Follow along with Vijay Raju (@yajivujar) and his friend Gordon Wadsworth (@Quadsworth) as they set out for the Single Speed World Championships in Slovenia, where the winner accepts a tattoo. (And only has the choice of where and which size.)
They’re flying over to Italy, driving to Slovenia for some rides and the Championships, then back to Italy for an extended layover in Amsterdam.
Check back in to see all of the mountain views, waterfalls, brews and bikes, SSWC costumes, and hopefully some fresh ink.
Meet Chase Negley (@mr.neglesworth) and check out the gear that gets him going. 🌱💪🏻
Video by Zero Degree Story of Chicago, IL
Web: www.zerodegreestory.com
Email: kristian [at] zerodegreestory.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZeroDegreeStory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristianaltuve
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kristian-altuve
Featuring Chase Negley, Vegan Athlete
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.neglesworth
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/user/chasenegley88
One year ago, the vegan flag was created in hopes of uniting animal rights organizations and activists. The flag consists of three blue and green triangles forming the letter V.
The flag’s creator, Gad Hakimi, reached out to Hill Killer on Instagram, with the vision for a cycling jersey that proudly sported the new flag. How could we say no to an offer like that?
Meet the new vegan flag collection.
(Photo via @Bare_Vegan)
]]>Our latest innovation: High-vis, even in the dark.
The defining features of our brand new Reflex line are the reflective compression sleeve bands, slim race fit, and a lightweight hexa-cool fabric.
The reflective sleeve and leg bands serve a dual purpose as they increase road visibility and offer a comfortable compression fit.
We are proud to announce:
If there's one thing endurance athletes are universally passionate about, it's probably coffee. Killer Grind is our new brand of coffee and the first blend is roasted locally in Annapolis, MD by Anchor Coffee Roasters, a small business owned and operated by veterans with a simple passion for good coffee.
A portion of sales from each bag of Back on My Feet will support the Baltimore chapter of Back on My Feet, which seeks to revolutionize the way our society approaches homelessness through community running programs. The organization's unique running-based model demonstrates that if you first restore confidence, strength, and self-esteem, individuals are empowered to tackle the road ahead toward jobs, homes and new lives.
The 2016 ride was canceled due to weather, so we were excited to make it down to the 2017 ride in Salisbury, MD... and it went off without a hitch! We got to see a lot of old friends and make some new ones like Deltrece & Liv from the Black Girls Do Bike team. We're definitely planning to attend in 2018 and we're even making a pitch to design this year's jersey!
Do you follow @KitGrid on Instagram? We love checking out the latest and greatest design trends in cycling. In August, we launched a series of Game of Thrones-inspired jerseys and the KitGrid gang was all over them! Shout out to Attack Creative, who nailed these designs and many others for Hill Killer this year.
In late November, we launched our "Not-So-Ugly" Christmas Sweater Thermal and the fine folks over at BikeRadar included it in a roundup of holiday-themed gear! What an honor to be associated with some of the giant names in cycling apparel.
All designers love solving problems and the Civil War Century event jersey presented us with one. Event organizer Larry Kenney of the Baltimore Bicycling Club challenged us to create a jersey that reflected the essence of the ride without evoking controversy and conflict among the participants. We heard really positive feedback from participants and now we're hard at work on the 2018 jersey!
We celebrated World Taco Day, National Guacamole Day, Halloween, World Cat Day and more with fun pattern designs. Stay tuned for more fun in 2018!
Without a doubt, the highlight of our year was seeing all of the posts that you tagged us in. You went far, you went with friends, you were epic. We compiled many of our favorites into a quick video. Enjoy!
We hope you had a killer year along with us and we're stoked to see what 2018 brings.
1. Where are you from?
I've been around the Baltimore area for most of my life. I grew up in Reisterstown, went to the University of Maryland and now I live in Charles Village.
2. How long have you been a vegan and what inspired you to embrace veganism?
I went vegan in September of 2005 and was a vegetarian for 7 years before that. What inspired me to make the leap from vegetarian to vegan was learning more about the dairy industry. The cruelty in the industry and the unhealthy side effects drove me over the edge. The first thing I noticed after making the change was feeling more healthy. I very rarely get sick these days.
