Sponsored Blog American Express Enthusiast
American Express recently approached me to be part of their “Enthusiast” program–which basically involves linking up with bloggers whose existing interests (mine would be food, travel, and biking) relate to specific charge card rewards and benefits.
I already had a Platinum Card, which has a hefty annual fee, but which had paid for itself in rewards within the first month of signing up (I used the Platinum Travel Service when booking my honeymoon trip to Buenos Aires and was able to score an upgraded room, free daily breakfast, late checkout, and a 50-minute massage at the Park Hyatt).
American Express gave me 50,000 Membership Rewards points to play with (25,000 of which I used to purchase a plane ticket to New York) and invited me to come to the company’s headquarters in New York to learn more about making the most of my card and my points.
In return, American Express asked me to share my experiences–positive and negative–through my posts and tweets. In relationship to this partnership, I’ve agreed to the following guidelines:
Be transparent and disclose my relationship and anything I’ve received as a result of my relationship with American Express.
Be honest about my opinions.
Offer suggestions and concerns.
Clearly articulate when I am being compensated – by cash or in any other way – for consulting or other duties I may perform.
Share this policy openly and publicly.
So, stay tuned for periodic posts about how I’ve used my Platinum Card during my adventures in biking and eating.
Continue reading 'American Express Enthusiast'Gear in review: Tops
02 Nov 2009, written by gcampbell 5 Comments
G and Mollie sport their matching Lulu Stride Jackets
Between gear we had in our repertoire, gear we borrowed, and gear that was donated, Mollie and I didn’t have too much shopping to do in preparation for our trip (though, we did manage to do some damage, including vintage-style wool jerseys from Bilenky Cycle Works). Here, a run down of what we packed (and didn’t), what we wore, and how it stacked up (in parts).
Lululemon Cool Racerback
I used this tank (in gray and cream) as my base layer under long and short-sleeved jerseys and I’m pretty sure there was some anti-stink magic happening. While they aren’t big or bulky and make a good base layer, the lack of pockets means they’re not great as standalone shirts. For future endeavors, I might swap out these tanks for a more functional short-sleeved jersey.
Verdict LEAVE IT
Ultima Jersey
I picked this jersey up in the Netherlands because it was cute, pink, and not too tight. On the road, it was too flimsy, too short, and too loose. Mollie’s Descente jersey proved to be a much better choice.
Verdict LEAVE IT
Descente Axion Jacket
At Philly’s Breakaway Bikes, Mollie and I picked up matching long sleeved jerseys (blue for her, red for me) that were just heavy duty enough to get us through our coldest day (a wet 40 degrees), but light enough to wear when temps climbed into the 60s. We loved the bright colors and flattering fit, making this one of our must-have items for any future treks.
Verdict PACK IT, teamestrogen.com, $89.99 (this version has zip off sleeves–even better!)
Novara Wulla Bike Jersey
This retro sweater-like jersey looks cool, but was too bulky to bring along.
Verdict LEAVE IT
Smartwool Ewetopia 2 Cycling Jersey
This boxy jersey was neither flattering nor particularly comfortable (though the wool wasn’t as itchy as we suspected). We also didn’t love the colors (neon green and faded red).
Verdict LEAVE IT
Nike Dri-Fit Half-Zip Running Top
I threw this in as a backup long sleeved jersey and, while I wore it, it isn’t made for biking and wasn’t ideally suited for touring.
Verdict LEAVE IT
Pearl Izumi Whisper Vest
Mollie and I both borrowed vests—hers was a puffy down one that was both light and smooshable; mine was a red Pearl Izumi cycling vest which did not match my pink Ultima jersey, but nonetheless served as an essential core warmer.
Verdict PACK IT, pearlizumi.com, $65
Lululemon Stride Jacket
Mollie and I wore these literally every day. We picked them up last minute when we were waylaid in Philadelphia—and a better purchase has never been made. They were warm and snuggly after a day on the bike and chic enough to wear around town without feeling geeky. Our only criticism is weight—every ounce counts.
Verdict PACK IT, lululemon.com, $108
Taking stock
30 Oct 2009, written by molliechen 7 CommentsWhen we met up with Nick Evans in Barboursville, the bike touring veteran warned us that when we returned home we might suffer from post-trip depression. “Even if you lead extraordinarily exciting lives, coming back will be a letdown,” he said. “Because nothing is as exciting as being on the road.” Yesterday morning, when we set off from Alexandria, I wasn’t particularly excited about coming home to New York and my normal day-to-day. It’s not that I found my calling as a two-wheel warrior, or that I felt inextricably tied to Virginia – I just didn’t want the adventure to end. But then, as the Manhattan skyline came into focus and I saw the familiar green fire escape outside my tiny apartment I got the rush of being back home, back in my neighborhood, back near friends. (Not to mention having a closet full of clean, non-spandex outfit options.) I have always thought New York is the kind of place that you appreciate most when you go away – now that I’m back I know that is definitely the case.
Dam Good
30 Oct 2009, written by gcampbell 0 CommentsOne of the chefs we met up with on the road, David Guas, has a new cookbook on New Orleans-style sweets. I wrote this blurb about it for Tasting Table. Check it out.
Contemplating cyclocross
30 Oct 2009, written by gcampbell 3 CommentsOn our way back to New York, we stopped by Bilenky Cycle Works to drop off our bikes–and a few souvenirs from the trip: Virginia whiskey, peanuts, and chocolates. The boys seemed to love their presents so much, I’m thinking of sending them regular care packages (be on the lookout Stephen, Simon, et al). We also chatted with them about the inevitable: What’s next for Bikes and Biscuits? The honest answer is we don’t really know. We’re still processing our Virginia tour and while I suspect, as the weather gets colder and the memories of sore muscles and never-ending hills grows distant, we’ll begin planning our next trip, for now, we’re fairly excited about Bilenky’s Junk Yard Race. See video footage from last year’s race below: