# 06

ISSUEA publication by Madison & Sportline

THE OUTDOOR

THE ELEMENTSOF FRESH AIRWHY YOU SHOULD LOG OFF, GET OUTSIDE AND INHALE

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Is it Summer yet?

Write to us: sportsetc@madison.co.uk

WELCOME

EVENT REPORT

DIRTY RIEVERA 200 km off road cycling challengeA horribly long bike ride up North. It’s in the new gravel genre of riding and takes in some epic countryside along the 200km route around Kileder. Madison Clothing brand manager Rus Whitaker took on the challenge.

What was your preparation?

All preparation was done on weeknight evenings, riding the gnarmac tracks around Milton Keynes. Mostly blasting 2 hour rides in the dark 3 or 4 times a week.

How did you feel at the start?

Cold to the core. After returning from two weeks of visiting our clothing factories in Asia just a day before the event, my sleep pattern was shot. Camping out in a tent in sub-zero conditions didn’t help matters, and waking up to snow settling outside was pretty much the final straw. Somehow I got kitted up and rolled to the start line, although serious consideration was given to packing up the car and driving home at 5.30am.

How was the riding/conditions?

The rain, snow and hail blasting sideways into your face made for testing conditions. The riding wasn’t any easier. Other than the

very occasional “fun” section of CX style singletrack, it was mile after mile of gravel roads climbing into the clouds as far as the eye could see. At 70km I was cramping in both legs, and only the thought of walking into the office on Monday morning to the ridicule of my piers for not finishing kept me out there for the duration.

How long were you out for?

It felt like an eternity, but apparently it was only 11 hours.

What did you eat/drink?

The organisers had three really well stocked breaks, and I think I ate my body weight in tuna sandwiches over the course of the day.

What bike and kit did you have?

I was riding a pretty tricked out prototype gravel bike, which made the ride an awful lot more manageable. Our deep winter Madison Shield bib tights were ideal to cope with the conditions, and a long sleeve version of our Optimus jersey was getting a thorough testing.

How did you feel at the end?

I didn’t know how I felt at the end. I didn’t

know if I wanted to laugh or cry, sit or stand, eat or drink. After limping back to the tent, I jumped on the campsite wifi and booked a room at the nearest hotel. After one beer, the lights went out.

Would you do it again?

Stupidly, I probably would.

www.dirtyreiver.co.uk

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“LIVE FOR THE

WEEKEND”Life is just one big adventure.Sun? Check. Blue sky? Check. The smell of barbeques every evening when you open the door? Check! Yep, summer is here and when work has finished for the day it’s adiós, see ya, ciao, sayonara and arrivederci. We’re heading out for an adventure…

This month we’re bringing you inspiration, ideas, hints and opportunities to get outside and make the most of the summer. Have a look through and see if you get itchy feet; if you don’t make the most of what we have now then you’re not allowed to complain when the clouds roll over again!

Not prepared for the sudden outbreak or sunshine and 20 degree weather? Not a problem, Madison and Sportline have you covered with a whole array of outdoor and adventure goods - we’ve listed a fair few in the pages ahead so without further ado, welcome to Sports Etc issue 06.

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DEBATE

THE ELEMENTS OF FRESH AIRWhy you should log off , switch off , get outside and inhale.Imagine you’re outside in a comfy chair. The grass bristling between your toes as a cool breeze gently brushes your neck, cooling you from the hot sun. You can hear birds twittering in the distance and wait… what’s that? Yep, it’s the smell of a barbeque and bacon sizzling away. Although this is a dream, it doesn’t have to be. Maybe it’s time to turn off the TV and open the door…

We’re all guilty of spending too much time in front of a screen no matter whether it’s a laptop, smartphone, tablet or television. In fact if you listen to the media you’d probably think we’re a society spiralling into a pit of obesity, high blood-pressure and stress that follows the same monotonous pattern of, eat, sleep, work, repeat. Every New Year in a wave of resolution madness the gyms begin to slowly fill with people every day turning up to run and run on treadmills but go nowhere. Is there a more potent snapshot of

the modern world? Maybe only the idea that every day people jump into their cars and wait in traffic jams so they can ride stationary bikes in an air conditioned building. It might build fitness, but is it healthy? For mental wellbeing maybe the best answer is to stop, get outside and take a deep breath.

