LIVING THE DREAM
LIVING THE DREAM
The Outdoor Life signifies a culture of men and women whose souls are restless and ache for a glimpse of sunshine & fresh air. I am the Average Joe living The Outdoor Life one day at a time. Waiting and planning for that next adventure. I am an avid cyclist, kayaker, surfer, hiker, backpacker, camper, swimmer, equestrian, hunter, fisherman, and photographer. However, it’s not about the activity; it’s about the adventures I experience during these activities. For me, The Outdoor Life is not something I do; it’s something I live!
This website started as “My Life on Two Wheels,” and as I progressed into different activities, I believe it is only right to give them the respect they deserve. With over 30 years of professional and recreational experience, I love being able to pass along information about great companies that fit into an outdoor lifestyle. I have hands-on experience with every product posted here. Companies send me products to test and others are products I feel can benefit my outdoors needs. However, it’s not all about product reviews! You’ll find information on different places to go, rides I have ridden, rivers I have floated and my experiences at each. I’ll show you how to get things done and on the cheap. You’ll watch as I succeed and fail, laugh and cry–but remember it’s about the adventure and the smile you come away with!
Thank you, Amanda, for putting up with my obsessed need to be free in the outdoors! You are the love of my life and will always be my 1st obsession!
(totals form multiple accounts)
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Big Red 3.5 Gallon Parts Washer
This is often a job that you might outsource to a bike shop and is packaged as a “Tune-Up” and it’s usually the most expensive super deluxe tune-up on the list, ranging from $150 to over $250 bucks!
Central Florida Cycling
In the past 30 years, I have ridden all over the US, from west coast beaches of San Diego, the deserts of Barstow/Joshua Tree in California, the Red Rocks of Nevada, all throughout the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and now the gator-filled preserves of Florida.
Why Bikepacking
How can anyone with an ounce of adventure in them, not think this is an excellent idea?
Shooting the Wild Side
Shooting the Wild SideThe dictionary defines wilderness as:"a wild and uncultivated region, as of forest or desert, undisturbed by human activity inhabited only by wild animals."The definition above doesn't expose the emotion, the sense of peace, and...
SIDI Dragon Sole Replacement
It’s been six weeks, 10 rides (4 on my Cross and 6 on my MTB) just over 100 miles – and now a small but expensive problem has cropped up! Are the SIDI Carbon Dragon 3 MTB Shoes worth all the hype?
Riding the Flats vs the Mountains
I ride, Road, Cyclocross and MTB. I lived at 6,500 feet above sea level and my “home riding trails” typically started between 8-10,000ft with anywhere from 2-4,000ft of climbing (a lot for me).
Video: My name is Chris, I am a Clydesdale!
We are not riders that you will typically find in the front of the pack unless it’s a windy day and others want to draft off us. Nor will you’ll see us on the podium of the Tour de France because we’ll be spending too much time at the beer tents along the route.
Video: Kayaking Shell Key Florida
Shell Key has been designated as one of the state’s most important areas for shorebird nesting and wintering and it serves as an important study area for these species.
Multitools by Lever Gear
The Toolcard Pro & Bit Vault Two EDC tools to make everyday life a bit easier. The first thing to consider when looking to purchase a multitool is, do you want one that you will wear on your belt or are you looking for something more compact and light to just put...
Hex Pegs: Drillable Tent & Canopy Stakes
Choosing the right tent or canopy stake can make the difference between a cozy tent or a picnic disaster in the event of rain or wind.
Renting vs. Buying Equipment
When renting, there are no long conversations with your spouse about how much all that dust-collecting gear cost and where you’ll be storing it!
How to Protect Yourself During a Road Trip
As you travel, your safety should be a priority to avoid having unpleasant experiences on your road trip.
Booking a Texas Campsite on Reserve America
Taking the confusion out of booking a site in a Texas State Park on Reserve America
