to carry a jacket, tubes, and my Crank Brothers multi-tool but doesn't seem bulky. The 70 ounce bladder is big enough on most rides to get me to where I can refill. When I need to carry more gear and water, I use the Camelbak Blowfish.

Garmin Edge 305/705

The Garmin Edge 705 is the ultimate cycling computer. It is a newer version of the Garmin Edge 305. They both have GPS and heart rate monitor and can be bought with an optional cadence sensor. The 705 adds a color screen and maps. With the right maps you can get turn by turn directions.

YakTrax Pro

YakTrax provide amazing traction for hiking or running on snow and ice. They are easy to slip on and off and small enough that you can carry them in your pocket until you need them. The Pro version has a strap that goes over the top of the shoe to help keep them from slipping off. An alternative is the Kahtoola MICROspikes. I have tried them but they're all metal on the bottom so they are probably more durable than the rubber of the YakTrax. They also weigh 12.5 ounces versus 4.4 ounces for the YakTrax. The MICROspikes also look like they could stab your shins if you aren't careful.

Olympus Stylus 1050SW

I've been using the Olympus Stylus cameras before they were even digital. They're compact and are designed to be used in all weather. I ride and hike with one in my pocket. The 1050 SW is a hardened 10 megapixel model that is waterproof, shockproof and works in cold temperatures. It has a tap control feature to make it easier to use with gloves on. If you want an even more rugged camera, the Olympus 1030 SW is waterproof to 33 feet, can handle being dropped 6.6 feet and can withstand 220 pounds of pressure.

If none of the gear above is a good fit for your gift buying, check out another dozen cycling gift ideas and the Cycling and Outdoor Gift Card Guide. Also, below are links to some more gift guides for even more gift ideas.

Gift Guides

• Altrec Outdoors
• Backcountry.com
• Price Point
• REI
• Sun & Ski Sports

MSR Lightning Snowshoe Regular Price: $229.95 $206.96 on sale

MSR Womens Lightning Snowshoe Price: $229.95

MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe Price: $259.95

Labels: Christmas, cycling, outdoor gear

It's been quiet here on the blog this week. It's not because I've been in the backcountry having an adventure. I've been busy working on the cycling and outdoor gear search part of the site.

There's been a nice increase in traffic over the last couple months. Because of this, eBay listings weren't getting displayed some of the time. eBay limits the number of listings a site can get until they certify how you use them.

In order for them to certify my site, I needed to make a few changes. I made the changes and today they notified me that the site is certified.

Marmot Ellsworth Jacket Price: $190.00

Marmot Mountain Down Jacket Price: $275.00

Marmot Oracle Jacket Regular Price: $160.00 $89.95 on sale

Labels: cycling, outdoor gear, skiing

Backcountry Outlet has a great coupon now that increases any already discounted item to 50% off. That means if the gear is already 20% off you'll get an additional 30% off. If the item is already 50% off the coupon won’t work. Use coupon code 37A-1-G0XND. The deal continues through 10/15/08.

Backcountry.com also has a coupon code 37B-1-QYDRJ for 25% off all Goat products which includes tee shirts, hoodies, hats, softshell jackets and more. This coupon expires sooner on 9/30/08.

You can keep up on their latest deals by subscribing to the Backcountry.com and Backcountry Outlet deals feeds.

7TM Telemark 7TM Ski Brakes Price: $59.95

K2 Sodo Telemark Ski Regular Price: $589.95 $353.97 on sale

K2 Backlash Telemark Ski Price: $599.99

Labels: cycling, outdoor gear, skiing

Last month I announced I was going to donate 20% of my June site earnings to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The Fat Cyclist's Triathalon and raffle is what prompted me to donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation through MikeRoadie’s donation page.

Fatty's Triathalon was a huge success and the raffle raised $37,500 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. June was also a good month on UltraRob.com. Over $30,000 of cycling and outdoor gear was bought after visiting UltraRob.com. That made for a nice donation to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Thanks to everyone who helped out by buying some gear.

Unfortunately nearly everyone has been affected by cancer. We were fortunate when my Dad got testicular cancer several years ago. It was caught early. He had surgery and some radiation treatments. He has been doing well since.

Things have not gone so well for my brother-in-law. A little over a year and a half ago, he started coughing up blood. It took the doctors a few months to figure out what was going on. It turned out he had a very aggressive form of lung cancer that is different from what is caused by smoking.

He has had a few rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. Through it all he has stayed positive. When the chemo isn't making him too sick, he has been mountain biking and hiking.

A couple months ago the doctors said there wasn't much more they could do. A couple weeks ago he started having a lot of pain. He was admitted to the hospital with a lot of fluid on his lungs. They've drained the fluid a few times. They did a procedure they hoped would reduce the fluid but it didn't help much.

A scan they did yesterday didn't show much since he has so much inflammation. With the little they could see, they could tell the cancer has continued to spread. Even though they are giving him morphine, he's in a lot of pain. Hopefully he'll improve but things aren't looking right now.

Hyperlite Eden 135 wSymbol Binding Wakeboard Package Kids Wakeboard Packages Regular Price: $335.00 $299.99 on sale

Liquid Force Groove Wakeboard Alpha OT Open Toe Wakeboard Bindings 2009 Regular Price: $399.95 $299.90 on sale

Hyperlite Opal Wakeboard W Eden Mini Bindings Womens Wakeboard Package Price: $349.97

Labels: cycling, outdoor gear