New GoPro Hero 3, aka How I spent my REI 20% off coupon and dividend

On Friday I went ahead and spent my annual REI 20% off coupon and dividend on one of the new GoPro Hero 3's, black edition (which is the flagship model).

I won't get into too many detail with the specs and such since there are practically an infinite number of sources online that showcase the new features and performance of the Hero 3.  

I will say that the smaller size and lighter weight makes a HUGE difference in the usability of the video I can record.  The following two clips are from GoPros mounted on top of my helmet.  The first video is of the new Hero 3.  The first part of the clip is of me going under a bridge to show how it transitions from light to dark.  The second part of the clip is of me riding on a bumpy road. 

The clip below is of me riding in El Tour on a bumpy road (watching a unicyclist) with the Hero 2.  While not exactly apples to apples with the first clip (different roads), the two roads are similarly bumpy.   You can see and hear the excessive movement of the Hero 2 inside the case in the second clip.  I think the lighter weight and smaller size really helped reduce the rattling.

I am really happy in the improvement in footage I can get with the GoPro Hero 3.  I plan on using it at the Brompton US Championships in Minneapolis this summer!

Gearing up for camping

The weather is getting nicer and I've been recovering from my cold.  It was nice to get back on the Brompton!

My friends got married last week at Catalina State Park, north of Tucson.  We camped overnight after the ceremony.  It's actually a really nice campground with nice restroom facilities and other conveniences.  This experience really got me itching to try bike camping.

I've started slowly but surely gathering the equipment I need to do S24Os (and even full length tours).  I've based my selection of gear from what Laura and Russ from PathLessPedaled have done (their book, The Unauthorized Brompton Touring Guide is also an excellent resource).

So far I have (or have ordered):

• Gregory Savant 48L backpack.
• Wiggy's Overbag (rated to 35 degrees F)
• Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite
• Trangia 27-7 stove / cooking set
• Sea to Summit eVent compression dry sack (14L) - for sleeping bag
• Outdoor Research Z-compression sack (12L) - for clothes
• Backcountry Boiler - for hot water
• MUSA Vapor Barrier Layer that goes inside sleeping back on colder nights

I think that's all... I also have the Brompton C-bag, with which to carry food, phone, maps, possibly iPad.  I've been housesitting for a while, so I haven't been able to try riding with all this gear yet.  I'll update when I do.

Finally, some loot! No main prize though (yet)...

While I was taking care of some other business up in Scottsdale I took the opportunity to swing by Portapedal Bike in Tempe to chat and pick up some of the accessories that I had ordered and to see if anything was new.  I also wanted to check out the Jubilee edition while they still had it.

Jubilee Edition Brompton at Portapedal

The Jubilee Edition is limited to 500 units and included a limited edition S bag with the Union Jack on the flop,  This model is basically a tri-colored M3L (white main frame, red handlebar stem and fork, cobalt blue rear frame) with a Union Jack design under the Brompton logo.  Very cool looking!

Also new was a Brompton polo shirt.  Looked sharp, had to have, and did!

I was also given this trouser cuff (basically a big slap bracelet) for being a good sport for waiting so long for the bike.

Here's all the other stuff I had ordered and picked up:

Spare tubes - Essential since this size may be difficult to find.

Brooks Proofide (12g) - Helps break in the Brooks leather saddle. 

Cover & Saddle bag - It'll be handy when I have to kinda conceal the bike, plus I can stash a spare tube and  levers in there.

C-bag - To carry all my stuff while commuting.  I brought my worst-case commuting cargo load  and tried stuffing the C-bag at Portapedal.  It was a tight fit, but everything fit.  I'll do some posts outlining what kinds of loads I'm able to carry in this.

Waterproof zippers on the C-bag... a very nice touch!