3. How did you get involved with Hill Killer?
My brother, Mike Barnes founded Hill Killer back in 2012. I saw that he was doing great things on his own - and I told him that I wanted to help. It's been a fun ride since then! I have tackled a lot of the marketing and digital efforts, based on my background, but my favorite thing to do is design products.
4. How has veganism impacted you and your role in Hill Killer?
It's been a natural fit. I promote veganism in my everyday life by supporting vegan businesses and working with local groups to grow the community. With Hill Killer, I get to work on Team Vegan, which has been a great way to express my beliefs while promoting the message and power of the movement.
5. What inspires Hill Killer vegan apparel and what has the support of the vegan community meant to you?
Our Team Vegan line was originally started by my brother Mike. Mike has been with me since the beginning and understands the struggles that every vegan goes through, like telling your family that you will be eating Tofurkey at Thanksgiving dinner or answering the seemingly endless stream of "where do you get your protein?" questions. We both felt like it was an underserved community and many vegans are especially proud of their athletic prowess and accomplishments. We want to provide the opportunity for plant-based athletes everywhere to proudly declare that they do not need animal products to live an active and balanced life.
1. Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Fairfax, Virginia. I moved to Maryland almost two years ago for my job with Vega, but the bulk of my friends and my family are still there.
2. How long have you been a vegan and what inspired you to embrace veganism?
I have been vegan since July 5, 2013 (my beloved, and well celebrated, Veganniversary), so it has almost been four and a half years now.
I was initially inspired by learning of the health benefits in the timeframe I had just started up my first health blog. In my desire to create exciting content, I embarked on a one-week vegan challenge. During that week, I watched Forks Over Knives and Vegucated. I was enjoying the food, felt great and as though I was making a difference.
I continued on completely focused on plant-based foods and my health for a year until I was introduced to the film Earthlings. That's when my motivation shifted entirely. From that point forward, I was awakened and would forever be mostly driven by the ethics of veganism.
Cowspiracy later came into play, and I too love me some Mother Earth. I am now vegan for all things. I see no other logical way of living.
3. What’s your go-to post-workout meal?
My go-to post-workout recovery meal is my ever so scrumptious smoothie bowl! AKA a smoothie poured into a bowl, topped with deliciously nutritious goodies and eaten with a spoon. I prefer this for an insured slower pace of eating (something I struggle with) and higher satiation levels.
Smoothie bowl base:
frozen banana, frozen blueberries, coconut water/plant-based milk/water, Vega Sport Performance Protein (usually chocolate flavor), maca powder, chlorella powder
Toppings:
ground flax, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, puffed kamut, nut butter of choice
4. What’s your favorite thing about being a vegan?
My favorite thing about being vegan is that I am living in alignment with my core values. Because of this, I feel as though I am able to live a more fulfilled, authentic life.
5. What advice do you have for those new to or considering veganism?
Going vegan will likely be the greatest decision you will ever make AND to read my recent blog post 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Vegan.
What inspired you to start Hill Killer?
I was inspired to start Hill Killer because I had the desire to create something totally original that was not being offered and share it with people. I am not a business person by trade so I really rely on my creative and entrepreneurial spirit to keep me headed in the right direction.
Why is entrepreneurship important?
I think it is important because it gives people a sense of ownership or direction to create real change in the world. I admire people who work hard to create something bigger than themselves.
What do you wish you knew when you were first starting Hill Killer that you know now?
I wish I had known how much of a positive impact I would have on people’s lives, even through the smallest of interactions. I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive energy sent my way from people and I am truly thankful for and excited to give back. I wish someone would have told me about how great this community would become.
What motivates/inspires you?
My motivation in life is to use my energy to create something for people to enjoy. I am inspired by culture, imagery, psychology, music, the natural world, and storytelling.
What has surprised you in building Hill Killer? What has challenged you?
I was very surprised to see how many amazing people have lined up to help make Hill Killer what it is today. I am truly honored to have people who want to work for, care about and support Hill Killer. The biggest challenge is always believing you can do something when there is no evidence to support your claim, trusting your instincts and listening to yourself is not always easy.
What advice do you have for others who wish to start their own business?
Do it, start right now. Take a chance on yourself and take action. An idea is just an idea until you put it into action. Use every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. Starting, owning and running a business takes lots of dedication and focus, so work hard to keep your head clear. Lastly, believe in yourself and trust your instincts.
What’s next for Hill Killer?
In the short term, we want to continue to create, develop and test new products and processes. Long term, we want to continue to develop and shape the Hill Killer culture and let it extend through everything we do.
1. Where are you from?
I’m from Baltimore, Maryland.
2. How long have you been a vegan and what inspired you to embrace veganism?
I have been vegan for 15 years and was heavily inspired by interviews with several of my favorite artists. Bryan (Hill Killer Team) made a post on social media validating the trajectory.
3. How has a plant-based diet impacted your workout regimen?
Eating a plant-based diet has holistically improved my workout regimen. For example:
This list hardly even scratches the surface of the benefits I’ve seen from a vegan lifestyle!
4. What’s your go-to post-workout meal?
A green smoothie! I make my smoothies with different combinations of: banana, beet, pineapple, mango, maca, date, mixed berries, greens, powdered mushrooms, nut butter, oats, chia, flax, apple, pear with seeds, lemon with peel, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, carrot, soy or nut milk with small amount of kombucha and/or apple cider vinegar. Practice makes perfect. Tasting as you create is key!
5. What question do you hear most about being a vegan athlete?
Most commonly, people ask what I eat and how they can start. We have to educate, so we can appreciate what is on our plates! I believe that interviews like these literally turn those questions into answers and arm people with tools for action.
1. Where are you from?
I am from the North- East of Scotland, near the Cairngorm Mountains.
2. How long have you been a vegan and what inspired you to embrace veganism?
I have been vegan for two years now and my Dad inspired me to go vegan. My younger brother introduced veganism to the family, however, my Dad’s thought process initially was to try veganism before criticising my brother. Subsequently, he has never looked back and neither have I. Knowing that if my Dad (who was brought up on a farm) could do it, so could I.
3. How has a plant-based diet impacted your workout regimen?
Honestly, I cannot explain how amazing it feels to be a vegan athlete. Eating plants has made me stronger physically and mentally. I am able to train harder and longer than ever before and recovery is a lot faster. I am able to enjoy my workouts even more knowing I feel clean, fresh and strong.
4. What question do you hear most about being a vegan athlete?
“But what can you actually eat?” Yup, definitely the question I get asked the most. All I need to do is show them my Instagram page or my phone which is filled with vegan food pictures and videos.
5. Can you describe the European vegan scene?
Do you think it differs from that in America? After a recent trip to London, I can safely say that the vegan scene is utterly amazing. The sheer number of all vegan restaurants and food stalls around the city was awesome. As a girl who lives in the middle of nowhere surrounded by mountains, I am very much into eating whole foods from supermarkets, but there are many vegan options in our shops over here. I have heard that America does not have as many options, but it is slowly getting there. Hopefully, Europe has influenced more people over in America and we will start seeing vegan food everywhere around the world.
1. Where are you from?
I grew up in a small town in New Jersey.
2. How long have you been a vegan and what inspired you to embrace veganism?
I have been vegan for almost two years, however, I wish I was vegan from birth. I transitioned to a vegan diet after learning about the cruelties in animal agriculture. I then became an animal activist and started to inspire others to become vegan as well. I will always be vegan for the animals and their right to live free from harm.
3. How has a plant-based diet impacted your workout regimen?
With a plant-based diet every aspect of working out has improved. I recover much quicker even after doing two or three workouts in a day, I build muscle easier and feel lighter doing it, and my stamina has increased. I think it has a lot to do with the amount of whole foods I eat daily and the fact that my blood vessels are less clogged up with bad foods.
4. What’s your go-to post-workout meal?
My go-to post-workout meal is a berry smoothie. I do not use any protein powders or supplements, so my smoothies are always packed with oats, peanut butter, and chia seeds to get the important post-workout protein.
5. What question do you hear most about being a vegan athlete?
Most people ask me if I can compete at a high level and be vegan. I can honestly say that I am in the best shape of my life and continue to get better every day. Other athletes are also switching to a vegan diet, such as Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard, because it is the best diet for athletic performance.
