Following research into the therapeutic benefits of beetroot juice in reducing high blood pressure, scientists then looked at the advantages of nitrates as a sports supplement. The William Harvey Institute has conducted research in the area to find out the effects of vascular contraction and dilation, while Exeter University Sports Science have been testing athletes changes to their their oxygen efficiency and stamina levels when taking the shot itself. Find out more about this research on the Beet It Research Page.

I’ve been testing Gore Bike Wear’s new Base Layer WINDSTOPPER Shirt over the last few months and, in truth, the timing could not have been more appropriate. After logging the driest April on record, 2011 continued with similar flare during the windiest May and June months. The Baselayer and I have sampled a wide variety of riding together; from mountain biking in the Pentland Hills to a tour of the Isle of Arran. On a number of occasions, I have been glad of its company.

Convinced by Polar’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of sports instruments, I invested in a CS300 during the 2006 season to track my cycling training. Five years later, I now swear by the product, taking it out on rides on the mountain and on the road. It took three years and hundreds of hours of usage before my CS300 battery ran out, and Polar just three days to find and mail fresh replacement. As a example of how simple tech can enhance and simplify the training process, my experiences with the CS300 are almost entirely positive.

There isn’t much fun in zipping along a fast smooth A-road if it means battling a constant stream of large lorries buzzing past. I opted, as far as possible, to stay on back roads and cycle paths. Although not the most direct option, back roads offer safer riding and you the best viewpoints to digest the local countryside. An added benefit is that quieter roads allow for a safe meander when you’re tired and need to recover without the risk of a car clipping your panniers as it overtakes at 80mph.

I’m moving towards the core with this review, away from the shell garments discussed in the earlier ‘old favourites’ blogs. The Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew is my favourite baselayer and in twenty years of running, mountaineering, climbing and cycling I’ve tried many alternatives, but none do everything a baselayer needs to do as well as the humble Lifa.

Cascade Designs rose to prominence with the now ubiquitous Therm-a-Rest in 1971.  Their initial success with Therm-a-Rest prompted the development of further brands including MSR, Platypus and SealLine – a growth … Read more

If you are looking for a pure adventure in the outdoors this summer then look no further than Arctic Norway. The Vesterålen National Park can be found within the Arctic circle, an unspoilt and little known area outside of Norway, recently coined as “Norway’s most beautiful natural attraction” in 2009 by the Norwegian outdoor magazine UTE. The Vesterålen archipelago neighbours Lofoten and at just a 30 minute boat trip from mainland Norway, an untouched mountain range, remoteness and exposure of exploring at 69 degrees North make up one of Europe’s local wildernesses.

Located in the centre of Scotland and the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Aviemore has all the credentials to be considered Scotland’s adventure sports capital. Although the town is well known as a one of the UK’s best winter resorts, the mountain bike trails surrounding the town are little known and lesser ridden. In truth, it’s hard to commit to these trails with superior signposting at the 7 stanes or the nearby Laggan Wolftrax, both reputable mountain bike centres in their own rights. Here’s an introduction to Aviemore’s mountain bike trails, on which pro XC racer Adam Craig recently said that he wanted to ride every weekend.

Spring is in the air: the time of renewal, rebirth, and regrowth. Or if you’re a cyclist: of mud, cobblestones, and driving rain. The Spring Classics have begun!

I have tried a few different pairs of overshoes but since getting my first pair of Endura Road Overshoes, I wouldn’t hesitate replacing them with a new pair when they are worn out. Now on my third pair of Endura Road Overshoes, I swear by them as one of my most trustworthy pieces of gear.

Going Going Bike is an online auction marketplace dedicated to connecting second-hand bike sellers to buyers. Launched in July 2010, the website hopes to differentiate itself from other auction sites … Read more

Aware of the amount of cyclo-tourists taking to the roads,Wild Country developed the Duolite Tourer specifically designed to match the demands of this pursuit. Even with a large porch space and roomy interior, the tent collapses into a bundle that can be fitted inside a pannier-sized package weighing 2.95kg. Although other bicycle touring tents are lighter and bigger, few come at the amazingly cheap price of £175.

Five years ago, there were a number of superficial reasons to purchase the Giro Atmos. As the brand’s top offering, it represented the protection of choice for a number of Pro … Read more

Jack Richards review the Gore Oxygen II Jacket, suggesting that the Gore Oxygen IV might be the only way to improve this great piece of cycling gear.

The small Scottish town of Aviemore is nestled in the centre of the Cairngorms National Park, commanding a central location within the country’s wilder highland territory. It’s a veritable outdoors … Read more