cyclingforu

As a long-time snowboarder, I feel especially well-equipped to engage the question, "Why has snowboarding's popularity exploded in the last decade or so?" The rise of snowboarding, particularly in teenage riders, has largely mirrored the rise of skateboarding, the concrete equivalent of the winter sport. Like pyramids, both contain wide bases of casual riders that taper off to a small group of professionals doing gravity defying maneuvers at the top. The two differ in that snowboarding is far more enjoyable even when enjoyed only on its base level. On a snowboard, with some practice, almost anyone can experience the cool air fly by their face as they smoothly glide through silent drifts of snow. Skateboarding on the other hand, is relatively unrewarding when used only as a mode of transportation. Skateboarding and snowboarding are not directly competing though, since many riders embrace both, switching between the two with the changing seasons. Snowboarding's real com...

The long, cold winter months can make it hard to keep your family active and entertained. It's all too easy to let kids while away the hours in front of the television or video game console when their warm-weather outdoor activities aren't available. A vacation to the beach or somewhere else warm certainly has its appeals, but that can mean a long, expensive trip just to sit on a crowded patch of sand. Why not try something different this winter? If you're willing to embrace the cold and explore your winter sport options, you just may discover your family's new favorite pastime. A vacation to the mountains in winter offers countless opportunities for fun, entertainment and exercise. The most popular endeavors, of course, are skiing and snowboarding. A day on the slopes is about as great as it gets; the wind in your hair as you glide over the straight-aways, the crunch of snow under your boots as you carve down the bumpy runs, the mountain sun on your face and the breath...

Do you wish that you and your family were more active during the cold winter months, but find that you have trouble breaking your loved ones out of their annual hibernation? Perhaps you're just tired of feeling like you're snowbound?A winter sports vacation might be just the thing to get you out of the house and into the great outdoors. Winter sports are not just great exercise, they're great fun that the entire family can enjoy. Alpine Skiing When people think of winter sports, they most often think of skiing, and it's no wonder why. Skiing is the classic winter sport, and there are so many different ways to ski that there's bound to be something for everyone. Most people are familiar with alpine skiing, also called downhill skiing, in which you coast down the slope of a mountain or hillside trail. Alpine skiing is the most popular form of the sport, and you can find recreational and competitive varieties at most ski resorts around the world. Snowboarding Snowboard...

When it comes to winter sports there is nothing quite as thrilling as snowboarding. Despite the fact that snowboarding has a history that is relatively short it has grown into something incredible and is easily the most popular winter sport throughout the world. Not too long ago snowboarding was actually considered not nearly as appealing as skiing. Ski enthusiasts at one point felt as if they completely commanded all of the icy slopes. At that time snowboarding fans were not found very easily. In recent times things have changed drastically. The majority of resorts in the modern world encourage people to take part in both snowboarding and skiing. So how did snowboarding actually gain as much popularity as it has today? Right from the beginning most people understood that snowboarding was getting positioned to become something that is much more than a simple sporting activity. For most people it is hard to think of snowboarding as exercise because it is so incredibly fun. Most people v...

For many months of the year, much of the United States is covered in a blanket of snow and freezing cold temperatures. Many people choose to stay inside where it is warm and then there are the extremists that love to go out into the freezing temperatures and ride on snowboards. Snowboarding has become so popular for a number of reasons. The sport has grown so dramatically in the recent past mainly due to the Olympics. Snowboarding has had a huge draw of spectators and people simple revel in the thought of being able to do anything that those athletes do. Many people enjoy the sport because it truly is challenging to be really great at it but it is also simple enough that most people can at least enjoy themselves when they are out on the board. The other significant impact on snowboarding has been the push for people to improve their physical well-being. Snowboarding requires a huge amount of cardiovascular exercise so it is a great way to get the people in the snow belts of America off...

The higher the cost of gas goes, the higher the sales of bikes. You may have decided that cycling to work costs a lot less than driving and many people are finding it's a healthy alternative to waiting for a bus or driving. The higher the cost of gas, the safer the roads get too, with less people on them. For whatever reason you have decided to use your bicycle there is always one big problem - what to do with it when it's not in use. A wall mounted bike rack is an ideal solution. If you have kids, you probably already have to deal with their bicycles and with so many Americans using their garages and sheds for storage, there's less room to store a bicycle. If it's becoming a big problem, roll up your garage doors and take a look at the space on the walls - if you don't have shelving all around your garage, chances are you have room for a wall mounted bike rack. There are many different kinds of wall mounted bike racks to choose from. Some you simply install at gr...

