Posts Tagged ‘Mountain Biking’

Q and A Cycling

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

When is the last time you hopped on a bicycle? For most adults it has been years but riding a bicycle is an excellent physical activity. It not only helps you get in shape but it also lets you view sights you might not otherwise get to see if you confine yourself to vehicles. You can even turn it into a vacation. Cycling has risen in popularity immensely over the last decade. There are marathon events held in practically every city and has even turned into a highly watched sporting event. But before you hop on that bicycle there are some things you need to know. This article will cover the basic questions you may have about riding and even give you some information if you want to turn that casual bike ride around the neighborhood into something more serious.

How can I get in shape for cycling?

Most people take up cycling to get into shape. Just the sheer physical force needed to propel the bicycle is enough to give most people an effective workout. It is why you see stationary bikes in gyms. But if you are interesting in competitive riding in marathons and such you have to do more than just ride your bike. You will definitely need weight training and plenty of cardiovascular exercises that work many muscle groups. You can start off by combining your typical ride with a workout class. The aerobic activity will teach you breathing exercises which will come in very handy during long, or particularly tough, rides.

If I intend to go mountain biking, do I need to take a friend?

Some people do go mountain biking alone but that is extremely dangerous. Granted, depending on the day and weather conditions there are sure to be other people riding the trails. But what if there is not? Some trails are quite a ways from the parking lot or nearest cell tower so if you were to have an accident you could be left alone and in pain until someone comes along. It is always better to be safe than sorry. If you do not have any friends that mountain bike then you may want to consider joining a local cycling club. That way you have someone to go riding with and do not have to risk going up and down trails on your own.

I want to go on a long distance cycling trip. What do I need to know first?

The first thing you need to know about long distance cycling trips is the terrain and the local area. If you are travelling to an area you are not familiar with you need to do a bit of research. Some people even Mapquest their entire route if they are taking highways and paved roads. This way they know where it is safe to stop. A second thing you should definitely consider is going with a friend or relative. The friend can drive and keep most of the supplies with him or her. This means that your bike is not burdened down and it also means that if you run into some mechanical trouble you can always have a ride. You need to also consider the weather in the area you are going to be biking. That will help you plan accordingly as to what you should wear. Most cyclists try to wear gear that is lightweight but can protect them from the elements. You also need to decide if you are going to make it a trip where you camp out each night or stay in a motel. It really all depends on what your idea of a long distance biking trip actually is and how long it will take you to reach your destination.

Is it possible to take a cycling vacation in a foreign country?

More and more people are turning to cycling as a way to take a vacation and get to take in the local scenery at a much slower pace. So taking a bike tour of a foreign country is rising in popularity. Twenty years ago the rage was to backpack through a foreign country. Today it is bicycling. You just have to remember that customs and travelling rules may be different there than it is where you live and adjust your ride accordingly. If you are looking to save money and get to see sights that you typically would not see then this is a great idea. If you are interested in taking a bike tour then you may want to join a biking group both at home and in the country you will be visiting. Your fellow bikers can give you loads of tips about where to stay and what you should be on the lookout for while riding your bike.

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Q and A Cycling

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

When is the last time you hopped on a bicycle? For most adults it has been years but riding a bicycle is an excellent physical activity. It not only helps you get in shape but it also lets you view sights you might not otherwise get to see if you confine yourself to vehicles. You can even turn it into a vacation. Cycling has risen in popularity immensely over the last decade. There are marathon events held in practically every city and has even turned into a highly watched sporting event. But before you hop on that bicycle there are some things you need to know. This article will cover the basic questions you may have about riding and even give you some information if you want to turn that casual bike ride around the neighborhood into something more serious.

What is cycling?

Cycling is nothing more than getting on a bicycle and pedaling. That is the short answer. Usually when you hear that particular word it is more often than not associated with serious hobbyist and competitive riders. It is not that the everyday, average Joe or Jane does not like to take a bike ride around town. But sometimes there is confusion. For some a bike ride means travelling on a motorcycle. But the original use of the term was to indicate a physical activity on a bicycle. It really is that simple. You hop on the bike and move the pedals to reach whatever destination you have in mind.

If I intend to go mountain biking, do I need to take a friend?

