BLOOMINGTON - Santa's helpers have made sure there are lots of presents for outdoor types, from the inexpensive to ones that cost a bit more. Many Americans parked their cars and rode bikes to work because of high fuel prices earlier this year.

RoadBikeRider.com reported commuter cycling in New York City jumped 35 percent jump just this year. At the same time, bikes suited for commuting sold like ice cream in August. Even with cheaper gasoline, experts doubt motorists will return to business as usual next spring. Too many people discovered the advantages that cycling brings to the pocketbook and the waistline.

As a result, shelves at bike shops are full of accessories that would make great gifts, according to avid cyclist Doug Oehler. He practices what he preaches.

He commutes to his job at Vitesse Cycle and Fitness in Normal by bicycle when weather allows.

Bike racks and bags help commuters carry stuff, he said.

"One of the big things in commuting has been bags that hold laptops," said Oehler, holding one made by Axiom

Performance Gear. It's waterproof and cushioned to avoid damage. Cost: $99.99.

Commuters also worry about personal hygiene if their companies don't provide showers, he said. The Jet Pack Showerless Cleanup Kit includes a washcloth, towel and a spritzer all contained in a carry case for about $26.

Other ideas include headlights, bright taillights and bells. If your cyclist doesn't have a bike helmet, show them you care and buy one.

Many good brands will protect the noggin, but Bloomington Cycle and Fitness has Uvex helmets with flashing lights on top for more visibility, said store manager Scott Davis.

Looking for a high-end present for a cyclist?

Consider the Helmet Hero, a camera that attaches to bike helmets. It takes two hours of video or a still digital photo every five seconds up to 1,400 images. The unit can record sound and is waterproof. It's compatible with both PCs and MacIntosh. Cost is $169.99.

In keeping with the season, both Oehler and Davis suggest indoor trainers, so bike lovers can keep pedaling and maintain their base fitness through the winter. They mount their bikes on them and spin. Prices start at about $169.

Clothes are another big gift item no matter what the sport.

Wool is good for winter wear because the material keeps users both warm and dry, said Davis. Think socks. Gloves are another perfect gift along with headwear, like baklavas.

If you have a runner in your life, Often Running in the same building as Vitesse has an Amphipod RunLite Hydration belt that carries two bottles for energy drinks and a zippered pocket for food - perfect for runners, triathletes and people who like to walk or hike. Cost is $44.

Across the street at WildCountry, hikers, campers, anglers and others would appreciate a place to rest now and then.

The GCI PackSeat is a tripod chair that collapses for storing in a bag about 12 inches long.

People who maneuver over snow and ice, such as winter hikers and ice fishermen, could use the YakTrax, a lightweight addition to your boots that prevents slips.

A Normal-based company called ZeroGoo has created a fan attachment that dries out a Camelbak hydration system to avoid bad things from growing due to moisture inside. Cost is $40.

Learn more at www.zerogoo.com.

People who like camping in the cold or who just like warm feet can find a use for Tent Booties, down-filled slippers for camping or even home wear. They start at $40.

The Eco-Travel Bag is a perfect stocking stuffer for someone who wants to save the forests or keep plastic storage bags out of landfills.

They hold everything from groceries to swim gear. They're just $15.

Got to make a call far from anywhere?

The Sidewinder will recharge a cell phone by cranking a handle. It's $25. Or, the Turbocharger works with AA batteries to produce two hours of talk time.

If something for the wrist is more what you had in mind, Sunnto makes a variety of high-tech instruments for athletes, including one that includes a heart rate monitor that calculates the number of calories you've burned. Cost: $99 at WildCountry. The same company also makes one does more, including telling climbers how high they are, counts the number of ski runs made, calculates the slope angle, gives a weather forecast and works as a compass. All that comes for $369. Vitesse also carries Polar heart rate monitors, including one that will sync with the treadmill at the gym for $150.

For anglers, nothing says love like a custom-made fishing rod by Paul Center at Normal.

Get a gift certificate and let your angler work with Center to design the exact one they need. Call (309) 454-8942.

Anyone who enjoys an outdoor activity, whether fishing, cycling, hunting, hiking or kayaking, can use a GPS.

For fishing, the GPS functions can take you back to your favorite fishing holes time and again.

Your friends can even give you the GPS coordinates of a spot they found and the unit will direct you right there. For cyclists, the new Garmin 605 can map your ride, give your speed and distance and heart rate. It can even remember how fast you did a route on an earlier ride and put a moving cyclist (you) on the screen to race again.

Download your training information into your computer to track your progress. Suggested retail price is $400, but units have been available for as low as $285 on line. Check out www.garmin.com.

Give them something to read and help out the beleaguered Illinois Department of Natural Resources, too.

For $15, subscribe to IDNR's monthly magazine, Outdoor Illinois.

It has features on state parks (at least the ones still open), hunting and fishing information, tips and more.

Order toll free at (800) 720-3249 or online at www.dnr.state.il.us/OI.