Category: Kit

Following their kind support at last years MTBO World Champs in Israel, Buffwear UK have again supported the GB MTBO team with some goodies including a very fetching hoodie by their brand “Sue Me”. They design and produce responsibly sourced sportswear including Tees, Hoodies, Bags and ‘workpants’.

It has a huge hood which when up makes me look a little Star Wars and is very thick. In fact when I was ill at the British Champs I found it very cosy to curl up in on the sofa, making me feel all warm and safe!

My Buff collection must be nearing 15 now, with varying designs both from both events and Buff. I do though wear one every time I run or ride, in the summer as a bandana to keep the sweat at bay and in the winter as a skull cap to keep my hairless head from getting chilled…

 I have a new sponsor, Natural Balance Foods. The company makes the famous ‘Nakd’ bars, a snack which is completely natural; no added sugar, not cooked, just a mix of oats and fruit ‘smooshed’ together. It also makes some high protein Trek bars and, if you are feeling naughty or in competition, some yummy baked flapjacks. Natural Balance also make some Nakd bars which are Gluten and Dairy free, great for those people who suffer from these intolerances.

The directors of Natural Balance are completely enthused about promoting a healthier diet for both athletes and kids and speaking to either Greg or Jamie leaves you feeling totally converted.

I will be using the Nakd and Trek bars as part of making the switch to a Low GI diet I have just embarked on, having seen nutritionist Barry Murray of optimumnutrition4sport (more about that in another post soon) and hope that these bars will help keep my snacky cravings at bay during long days at work, leaving me in a better state to train in the evenings. Holly (my 7 year old monster) had tried one and loves them which is also a great sign for Greg’s campaign to get kids eating better snacks as, being a typical kid, she turns her nose up at most cereal bars unless they have a picture of a cartoon character on……

I have a small taster supply to let people try, so if you see me at an event grab me and try one.

Ive been feeling a little out of touch but possibly a little liberated this week. I dropped my iPhone on Friday and broke the LCD (not a happy bunny). This caused all sorts of hassle over the weekend trying to organise 2 events, answering a touch screen phone I couldn’t see.
Its back now, and I was so impressed by the company that did it, I thought I’d give them a plug….
My phone was sent off on Monday lunchtime and appeared back with a new screen on Wednesday morning for approx half the cost I found anywhere else.
‘Mobileease – iphone repair service’

Eat Natural Bars have been kindly supporting me for the last 18 months as I have transformed from lardy recreational biker to someone who now trains 6 days a week. It was my coach who originally suggested snacking on Eat Natural Bars instead of the usual rubbish you get from garages and service stations as they are readily available and lots better for you. Using the bars as a snack helped me to lose 10+ kilograms last year. After my first representation for Great Britain I approached them with a proposal and they have been supplying me with lots of bars since.
In a few days, when my current supply runs, out I will be announcing a new sponsor for 2010/11, but remember if you are in a garage and tempted by a “choccy-crispy-pork pie” stop, treat yourself to a even more yummy Eat Natural Bar instead.
Thanks Eat Natural

Whilst skiing this year it was very apparent that there has been a change in culture and at least half the adults are now wearing helmets. Of course Holly has to wear one by law, but it had just not occurred to wear one myself. I think the danger now is probably more being hit by another skier or boarder than hitting a stationary object. So putting budget before style in standard Stodge fashion, I now am the proud owner of a bright orange V5 helmet. Other than getting a bit hot and the sound being a little muffled I have found it comfortable and unobtrusive. It’s also a great place to fix a bullet video camera to!
So I now have helmets for canoeing, skiing, biking……  what next? Luckily I am allergic to horses 😉

This winter I have been struggling to eat my bars on the bike whilst competing. The problem seems to be the cold. They either threaten to break your teeth or crumble all over the track at your feet.
I decided to conduct a slightly scientific experiment by placing several different flavoured bars in the fridge overnight (4 degrees) then see which one is the best to eat.
I had also just taken delivery of a new flavour : Dark Chocolate, Brazils and Apricots – yum, so put one of those in as well.

Results are as follows + some feedback after racing with them
1 Dark 70% Choc, Brazils and Apricots – Still chewy even just above zero and very yummy – my new favourite
2 Dates, walnuts and pumkin seeds –  My main race bar till now, good until about 2 degrees
3 Cranberries, macadamias and dark choc – getting crumbly at 4 degrees
4 Almonds and apricots in yog – hard on the teeth
5 Peanuts almonds and hazelnuts – haven’t had the nerve !