In Germany, work culture in large firms and organisations bans and penalises the sending of emails outside office hours. This step has been taken to protect employee mental health and to

clarify when they’re expected to work (or not, as the case may be). As German Labour Minister Ursula von der Leyen said, “It’s in the interests of employers that workers can reliably switch off from their jobs, otherwise, in the long run, they burn out.” It’s a sentiment we can all learn from, that maybe we’d be more efficient if we took time to refresh ourselves by mentally logging out the office in the evenings.

It’s easier said than done, though, so how’s best to go about it? It’s simple. Invest in some kit and pick an outdoor sport (or sports if you’re feeling fit!). Donate some of your time and find a local club or society. Not feeling fit or creative? Not a problem, get into your garden and work on that border or find a park bench and read a book. You’ll feel better for it. Promise.

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oxygen15.999

“...follows the same monotonous pattern of, eat, sleep, work, repeat.”

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#06 THE OUTDOOR ISSUE

Outdoor adventure kit list

What to take with you on your next adventure...

1. OGIO All Elements BackpackFully waterproof with a snazzy fluro yellow lining

2. Madison Clothing Addict Men’s 3-Layer Waterproof Storm Jacket

Just in case it starts to tip it down (likely).

3. Lifeventure Compression Stuff Sack Simple, lightweight and very tough!

4. Lifesystems Midge / Mosquito Headnet

Protects the head, face and neck - because no-one likes a mosquito bite.

5. Lifesystems Active Sun Cream SPF25

Apply even if its cloudy. Skin cancer is not cool.

6. Outdoor Technology Buckshot ProPowerbank, speaker AND a torch. An adventure essential!

7. Lifeventure Trek TowelJust in case you do a spot of wild swimming.

8. Lifeventure Thermal Light and Dry Bivi Bag

Windproof, waterproof and radar reflective...Better being safe than sorry.

9. Elite Nanogelite Corsa Thermal Bottle

Keeps drinks hot or cold for 4 hours.

10. Lazer Waymaker 1 WAY1 GlassesSuper light and classic style.

11. Gorilla Black TapeRip it, stick it, done, You never know when you’ll need it...

12. Lifesystems Nano First Aid KitAccidents can happen anytime.

13. MuleBar Kicks Energy Gel 37g100% natural, 100% recommended. An instant energy boost when you’re running low.

14. MuleBar Energy Bar 40gNatural energy, ideal for adventurer’s on the go.

15. SP POV Tripod GripA handheld grip that effortlessly transforms into a mini tripod. Get that perfect shot.

16. Outdoor Technology OrcasWireless, sweat-resistance compact earbuds.

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– Our Outdoor–

Adventure Kit List!1 3

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All you need for adventure inspiration

#06 THE OUTDOOR ISSUE

REAL LIFE

FIFTY7 DEGREES SOUTHIf it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.Two doctors, Laura Irwin and Reza Noori have decided to cycle the length of the Andes mountains and stand atop its highest peak. 57 degrees south to 10 degrees north. Self-funded, unaided and human-powered. All in the aid of charity and self-adventure.

This is a tremendous undertaking. At an average cycling altitude of 3500m above sea level, your lungs strain, your legs burn and your brain tells you to stop.

But if it was easy, then everyone would do it. Difficult is what makes it great.

Laura and Reza plan to use this unique opportunity to raise money for Lifebox (www.lifebox.org): A charity founded by leaders from some of the worlds highest regarded professional and public health organisations which primarily focuses its attention on making surgery safer across the globe.

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ADVICE

HUNGRY?How to feed your adventureAll animals need to feed from time to time. When heading out in to the wild on an adventure its de� niltey wise to stock up on some calories before hand. Even wiser to take a snack with you.