Some people do go mountain biking alone but that is extremely dangerous. Granted, depending on the day and weather conditions there are sure to be other people riding the trails. But what if there is not? Some trails are quite a ways from the parking lot or nearest cell tower so if you were to have an accident you could be left alone and in pain until someone comes along. It is always better to be safe than sorry. If you do not have any friends that mountain bike then you may want to consider joining a local cycling club. That way you have someone to go riding with and do not have to risk going up and down trails on your own.

I want to go on a long distance cycling trip. What do I need to know first?

The first thing you need to know about long distance cycling trips is the terrain and the local area. If you are travelling to an area you are not familiar with you need to do a bit of research. Some people even Mapquest their entire route if they are taking highways and paved roads. This way they know where it is safe to stop. A second thing you should definitely consider is going with a friend or relative. The friend can drive and keep most of the supplies with him or her. This means that your bike is not burdened down and it also means that if you run into some mechanical trouble you can always have a ride. You need to also consider the weather in the area you are going to be biking. That will help you plan accordingly as to what you should wear. Most cyclists try to wear gear that is lightweight but can protect them from the elements. You also need to decide if you are going to make it a trip where you camp out each night or stay in a motel. It really all depends on what your idea of a long distance biking trip actually is and how long it will take you to reach your destination.

Is it possible to take a cycling vacation in a foreign country?

More and more people are turning to cycling as a way to take a vacation and get to take in the local scenery at a much slower pace. So taking a bike tour of a foreign country is rising in popularity. Twenty years ago the rage was to backpack through a foreign country. Today it is bicycling. You just have to remember that customs and travelling rules may be different there than it is where you live and adjust your ride accordingly. If you are looking to save money and get to see sights that you typically would not see then this is a great idea. If you are interested in taking a bike tour then you may want to join a biking group both at home and in the country you will be visiting. Your fellow bikers can give you loads of tips about where to stay and what you should be on the lookout for while riding your bike.

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Road Cycling Interesting For Athletes

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Just about every motorist has had the experience of being stuck in traffic and seeing a group of cyclists whizzing past them on their fancy bikes and the latest in bike accessories and gear. Just about everywhere you go these days there is plenty of evidence of the fact that road cycling in enjoying a real increase in popularity and that more and more people than ever are getting into cycling.

Sometimes when we observe adventure cycling riders sailing along the side of the road it is easy to think that cycling is just a breeze and that it is so simple and easy that just anyone can do it. The truth of the matter is that those who are serious about their recreational cycling have put in a great deal of work in training in order to make it look easy to the casual observer. These avid cyclists are typically dedicated athletes.

Of course, there are all levels of road cycling and people of just about all ages and ability levels can get involved. Those who are new to the sport and who are not as fit can get bikes built for comfort and can stick to cycling routes that are fairly level and not too physically taxing.

At the same time, cycling can be just about as challenging a sport as anything else that you can imaging. Many professional cycling routes can tax even the very best of athletes because of the steep climbs and frequent changes in inclines along the more demanding routes. These routes should only be considered for those who are in top-notch physical condition.

Cycling can be a wonderful way to spend your free time, but it is important to know what your physical limitations are. It is never a good idea to head out on routes that you are not familiar with since you don’t want to find yourself in a situation that is too physically demanding for your well-being and safety. There are many cycling clubs in every state across the country that have routes all mapped out and rated for the fitness and expertise level to help you know what you are getting into before the ride.

It should be obvious that a crucial element to safe bike travel is the quality of your bike and other gear that you use. If you plan to be far from a populated area on your biking adventure, then you must be sure to have emergency gear and supplies to tide you over in the event of a problem.

Always let people know where you are going whenever you head out to do some road cycling. Most people enjoy going on cycling trips with friends and this is also a better way to go in terms of improved safety and security along the way. If you don’t have friends or family who are interested in joining you, then you can join a cycling association and find cyclists you can team up with for your cycling adventures.

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News on Cycling Available From Many Sources

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

Those who really enjoy getting outside and hitting the roadways or the many mountain bike trails out there often think of themselves as cycling aficionados. People who are really into the sport also love to stay abreast of the latest in cycling news so that they feel well-informed. For such people, there are a number of options for them to get the most current news about the world of biking and related bike accessories and gear.

