Larisa Chinces Blog

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Larisa Chinces: Writer & Athlete

Larisa Chinces is a Romanian cyclist and athlete, from the medieval city of Sibiu in Transylvania.  In her blogs for Pedalnorth, between 2016 and 2023, Larisa used her knowledge and experience to write about her cycling life,  on both road and mountain bike, reviews, lifestyle articles, routes, favourite places and cycling thoughts. We have maintained a selection  her previous blogs, due to their continued relevance. In the main, the blogs below, relate to kit that Larisa tested, rather than cycling lifestyle blogs.

Cycling in Transylvania

Don’t forget too, the awesome road and mountain bike routes all across Transylvania, exploring the superb routes in the beautiful countryside and Carpathian mountains group; roads like the Transfagarasan Highway, described by some as ‘the best road in the world’.

And, if you’d like any of our team here at Pedalnorth to work with your brand, simply email us here using our contact page. Whilst Larisa has left our team, we’ve got a wealth of other experts such as Alex, Tudor and Teo, who continue to work within the mountain sports environment, giving their time to helping others to find adventures, and waiting to inspire cyclists all over the world.

Click the link below to enjoy an adventure with Tudor and the TRIADA mountain bike events team!

Take a ride with TRIADA

Join the MTB Revolution

Alé Cycling PRE Play Jersey and Magic Colour Bib Shorts

Ale Cycling has always been one of my favourites brands since I started cycling. I remember seeing a professional cycling team wearing Ale kit and sponsored by them; and since then, I’ve really liked their kit – so very much.

Let's take a look at their latest kit forus stylish ladies then 😉
September 14, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Lake CX 177 Road Cycling Shoes and Larisa Chinces

Living in the mountainous region of Transylvania, in Romania, Larisa has easy access to steep and challenging roads. Let’s find out what Larisa thinks of the new Lake Cycling CX 177 road cycling shoes in this tough terrain
March 31, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Ladies Cold Weather Cycle Clothing by Alé

When Alé Cycling launched their Fall-Winter collection, it was designed just for those really cold days, where style is also important, but performance is key. Cycling where I live is tough and uncompromising, which is why I’m wearing it in Transylvania.
March 23, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

ALE Ladies Cold Weather Accessories 2023

Once the sun is under the clouds, it’s much colder, and so, we have to dress smart. The base layer and accesories like gloves, necktube, shoe cover, socks are equally important as the main kit when choosing how to dress-up for the ride.
March 21, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Romania Mountain Biking – Ride From Ciungetu and around Vf Paraginosu

This is an epic ride into the hills, with a long and steep start. However, you're more than rewarded, with an epic and extremely long descent through the hills and forests. The views over the mountains are spectacular, and you're also close enough to historic Sibiu, a World Heritage Site city, to make it your base for a great cycling vacation.
March 12, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Romania MTB – Rasinari to Paltinis Hills

The mountains around the Paltinis resort are covered in magnificent forests, with isolated meadows and mountain tops. There's a wealth of trails to explore, and this one is just a short distance from historic Sibiu, a World Heritage Site, and its endless accommodation options
March 9, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Red Chilli Interactive

Christmas holidays have passed, and me and my family had a wonderful time. We all gorged ourselves with delicious food and drinks, pretty much of the time, spending time at the table with relatives and friends. New Year came with a fresh start (and 1-2kgs extra) and new resolutions plans for most of us.
January 24, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Larisa Chinces – The Last Throes of Autumn

We are in the final stages of the fall season, in November, the weather is kind now and we can still enjoy some sun now and then. The nature starts to change its coat. Warm colours begin to appear, with tones of red, yellow, orange etc. I am grateful for each season and what they each have to offer.
November 20, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Poplaca and Villages Ride from Sibiu

This ride takes in the villages and small towns close to historic Sibiu, giving you a glimpse of magical Transylvania and its beautiful countryside.
October 14, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Trans Bai Trail Romania

Transylvania and Romania have some of the most spectacular and beautiful mountains in the world. Best of all, they're accessible to adventure seekers, and I love living here 🙂 This mtb trail follows the TransBai trail, a highway in the Baiului Mountains, a truly magical wilderness.
September 27, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Camelbak Lobo Pack

I’ve always loved mtb rides in the mountains of Transylvania, but I also like to explore other parts of my country too. For example, Baiu Mountains with altitudes of 1700-1900 m, located in Prahova county. Transbai is an off-road trail and it is 38 kilometers long and will connect the cities of Azuga and Busteni to Valea Doftanei. In these kind of adventures, it is important to have an adequate physical condition and proper nutrition.
September 21, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Paltinu Lake Ride Romania

This Turquoise colored lake is situated in Doftana Valley in which the river Doftana flows in until the Prahova river. It is a wonderful part of Romania, and very little known, almost secret and hidden to the Romanians.
July 21, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Camelbak Hawg Pro Backpack & Womens Luxe