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“Th e Caffi ne Hit”Jimmy’s Iced Co� ee

“Th e Safe Bet” A Banana

“Th e Walk & Talk Snack”MuleBar Energy Bar

Images: © � � y7degreessouth

“Th e Instant Pick-Me-Up”Stealth Energy Gel

INSIDE STORY

Lifeventure � ermal Mug

Keeps a hot drink hot for up to 4 hours

Fibertec Smart Wash

One for all outdoor soap

Fresh Products

� ule RaceWay Rear-Mount 3-Bike Carrier

Comes with a 5 year warranty

Garmin Fenix 3 HR

GPS sport watch designed for

demanding athletes & outdoor adventurers

Q&A CASEY MORGAN Ultra Trail RunnerBased in Scotland, Casey is a professional ultra trail runner, competing as part of the International Compressport Trail Running Team.

How did you � rst get into trail running?I � rst started trail running when a friend asked me to be her partner for the Transalpine Run. I really loved the race and I’ve been hooked ever since.

How long have you been part of the Compressport team?I joined the Compressport team in early 2015.

What’s you favourite product within the Compressport range?I love this season’s trail shirt. It’s really comfortable and has lot’s of great features.

What are some of the most common mistakes that many new or aspiring ultra trail runners seem to make when moving past the marathon distance for the � rst time?� e common mistakes when moving up in distance are setting o� too fast, not respecting the distance and paying the price later in the race! Nutrition is another area where people can make terrible mistakes but hopefully after 2 or 3 longer races they learn what works best for them.

Injuries - or at the very least annoying aches and pains - are often inevitable when moving up in distance. What are some of your top tips for staying healthy when training for longer races?I compliment my running with a lot of resistance training to help prevent injuries. Freeweights, kettelbells, TRX, bodyweight exercises and some cross training to improve overall athleticism.

If you’re about to head out for a long training run of three or more hours on the trails, what are you carrying with you in terms of gear, nutrition, medical supplies etc..?For long runs I always carry suitable clothing for the conditions. � e weather in Scotland can change pretty quickly so I’ll always have something to keep me dry/warm. I usually have a few gels and always carry my phone for safety and the obligatory sel� e!

Is it common to put walking into your race strategy for an ultra race?If I’m training for a long mountain ultra then I’ll power hike some of the climbs to mimic race conditions but if it’s a � atter ultra then I won’t do any walking in training and hopefully not in the race either!

What’s your common post-run food?Post run I like to have a recovery shake as soon as I stop and then my favourite recovery food is the tortilla espanol.

What was your last race and what did you learn?My last race was Emmona Ultra Trail in the Pyrenees. I learned that training in the Scottish mountains isn’t enough to compete at 3000m altitude!

If you weren’t an ultra trail runner, what would you be?If I wasn’t an ultra runner I’d be a lot heavier!

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COMPRESSPORTPRO RACING TRAIL SHORT SLEEVE TOP• Features 3D silicon grippers prints on the shoulders to prevent

abrasion, help keep hydration packs in place and absorb shocks from the backpack when running.

• Has a raised neck line for maximum protection, a front zip with autoblocking technology for extra ventilation whilst preventing cha� ng and hemless sleeves and waist to reduce pressure and promote freedom of movement.

• Seamless micro� bre construction with on/o� ventil’action technology which automatically increases oxygenation during intense e� ort or climbing by opening its alveoli pores and closing them to protect from windchill and prevent muscular oscillations on the descents.

• � e top also has strategically placed compression on the back and shoulders to help correct posture, improve body alignment and facilitate breathing.

• Available in both short and sleeveless options.

TECH EXPLAINED

PORTABLE POWERRaw bear power mixed with a gazelle like fi gureOutdoor Technology’s Kodiak Plus is prepped for any scenario, laughing in the face of rivers, rafts, campsites and many spilled beers globally. In fact, it’s rated IP67 and can be fully submersed in water up to three feet for about a half an hour. Makes the days of plastic bagging your essential lifesaving electronics a thing of the past. Packing dual USB outputs makes the Kodiak Plus the life of the party, and nothing says “I’m rad” like simultaneous charging. So go on an adventure, stop regulating yourself, and be free with the Kodiak Plus.

Did you know that most portable batteries can’t fully charge a tablet? � e Kodiak Plus sco� s at insu� cient output power. With 10,000 milliamps of power and dual USB outputs, one of which has 2.4A output, the Kodiak Plus takes care of your tablet, phone, POV camera, bike light, GPS, and even some Bluetooth speakers like the Buckshot Pro and the Turtle Shell 2.0.