In celebration of iPod day, the Hill Killer team compiled a playlist of our go-to workout tunes. Turns out our favorite songs span decades, genres and even tempos.
]]>In celebration of iPod day, the Hill Killer team compiled a playlist of our go-to workout tunes. Turns out our favorite songs span decades, genres and even tempos.
While the devices we use may differ, we can all get behind a great track list as the weather turns colder. If indoor workouts call your name, we hope this can power you through the winter months. If you choose to listen on your ride, be sure to look out for traffic!
This playlist is collaborative, so if you feel inspired, add some songs of your own to share with our Hill Killer community.
Happy listening!
]]>My kids actually love taking the bike apart. They can tell you all the parts of the bike and love to help change flat tires, oh and use the bike pump. They are my own little pit crew, when they’re not stealing my water bottles.
We caught up with Cory Michie, long time Hill Killer supporter, and asked how he manages to keep on riding with so many little ones in tow...
Cory, how long have you been cycling?
Not that long actually, maybe 5 years. I was really obsessed with running marathons and was looking for that next best high so thought “triathlon sounds pretty hard?” So I bought a bike and started riding. After a dozen or so triathlons I was finding that I really just enjoyed the bike portion of the race. I joke and say a triathlon is really a swim warm-up, bike race, and a run cool down. After that I started getting involved with my local cycling club/community and discovered that I absolutely love road racing/cycling.
How did your relationship with cycling change after you became a father?
Oh boy, I always say I didn’t know I had hobbies until I had kids and could no longer do what I wanted at the drop of an aero helmet. One kid wasn’t so bad, I was able to easily work my riding into my life but after the 4th kid in a span of 5 years…yeah, it gets difficult. My wife Amanda is an absolute blessing; she primarily stays at home with the kids during the day and teaches at our community college at night. I do the large bulk of my riding now to and from work, early (like 4:30am early) weekend mornings for some quick hill repeats and every now and then I’ll organize a long group ride with some coworkers on the weekend. The catch is there’s 4 kids and 2 adults in our family, so, I have to take at least 2 with me. I hookup the trailer and haul my two oldest.
How old are your kids and do they ride their own bikes? If so, what was it like to teach them how to ride? If not, do you take them along for your ride?
My oldest Camden is 5, Carter is 4, Ayla is 2 and baby Arin is 6 months. Camden and Carter ride their balance bikes religiously and Ayla is in the market and will probably be getting a surprise soon…I’ll give you a hint, it’s a bike…but don’t tell her. They basically taught themselves, I swear by the balance bikes, they learn to balance at a very young age which makes the rest of the process extremely easy. Anyway, my kids actually love taking the bike apart. They can tell you all the parts of the bike and love to help change flat tires, oh and use the bike pump. They are my own little pit crew, when they’re not stealing my water bottles.
What advice do you have for other fathers who ride or want to take up cycling?
In the words of the great Shakespearean actor Shia LaBeouf… ”JUST DO IT!!” A bike has been and will always be a powerful symbol of youthfulness, show your kids that a bike has many uses, recreation, transportation, competition and teach them to respect the rules of the road, always anticipate the sprint, ride defensively, always wear a helmet, and never ever get caught wearing anything other than Hill Killer gear.
Photos courtesy of Amanda Michie!
Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try. Here in Baltimore, we’re lucky to have a group of advocates working to make the city more friendly to cyclists. Bikemore is Baltimore City’s bicycling advocate agency and we are lucky to hear directly from Liz Cornish, Executive Director, about some of the work she’s been up to.
Liz, what is Bikemore and how did you become involved?
Bikemore is Baltimore City's livable streets advocacy organization. We advocate for improved and increased bicycle infrastructure, policies and awareness to make a safer, healthier, more livable bicycling city.
I was hired in the Spring of 2015 (Bike Month is my Bikemore Anniversary!). I had been working at the League of American Bicyclists and was really impressed by the work I was seeing local bike advocates getting done in cities across the country. I was looking for an opportunity where I could make a difference, and become part of a community. Two years in, and I couldn't be happier with my decision.