The higher the cost of gas goes, the higher the sales of bikes. You may have decided that cycling to work costs a lot less than driving and many people are finding it's a healthy alternative to waiting for a bus or driving. The higher the cost of gas, the safer the roads get too, with less people on them. For whatever reason you have decided to use your bicycle there is always one big problem - what to do with it when it's not in use. A wall mounted bike rack is an ideal solution. If you have kids, you probably already have to deal with their bicycles and with so many Americans using their garages and sheds for storage, there's less room to store a bicycle. If it's becoming a big problem, roll up your garage doors and take a look at the space on the walls - if you don't have shelving all around your garage, chances are you have room for a wall mounted bike rack. There are many different kinds of wall mounted bike racks to choose from. Some you simply install at gr...

Do you love to ride your bike and have been thinking about taking a bike tour in Europe? Do you have a group of friends that like to ride as well? Are you a member of a bike club? Have you dreamed of riding like a pro in Europe? All of these are good scenarios for a custom bike tour. Here are 5 of the top reasons you should consider one for your next vacation: Your Itinerary: You set the schedule. You don't have to work around someone else's itinerary. You tell the bike tour operator what you would like to do and where you'd like to go, then the tour operator will work with you to create a trip that fits you and your interests. This can be particularly attractive to groups that have serious riders and non-riding partners. With a custom itinerary, you can balance the trip to work with both groups and perhaps even design it so that there are specific, separate activities for both groups. That way everyone is happy. Your Dates: Do you have specific days you'd like to tra...

Being a doting parent and watching your weight or keeping yourself fit are two things that are not supposed to contradict each other. However, you will surely find out soon that finding time for you to exercise can be tough, especially if your toddler insists that you are always around him. There is one good option that you can try; buy a bike trailer for your child. With a bicycle, you toddler can actually ride with you as bike around the park and try shedding off some fats that you may have gained when you were still pregnant. Here are some things to consider when buying one. • Cost - As a consumer, the very first thing that may come to mind when buying a bike trailer is the price. Indeed, you should try to find one that is not very expensive. However, you should also be careful not to compromise good quality. It is not advisable to buy a low quality bicycle trailer just because it is cheap. • Durability - Durability is a very important factor. You must remember that your child will...

If you love to ride and enjoy doing it for long hours, it is highly recommended that you get yourself a road bicycle. These are specially designed for racing and long rides that you do on pavements. They are often very light and easy to handle and they are designed in such a way that aids in comfort for those long riding marathons, if you are a fan. Body: If you love to ride and enjoy doing it for long hours, it is highly recommended that you get yourself a road bicycle. These are specially designed for racing and long rides that you do on pavements. They are often very light and easy to handle and they are designed in such a way that aids in comfort for those long riding marathons, if you are a fan. Road bikes or cycling bikes as they are sometimes called have a number of features and in order for you to choose the right one; you need to know what to look for when buying the them of your choice. In order for you to find the ideal cycling bikes, you need to focus on areas of the bike ...

Boston has a great cycling event, the Hub On Wheels. Begun in 2005 it's designed to promote cycling and fitness, showcase different areas of the city, and to raise money. Over 6,000 riders joined the event in 2011. With so many riders, the streets can get crowded. Most people practice safe riding, and the course is well managed. There are people to help guide you in the right direction, to direct traffic at busy intersections, and to help you fix your bike if you run into mechanical problems. The most common mechanical problem is, of course, the flat tire. Though it's never fun to get a flat, it can be fun to watch a professional mechanic fix it in a matter of minutes. Storrow Drive, a major thoroughfare, is closed to traffic. Only to cyclists have access on the morning of the event. Riding along this road, normally off limits to cyclists, is a lot of fun. It's an opportunity that not too many people get, and it's interesting to see the city from this perspective. This...

