Garmin Varia RTL515 - short review

I was in Miami recently (on route home from Peru) and couldn't resist a little purchase at the Garmin store at Lincoln Road Mall.

Miami had a great vibe - everyone seemed super fit and relatively ripped - a lot of the guys had their tops off and were showing off their 6-pack. I loved running along the beachfront (see recent post).

It was quite an expensive area and there weren't many (if any) bargains, however I did find a Garmin Varia RTL515, rear light plus radar, on a special deal and even after the local tax, still at a decent discount to what I could get in the UK.

Anyway, it was a nice holiday treat so I jumped in.

My first impression is very positive - it simply provides a good visual representation of cars behind you, how fast they are approaching, when they overtake you and how many vehicles are close by. All without looking behind you. I definitely feel somewhat safer, or at least more aware of what is around me. Thumbs up, so far.

Back on home soil

Now back from an amazing, and reasonably active, holiday in Peru plus Miami.

Feeling refreshed from the break, although picked up a nasty cough in latter days, which I am still trying to shake.

Luckily my weight hasn't rocketed up, as it has done on previous holidays, when excess food (and drink) has been more of the norm. There is still some work to do on the weight front but the holiday hasn't sent me backwards (too much) on that journey, and I have returned with more vigour to continue eating more healthy and ideally getting back into the 80-82kg range.

Good news on my gravel bike build - it sounds like most of the parts are in, so hopefully I should be able to pick up in next 1-2 weeks, cross-fingers.

When in Miami I couldn't resist visiting the Garmin shop and treating myself to the Varia RTL515 rear radar/light. I need to set it up properly and will try to post a review over the coming days.

I also plan to purchase a new Garmin mount for the new bike, together with front (compatible) light - exciting!

Just logged a Peloton ride (only 30 mins) plus sauna/cold plunge. Tomorrow, I will likely go for a local run.

Run along iconic Miami beachfront

A bit of an iconic run this morning...

I am not feeling 100% (another chesty cough), however I managed an easy 30 mins along Miami beachfront, passing some classic lifeguard huts.

Later we plan an hour on the bikes (cycling across Venetian Way) and then a dip in the hotel swimming pool - is that a triathlon?

As we near the end of our amazing holiday in Peru/Miami my mind starts to switch back to my work and health goals for Q2 2025.

On the health side, I am looking forward to picking up my Kinesis gravel bike (hopefully early May) and start training for my off-road event in early July. I am also keen to do an overnight camp sometime soon.

As always (post holiday) - I need to get back to my natural eating cycle and diet. Looking forward to make some progress there too - at long last.

Saying all that, the holiday has been great - a real experience and some happy memories.

Treks in Peru

Almost done in Peru and back home soon, but via Miami, which should be fun.

Over the last week we have done 2 amazing treks in Peru - the first, a classic, 2-day hike following the Inka trail up to Machu Picchu. The views were simply stunning and what a great way to see one of the modern 'seven wonders of the world'.

Then today we have been up Rainbow Mountain (5,036m), almost the same elevation as Everest Base Camp. Another stunning trek with wonderful weather and snow-capped mountains as our background.

Fortunately we didn't struggle too much with altitude sickness, although had a bit of a headache when we finished. Generally small distances in length but throw in the elevation and both hikes were challenging.

Once in a lifetime opportunity.

An amazing MTB adventure in Peruvian mountains

I think I have just had one of my best (if not, the very best) MTB adventures. We are in Peru and opted for a 30-35km MTB tour at high altitude (3,500m+). The views were out of this world. Some of the single-track, especially the last section coming down were awesome, albeit quite tough going. Kudos to Oliver for powering ahead, and wifey Lucy, for attempting all the route - it was pretty extreme in places. However, it has created wonderful memories - being one with nature and two wheels. So lucky!

Off to Peru

Off to Peru!

Just about ready to jet off on a family adventure to Peru—can’t wait! Got an easy trail run in this morning and have been pretty active around the house, which might help offset the 17 hours of sitting on planes ahead.

Been loving the recent good weather and getting out on the bike more often. Really looking forward to the arrival of my new gravel bike in May—already dreaming of summer rides!

Hoping to squeeze in a couple of high-altitude runs while I’m in Peru, though not quite sure how I’ll handle the mountains. I’ll keep you posted!