Heads up! The big Garmin annual spring sale has started, with $200 off the Fenix 8 (first sale to date!), $100 off the Edge 1050, Forerunner 965 at $499, the Forerunner 265, the new Instinct 3, and countless other Garmin products including inReach Mini 2. Plus the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium is on sale, and some Suunto & Wahoo product deals too. Full list & thoughts here!
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
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.
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Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
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5 Easy Steps To The Site
1
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.
2
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!
3
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.
4
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!
5
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 2024 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.
Ray, here’s what you do:
Google “Origami Rose” and learn how do a simple but effective one. Make 12 of them and put them in a pretty box with some tissue paper. Wullah, a dozen roses than didn’t cost $150 just because it’s Valentine’s Day. And you get bonus points because of effort. You’ve got kids too so rope them in and take credit!
Hey Ray! Treat your love to a spa day followed by candle light dinner.
Love your site. I won’t buy without checking your review.
Hey ??
Hello!
Hi the girl. Think romantic dinner on s.a coast watching whales would do it?
Hello!
Pizza Oven!!!
Happy Valentine’s ?
It’s always nice to give time and attention to your better half – even if it’s only for a half a day ;)
Thanks for bringing all of this wonderful information into my life!
Any chance you can do a feature on the longest lasting most worthwhile GPS watch? maybe get users to contribute? i.e. the xxx has been with me for 8 years and it just keeps going!
I find it hard to believe Ray needs any ideas for Valentines Day, but if he’s not doing already he should promise at least 2 date nights (without kids) each month. Kinda like Valentines in perpetuity…
old-fashioned hello!
Coupon book for things like Ray watching the kids and you being right during any discussion of your choice (my personal favorite).
love the newsletter!
Buy rose and run together 10k.
Flowers are always a good choice :-)
Hi, thanks a lot for the newsletter it’s very fun to read.
Hope you enjoy you valentine’s day.
Hope your Valentines day goes as well as you hope it will.
Couples massages! Always a go to for my wife and I as we are both very active. A little rest, relaxation, and restoration for both goes a long way!! Thanks!
Hello! I wish I had some good advice for Ray. I’m lucky if my husband remembers that it is Valentine’s Day.
Eww spam.. Diamonds! Can’t ever go wrong with diamonds Ray!
How about a bouquet of heart monitor chest straps? :-)
You should make a breakfast in bed.
Can’t wait to read more race reports.
Love you all! We’ll, maybe not all…
run a heart-shaped run this thursday :)
Hey there!
Happy Valentines Day to both of you!
With love from Denmark – despite the low temperature here, this message is heated up to fly on a Valentine air balloon to you and Ray.
Fire on the candles and take a deep looking into each other’s eyes.
Kind regards
Thomas
Yay – giveaways! As for suggestions for Ray why don’t we go with the other side of Valentines and suggest something for the Girl to sort for Ray?
Love the newsletter and following your adventures in South Africa!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
flowers are always nice
Heidiho, skiing in romantic Austrian winter landscape …
Dinner, Wine, Massage
I’d love to spend this on my wife…. ;)
I agree, SPAM is not good.
What up!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Maybe Ray can take u on a hike up signal hill in CT and enjoy a wonderful sunrise/sunset with some wonderful photo opportunities (memories from the trip to SA).
Unfortunately my wife is having a hernia repair so I’ll only treat her when she is back home after Valentine’s Day but maybe a giveaway can be the extra treat for her when she is back and able to do some running.
Hope u have enjoyed SA.
Ray should honor his valentine by competing in more races while pushing a stroller.
Flowers, you can never got wrong with flowers ;)
Hello I wish I had a Valentines
Ray – take her on a horse carriage!
Dear Ray,
Keep us teachers in business; two ‘peanuts’ are not enough….delightful that they are… ?
Tip: Try not to re-use last year’s Valentine’s card!
Hey Ray,
Step it up!
Women love flowers. And doing the laundry.
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Toenails are black,
I love running, I do!
Romance for athletes.
Always enjoy the non-tech side of the newsletter!
thanks
That would go very nicely towards a new power meter!
Dinner at FYN!