You do not get to buy bike trailers very often. In fact, it is very probable that you get to buy only once in your lifetime, especially if you have no plans in having more than one kid. This is the reason why, if you are already in the process of getting a bike, you may as well make sure that you employ the right steps in purchasing the perfect one. 1. Familiarize yourself with this kind of product. You can do some research on the internet or you can visit the shops or malls nearest to you where these are available. The intention though is not to buy just yet but to learn more about these products. 2. Read reviews on bicycle trailers and listen to what others have to say regarding the potential mountain bike trailer choices. If you browse the internet, you will surely find out that there are many websites that offer objective reviews about bicycle. Read the pros and cons of the different brands and models so that you will have an idea on which to buy. 3. Find out if the potential...

Bike carrier selections have ensured that bike enthusiast can explore further afield and enjoy different areas. When you enjoy riding your bike, you will want to ensure that you get the most from it, and be able to transport it with ease. There are several different styles of bike rack to choose, however, the most popular are the hitch mount and the roof mount styles. Both of these are excellent, however, you will need to consider several things before rushing out to purchase one. Things To Answer Before Buying Once you have decided that you want to purchase a bike rack , there are several different elements which you need to consider. These include: Style of the vehicle which you own Distance you want to travel Will it be a solo bike, or several If your vehicle is already fitted with a tow hitch Ease of lifting your bike Budget Different Styles Two of the most popular bike carrier styles that are available are the roof mount and hitch mount, and both have several disadvantages and adv...

Most full time parents have spent their time taking care of their children that they have forgotten their own self. It is just normal to gain weight during pregnancy but most women are not able to shed the extra pounds because they don't have time to go to the gym. But you don't have to go to the gym if you want to lose weight. One of the best examples is by buying a bike trailer for your toddler to enjoy. You will be able to enjoy the sights while having a bonding moment with your child. You will be able to do a lot of things with just a simple bike trailer. Spending time with your beloved toddler will help in making them feel loved and you will also have time for yourself to stay fit. Biking around the park will make your toddler enjoy the whole day, looking at the view while you get the work out. But in buying there are certain factors to consider, making sure that you are buying the right one. Here are the following factors to consider: · Cost- the most important part of bu...

A bike accident is always serious and often involves serious injury. Fatal bike accidents are very difficult for the people who are left behind. Many times, it is not really clear about what caused the accident, or just what happened to their loved one. However, if your loved one was in a fatal bicycle accident, you should get the police report right away. Then you should contact an attorney who is familiar with bicycle accidents. This should be done as soon as possible. You do not want to run the risk of the wrongful death statute of limitations expiring. This way facts can be reviewed to see if maybe a defective bicycle part was at fault, or if it was the driver's fault. It may have been the roadway that contributed to the accident. Perhaps it had a rut in the road. Many factors may need to be considered. Make sure that you keep any evidence for the attorney . Items such as the bicycle, the helmet, anything that was there. Your attorney will obtain any pictures of the scene of th...

If you do cycling workouts and have ever done stomps, you may think I'm crazy when I say this, but I've always liked them. They're extremely tough but appeal to that twisted part of me that enjoys hard training. If you're an outdoor cyclist or an indoor cycling instructor, you probably have that part, too. Stomps are designed to increase power in the saddle . Chris Carmichael is generally given credit for them; his guidelines involve 20-second stomp intervals outdoors. The indoor program I taught followed the format below. Because stomps are difficult and can stress knees and lower back, a solid warm-up is essential. Roll the legs for several minutes, then run this pattern several times: 2:00 seated at 110-120 rpm; 1:00 of 80-rpm standing runs; 1:00 seated with resistance at 80 rpm; 1:00 of recovery at 90 rpm. A stomp interval is 60 seconds; recovery is 60 seconds. Allow 25 minutes or more for a set of 5, a 5-minute break, and another set. The break can be longer. Resis...

Today, I talked with a gal who was in one of the local cycling clubs and she lamented to me about how she was riding a "Double" and there were significant hills involved. What is a 'double' you ask? Well, it is a 200-miles or 200-kilometers (120 miles). So, it's not for wimps and being a woman, that's a long way on a bicycle, and the routes are often designed by masochists who try to bury the riders in their own blood, sweat and tears. Nice huh? Hardcore cyclists are a little nuts but these endurance riders compete for bragging rights - got the T-shirt? Show me. In any case, in this mountainous kick-your-ass cycling event with so many hills and so much climbing, you can understand she rode her body into the ground, and on the last hill, which she didn't know, she just couldn't go on any further, she had "bonked" out. Bonking Out is when your body is totally depleted and you just cannot go on. You are too tired to get off the bike , too tired ...

