Lifestyle with Larisa Chinces

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LARISA CHINCESA Cycling LifestyleVisit Sibiu

Lifestyle with Larisa

As somebody who spends so much time in the mountains, either biking, hiking or skiing, Larisa knows all about an adventure led lifestyle based on sports.

We thought that you’d benefit from reading the wealth of advice and information that this young athlete and sportswoman has to offer. This page is filled with useful articles, blogs and tips to help you in your own cycling lifestyle. Simply read, inwardly digest and allow Larisa to guide you on in your quest to be the best version of yourself.

Lifestyle isn’t something that we can simply buy, it’s part of who we are and we need to develop in a free and unrestricted way if we are to develop a lifestyle that is part of us. We can however take tips and advice from others along the journey, and that’s what I’m here to do – to share with you tips and advice on a variety of subjects, from fitness tips, kit tips, recipes, well-being and anything else that’s useful and good to share 🙂

Let’s take you on your own lifestyle journey then. Take a look at the blogs below, and if you’ve got any questions, then simply email me here at Pedalnorth 😉

Larisa
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Read one of Larisa’s great lifestyle blogs

Choosing the best road and offroad cycling shoes

Finding the best cycling shoes in the world is a challenge. Ultimately, we're all built differently, and that includes the uniqueness of our feet and how we use them. Add to this, that brands can't easily shout out that they probably make the best cycling shoes, then we've got an additional barrier. Time then to look at what does make a great cycling shoe even greater.
September 6, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

Mountain Biking in Romania – Europe’s last great wilderness

Transylvania, a fascinating and quite beautiful region of Romania, has been central to European history for centuries. In more modern times, we tend to think of it simply in terms of the quite false literary account of Count Dracula. In truth, there’s so much more to Transylvania than vampires
March 26, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

TRIADA and the Trilogy of the Trails

Transylvania has been described as Europe's last and most beautiful wilderness. It's also home to the inspiring mtb racer, Tudor Oprea, and he's got an all-new epic for you ride. Welcome to the 'TRILOGY OF THE TRAILS', the future of off-road adventures. This epic new off-road biking festival takes on gravel bikes, XC & trail mountain bikes, and e-mountain biking, over 3 epic weekend festivals in the Carpathian Mountains. Read here to find out more...
March 12, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

Designing Cycle Shoes for Women

In case you haven’t noticed it, women are built differently from men – it’s a fact. All too often, historically, brands have simply produced downsized products for women, and have failed either deliberately or otherwise, to recognise the physiological differences. Yes, the cycling world simply used a ‘Pink it & Shrink it’ mentally, failing to understand the specific needs of women as athletes.
September 19, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

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

Cycling to Paltinis and the city of Sibiu

It’s a year now, since I was cycling upwards, in the hills close to the historic city of Sibiu, deep in Transylvania. I returned again in winter, visiting people I regard as family, and the wonderful Sibiu Christmas market. It’s a city that’s easy to fall in love with, filled with amazing architecture, a warm ambience and some of the most beautiful mountains in Europe.
June 19, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

The Benefits of a Custom Built Bike

Approximately one year ago, I got the RedChilli WR1 Bike! What a delightful memory! I have to say that I am very content and extremely grateful for the bike. What I noticed in this period of using the RedChilli, is the importance of the correct bike fitting in long term period which assures comfort and safety.
April 23, 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

Bike Box Alan EasyFit on Team Training Camp

It can be difficult to transport the bike abroad. It’s precious and important, our bike, and we don’t want it damaged . It’s often very difficult and inconvenient to disassemble the entire bike into pieces, and then to put it in a cardboard bike box. It’s not very well protected, and complicated to transport and takes up a lot of unnecessary space. - welcome to the Easy Fit, from Bike Box Alan
February 23, 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

My Elite Red Chilli Bike

The greens of summer turn to reds and browns and a million shades, that literally light up the autumn countryside, as everything gets ready for winter and long periods of darkness.

My Red Chilli WR1 is also a object of transition and fits perfectly with the context of autumnal change, with its chameleon colours.
October 19, 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

Red Chilli and Hot Pirelli Tyres

It’s autumn and soon it will be winter. We have some sunny days, during which we can still enjoy riding in shorts, but soon it will get really cold - chilli  😉

When the temperatures do drop lower and the wet and rainy weather will be most likely, it won’t be possible to cycle outside for a while. The snow will come and for safety and for the cold, we’ll have time retreat and to cycle indoors or ski 🙂 - not so bad I guess 😉 .
September 28, 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

Red Chilli WR1 – Sitting Comfortably

Ok, now that I got your attention, we can continue with some technical aspects about my bike:

There are two really important parts to my RedChilli WR1 bike; firstly, the carbon pedals by Shimano, as they fasten to my feet and prove superb power transfer and stability when riding. Then, it’s obviously my saddle...
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

Geared Up For Summer with Red Chilli Bikes

It’s 3 months now since I started riding my RedChilli and it’s a huge difference. Having been riding a double chainring and 10 speed setup for years, I’m now on a compact 11 speed. Best of all, I have a 30 at the back too, meaning that I can spin on the hills - and yes, we have lots of hills here in Transylvania and Romania.
June 19, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Red Chilli WR1 Review Bike

Two years in the planning, Larisa'snew bike has been a labour of love for the editorial team here at Pedalnorth. Finally, our excited editor is able to ride her new dream bike, and the journey begins for Larisa, as a brand ambassador for Red Chilli Bikes.
April 22, 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

Spirit of the Hills

Some people seem to have a special bond with the mountains.It's like an addiction, they're drawn to these wild places. Robert comes from a mountaineering background, and Larisa too, also being a mountain ski tourer. Our 2 intrepid editors write about this spiritual bond with wild nature.
December 21, 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

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

TRANSFĂGĂRĂȘAN CHALLENGE

“ I can’t describe the feeling when I’m cycling on this road, it’s something special and unique. When you are there you get amazed by the landscape and the more you climb, the tougher it gets, but it’s worth every pedal! The effort to pedal this road is really a challenge, more like a challenge with yourself."
April 1, 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

Voom Energy Bars

Portable, easy to eat and chew, sweet but non sticky and suuuper tasty - these are the perfect characteristics that every energy bar should have. Food is fuel. The right energy bar under the right circumstances can be crucial in a race or ride. The Voom bars are designed to provide quick energy burst during exercise, that’s why they are high in carbohydrates, which are easily digested and absorbed quickly into the bloodstream - this can be good if you are on a 3-hour bike ride or racing, and out in the mountains here in Transylvania.
October 8, 2020/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

Romania 5 Top Cycling Climbs

There are places in the world that are not only still relatively undiscovered, but that also have road cycling climbs that rank alongside any cycling climbs in the world - welcome to Romania cycling, or to be precise - it's time to be transfixed by Transylvania!
June 7, 2020/by Pedalnorth Website
Larisa Chinces

Larisa Chinces Cycling Journey

My love for sport began since I was a child; I was a very energetic and my parents guided me to practice speed skating, which is not really a popular sport here in my country. I started to be really good at it and had remarkable results.
December 10, 2019/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

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
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