Definitely need to do something nice for V-Day, Ray! Take the girl out for a nice dinner, maybe a movie….arrange for the sitter for the kiddos. :)
PS – what is the best smart trainer to get if you want to use your own power meter (ie vector 2)? If i win, that’s what I would be getting with my credit ;)
It’ll be a dusi
Great idea! Love reading the newsletter!
Not flowers
Love the newsletter, and thanks for this extra giveaway! No grand ideas, but enjoy your day together!
Another trip to Stellenbosch? Or maybe to Franschhoek
Why not celebrate next years Valentine in sunny Mexico?
Tons of soul food, good dancing music and candle light on Valentines Night
and high altitude training plus epic vistas the next day!
So where to go exactly? My recommendation definitely is San Miguel de Allende.
To get here, you just gotta hop across Trump’s Wall..
Saludos,
Gernot
what ever Ray does, I hope it doesn’t involve SPAM!
I’m hope that “the boy” will take “the girl” to some romantic dinner in Amsterdam
Howdy, howdy!
Hope you all are well. Appreciate the content as always.
How about getting your wife a message to recover from her top 5 8k effort?
I enjoy the newsletters and congrats on the race.
My wife says she doesn’t want anything for Valentines Day…what do you think that means?…
Love the ‘Maker Universe’!
Not a romantic, but I can say hi! Oh, and I appreciate the newsletter! ❤️
Our favourite presents are stupidly expensive versions of everyday boring things…. e.g. cashmere dog walking gloves, dachshund print designer wellies, Barbour jacket inner, thick merino beanie hats, Brooks d-shaped saddle bag, etc.
I asked the wife on this one. Here’s what she said, “You’re serious? I’m not the romantic one. Safari? Sunset bike ride to the beach with a bottle of wine? Group Zwift bike ride.”
Since the wife came up with lame ideas. I say to plan something that she doesn’t really want to do. Make it rushed and stressed before, then surprise her with a low key night with dinner and the first movie you watched together. Then talk about life and reading these comments while having glasses of wine. Throw in a South Africa sunset while your at it.
-Dan
A good ol’ fashion hello!
Treat each day as Valentines day.
Run/Bike/Whatever a heart in Strava. With the favorite position interpolation.
Ray should make cupcakes to see how well he can follow instructions.
Would love a new Garmin
Hugh hugs for all your beloved ones!!!!
OMG, that is cheesy! Happy V-day, all!
Pizza Oven??
I’m going to have to say either time or pizza. Perhaps both?
Roses are red
Violets are blue
How about a trip
To Honolulu [or Kathmandu, Peru, Timbuktu, etc depending on where you would like to go (assuming it rhymes with blue ?)]
No advice for Ray as I’m terrible when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Would love to win though as I need some new cycling gear
$500 can buy a lot of roses!
Boulders beach is the best!
500 dollars would buy some nice things for my girl for valentine
I’m grateful for the opportunity
Maybe if I win I’ll use the prize for getting my wife something for belated Valentine’s Day? Hmm…
I did just buy her a used Kickr SNAP though, maybe it’s my turn for new tech goodies?
Get her flowers!!!!!!
Hello :)
Wishing for warmer weather, but would settle for a nice shopping spree at Cleaver Training. Thanks..
I love Valentines Day. This is the last day that the New Year resolution people are in the gyms. If you make it past this you’re going to make it!
I’m going to vote for a Valentine’s Day Mommy nap.
Hello
diamonds of course. like a diamons studded garmin watch bracelet…
Romantic couple run along the river!! :)
Hey there. You need to get Mrs Rainmaker a nice Canadian gift, like Timbits or a moose!
You should take the girl for a short romantic getaway to Giethoorn!
I’d go for sleeping in as a V day treat….!
Book a dinner at La Perla, if you’re in the mood for Italian, and then take a drive up to signal hill after dark to see the lights of the city below!
I don’t really have ideas since I’m not the romantic type nor is my husband. I already told him forget about the roses or chocolate that I much rather have new triathlon or cycling gear and he’s the same way with golfing so it works out pretty well.
How about Valentines day starting right now?! Little surprises, notes, good food, a massage….all up to the 14th. On the day itself a sweet movie night will do. Just make her feel special on all the days;)
I’m in. Oh and thanks for the newsletters.