When you ride your bike a considerable amount of time, it's a given that the cycle will eventually break down just from constant use. Tires pop frequently, pedals break, steering becomes misaligned and pedals break, among other things. While these breakdowns are sometimes inevitable, there are certain maintenance tips that can be performed to extend the life of the bike for the longest stretch possible: Store the Bike Indoors One of the biggest culprits to poor bicycle function is exposure to rain and snow. This moisture corrodes the moving parts of a bicycle which leads to a shorter life span and a less pleasant riding experience. Even storing a bike underneath shelter but in an uninsulated shed or under an awning could be hazardous to the chain, frame, and brakes of the bike. The easiest tip of maintenance is to store your bike in a climate controlled area when the weather turns. Clean and Grease the Seat Post There's nothing more than seeing a perfectly functional and immacu...

For car owners the stark reality is that some of the problems and issues that their vehicle happens upon have no choice but to be fixed by a service technician. Fortunately though with a bike, there's almost no problem that can't be fixed in a DIY fashion. In fact it's the responsibility of a bicycle rider to learn how to fix common quirks on their own in the event of a breakdown far away from home or on a trail. Get acquainted with how to fix these common biking problems and expand your knowledge base from there: Squealing Brakes On the bright side, at least squealing brakes mean that they're working. On the other hand it's also a sign that some portion of the bike may need maintenance and the squeal can be quite annoying as you're cruising through town. The first step is to clean the braking surface from any oil or grime that has made it's way there. If that doesn't work you can try and reposition the brakes so that either the front or back part of the...

There's perhaps no other ride on the road where safety is more crucial than on a bicycle. For instance cars and trucks have built in dashboard codes and alerts that warn drivers if a tire is low or the brakes are failing. Even if a car were to malfunction, there is an emergency brake and a solid interior and exterior to at least protect the driver from serious injury. Unfortunately a bicycle has none of these and the safety of each cruise is the responsibility of the rider. These 10 checks should become a mandatory routine as soon as the bike is wheeled out for the day. 1) Check If Rear Wheel Is Secure They're generally designed as a convenience but a quick-release lever on the rear wheel can be a disaster if it comes loose during a ride. Because of this it's important to check to make sure the lever is secure and tight as are any bolts if the wheel attaches in a more conventional way. Ensuring the rear wheel is secure only takes a second, but it can be a lifesaver. 2) Pluc...

1. How Many Bikes Need to be Transported? There is a world of difference between a bachelor who plans to hit the trail every weekend and a businesswoman who has to transport a large number of bikes every day. The bachelor will probably be best served by a strap-on, trunk-mounted carrier, while the businesswoman will probably need a hitch-mounted rack or something more specialized. 2. Does the Rack Need to be Moved from One Vehicle to Another? Certain carriers, such as roof-mounted types , are not suitable for situations where they have to be moved frequently from one vehicle to another. In such cases, hitch-mounted or strap-on racks are a much better choice. 3. How Secure is it? A roof mounted carrier or one that can be locked in the trunk of a vehicle may be the best choice for those planning to travel to areas that are not secure. 4. How Much Are Buyers Willing to Spend? Carrier prices can vary dramatically, from tens of dollars to several hundreds. This is the result of several fact...

There are three main types of bike carriers; hitch mounted, strap on and roof mounted. Each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Hitch-mounted racks These attach to a hitch at the back of the vehicle. There are two types. • Class I carriers are compatible with a large number of cars and small Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Depending on the design, they can hold up to three bikes. • Class III carriers are designed for use with pickups and large SUVs. They can hold a larger number of bikes than Class I racks. Unfortunately, they cannot be used on smaller vehicles without expensive modifications. These carriers are extremely easy to install, and there is generally less chance of accidentally scratching the paint off a vehicle while mounting bikes. However, without proper installation, they can block rear windows, increasing the possibility of causing accidents while reversing, or cover license plates, which is considered illegal in many jurisdictions. Strap-on trunk-mo...

