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Happy Holidays 2006

Some gift ideas for the new and serious athletes

By JESSICA MUNDIE
Published December 20, 2006

Holiday shoppers for area multisport enthusiasts are filling stockings with an array of gear, gadgets and gift cards designed to improve cycling speed and comfort.

WISH LIST ITEMS: Polar and Garmin still rule the GPS market for cyclists, triathletes and runners. Newest Polar models range from approximately $100-$500 depending how many features your cyclist wants.

This season, the most popular Polar heart rate monitors are those with target zone calculators and own index settings, which keep track of calories burned during a workout.

Zones may be preset to keep you working out at the right intensity level for your 2007 goals. Check out the women's specific F4 (priced at $89.99) or the S720i, which downloads into your PC (priced at $335.99).

GARMINS GALORE: Area triathletes who are currently training for the Walt Disney World Marathon or the Gasparilla Distance Classic have been longing for GPS-based cycling computers (you strap it on your wrist like a watch) if they are not already wearing them. Functions of these waterproof, futuristic beeping and buzzing gadgets include:

Garmin Edge 205, which measures speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude and is snapped onto a bike mount (priced at $269.99); or the Garmin Edge 305 which measures heart rate, speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent for adventure race navigation and a self-calibrating wireless sensor for speed and pedaling cadence (priced at $379.99 to $435.99).

LOW TECH GIFT IDEAS: For cyclists who are not interested in looking at the latest in technology clamped onto their handlebars while riding Pinellas Trail, there are many gifts.

Moisture transfer fabrics are perfect for Florida's humid cycling climate, and name brands such as Sugoi, Pearl Izumi, Cannondale, Trek, Specialized, Primal Wear and Shebeest have much to offer. Jackets with removable sleeves are lightweight and perfect for Florida's winters, and leggings are a must for rides during cold-winter mornings.

You know that technology has invaded the clothing scene when you see waterproof, rubber-like materials featured in cell phone and iPod jersey pockets.

Newbies, or fledgling cyclists and triathletes, always love the basics such as quality shorts, helmets, gloves and sleeveless jerseys that are so popular in Florida.

SENIOR STATE GAME: More than 2,000 athletes 50 and older competed in the 15th annual Florida Senior Games State Championships recently in Lee County.

The event showcased top performances by local athletes who are now qualified to represent Florida at the national championships in June 2007.

Gold medals were won by Terry Repp of Palm Harbor in the women's 50-54 division 5K road race; Carol Jean Vosburgh of Treasure Island in the women's 60-64 division 5K and 10K cycling; Ethel Lehman of Largo in the women's 75-79 division track and field; Kathleen Fitzgerald of Clearwater in the women's 60-64 division track and field; Sandy Scott of Seminole in the men's 65-69 division cycling; and Bo Longshore of Tampa in the men's 50-54 division track and field.

Silver medals were won by Rosie Ray of St. Petersburg in the women's 60-64 division cycling; Ed Monti of Tarpon Springs in the men's 50-54 division track & field; Gary Miller of Oldsmar in the men's 50-54 division track and field; and Tom Ross of St. Petersburg in the 55-59 division track and field.

Bronze medals in cycling events were won by former Belgian professional Tour de Suisse rider Jean Georgen of St. Petersburg in the 60-64 division; Mike Cyr of Tampa in the 50-54 division; former national champion Kurt Eichelman of Spring Hill in the 75-79 division; and Bill Hammen of St. Petersburg in the 80 and older division.

Complete results for the Senior Games are at www.flasports.com.

[Last modified December 20, 2006, 02:07:25]