Jim Merithew Archives - ϳԹ Online /byline/jim-merithew/ Live Bravely Tue, 17 May 2022 14:06:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/favicon-194x194-1.png Jim Merithew Archives - ϳԹ Online /byline/jim-merithew/ 32 32 The Coolest Bike Builds from the 2022 Sea Otter Classic /gallery/bike-builds-2022-sea-otter-classic/ Fri, 15 Apr 2022 23:26:53 +0000 /?post_type=gallery_article&p=2575671 The Coolest Bike Builds from the 2022 Sea Otter Classic

The most unique builds from the annual two-wheeled pilgrimage in Monterey, California

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The Coolest Bike Builds from the 2022 Sea Otter Classic

If you’re a bike geek, the only place to have been this past weekend was the 2022 , an annual two-wheeled pilgrimage in Monterey, California. This year, the organizers went above and beyond to make the race courses better than ever for all types of riders, from the baggy short-wearing downhillers to the lycra-clad roadies. But if you couldn’t make the trip, don’t despair: we waded through the massive collection of bikes to bring you a unique collection of riders and their rigs.

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The Best Road-Trip Gear for Dogs /adventure-travel/advice/best-road-gear-dogs/ Mon, 02 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000 /uncategorized/best-road-gear-dogs/ The Best Road-Trip Gear for Dogs

Keep your best friend comfortable on your next adventure.

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The Best Road-Trip Gear for Dogs

The key to road-tripping with your pooch is to have a plan, pack appropriately, and be flexible. We’ve put together of a list of the must-haves, wish-we-coulds, and why-nots for making the miles pass quickly and quietly.

Kong Classic Chew Toy ($7)

(Courtesy Kong)

Never hit the open road without at least one of these in the car. When everything else goes bad, stuff a treat into your trusted , and your traveling companion is sure to be distracted long enough to let you deal with the trouble. There are actually websites dedicated to the different treats together, but we recommend tried-and-true fillings like canned pumpkin, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and wild game.


Jax and Bones Memory Foam Dog Pillow ($250)

(Courtesy Jax & Bones)

Named after the owner’s dog, Jax and Bones makes the supremely comfortable, allergen-free . I like the splash of color, which also lets me know when a cleaning is in order. Nice touch: The pillow is 100 percent machine washable.


OllyDog OllyBottle ($15)

(Courtesy OllyDog)

The one-liter is perfect for staying hydrated on the road. The dishwasher-safe, BPA-free vessel has an integrated bowl so you don’t have to scrounge for a makeshift one when your dog gets thirsty.


Hide and Drink Collapsible Travel Dog Bowl ($24)

(Courtesy Hide & Drink)

This waterproof, waxed-canvas bowl folds into a compact shape, holds both food and water, and has proven durable enough to put up with years of abuse in the back of my trunk.


Wildebeest Alamo Dog Treat Pouch ($32)

(Courtesy Wildebeest)

Treats are the key to keeping your dog happy on the road. The has a magnetic closure to keep the biscuits secure and a nice belt clip to keep it at hand.


Ruffwear Webmaster Harness ($90)

(Courtesy Ruff Wear)

The Ruffwear is designed for use by avalanche rescue dogs, but it also works great for less-extreme scenarios. The fit is firm yet comfortable, and you can easily grab the handle and assist your dog as she gets in and out of a truck. The harness is hand-washable and infinitely adjustable and has reflective piping.


Dog Patch SF Leash ($25)

(Courtesy Dog Patch SF)

collects used ropes from climbers, sailors, and arborists and reuses the scraps in leashes. The company donates 20 percent of all the leashes it makes to animal shelters from California to Ecuador.


Seventh Generation Baby Wipes ($20)

(Courtesy Seventh Generation)

We keep at the front door, in the car, and in the garage to wipe paws before they track mud everywhere.


Sporting Dog First-Aid Kit ($85)

(Courtesy Gun Dog Supply)

Better safe than sorry, right? includes everything from eye wash and a cold compress to forceps and a pill gun.

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This Year’s Most Beautiful Handmade Bikes /gallery/years-most-beautiful-handmade-bikes/ Thu, 23 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000 /gallery/years-most-beautiful-handmade-bikes/ This Year’s Most Beautiful Handmade Bikes

Most people these days ride name-brand bikes that are mass-produced in factories. But the tradition of the handmade, small-batch bicycle is still very much alive and well.

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This Year’s Most Beautiful Handmade Bikes

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Why It’s Worth Spending $200 on a Running Kit /outdoor-gear/run/why-its-worth-spending-200-running-kit/ Tue, 31 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000 /uncategorized/why-its-worth-spending-200-running-kit/ Why It's Worth Spending $200 on a Running Kit

Running, unlike cycling, or skiing, doesn’t require a lot of gear. But you’d still be surprised how expensive running kit can get. To help you dial in a basic but reliable set, we tracked down Brett Rivers, 34, owner of San Francisco Running Company and asked for his top picks.

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Why It's Worth Spending $200 on a Running Kit

Running, unlike cycling or skiing, doesn’t require a lot of gear. But a full running kit can still get expensive. To help you dial in a basic but reliable and comfortable set, we tracked down Brett Rivers, 34, owner of and asked for his top picks. “When you break it down, all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes, some good socks, and a good pair of shorts,” says Rivers, who has finished at least eight 100-mile running races, including the Western States 100. 

Rivers says spending a little extra money on shoes will get you a much better pair with improved fit, durability, and support. He recommends trying the ($110), the ($120), and the ($105) and then figuring out which one works best for you (all three pictured above). Go into a shop to have them help you fit your shoes: the experts will help you decided which model works best with your foot and style of running. 

(Jim Merithew)

The same advice applies to socks. Pull a cheap cotton pair from your sock drawer and you’re almost guaranteed to come back with blisters. Rivers likes the ($16) because of the extra foot-top padding and because they wick moisture well. But any sock made from synthetic or merino fibers will do—just avoid cotton. 

(Jim Merithew)

You can get away with running in a cheap pair of athletic shorts, but running-specific shorts come with supportive liners that cut down on chafing. A pair of  ($55) from The North Face are a big favorite, and they include several pockets so you can bring your phone, ID, and a gel.

(Jim Merithew)

Any synthetic shirt designed to wick moisture—including the ones you find in big box stores or at your local thrift store—will do for a top. If you want a running-specific top, Rivers suggests the Patagonia ($40)

And you don’t need an expensive running watch. “Just download Strava for free [on your phone,]” Rivers says. “You can get great route options, track your workouts and it is inherently social by nature.”

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E-Mountain Bike Racing Is Now a Thing /gallery/e-mountain-bike-racing-now-thing/ Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000 /gallery/e-mountain-bike-racing-now-thing/ E-Mountain Bike Racing Is Now a Thing

Love it or hate it, people are whipping around dirt courses on bikes with motors. Last weekend, the Sea Otter Classic, an annual event in Monterey, California, that celebrates the arrival of bike season, held the first-ever large-scale eMTB race.

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E-Mountain Bike Racing Is Now a Thing

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These 8 Products Are the Future of Cycling /gallery/these-8-products-are-future-cycling/ Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000 /gallery/these-8-products-are-future-cycling/ These 8 Products Are the Future of Cycling

Monterey, California’s annual Sea Otter Classic kicks off bike season and offers the first glimpse of next season’s hottest gear

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These 8 Products Are the Future of Cycling

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