Hi team! Thanks for the giveaway.
Ray, you are gone so often, giving your wife a full day away from the kids, for a spa day and dinner/wine with the girlfriends is a wise choice.
Cheers!
Love your witty newsletter and look forward to the next one
Get yourself the pizza oven Ray and call it a vday gift for the girl.
There should not be just one day for couples to celebrate. Everyday and anyday can be Valentine’s Day for the guy to show appreciation. That said, how about a month’s worth “I do/ get whatever you want voucher” from Ray to girl ?.
Ray, do something sweet for you’re awesome lady!
Never let the romance die!
Just buy her pizza ray! You can’t go wrong with pizza!
You know she deserves it…
Awesome! Happy valentines all around!
Share the love!
Thanks for the newsletter – i love the insights and commentary you provide.
I hope your valentine’s gift doesn’t come from clevertraining.com….
Could use that credit to buy some gear for my wife :)
Whatever you do for Valentine’s day, chocolate should be included!
Despite how overpriced Valentine’s flowers are, I still get my wife something. Flowers make the wife happy, so you gotta do it!
We all need more love in the world.
Please add me for the monthly giveaway –
Nothing wins V-Day like cooking a meal. If that’s not your strong point, cleaning up after works too.
Thank you!
You should serve breakfast on the bed. Don’t forget the roses!
Ray could setup a training run or bike ride for you and give you clues to gifts he has left for you to find along the way….
Here is a suggestion for a romantic gift: a bottle of wine, some chocolates and a foot massage. Happy Valentine’s Day!
you guys already had a two day getaway but there could always be more ;-)
else I like the idea of chocolate, flowers and a dinner
Nothing like a good run on Valentine’s Day!
Few things could be more romantic than the Hankster winning a much needed and super sweet Clever Training spending spree. The only thing better would be for Ray to take his trophy wife out for a TOTALLY undistracted date night. The stipulations are no phones, watches, or tech devices of any sort may be worn or carried. No tracking, testing, blogging, texting, emailing, or even discussion of anything tech related is allowed. No phones means no selfies of any sort. The Girl has to share Ray and herself with the world every day, so for one evening she gets him to herself, but even better is that he gets her to himself. No distractions, no Peanuts, just her. She’s enough, and she’s worth it.
Looks like I might be the first. Maybe he should get you a pizza oven? I usually get my wife things she absolutely “needs” as presents….
i hear that foot pods are the way to a girl’s heart :-)
Hi,
I’m simply going to remind you, Ray, that you used the word “frumpy” when talking to your WIFE!
Marital suicide buddy, which still needs to be atoned for, even now.
Doesn’t matter what you do, just make it right.
Make the lovely Bobbie the absolute centre of attention, no holds barred.
Thanks for all the great content Ray! Whenever anyone asks about sports tech, I steer them right to your site.
Cheers- Steve
A nice dinner
Nothing says happy Valentine’s Day like a romantic sunset mountain hike!
My local brewery is doing a beer and chocolate pairing menu for Valentine’s, and that’s what my wife asked for (lucky me!). If that sounds as romantic as you as it does to her, I know South Africa has a burgeoning craft brewing scene, so maybe you and Ray could find something similar? You certainly deserve anything Ray can do for you!
I would jokingly say a new pair of running shoes, but a jar of tiger balm with free practical applicator (aka Ray-man himself) would seem more appropriate 8)
Clearly he needs to cook you a heart shaped pizza from that pizza oven he keeps asking for.
there is nothing quite as romantic as a side-by-side trainer ride…
Gift idea: You can never go wrong with a spa day!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Would a few Garmin shares count as a valentines gift?
Hugs to everyone in the family, keep up the great work!
Thanks for doing this giveaway. Fingers crossed.
My wife could use a new running watch, so this would be perfect!
Thanks for all the write-ups, in depth reviews and comparisons, they have been very helpful in guiding my purchases.
Now go take “The Girl” out for a nice romantic dinner!
Go on a run together and put some nice beverage in his backpack for on the half way point ;)
Hope you are having a great time in the south. Spring seems to be just around the corner here in Europe …
Ha! He should act like every day is Valentine’s Day!
