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helena kotala

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Category: Gear Reviews

Posted on April 8, 2018February 5, 2020

Review: Big Agnes Shovelhead down jacket

*This review originally appeared in Dirt Rag Magazine in 2018. Whether you’re going bikepacking or doing a long winter ride in ever-changing conditions, a packable yet very warm jacket is an invaluable piece of gear for when you reach camp for the night or the temperature suddenly drops 20 degrees high in the mountains. There …

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Posted on November 13, 2017May 13, 2019

Review: Soma Condor drop bars

I got the Soma Condor bars to review for Dirt Rag Magazine in spring 2017. I expected to ride them for the review period, not really like them, then take them off after writing the review. Two years later, the bars are still on my gravel bike. I have ridden them on countless all day …

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Posted on January 30, 2017March 7, 2019

Review: Juliana Joplin C

I rode the Juliana Joplin C from October 2016-January 2017 and reviewed it for Singletracks.com. From the review: Sometimes, it can be hard to put your finger on just what it is you love about a bike. You can look at the specs and the numbers, but there’s more to the story. Some bikes just …

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Posted on August 20, 2016March 7, 2019

Review: Framed Marquette

The Framed Marquette was my entry into 27+ mountain bikes and the bike that told me that I'd definitely need a plus bike in my quiver. I rode it for most of the summer in 2016, including during my first mountain bike race in over 10 years. "Despite a couple small issues, I found the …

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Posted on March 13, 2016May 13, 2019

Review: Advocate Watchman

I rode the Advocate Watchman fat bike the winter of 2016. It was my first bike review for Singletracks.com and my second bike review ever. I almost bought it, but didn't because I decided to go with a carbon fat bike (Salsa Beargrease) instead to save some weight. Photo: Jarrod Bunk From the review: Over …

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Posted on October 10, 2014March 6, 2019

Chaco Fantasia sandals.

Despite their popularity amongst the various young outdoor enthusiast communities that I've been a part of, I hadn't ever been the biggest fan of Chacos. They always seemed clunky and heavy, and I don't like heavy shoes. But I also had never discovered a pair of sandals that really impressed me, and so, I decided …

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Posted on September 13, 2014September 26, 2014

The Zephyr.

It belonged to my friend Jeff. I first paddled it about 6 years ago, and I fell in love. It fit me perfectly. Sitting in a hole and surfing, it felt right. "It likes hips," said Jeff, alluding to the fact that the boat fit me better than it did him. But at the time, …

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Posted on July 18, 2014August 22, 2014

Jackson Kayak stand-up paddleboards.

Last week, the shop got in some new paddleboards from Jackson Kayak, and a few days ago after work one evening, a small group of us took the opportunity to try them out on the Juniata River. A relatively short stretch of river from the Warrior Ridge Dam to Huntingdon is a favorite for evening …

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Helena Kotala

Outdoor adventurist. Mostly bikes, also runs, paddles, hikes, and more. Map-maker & other duties as assigned at the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. Central PA based.

Seeking snow last weekend. I’ll probably always complain about the shuttle, but the Red Mo long run sure is fun. Under the railroad, over the river, and up the hill. An H in her natural habitat — deep in the middle of the woods, staring off into the trees. Snowy flowy goodness in Shingletown last week before the thaw. Moody day on the Little J yesterday. Water was rippin’ fast and our usual run flew by. Much-needed new PFD, paddle, and helmet courtesy of @pennsylvaniagray holiday gifts. 👌 Best way to start 2023! Wow, what a year. Sometimes I can’t believe it all actually happened. It was somehow the worst and best year all at once. “Feels like -25”

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