Coyote Hills Regional Park is my family’s favorite park to bike in Fremont. There are dirt and paved trails, flat and hilly trails which is great for beginner and more intermediate cyclists.
Coyote Hills Family Biking
Gear Review: Hero Kit Road Bike Field Repair Kit
Entering the world of cycling is like learning a new language! Lots of fun but there is also a lot to learn about "how-to's", new terminology and what to do if something breaks down on a ride. I must be honest my back up plan for a long time has been: "If something happens, I'll just call someone to pick me up." I never carried a tube nor a pump and really didn't know how to fix anything on my road bike if something happened to me while riding. Not a really good decision, but the Hero Kit for Road Cycling has changed that now!
Being that I also ride with my kids, this will come in very handy with fixing any issues with my sons bike as well as my bike trailer. It also provides me more confidence that I can go further distances when I'm riding solo and with my family. My husband also occasionally commutes on his road bike during the week so we now share the Hero Kit. In a good way, we still haven't had a chance to "use" the kit but I know it will definitely come in handy when we need to fix something in the future. I highly recommend the Hero Kit for Road Cycling, as well as checking out other kits for Mountain Biking, Crash Kits and refill kits.
I would like to thank Hero Kit who provided this product for the purposes of this review. As always these are my true and honest opinions.
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The kit includes...
12 Function Multi-Tool w/Chain tool
Planet Bike Tire Levers w/tire patch kit
24 Page Waterproof Field Repair Instruction Manual
9 Speed KMC Replacement Chain Link
10 Speed KMC Replacement Chain Link
Yelo Velo High-PSI Tire Boot (Torn Tire Patch)
Frame Bolt and Cleat Bolt
Multi-Use wipe (aka Tush Wipes)
Emergency Rain Poncho
ICE (In Case of Emergency Car)
The Pluses!
Novice Friendly ~ I absolutely love the "Step-By-Step Instructions Tools & Materials" Manual because it explains literally step-by-step how to fix issues from a flat tired, broken chain to brake problems and more. I'm the type of person that learns by doing rather than explaining, so having a detailed Instruction manual with a bicycle part chart is perfect for me to follow along while actually fixing the bike. Hero Kit also categorizes the level of difficulty of fixing each issue and everything is labeled so a novice like me knows what is what!
Small Packaging ~ All the components of the kit are small, including the Multi-Tool. The 12 Function Multitool folds down into a small rectangle and is pretty lightweight. The whole kit fits into the LokSak (plastic bag) which is only 4.5in x 7in. Being a hiker and now a cyclist I'm very concerned about weight, and this Hero Kit for Road Cycling total weight is 10.4 oz, (spare tube and pump not included). This whole kit easily fits into my seat pack and would easily fit in a jersey back pocket.
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| It's small - 10.4 oz |
Quality Product ~ When the packaging containing the road biking repair kit is a quality product, I know I have a great kit. The LokSak has a patented Leakproof/Airtight Seal so everything inside stays dry! Hero Kit made the manual waterproof and included a poncho just in case your day gets a little worse by being rained while fixing your bike. The Planet Bike Levers have the tire patch kit tucked inside a little compartment, which is a great idea because I can imagine those easily flying away if they were loose in the bag. Hero Kit's Multitool is very small but sturdy that includes a chain tool, which is great because I don't have carry our large multi-tool in our kit.
Safety Centered ~ The kit itself is very safety centered, from protecting the rider from the elements to providing an ICE (In Case of Emergency) card that the rider can fill out. We never like to think about biking accidents "What If's..." but having a card like that could help a passer-by or medical personnel save your life if you were found unconscious in a crash.
The Minuses
None really. My only "minus" was that it uncovered my lack of knowledge of my very own bike but that is more of a reflection of me not the kit. The kit has actually inspired to keep learning about bikes and riding.
Chasqui Mom Last Thoughts...
