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 I Dinner & Dessert
Elevate dehydrated meals with this simple technique.
Cooking at the Barn
Episode II Breakfast
with Mountain House, Toaks, JetBoil & Snow Peak
Most Recent Posts
Most Resent Posts
NRS Kinetic Water Shoes
I have tried several inexpensive shoes, but they just didn’t work all that well out of the kayak. Enter the NRS Kinetic!
Video: Mountain Biking Colorado’s Fall Season
Winter mountain biking in Colorado is just something that every MTBer has to have on their bucket list… however, one must not forget the Fall season either!
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?
Adjust-A-Grill
Review: There are many times I have been camping and didn’t want to go through the hassle of bringing a portable propane grill and using just a grate over a campfire is always a pain.
2-4 Budget Friendly Person Camping Tent
This Budget Friendly, Tunnel Dome-Style Tent has two separate rooms big enough for a queen mattress and all your gear!
Staying Dry in Your Tent
While setting out to enjoy the outdoors, it is always a good idea to follow some simple camping tips – especially those that should guarantee that you stay dry during your camping trip. Being cold and wet are the two things that can ruin a camping trip!
Kids Kayaking Solo
Kids Kayaking Solo Kids as young as 4 years old can kayak solo! Kayaking is an excellent outdoor activity that can be enjoyed as an adventure sport as well as a recreationally by people of all ages. This has caused a tremendous increase in the popularity of kayaking....