u/JPG_ENESER

Having crossed the magical threshold of 40, I find myself in need of prescription glasses. This involves a pair for every day, one for work and, naturally, one for cycling.

I’ve been using Oakleys for years but having them with prescription or an insert is stupidly expensive. In my research I’ve come across the model I mention from Victory Chimp. I have used other products from them and they are good quality, their cargo bibs have been my favourite for the last few years (the same pair).

All this to say I’m considering their sunglasses with an insert and wanted to know if anyone has had any experience with them.

Thanks!

Hello,
I’m considering doing the VF coming Friday on my drive back to the Netherlands and I’m looking for some advice.
I have done some climbing, outdoor and indoor, though the last outdoor was 8 years ago and not very difficult. I have never done a VF but I know I’m good with heights and in decent shape.
A friend who did it last year called “baby climbing” and says it should be easy for me. However, all the posts and information I come across advise against doing it alone and even doing it altogether as a first VF.
While I enjoy adventure and a bit of adrenaline, I also don’t want to take any stupid risks. I have a wife and a 5 year old daughter, so coming back safely is important to me.
Am I overthinking this and as long as I’m careful and understand how to use the equipment I should be ok? Or should I just do the hike instead?
Also, if anyone is in the area and wants to do it together, I’d be up for some company. My plan is to go up on Friday 14th August. I don’t have any equipment with me, so I’d set off as soon as the rental place can get me sorted.
Thanks!

I (M43) wanted to share some recent experience regarding what I eat on the bike and see if it resonates with other people, plus any reason why it is, or isn't, the right strategy.

So I've been cycling for a couple of decades now, road, gravel, XC mountainbike. Over this time, what I eat on the bike has evolved, but I've always tried to stick to dedicated sport nutrition (bars and gels, unless it is a long bikepacking trip where the slower pace favours real food.

I've tried to follow trends and findings, i.e. more carbs per hour, and looked for "cleaner" products with less additives and more natural ingredients. I'd say I'm used to getting enough carbs, but if it is a longer ride, +4h, I do end up a bit sick of them.

Last weekend I took part in a local event in the south of the Netherlands, it was 150km with +2000m of elevation. Knowing there were feed stations I only took with me what I needed to get to the first and avoid the extra weight in my pockets.

When I got to the first station, I realised there were no energy bars or gels, but different types of biscuits, crackers, cakes and fruit. It was the same for the other stations. So I took a small ziplock bag and filled it with mini stroopwafels, gevuldekoek (a dense almond cookie), haribo and crackers (because to get salts too). For the rest of the event, I'd just fed on these and honestly, I felt great, no stomach discomfort, light nausea, or anything like that after.

Now I'm considering making this my new fueling strategy since, in addition to the mentioned benefits, it's also a lot cheaper.

So my question is, can anybody related to this? what are you guys eating out there? Is there anything I should watch out for (besides the large amounts of refined sugars)?