Haven't yet decided whether to buy a carbon clincher wheel set? Well, here are 2 reasons that can convince you to buy one: I. Aerodynamics A major difference between traditional aluminum rims and carbon clincher wheels is the aerodynamic design. Extruding deep aluminum rims is quite difficult, and even if successful, they would be quite heavy. This isn't the case with carbon wheels. Carbon clinchers can be found with rims ranging from 50mm, 60 mm and 80 mm. Such designs can play a critical role in wheel aerodynamics, especially in high speed races. Moreover, the added depth is free of unnecessarily greater weight, which would be the case with hybrid carbon/aluminum wheel sets. Aerodynamic features aren't just limited to the rims, since the shape of an entire wheel can include special designs features that further enhance this. Such designs include wheel discs, normally installed as the back wheel. If you haven't noticed, expert riders always ensure that they don't ...

For several months while riding these trails, I carried my own sandwich lunches after light breakfasts at home. Later, I began sampling a few of the town cafes for brunches or lunches. These restful re-energizing meals enhanced the pleasure of my rides considerably. Most of these cafes, listed by town, do lunch and dinner, and do not open until 11-am. I've pointed out the ones that open early for a hearty breakfast, some served all day. Ottawa (population 13,000) Several cafes along the north-south Main Street one-block east of the trail: Chinese buffet, Italian, American, Mexican, BBQ, bar-grill, pizza, fast-food, dairy, and 24-hour convenience stores. For breakfast, recommend a 24-hour convenience store near the Old Depot Museum trailhead at the north end of the business district. Also, the Chinese buffet one-block NE of this trailhead across the street (serves American breakfast), along with an 8-am bakery on the NW corner of the town-square. Princeton (300) An adjacent conveni...

Tryout Preparation Tryouts are the most important event of the year. In order to have the best squad possible, the cheerleaders need to be chosen wisely. The simplest tryouts have a group floor cheer and solo jumps, floor cheer, and sidelines. Every coach has the opportunity to choose what tryouts consist of and what order to do them in. Before tryouts begin, you need to get information put together to give to the potential cheerleaders and their parents. Included in this information needs to be an application form, a permission form to be signed by parents, information about the upcoming season, and a copy of the evaluation forms used in tryouts. When you give the information to the potential cheerleaders, there must be a meeting scheduled with the parents. During this meeting, it is very important to get major points across to the girls and their parents. You must make sure the parents understand the costs of cheerleading, the attendance requirements, and what you are going to expect...

There are a number of factors involved in producing a high quality cheerleading uniform such as material and style, but the most important part of every uniform starts with the shoes. Stunting shoes offer a higher amount of support while still looking great on the field or floor. Find a pair that is comfortable and snug for the best fit, and always tie those laces. These shoes have sturdy grips for other cheerleaders to hold for essential moves such as cradles. While every cheerleader may not have what it takes to be a flyer, each leader contributes their part to the team and wears the same uniform. Confidence and attitude go a long way, but having the right team player spirit is essential. Wearing the right clothes when practicing is a good idea as well. Flexible tights, shorts or skirts with shorts built in, good shoes, sports bra, and headbands are all great for practicing new moves and staying in shape. On game day it's a different story. The teams cheerleading uniform has to b...

Since its origination at the University of Minnesota in 1889 cheerleading has drastically evolved. Where once cheerleading was considered only a hobby, it is now considered a sport and many people choose to dedicate their lives to it. With cheerleading's history cheerleaders have many expectations to live up to. Cheerleading is a sport that must stay in tune with the changes in trends and style. From changing the music of their routine to the most popular song of the time, and even changing their cheer wear to fit popular trends; cheerleading changes a lot on a regular basis. Currently appropriate cheer wear can be separated into three categories; uniforms, shoes, and accessories. While the style of all of these things can change from squad to squad, the same basic design and purpose applies to all squads. Cheerleading uniforms are essential for expressing team spirit and providing an overall consistency throughout the entire squad. Shoes assist cheerleaders in executing the perfec...