There are so many options for biking backpacks these days. However, Camelbak have revisited the classic Mule pack, and they've created something rather special. We took a close look at the new Camelbak Hawg Pro and Ladies Luxe pack over spring and early summer.
July 20, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Sibiu Cycling Tour & Transfargarasan Challenge

It's a special place, my beautiful city of Sibiu. It's where I grew up, went to university, and I know so many of the really good places, the best cycling routes, the best views in the city and the best views from the hills overlooking the city. Now, it has a world class cycling tour too, and you can ride the roads of the racers.
July 1, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

SIGR Ladies Summer Cycling Kit 2022

SIGR are a relatively unknown brand outside of the Scandinavian countries. However, we first tested them last year and were extremely impressed, with both the design and the performance. When Sigr told us that they had some new designs for 2022, it was time for Larisa to take a look.
June 24, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Rosti Alpina Ladies Jersey and Pro 1 Shorts

The latest ladies summer kit from Rosti is super stylish and unique. Larisa has been testing it out in Transylvania and yes, she really likes it 🙂
June 21, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Rosti Superblack Woman summer knickers

This is my first ever pair of three quarter length cycling knickers and I really like them; they are perfect for spring and autumn and colder days in summer.
June 6, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Rosti Spring ladies long sleeved jersey

I really like the turquoise color of this jersey; it's a fav in either dark or light shade. This Rosti Spring jacket comes in turquoise color on the torso area, the sleeves are grey with reflective particles, and the back of the forearm is matte black with gradient sized dots. Multiple pieces of fabric are beautifully sewn to get a better fit - viola!
June 5, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Bike Box Alan Easy Fit

Modern bikes are expensive and difficult to protect when travelling. Thankfully, Bike Box Alan have developed their Easy Fit, which caters and looks after all manner of bikes with integrated handlebars and seat posts etc. Larisa likes it so much that she became an ambassador 😉
April 12, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Yakima Front Loader Bike Carrier

Yakima make carriers all kinds of bikes, and their Front Loader is probably one of the most secure and well fitting bike carrier on the market. We tested it both in Romania and in the U.K.
April 10, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Mountain Bike Tour of Brucegi and Strunga – Romania

Romania and the area of Transylvania have some of the most beautiful forested areas and awesome mountains in Europe - if not the world. This two-day mountain bike trip takes in the mountain area of Brucegi and the Omu Peak, a famous Romanian summit.
February 25, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Getting Interactive for the New Year

Yes, Christmas and the New Year is a time when all of us maybe eat too much during the festivities. Our cycling clothing is thankfully made of Lycra and so stretches 😉 , but we still need to get out and to get fit again. Thankfully, Elite are here to help us 😉
January 26, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

ALÉ PRR Green Race Ladies Bib Tights

Winter is a time when we want to be warm and comfortable, but we also want to look good. These eco-friendly bib tights from ALÉ allow me to ride well and show my style and athleticism too - after all, I'm a woman 🙂
November 18, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

ALÉ Graphics PRR Green Road Winter Womens Long Sleeve Jersey

If you’re looking for feminine style and cold weather performance, together with excellent adherence to eco-friendly recycling fabrics, then ALÉ have the answer in this super stylish jersey. Read what Larisa makes of it here…
November 16, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

Making the most of autumn riding

Autumn and winter riding can be amazing. It’s a different kind of challenge, often trying to catch the weather. We thought that we’d help you out over the colder months, with a few simple to stay safe and get the most from riding outside during autumn and winter.
November 9, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

Alé Ladies Colour block winter jersey

Alé from the Italian city of Verona understand simplicity; it’s in their dna and their new winter Colour Block thermal jersey is testament to their style
October 29, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

ELITE Direto XR Trainer – Getting ready for indoor riding

It’s now October and the weather has turned cold. The rain is here more often, and soon it will snow. There is already snow in the mountains, and so I am starting to sweat more indoors from now on. Training outdoors is no longer a nice experience. Thankfully I have my Elite trainers to look after my cycling training.
October 27, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

London by Bike

We are at Liverpool Street in the City of London, deciding to rent bikes and start exploring and there is so much to see.
August 7, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

Elite Bio Green Bottles

It gives me great pleasure to ride a bike in the forest, to hear the birds chirping, to enjoy the landscapes and to see other creatures which live in the wilderness.
Thankfully, we have lots of wild and remote and very beautiful paces here in Transylvania and Romania. It’s very important to treat nature as if it were our home; to keep it clean, to take care of it and not to exploit it.
June 28, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

Elite Summer Performance

As we reach the middle of the year, Larisa and Robert write about how their use of the Elite interactive trainers has prepared them and ensured that they've got early season smiles on the long cycling miles.
June 17, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

Around Fertainu Peak – Romania

Take a trip with Larisa Chinces, into the beautiful forested hills and mountains in the west of Romania and Transylvania. Romania is Europe's last great wilderness and has the best mtb trails in Europe to explore. You can find your own adventure in Transylvania - with Triada MTB
May 22, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

Spring Into Action with Elite

It's spring and Larisa as making the most of the weeks since she started using the Elite Nero rollers and Direto XR interactive trainer. How has it benefited this multi sports athlete -let's find out 😉
May 2, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

ALÉ Bullet WR Bib Tights

These bib tights are designed to go well with the Ale´ winter and cold weather jersey range. Thankfully, they also go well with many other jerseys and jackets from across their ranges. They’re form fitting, which means that you look great in them, and they also have good compression where needed, showing off your body and your style and allowing you to perform to your best.
March 24, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

Alé Ladies Switch DWR Combi Jacket

New Year, new style and more fun!

