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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Video: Adjusting the Rear Derailleur
There are many times when your drivetrain will start making weird noises or just not shift as smooth as you would like, but adjusting the rear derailleur has always been a bit intimidating.
Kayaking Gum Slough Springs
Kayaking Gum Slough Springs If you've done much paddling around Florida, chances are you've heard about Gum Slough. Located on the Withlacoochee River near Inverness, this is one of Florida's wildest spring runs. It's not hard to find, and isn't really considered a...
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?
Refurbishing B.O.B. Yak Trailer
I’ve always wanted a B.O.B. Trailer, but for nothing more than running errands around town and hauling my video gear up in the mountains, stuff like that. I didn’t know how cool it would be to take Bikepacking.
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).
Kayaking with Dogs
Kayaking with Dogs Taking your canine companion with you on the water. Some may think these two can't be combined, but yes, it is absolutely possible to kayak with your dog. Not all dogs are going to want to go kayaking. Some dogs do not enjoy the water or may be...
Paddle Boarding, wait, what?
Ideas, Examples, Lists and Considerations for your first overnight kayaking camping trip. There’s enough information to get your head wrapped around what you’ll need.
Get Out and Go Camping
When was the last time you were camping? Been a while, right? Now that the world has shut down and we are told to “Social Distance” ourselves, what are we to do and what is the best way to do it…hmm…stay cooped in the house for the next 30 days binge-watching TV, I think NOT!
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!