It’s a high capacity, ultra-thin, waterproof power bank.

It can charge almost any portable device using its huge 10,000mAh rechargeable battery and dual USB outputs.

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5 X AWESOME COLOURS

LifeVenture Dristore Bag - 25L

Waterproof stu� bag with a roll-top closure

BUNDLE PRIZEOUTDOOR TECH BUCKSHOT PRO & OGIO ALL ELEMENTS BACKPACKTh e perfect bundle to add to your outdoor gear. A Buckshot Pro (Wireless speaker, fl ashlight, strobe light, camp-light, and powerbank. Yeah, that’s impressive.) and a sleek, streamlined design, waterproof Ogio backpack.

Enter online at www.madison.co.uk/sportsetc“How much power does the Outdoor Technology Kodiak Plus powerbank contain?”

Supply your email address and a few other details. � e winner will be noti� ed by the end of July. Terms and conditions apply, see online for further details.

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RIDER: JIM MCCONNEL

JOB TITLE: BRAND MANAGER

STEED: RIDLEY IGNITE (MTB)

Much of my spare time is and always has been taken up with riding bikes and running. More than 25 years of competitive sport.

I do it because I love it. On and off the road, specifically choosing the offroad scene to escape the busy hubbub of life amidst cars and crowds of people. Personally I find a better chance of sanity if I can find some space and the chance to experience spectacular nature that exists in this world. Whether it’s the Chiltern hills or the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, I can find peace.

I’m also a bit of a gear geek – not always chasing the next fad – but I do make sure that I have solid reliable kit. My sport and competition level (Current British Cross Duathlon Champion and European Silver medallist – Cross Duathlon 2016) demands that everything I use performs correctly - what I use is put through its paces thoroughly and extensively. No exceptions.

The hobby I have dovetails with the day job and often overlaps when I’m lucky. I’m always seeking out the strengths in a brand and its products, finding out how and why it relates to its consumers. Then we go on to tell the story – to dealers and to consumers.

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THE

MADISONFLEET

Just a little bit of fun

#06 THE OUTDOOR ISSUE

LAST ISSUE’SWINNER!A congratulatory clap to Kathryn Logan from Dumfries who was the lucky winner of the � ule Chariot Cougar Child Carrier from issue fi ve.

THE ULTIMATE OUTDOORS WEEKENDList of upcoming outdoor events for your calendar• Mountain Mayhem - 24hr Mountain Bike Endurance Event

Gatcombe Park, Gloucestershire 17th, 18th and 19th June 2016

• Questars, � e Chilterns Adventure RaceReading9th July 2016

• Prudential RideLondon - Surrey 100Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London31st July 2016

• Coast to Coast Adventure RaceStarts at St Bees Head and � nishes at Robin Hoods Bay28th - 31st August 2016

• Compressport Trail 10k Run WalesCoed y Brenin, Wales4th September 2016

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STORY

HIKE-A-BIKEFrom an in-house adventurer“When opportunities stare you straight in the face, grab them, hold them and make the most of them, this is what I was telling myself when on my � rst hike-a-bike experience in the Lakeland Fells.

� e concept is simple, sling a mountain bike on shoulder, hike to the top of something tall and ride o� .

I was out of my comfort zone, but I put my skill set to the test and laughed throughout. We can become obsessed with how others view what we do in the outdoors, but provided we aren’t being reckless and respect the land and those around us, we should be able to enjoy our own adventures, whether that’s walking around a tarn or competing in an ultra."

- James MacKeddie, Lifesystems Adventurer

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BUNDLE PRIZEBUNDLE PRIZE

Th e perfect bundle to add to your outdoor gear. A Buckshot Pro (Wireless speaker, fl ashlight, strobe light, camp-light, and powerbank. Yeah, that’s Th e perfect bundle to add to your outdoor gear. A Buckshot Pro (Wireless speaker, fl ashlight, strobe light, camp-light, and powerbank. Yeah, that’s

GET IN TOUCHSPORTSETC@MADISON.CO.UK

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