One the season has gotten underway, it's time to start getting down to the creative things: Cheers, Stunts, and Formations. Have you ever sat down and tried to write a cheer? It isn't always an easy task. STEP ONE: Pick the type of cheer. The first thing you have to do is decide whether you want a short chant or a longer floor cheer. If you decide you want a floor cheer, you have to choose on one with or without a stunt. For chants during time outs, it is best to stick to short phrases and repeat them at least three times through. It can be anything from chanting "Go, Fight, Win" during a time out, to a longer cheer with a couple lines. Regardless, you need to repeat the lines in order to get the crowd involved. Floor cheers take a little more effort. Once you decide whether or not you are going to make a cheer with a stunt, you can pick the ending. With a stunt: the most common ending is a repeated phrase. Without a stunt: The repeated phrase at the end is not necess...

For the successful cheerleader, stretching is a vitally important part of their craft. With proper stretching techniques, you'll see your performances benefit and your injuries deter. Believe it or not, leg injuries are often the result of a lack of stretching or even stretching incorrectly. Perhaps the most important muscle for today's cheerleader is the hamstring. Basket tosses, pike jumps, stunts, toe touches, and split leaps will all benefit from its maximum flexibility. If you're unfamiliar with the hamstring, it is the large grouping of muscles that run through the back of your thigh. There are two parts to the hamstring, the inner and the outer, and it is important to stretch both. In fact, most injuries occur when only one part is being stretched. Here are some different ways to stretch your hamstring. Try them out! 1. Seated Hamstring Stretch. Sit on the floor with your legs straight out. Then, keeping a straight back, stretch down and bring your ribs forward. Make...

Cycling is definitely having the best of both worlds. You can exercise while you are having fun. It is a great technique to run errands, get to work or have a back country trail. In addition, there are other quests to try like touring or racing. Whatever is your objective, you have a few bicycle options to get to your destination. So what is the right bike for you? The follow-up question is, what is your principal riding style? First things first. Where will you be riding your bike? On pavement? On dirt trails? Or both? A few bicycles are made specially for an appropriate kind of riding exterior . On the other hand, some are multifaceted. All it takes is an agile tire change. As a result, it can be ridden in more than one classification. Now let us get started. Here are a few different kinds of bikes. 1. Road bikes are best used in pavements. They are lighter than the classic mountain or comfort bike. They are good for numerous pavement uses like commuting, fitness riding, long-distanc...

Finding the right bicycle saddle is crucial since this greatly affects the rider's comfort and performance in their ride. Picking the right saddle is actually challenging for all riders regardless of their weight and size. For heavy riders however, the additional weight and pressure put on the seat may cause discomfort and strain. Here are a few things heavy riders may want to consider in choosing a saddle for cycling comfort. Consider the width of the saddle. The idea of the saddle is to support the two "sit bones" to keep the rider balanced on the bike . Heavy riders may want to consider choosing a slightly wider saddle for better support and comfort on their backside but not too wide as this may cause chaffing or rubbing. Consider the saddle pad. It is a misconception that the best saddle pads are those that are soft and thick. While these types of pads can be comfortable in the beginning, these can cause excessive heat as these absorb much pressure from the rider'...

Bicycles are not the casual riding mechanisms that they used to be. You may think of them as your preferred method of childhood transportation, sailing the streets with your friends until you had to come home for dinner. Today, the old pastime has become much more than a pastime. For many people, it is a sport. There are many different types of professional sports out there, and each rider requires a very specific design to allow for the type of riding they do. Here are some of the most popular forms of riding and what sets each type apart. BMX BMX is one of the most popular types of extreme riding. The sport is broken up into different categories, which include dirt, ramp, racing, street, and flatland . Each of these subcategories has its own specialized bikes, but in general, there are a few things you should look for. First of all, look for a frame that is made out of a chromium alloy. This is a metal that most good BMX frames are made out of. It is a lightweight material that is al...

Racing and performing various off road stunts and tricks needs a typical kind of a bike that can withstand the effects of harsh riding. Freestyle BMX bikes are designed specifically for stunting and racing activities. These bikes are manufactured with light weight and high quality material that can be easily handled over different disciplines. Tires of bikes are wide up to 24 inches that enable the freestyle riders to perform stunts and tricks proficiently with great convenience. Competition for quality and variety is rising rapidly among different manufacturers and suppliers of bikes. Different models of freestyle BMX bikes have touched great heights in delivering high quality performance features. Among a wide range of models and categories, it may be little bit difficult and time consuming to choose the right type of bike. This confusion can sometimes lead to the possibility of selecting the wrong option. Therefore, it is very essential to have sufficient knowledge about certain fa...