How will improving biking policy and infrastructure benefit Baltimore City?
A city that prioritizes the safety and health of people over how quickly we can move cars in and out of the city is a place people want to live. For too long, Baltimore City focused its transportation policy and investment on only getting from the surrounding counties to Downtown. 33% of Baltimore residents don't have access to a car, and yet our transportation dollars don't reflect the multimodal strategy Baltimore residents desire. Improving bike infrastructure creates safe and comfortable places to ride--and that's the number one way we increase the number of people riding bikes.
A city where more people ride bikes has reduced traffic congestion, improved public health, and increased air quality. Redesigning the road way with bike infrastructure in mind can also make the road safer for all road users. It shortens the crossing distance for people walking, can decrease the speed of moving vehicles, and can improve transit performance by reducing congestion. Bike infrastructure can also be designed in a way that includes elements that incorporate storm water management systems. Ensuring our impermeable surfaces have designs that help process and manage storm water is particularly important in a city like Baltimore.
What has Bikemore done to improve the access to biking in the city?
Bikemore works with local lawmakers and city officials to ensure that policy decisions include people that walk or ride a bike. When there is an issue that impacts access to biking, we organize our community of livable streets advocates to action. That might mean writing emails, signing a petition, or show up to a public meeting to voice their support or opposition to a public policy decision or plan.
Sometimes our actions have huge tangible results. We worked for years to ensure that the Maryland Avenue Cycletrack was designed and constructed. We also were heavily involved in the process to bring bike share to Baltimore. Both projects will increase the number of people who have access to biking.
For the past year and half we've been working with members that live in the Greater Mondawmin neighborhoods as part of the Baltimore Greenways Trail Coalition to imagine what improved biking and walking connections between neighborhoods on the westside and Druid Hill Park would look like. This slower style of advocacy is less flashy, but incredibly important as we work to ensure that the tools that make our streets safer are available to every neighborhood in the city.
What will be the biggest challenges for Bikemore in the next couple of years?
Now that there is finally momentum and political will to improve access to biking, a challenge for Bikemore is to make sure that we don't allow the status quo to take hold. We still have a long way to go until all of Baltimore sees some of the benefits of improved access to biking and walking. Holding the city accountable so that the Separated Bike Network plan--which will connect 85% of the city in a network of protected bike lanes--is funded and constructed will be an important priority.
Any change to the landscape can also mean that some people are resistant to that change. "Bikelash" is a real thing, and is present in cities nationwide that have begun to improve conditions for people who bike. Despite the widespread benefits of a bicycling city for all residents, some see these changes as a threat. Feeling threatened is understandable: A street you've lived on for decades will suddenly operate a little differently.
What is the impact of switching from car to bike in a daily commute?
We have data that shows that biking to work lowered cardiovascular disease and cancer rates by 40-45%. Incorporating exercise into your everyday routine has major health benefits, and we should be working to ensure Baltimore residents can make the choice to bike to work if they so desire. People who bike instead of drive also show improved mental health. Driving (and finding parking) can be a major source of stress in our day. People who bike to work arrive refreshed and mentally focused. Employers can do a lot to encourage employees to bike. Providing secure indoor bike storage, access to a shower, and incentivizing with cash--no different than paying for a company parking spot--can mean a happier, more productive work force.
But for me, the biggest benefit is improved connection to place we live. I have never met a person who bikes in Baltimore that doesn't love Baltimore. Biking means you move a little slower, notice more, and chat with more of your neighbors than when you're driving in a car. The improved social connections of neighborhoods that have a lot of people out walking and biking means neighborhoods are safer. The best part of Baltimore are the people who live here. Biking just connects you to more of them.
How can we get involved? What do you need support with?
People who value sustainability and environmental justice should also support bike lanes, one of the cheapest and easiest tools available to us to combat climate change. We need vocal champions. Change is never easy, but if we are serious about the environmental issues facing our city--air quality, the health of the Bay--supporting initiatives that get more people riding a bike should be at the top of the list.
