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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Featured Videos
Cooking at the Barn: Episode 1 - youtube VideoCooking at the Barn
Episode I Dinner & Dessert
Elevate dehydrated meals with this simple technique.
Cooking at the Barn: Episode II Breakfast - youtube VideoCooking at the Barn
Episode II Breakfast
with Mountain House, Toaks, JetBoil & Snow Peak
Most Recent Posts
Most Resent Posts
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!
Road ID: Who am I?
RoadID is a simple identification you wear all day, giving you peace of mind for every adventure. Everyone adults, children, pets, cyclists, runners, swimmers, first responders, military, basically anyone the leaves the comfort of their couch will benefit from wearing one of these!
Video: Replacing Your Chain
Replacing your chain does not have to be difficult. In this short 3 minutes, I show you how to get the correct length every time!
DIY Peanut Butter Energy Bars
A competitive cyclist’s relationship with food can be summed up in one word: intense. Our love of food runs deep and plays a role in almost every aspect of cycling. A hearty meal is the reward for a long day in the saddle.
Pepperoni Pizza Chaffles
Chaffles are a quick cooked egg and cheese batter made on a mini waffle maker that forms the basis for dozens of inspiration for meals and desserts!
Indoor Bike Trainers
If you are serious about your cycling and don’t want the bad weather to break your routine, a great alternative is to buy an indoor bike trainer to be able to use your bike indoors.
Winter Cycling
Hypothermia is brought on when your body loses heat faster than it can produce, causing a dangerously low body temperature.
Biking & Kayaking at Cypress Glen
Named one of the “10 Coolest Places You’ve Never Been in North America” by the World Wildlife Fund, Withlacoochee State Forest is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast. Activities include miles of trails for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and canoeing.
Braking, Where is the Power?
Braking is not as simple as it would seem. For the road bike rider, it is pretty straight forward, and I would side with those that prefer the front brake. However, some may be still undecided on the mountain bike.
Trekking Poles
When moving downhill, there is a large amount of pressure on the knees as they help the body slow its descent – Trekking Poles can effectively act as brakes.
Cooking at the Barn: Episode 1
If you are new to camping or just bored of the same old hot dogs and love cooking outdoors, then I will show you some tips & tricks to elevate simple meals and foods; I’ll make cooking easier, teach you how to control the flame, and heat on these small cook-sets.