There are several periodicals, such as newsletters and magazines, which cover a great deal of the cycling news that is important to most avid cyclists and even to those who are thinking about getting involved in the sport. Some of these publications are geared toward the new and average biker, while other such publications will be of more interest to professional cyclists and bike racing participants. Still other cycling publications will focus on one specific aspect of the sport, such as mountain and road biking, and tours.

Some of these magazines that specialize in delivering cycling news have been around for decades, while others are much newer. In recent years, with the widespread reach of the internet, more and more publications have sprung up online. There are now websites devoted to all aspects of cycling, including news updates, as well as blogs and even online magazines.

Through these various cycling and biking websites, the amount of interesting and informative news that you can access is almost limitless. You can learn about bicycle racing results or find out who is going on the next pro cycling tour. You can also read bike reviews and find out about the latest innovations in bicycles, and related gear and accessories. You can get tips about your next mountain biking adventure, find out about recommended trails, or get maps of good biking routes either near you or at a destination you are planning to visit.

Many of these online cycling websites also host forums where you can go to interact with other cycling enthusiasts. You can simply read about what is on other people’s minds and gather a great deal of helpful information or you also have the opportunity in these forums to ask questions of others if you need to get help for a particular issue or problem you are facing. At the same time, you might find people in your area who might be interested in planning a group cycling adventure.

Another good source of cycling news, especially for your local area, are the local cycling clubs and associations. You can usually find these in the phone book, but these days most of these organizations also have websites, such as www.adventurecycling.org/. This site and others are also a very good source to provide you with local rides that are scheduled as well as listings of reputable businesses that sell, maintain or repair bicycles and biking equipment.

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Road Bikes Are Good For Recreation

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

For generations, people have enjoyed being able to jump on their bikes and take a ride in the out-of-doors, enjoying the sights and the fresh air. Sometimes people just take a quick spin around the neighborhood, while others put theirs to use for bike commuting to work. Still others enjoy getting out on long distance tours or getting into the wild on their mountain bikes. Riders who intend to stick to paved roads will find that road bikes will best suit their needs, where for recreation or commuting.

There are many things to think about if you are getting ready to purchase the equipment you need to do some road cycling. One of the most important considerations when choosing a bike is to first understand what your own personal biking plans and needs will be. You should sit down and think about the amount of time you will spend on your new bike and what kind of trips you will make.

It you only intend to take short jaunts to the park, to the market or around the neighborhood, then you might want to consider some of the more economical road bikes that are on the market. These could also be considered entry level bicycles that are also appropriate for those who are just getting into the hobby of cycling.

You can save money by getting one of these basic bikes if you are only planning on occasional and recreational usage. Even if you will be doing longer and more frequent rides, the entry level bikes can be a good place to start if your budget is tight. However, you should plan on spending additional money down the road for a better, more durable bike if your road biking activities continue to be frequent and sustained.

Those who will be engaged in long, daily commutes on their bikes will most likely be best served by a more expensive model of road bike. These kinds of mid-range bikes are built for longer and more regular use and are typically sturdier, have more gears, and will generally hold up better to constant use. They often also come with better warranties and you can expect to get several years of service from these “work horse” models.

For bicycle touring enthusiasts, they will most likely want to invest in a high-end bike that will provide them with all of the bells and whistles that they want. These high-end bikes are also built for long rides and they are very durable as well. Anyone who plans to spend many hours a day, and for days on end on bicycle tours should definitely plan to spend a fair amount of money for a high-end bike that will provide them with both comfort and safety on their excursions.

Road bikes of all types, styles, sizes and costs are never complete without some good bicycle gear and accessories. The accessories and gear that you need will also depend a great deal on the type of rides you expect to do regularly. At the very least, it is a good idea to have a tire pump, a tire repair kit, and good lights and reflectors to ensure your safe return home.

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Mongoose BMX Bikes, Good Bikes To Do Freestyling

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

There are many kinds of bikes that the bike enthutiast may prefer for their most favorite bicycles. Of course, they have to ensure, what kind of biking activities that they want to do. It’ll determine the kind of bikes they must have for their biking activities. For a few bikers, they prefer to use the mountain bike since they love mountain biking. On their behalf, mountain biking is probably the greatest kind of activities that may give them some chances to have some fun and to have some exercises. Some others like better to do the free style biking. For this second type, usually the choosers are the young bike riders. Since they like the free style, they will need to have a great bike. They’ll need the BMX bicycle. There are numerous options of BMX bicycles but it will be better if they choose the Mongoose BMX bikes.