Who doesn’t love sports tech???
Come on Ray, just buy her a pizza oven!
Breakfast in bed is always ?
Love Valentine’s Day sport!!!
ummmm since you both like sport… why don’t do a valentine running course with a heart shape?
Happy Valentine!
Nice iniative. I hope everyone gets their fair share of love this week, with their partners,those being humans and our bikes! :)
Loving the updates from your South Africa adventures!
Hello, & thanks for all the work over the years!
Give love to get love!
Ray,
On Valentine’s Day,
Flowers are ok,
But to make the day great
And avoid a bad fate,
Treat the Girl to a firm foot massage.
Thanks again for doing what you do!
Very generous of you guys. A newly Garmin acquired TACX Neo would be just the thing. Thanks.
Thanks for all the great information all these years!
I’d go with the pizza oven option… it’s hard to go wrong with that.
Hello!
What’s Valentines Day? Don’t worry, I’m sure my wife will tell me at some point…?
Happy Valentine’s day
Hello, Just wanted to say I Love the newsletter. Sorry, don’t have any idea’s for Ray for V-day. Maybe just a simple gesture of flowers.
I like winning competitions!
Ray – destination races aren’t destination dates… Just saying.
AO
Taking my lovely wife to dinner and then the museum here in the city. Hope Ray steps up!
A beaver watching trip in the Biesbos, a renown protected nature area in the Netherlands.
Just the two of you, in a boat, guided by a boswachter.(forester)
How about a serenade? Have we seen Ray sing before? Should be interesting!
Get an entry to NYRR Virtual Valentine’s Duo 5K so you can run together!
A secret contest!
Thanks for all the great work you do Ray! I enjoy reading your articles and watching your YouTube videos.
What a great idea!! Happy Valentine’s Day!
The simple phrase “happy wife, happy life” solves a lot of problems. And valentine’s day is a make or break ‘happy’ Day.
Take the Peanuts out and let her have a couple hours by herself at home. BEST GIFT EVER for the mom of 2 smalls.
make a romantic valentines dinner.
have you ever taken a snowy bike ride through a forest to have a snowy forest picnic with wine and expensive cheese? It might be cold it. It might totally fall apart, but the adventure of trying to do something novel…that’s what I’m in for. Plus you get to do it together
Thanks – continuing to enjoy the newsletter content very much!
Hello!!! Pick me, pick me, pick me!!
Hi, Ray should take you to climb Lion’s head for a nice sunset view, take a good bottle of wine and enjoy!
You’re such a wonderful family. Following you is so refreshing. Keep going!
Hello!
Nothing does it better than a bunch of red roses!
Thanks for all you guys do. Very much enjoy the newsletter.
As for Valentines Day, you can’t go wrong with champagne and diamonds Ray.
Getting a pizza oven in South Africa? ;)
Chocolate. Nuf said.
Hello!
Wow! Averaging sub 5min km over 8km with almost no training! Well done!
Maybe Ray should get you a massage for Valentine’s Day, sounds like you might need it!
Call a babysit and and eat out with the girl. Enjoy.
I’d love to get a new smart trainer
Take the Girl to a nice overlook picnic.
Nothing says I love you like homemade wood fired pizza, am I right?
Put a heart sticker on her Heart Rate Monitor every day leading up to valentines day and write something on each one…”Be Mine” “DM Me” etc. :)
Ray, take care of the girl. You got a good one.
Hello. Happy Valentines Day!
Take her out for an evening run in the park. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it :D.
Woohoo free stuff!
Ray MakeHer happy! She deserves!
I went old school with chocolates for my valentine this year. I suggest that along with a Wahoo headwind for when your valentine is on the trainer!
Life is good.
Ray, a pizza oven is a great gift on valentines day ;)
Ray should write the next newsletter of course ?
Give her whatever she wants.
How about a heart shaped run on strava?
I think the for Valentine’s Day (at least) “the Girl” should be recognized as “the Queen!”
Happy Galentines! Happy Guylentines!
It sure would be “sweet” and I would “love” to wind a DC Rainmaker contest.
Larry