Heads up!!! Here’s your massive Cyber Monday sports tech deals list! This includes the Garmin Forerunner 965 for just $499, Garmin Epix for $429, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for just $619, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $299, (or Hero 13 bundle for $339!) and plenty more! Go check out the full list of 100+ deals here!
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.
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Here’s how to save!
Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.
You can also pick-up tons of gear at REI via these links, which is a long-time supporter as well:Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!
You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.Want to compare the features of each product, down to the nitty-gritty? No problem, the product comparison data is constantly updated with new products and new features added to old products!
Wanna create comparison chart graphs just like I do for GPS, heart rate, power meters and more? No problem, here's the platform I use - you can too!
Think my written reviews are deep? You should check out my videos. I take things to a whole new level of interactive depth!
Smart Trainers Buyers Guide: Looking at a smart trainer this winter? I cover all the units to buy (and avoid) for indoor training. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
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Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
Get all your awesome DC Rainmaker gear here!
FAQ’s
I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.
- Do you have a privacy policy posted?
- Why haven’t you yet released a review for XYZ product you mentioned months ago?
- Will you test our product before release?
- Are you willing to review or test beta products?
- Which trainer should I buy?
- Which GPS watch should I buy?
- I’m headed to Paris – what do you recommend for training or sightseeing?
- I’m headed to Washington DC – what do you recommend for training?
- I’m from out of the country and will be visiting the US, what’s the best triathlon shop in city XYZ?
- What kind of camera do you use?
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In Depth Product Reviews
You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
Read My Sports Gadget Recommendations.
Here’s my most recent GPS watch guide here, and cycling GPS computers here. Plus there are smart trainers here, all in these guides cover almost every category of sports gadgets out there. Looking for the equipment I use day-to-day? I also just put together my complete ‘Gear I Use’ equipment list, from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things). And to compliment that, here’s The Girl’s (my wife’s) list. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!
Have some fun in the travel section.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
My Photography Gear: The Cameras/Drones/Action Cams I Use Daily
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds (including drones & action cams!)! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
The Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2023 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
Awesome that you had your Garmin to see the swim ‘route’. I would be so disappointed in how crooked I swam if I did that.
I’ve been staring at the picture of the 3 people riding trying to figure out who they are. haha.
The beach you took a picture of (right before the blow hole) is where they filmed part of “From Here to Eternity” It’s simply called Eternity Beach now. And I love riding that section past Hanauma Bay. Most people take the inside route (the other side of the crater) because it’s a little safer… easier. The north shore is the flat for 10 miles part of the island, but it still winds along the coast so it’s nice to ride. And Sandy Beach is one of the most dangerous beaches in the country. The surf break is so close to shore, but the waves are great for body surfing, so there are a lot of broken bones and necks there.
And the last hill you rode, Kilauea Ave, we have a way around that so we don’t have to ride it.
Amazing!
Most people go to Hawaii and lay on the beach. You go and bike. Wow.
But gorgeous photos. I LOVE Hawaii! I’m jealous that you were able to swim in those beautiful waters.
I can see how you rack up enough air miles to be a part of the 100K club! Sounds like you definitely got some quality training in out there. The swim sounds amazing…the bike looks absolutely gorgeous…good stuff!
Funny how hills look so tame when you take a picture…but really they aren`t…
Safe travels!
How cool. Those pictures say it all.
I think I would of had someone pack all my belongings up and ship them to my new home in Hawaii
Jelous is all I can say… keep up the fun training in Hawaii :)
Way to maximize 48 hours on the Hawaiian Islands!! Hope you had at least one delish seafood meal!
Looking forward to Part 2 of Maker’s Notes from the Road. While long distance flying exhausts me, it seems to energize you!!
A work trip to Hawaii? win!
I want your job!
I’m really impressed with your ability to put together workouts while you are on the road. I couldn’t manage it. You give me hope in that area. Excellent work, and oh yeah, I’m so freaking jealous of your work trips. Hawaii? So how I get Atlanta alot, but never Hawaii.
wow that is one beautiful ride! (except for that crapass hill). nice job swimming/biking and sweet pictures!
in North Carolina, ABC store means alcoholic beverage co….and u said you were getting drinks… Just thought id highlight this semi funny wordage. Sounds like you had an awesome time in Hawaii..have a safe trip wherever you’re off to…
I know a lot of people who are dedicated to their blogs … but putting a Garmin in a ziploc and then tucking it under your swip cap to show your swim route? That sets a whole new standard.
Have a great time in Hawaii!
I’m not envious…jealous..or …..whatever…Hey…who goes to Honolulu on biz anyways?
Love the photos – thanks for sharing!
awesome shots..ray… you are leading the life young man…
Nice, Ray.
Good to see the place again. It’s been over 10 years since I’ve traveled those roads.
And got stuffed into the bottom at Sandy Beach.
Too bad your trip was so short!! But, yes, Hawaii is an AWESOME place to train, esp. the Big Island (but I may be biased :-) Great photos and thanks for sharing your two days in paradise.
I love your posts mostly because we never know where you’re going to be posting from! I am jealous you are in Hawaii. Way to get in the training.
I think it’s super the way you make the most of your time anywhere in the world by finding ways to train. And did I say this already? Your new blog template or skin (or whatever it’s called) is so clean and clear. I love the way the pictures have the tiniest bit of shadow/look 3-D on the “page”. It makes them subtly more accessible. Great details. (And of course the pics themselves are fab as always.)
Great post! You are a daring man putting that garmin in a baggy. I would have be scared the whole time of losing it. Smart idea though.
Can I say that I am very jealous?
Um, well, I am.
What gorgeous pictures! I love crystal clear water.
How hot was it when you were there?
I took my Garmin to Hawaii, but I did not take the charger. Guess what–it was dead.
There was a blowhole near Sandy Beach–not very exciting since the surf was rather calm. Where did you stay? I was at the Hilton Hawaii village the last two days there and it was worse than Vegas.
I can only assume from this that United does NOT appreciate my (puny) business. (Yes, that was my takeaway from this post.) Nawww,not really!
I went to boston for three days and could only manage one crappy swim. There’s your book: “Training While Traveling”
gorgeous photos, etc. my heart rate hit 198 in the pool the other day. Fail.