BLOOMINGTON -- From stocking stuffers to pricy stuff, a variety of cool gear for folks involved in outdoor-related sports from fishing and camping to cycling and endurance sports is stocked on store shelves for the holidays.

Andre Conton at Vitesse Cycle/Often Running in Normal said the runner or triathlete in your life will get more out of their workouts with the Garmin 310XT. With an optional heart-rate strap, the space-age looking watch will give: instant feedback on running and cycling distance and pace; heart rate in a digital display and a graph; and burned calories.

The device also logs data from a wireless power meter if you have one on your bike. Workout analysis is a snap after data is uploaded to a computer wirelessly and automatically. Cost is $400 with a heart rate monitor, $350 without. If that's too pricey, check out the Polar F-7 heart rate monitor for $129.99.

For cyclists, winter doesn't have to be a time for wishing they were outside riding a bike. The season can actually be a great time to develop more pedal power indoors. Conton suggests a Saris Cycle-Ops magnetic trainer for $199.99. Fluid trainers run a bit more.

Scott Davis at Bloomington Cycle & Fitness at Constitution Trail and Empire Street says rollers are a hot item this season. Unlike a trainer that holds the bike stable, cyclists using rollers must learn to keep their own balance. Rollers run about $280.

"It really improves your bike handling skills," Davis said.

If they still want to ride outside, or they enjoy the sport of cyclocross, a combination of cross-country running and cycling, make sure they're dressed for the challenge.

Both Conton and Davis recommend gloves, balaclavas, and wind-proof garments, including vests, jackets and tights. Muzuno clothing (made by folks with links to Illinois Wesleyan) actually warms when wet. Davis notes cycling shoes specially designed for winter weather also are available. Footies slip over regular cycling shoes.

Shorter days mean bike lights are mandatory. Davis said studded tires are made for extreme conditions.

Trent Ballentine of the Bloomington-Normal based Zerogoo.com makes a small dryer for hydration packs to keep mold from growing inside. He also makes a "fuel injector." It goes in-line with the water tube from a hydration pack and accepts a bottle of energy drink called Human Fuel. Mountain bikers, hikers, even triathletes who use hydration packs can get a shot of liquid power. Check out the Web site for more.

Gift cards are always great to pay for a winter bike tune-up, and a good way to save some cash during these tough times. Or, give your athlete a treat after a rough year of competitions. How about a gift certificate to a day spa for a massage and makeover?

Or, rather than buying anglers another tackle box or a lure they don't need, gift cards to Bass Pro or Dick's or Cabela's always bring a smile. Or, get a gift certificate from Paul Center of Normal (309-454-8942), who custom-makes rods of their choice.

Vitesse, Bloomington Cycle, Russell's Cycling in Washington and WildCountry in Normal have major sales to kick off the holiday shopping rush on Friday.

• For divers, Dick Smith at WildCountry suggests a cool mask equipped with a 5 MB camera. It takes both stills and video underwater. Price: $120. Dakota watches have models made for specific outdoor sports, like the Angler II that includes a hook sharpener and compass. Cost ranges from $35 to about $90.

• For campers, WildCountry has the Double Hotdog Stick that rotates the meat with a turn of a thumb. For the outdoor cook, the Life Is Good series of clothing offers a T Shirt for the Grill Sergeant. One of Smith's favorites is a plastic ball that doubles as an ice cream maker. Just add ice and ingredients and have the kids play catch or kickball. The ice cream is ready when the tykes are ready to cool down.

• The SPIbelt (Small Personal Item Belt) holds personal belongings such as cell phones, Ipods, cash, keys and identification.  It's less than $20. Models include the original belt, one for men, one for kids and a new water bottle belt. Check out www.spibelt.com.

• At $40, the JuiceBar Multi-Device Solar Pocket Solar Charger allows you to charge your portable devices using the power of the sun. Included are a dozen of the most commonly used adapters for cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, portable gaming systems, and more. Check out http://cableorganizer.com/pocket-solar-charger

• Gorillapod Digital Camera Tripod uses 30 adjustable joints to grip trees, fences, or anything else handy to provide a steady and secure platform for your digital camera. Check out http://cableorganizer.com/outlet/EFL-2040915.html

• For golfers, the ScrambleScoop Golf Ball Retriever is billed as the first-ever "drive-by" golf ball retriever. The ScrambleScoop makes it easy to scoop up golf balls from a moving cart without bending, leaning or stretching. Originally designed for use in golf scrambles or "best ball" matches, it sells for $16.95. Visit www.ScrambleScoop.com.

---

Black Friday

Several area outdoor-sport retailers are hosting sales and other events on Friday, the official kick-off of the holiday shopping season:

• Vitesse/Often Running, Normal; Mike Strickley presents a basic bike maintenance class at 1 p.m. during the store's annual progressive sale. Everything in the store is 25 percent off from 8 to 10 a.m., 20 percent off from 10 a.m. to noon, and 15 percent off from noon to 6 p.m.

• Russell's Cycling and Fitness in Washington celebrates its 33rd Annual Christmas Open House. Doors open at 6 a.m. Instant rebates offered on bikes. Saturday is Family Day; get your picture taken for free with Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (doors open at 8 a.m.). Enjoy a traditional reading of The Polar Express at 11 a.m.

• Bloomington Cycle & Fitness in Bloomington and WildCountry in Normal also have sales while a joint venture between WildCountry and Vitesse/Often Running will be open for the holidays at Eastland Mall in Bloomington. It's called Tri Normal Sports.