The Ale´ Women’s winter jacket Switch DWR Combi looks lovely, like most of Ale’s wonderful collections, always full of bright and vivid colors, with unique designs. The one I have on test is a shade of light blue or celeste color, one of my favorites of course!
March 3, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

Indoor Cycling in Winter

Winter can be beautiful. The snow falls deep and lies like a blanket. It’s super for skiing, which I love, but it means that I cannot ride outside so much. I still need to train though and I now have Elite to help me.
March 2, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

Elite Nero Rollers Introduction

Larisa is currently testing the Elite Nero interactive rollers and by all accounts they're awesome. Read her first thoughts on riding these high end technology packed rollers from this leading Italian brand.
January 24, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

Elastic Interface Ladies Chamois Pad

Did you know that women have a greater spectrum of bottom shapes and structures than men, it’s true. Elastic Interface have researched this, partnering with the Department of Biomedical Science at the University of Padua, Italy. After developing their First Ladies specific pads, Elastic Interface listened to the feedback and wanted to improve things, and so looked towards the scientists in order to better understand female cyclists bottoms.
January 16, 2021/by Pedalnorth Website

Magura Town and the Mountains

Magura town sits beneath the beautiful mountains, surrounded by trails in my home - Transylvania, near to the historic city of Bran. The castles neary and the forests and hills are all magical and the riding is awesome 🙂
July 12, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

Magura Peak Romania MTB

Magura Peak is a wonderful mountain bike trail route in my home - Transylvania, near to the historic city of Sibiu. It takes you through magical forests and high into the mountains, with the wild and beautiful Romanian countryside surrounding you. I love exploring and riding in the hills here, and this route is a special one to share with you 🙂
June 29, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

Ale Winter Cycling Gloves

Here’s the deal people: “It’s not over until it’s over!” Yes, the cold winds of winter will stay for a while yet, especially in the high passes and hill areas. Thankfully Alé make great cold weather gloves
March 12, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

Ale Klimatik Winter Overshoes

Cycle overshoes are simple really: they need to be waterproof, strong and stretchy, with excellent fastenings that don’t come apart
March 12, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

Alé Klimatik Winter Bib tights

Good quality cycling gear is important to me, both for performance and for style. Transylvania requires hard cycling, especially in winter and I like to challenge myself. I also like my bib tights to fit well and yes, to show off my athleticism
March 12, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

ALÉ Ladies Thermo Cycling Vest

This ALÉ ladies cycling vest or gilet sits alongside other jerseys from their range, but is just at home on a warmer day in early spring, with the long sleeved seamless baselayer as its partner.
March 12, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

Alé Future Nordik Ladies Jacket

The Alé Future Nordik Lady jacket is a superb winter garment, and extremely useful for other cold days in the hills.
March 12, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

ALÉ Ladies Seamless Wool Baselayer

Base layers have become more popular. It’s not simply about keeping you warm, as the latest garments also manage moisture and have lots of other technical features.
February 9, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website

Forests and Mountains

For me, Whinlatter was like a playground. I had so much fun on the muddy and rocky trails and riding straight into puddles. The Orange Four bike made it easier for me to enjoy the trails.
October 17, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

Sibiu and its Parks

This is a superb evening or morning ride around the outskirts of the historic city of Sibiu, home to Larisa, taking in the beautiful city park.
April 16, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

Touring Lake Balaton Part 3

So it is our last day cycling, and I was both excited and sad at the same time. We had all become great friends during our tour, led by Tamas, with Peter and Laszlo keeping us supplied with water, coke and lots and lots of humour.
March 15, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

Touring Lake Balaton Part 2

Setting off from our hotel with a larger peloton, today was to be a day of twisting roads, climbing and history, as we took a long flat road towards the rising countryside of Hungary and the magnificent Balaton area, filled with culture
March 15, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

Touring Lake Balaton Part 1

Arriving at the airport, the first thing I saw was a large sign saying #helloHungary. Speaking to Tamas, this is a drive by Hungary to promote tourism, of which cycling is a key part.
March 15, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

Romania and the Transalpina

The Transalpina is one of the most spectacular road climbs in the Carpathian Mountains and should be on every cyclists trip to Transylvania
February 19, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website

Sibiu and Transgarafasan Highway

I've cycled this route now several times, raced up it and sped down it. I've spent time in these mountains and they hold my heart, with their beauty. I know that you'll love this road too - so lets go and climb it!
February 19, 2019/by Pedalnorth Website
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