Being that I also ride with my kids, this will come in very handy with fixing any issues with my sons bike as well as my bike trailer. It also provides me more confidence that I can go further distances when I'm riding solo and with my family. My husband also occasionally commutes on his road bike during the week so we now share the Hero Kit. In a good way, we still haven't had a chance to "use" the kit but I know it will definitely come in handy when we need to fix something in the future. I highly recommend the Hero Kit for Road Cycling, as well as checking out other kits for Mountain Biking, Crash Kits and refill kits.
I would like to thank Hero Kit who provided this product for the purposes of this review. As always these are my true and honest opinions.
Join in on the conversation by leaving a comment here! You can also join in on the conversations on Chasqui Mom's Facebook, Instagram and Twitter that is updated daily with outdoor activities and other wonderful posts and links from #OutdoorFamilies!
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The Joy of Riding, Outdoors, Mud and a Little Boy
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| Ride on little Axel! #Axelove |
I've met a lot of people through social media and one amazing outdoor blogger I have met is Jennifer Charrette of Velo Mom. A little over a year ago, her family went through a horrible tragedy and lost their youngest son Axel while on a trip in Mexico. There are no words, but no family should go through anything like that. Even though Axel was only on this Earth for a little over two years, he lived life to the fullest on his balance bike.
Over the last year, I have seen how the outdoors, and in particular riding, has helped the Charrette family grieve the loss of a family member and through all the pain this wonderful family has started a great non-profit organization, The Axel Project, in memory of their little boy who LOVED his balance bike. The Axel Project mission is "To introduce and nurture a lifelong passion for cycling to children and their families." One of their main ways of completing their mission is to providing balance bikes and instruction to children in need.
The most recent effort of The Axel Project is Zoom! a picture book about "A little boy rides his balance bike to discover the desert, mountains, mud puddles and more." This story follows the adventures of a little boy, his balance bike, and his dog, which was written by Axel's mother, Jennifer Charrette, and Marcia Kenne and illustrated by Kellie Day. The Zoom! project is being funded through Kickstarter and I have also kicked in to support Zoom!
Let's keep spreading Axel's joy of riding to all families! Will you please join me in supporting Zoom!? Click here to Zoom! Kickstarter page.
The #OutdoorFamilies bloggers have come together to support Zoom! and the Charrette Family in their new endeavor.
Join in on the conversation by leaving a comment here! You can also join in on the conversations on Chasqui Mom's Facebook, Instagram and Twitter that is updated daily with outdoor activities and other wonderful posts and links from #OutdoorFamilies!
Let's keep spreading Axel's joy of riding to all families! Will you please join me in supporting Zoom!? Click here to Zoom! Kickstarter page.
The #OutdoorFamilies bloggers have come together to support Zoom! and the Charrette Family in their new endeavor.
- It’s a Delightful, Dazzling, Dream-Filled, Dirty World by Rocks and Sun
- Zoom! The Healing Power of Two Wheels by Expect Adventure
- Making Lemonade Out of Life's Lemons by Mommy Loves Trees
- Zoom! The Story of a Boy and his Balance Bike by Tales of a Mountain Mama
- Today is Zoom! Day: The Story of a Boy and His Balance Bike by On The Beaten Path
- An Amazing Kickstarter campaign for Zoom & The Axel Project by Active Kids Active Family
- Let's Give a Kick Start to ZOOM! The Story of a Boy and His Balance Bike by Mommy Hiker
- Zoom! Remembering Axel’s Love of Biking by Colorado Mountain Mom
- Zoom Day - Let's Get The First Balance Bike Book Published! by Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
- Bloggies, Bikes and Books by Velo Mom
Join in on the conversation by leaving a comment here! You can also join in on the conversations on Chasqui Mom's Facebook, Instagram and Twitter that is updated daily with outdoor activities and other wonderful posts and links from #OutdoorFamilies!
Pedal, Brake and Balance: My Boy Can Ride!
My boy learned to ride a bike this week! He did it the "old fashion" way with training wheels. He started riding a bike around his second birthday on a crappy hand-me down bike (training wheels) with rust on it. He received a balance bike as a birthday present but he wasn't tall enough to ride the balance bike right away, so he continued riding on his rusty bike.