So following along on social media or our website, staying up to date on upcoming meetings where we need to show a presence--these are really important ways we can demonstrate our strength. As a young nonprofit, we do a lot with a little--but if you have skills in political organizing, fundraising, or community outreach, we are always looking for talented people to help us grow. Every one deserves streets that are built for people not just cars. Looking at city's that have made leaps of progress in making it safer to walk and bike--all of them have a strong community of advocates.
To celebrate, we sat down with the founder of Hill Killer, Mike Barnes, to talk about his love of cycling and passion for Hill Killer.
Why cycling? What led you to this sport? It started from the simple idea to get in shape and drop a few pounds, while being easy on my knees. I grew attached to the culture, the sport and of course the bicycle. Bicycles are the amalgamation of evolution, creativity, style, science, and technology - and are (for the most part) still totally human powered. The bicycle is a fascinating tool that serves many purposes and the only way to get it to work is to pedal it.
What's your favorite cycling event? The first time I ever rode with Baltimore Bike Party during their Halloween ride. Picture yourself surrounded by 1,200 other bike enthusiasts adorned in Halloween costumes taking over the streets of Baltimore City. I felt like I was surrounded by my huge extended family and it was awesome!
What have you found most challenging about this sport? Time. It is so difficult to find the time to devote to actually getting outside and on the saddle. I always have to make dedicated days for solo or group rides to stay active.
What have you found to be the most rewarding? The mental clarity I am left with after a long enduring ride. Overcoming the physical challenges I set out for myself helps me to maintain a sense of calm and gravity in life. I’ve become more in tune with my thoughts, physical well-being, and I find that I am an overall happier person after I ride.
Other than the essentials, what's one thing you never leave for a ride without? My wedding ring for luck and my Hill Killer gear!
Where does Hill Killer fit into your cycling story? Hill Killer keeps me interested and involved in cycling in a different way than if I was just a regular enthusiast. I find that I care more about the direction of the industry and community. I feel a greater responsibility to add support where it's needed now that I am in a position to do so. I am fortunate to have my creative endeavors be received with positivity from such a diverse group of people and it pushes me to continue on this journey.
Finally, what do you truly love about cycling? This community is unlike any other. There are so many happy people looking to share with each other and always willing to lend a helping hand or advice. The community is so diverse and is made up with people from all walks of life. It is really inspiring to see so much unity in such a divisive time.
Share your own love of cycling with us all month long! Tag #HillKiller in your social media posts for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Fan Friday.
First, meet the contestants!
Let's get down to business.
We want to make your holiday shopping experience as easy and stress-fee as possible, so we've assembled a gift guide based on our most popular styles of gear.
We wouldn't dare assume that you're the kind of person who procrastinates, so you probably don't have to worry about this one.
If you'd like your order to arrive before December 25, here are some helpful shipping guidelines for our US customers:
Don't know your gift recipient's size? Having trouble deciding which Dia Tres kit to buy (yellow, blue or SoCal)? Grab a gift card and leave the tough questions to grandma at dinner!
Best of all, you can even order them from your phone, same day.
Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses across the country. We're committing to spend our money on independent businesses this year and we encourage you to do the same. The sales you see today will be active through Monday, Nov 28 (Cyber Monday).
Hot off the presses and on sale, find four brand new kits live in our store, discounted through Monday.
Deals from $20, $40 and $60 can be found by visiting our #ShopSmall homepage below.
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Like many of you, we're so over Black Friday. While we've got our family and friends near, let's share in the beauty and adventure that our generous planet has to offer.
Help us share positivity during this historically crazy week and join us for what we're calling Green Friday. We want to hear what makes you thankful to be on planet earth!
There are two ways to participate:
The future is what we decide it to be, so let's start today. We are thankful for the opportunity to speak to you and for the time you have taken to consider this message.
To all of our friends who have been saving up for new gear: We didn't forget about you. Check us out on Small Business Saturday. Just don't go crazy. Ok?
If you are looking to get more involved, consider donating to some of our favorite organizations on Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29): Conservation International, Earth Works, Earth Justice and The Humane League.
]]>Fundamentally, we all want to make this world better. And the best way to achieve this is by working together, not spreading further apart.
This year, we want you to know that we're thankful for you—and we want to work with you to bring more positivity into the world in the next year.