We tried and tried the balance bike once he was tall enough but my son really likes to "be like daddy" and wanted to pedal. Frankly, I just wanted him to burn energy so we let him learn to ride a bike the old fashion with training wheels. First he learned to pedal then steer, then a few months ago he learned braking as well as riding fast!
Two years later on his bigger new Giant Animator Bike, on a sunny afternoon he decided to ride his bike. 2.5 hours of crashing in the bushes and falling off his bike, my determined little boy learned to ride a bike with no training wheels. He turned to me and said, "Mommy! Now I can Pedal, Brake and Balance!!". Lots of joyous yelling, double high-fives ensued and we even had a cake later in the day.
This isn't a pro-training wheels nor a pro-balance bike post but a "have fun learning how to ride a bike" post! I never thought I'd have the same feeling of excitement as when I saw my baby boy take his first steps, but this is as exciting as his walking milestone except that he joined in the celebration!
Pedal, brake and balance! How did you feel when your little ones learned to ride?
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Kid Approved Gear Review: Honey Stinger Kids' Organic Waffles
I have two completely opposite toddlers: one who eats anything and the other who only likes to eat bread, milk, bananas and yogurt. Let's say it's a struggle at almost every meal to have my picky eater eat something. I'm always on the look out for new snacks that my children like to eat because food = fuel on and off the trail.
I always take more than enough snacks when we head out for a hike or bike ride because I never know when my picky eater will decide to eat. Trust me it's not a fun time when a child is low on energy, there are no more snacks around and a mile is still left to be finished!
A newest addition to my snack pack is...
- Kid Size ~ A smaller version of the adult size Honey Stinger Waffle, suited to meet children's smaller appetites and nutritional needs.
- Flavors ~ Two flavors: Honey and Chocolate!
- Retail Price ~ $4.99 a box, containing 6 individually wrapped waffles. Option of individual sale of $0.89 per waffle. Purchase at HoneyStinger.com or local outdoor retailer store.
- Nutritional Value: Certified organic ingredients and only 80 calories.
The Pluses!
Picky Eater Approved ~ If you can't hear my sigh of relief over the internet as you read this just imagine you heard it. My kids LOVE the Kids' Organic Waffles and actually request for it went we hit the trails. My picky eater is hesitant to try anything new but the second he saw the waffle he wanted to try "The Cookie" as my kids call it. He scarfed down the waffle and wanted more, something I rarely hear!
Just Like Daddy's (Mommy's too) ~ My kids are not easily fooled but Honey Stinger made the kid version waffle just like what the adults eat. Whatever we are eating, my kids want to eat as well so the kids waffles are perfectly proportioned for my two and four year old appetite and they don't steal mine.
Organic Ingredients ~ We try to do "Organic" as much as we can in our household but that is not always feasible while outdoors, so I'm glad I can find organic snacks that my kids see as special treats. My usual special treats are left over Halloween & piñata party candy, but my kids have chosen the waffles over candies. I feel better giving them Organic Kid Waffles over candy.
Chocolate! ~ Those are magic words to get my kids moving on the trail. My kids tasted both flavors which they both liked but I have purchased two boxes of the Chocolate Waffles because my kids get more excited when they hear "Chocolate" over "Honey". I'm a big fan of chocolate and so are my kids. Who isn't a fan of chocolate?!
The Minuses
Allergens ~ Thankfully my kids do not have any food allergies but Honey Stinger Kids' Organic Waffles do contain wheat, soy and may contain egg and milk. Not suitable for children with allergies to those ingredients.
Chasqui Mom Last Thoughts...
I know that food is fuel, especially when doing any activity outdoors, whether hiking, backpacking or biking on the trail I will definitely have Honey Stinger Kids' Organic Waffles in my food pack. My kids love "The Cookie" and I actually finally had a chance to taste the kids version and they are just tasty. The waffle isn't the only Honey Stinger kid product, they also have Kids' Organic Chews which will be reviewed soon! I give the Honey Stinger Kids' Organic Waffle the "Chasqui Mom Seal of Approval" for on and off the trail snacks!
*I would like to thank Honey Stinger who provided this product for the purpose of this review. As always these are my true and honest opinions.
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