Why should they prefer the Mongoose BMX bikes? According to a number of free style bike riders, this bicycle product is one of the great BMX bicycle products. These BMX brand bikes have been named as the best bicycles for them. For the free style bikers, using an excellent bicycles will give them an ideal performance. With the ideal BMX bikes, they’ll have some chances to explore their free styling ability. Mostly, they have some kinds of special venue for that free styling actions like the half pipe. They say that if they ride the Mongoose BMX bikes, they may have some excellent action on the half pipe because this BMX type is probably the most controllable bikes. Good bike to do freestyling and jumping high jumps.

With a really perfect bikes, they could explore their best performance. That is why; they prefer to use the Mongoose BMX bikes. Even though there are numerous other brands of bicycles, they prefer to choose the Mongoose BMX bicycles, since this brand has many eminences. At least that will be something that those free style bike riders say regarding the Mongoose bicycle. This bicycle is lightweight, stylish, tough, and versatile. To get more details about the Mongoose bicycle, they need to try to visit the official site of the Mongoose. This site has some excellent options of Mongoose BMX bikes that all internet users are able to choose. They could try to find the perfect one for them. They may also read several reviews about the Mongoose bikes. This really is an ideal bicycle for free stylers.

Mountain Bike Vacations – Some Great Ideas

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

A mountain bike vacation is a fantastic way to get pleasure from the best scenery in the US as well as getting some healthy exercise in the open air. There are magnificent mountain bike routes worldwide, but in this article we will look at the most popular ones in the continental US. For those who are athletic and fit, mountain bike vacations are a fantastic way to spend time with friends and to make new friends as you ride. You could stay overnight in a variety of rooms, hotels or hostels depending on which you prefer and your budget. You will without doubt remember this vacation for years.

Where can you find the best Mountain Bike Trails?

Mountain bike trails can be found everywhere so you will be able to find many that are suitable for your level of fitness whichever state you live in. This may include trails in the mountains but can also include other enjoyable locations. For those looking for adventure or folks experienced in mountain biking there are many stimulating, picturesque and sometimes rough trails to follow.

Mountain bike trails are found all over the US, no matter where you are living. Excellent mountain bike trails are not simply available on mountain ranges. Essentially, very nearly all rough or scenic trails can give serious exercise and adventure even for the most experienced biker. However, as a result of the geological formations in the area, the finest mountain tracks are situated in the South West and the Pacific North West but can also be found in the South East around North Carolina. Some excellent trails can be found in the Pacific Northwest which include Deschutes River Trail in Oregon, American River Bike Path, Northern California and Washington’s Black Diamond Coal Mine trails . In Phoenix Arizona experienced bikers can try the National Trail or the twelve mile, tough Slick Rock Trail in Utah.

States in the Western part of America are clearly superior for trails with a higher elevation but the Southwestern locations are gaining in popularity with riders because of their high reputation for superb accommodation. Several extremely popular trails here in the US include Breckenridge’s Colorado Trail, Asheville North Carolina’s Bent Creek and Woodstock Georgia’s Blankets Creek Bicycle Trail.While it is extremely enjoyable to reach the end of these rides the point is to enjoy yourself and also to get plenty of vigorous exercise so there’s no point in pushing yourself too much, you do not have to finish all the ride if you are not up to it.

A famous trail we must mention is the world’s longest mountain bike trail. This is the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route which is more than two thousand miles and runs from Mexico to Canada. Where it passes through the mountainous states of Idaho, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming it is a tough trail, as some stretches have sharp ascents and drops.

Conclusion

For those who are fit and healthy there isn’t a better way to get pleasure from nature and to get lots of excellent exercise outdoors. Mountain bike vacations are not going to cost a lot and may give you a fine adventure without breaking your budget

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Giant Mountain Bikes Are Great For Kids

Friday, October 9th, 2009

Giant mountain bikes are one of the top biking brands in the world, combining world class technology with bikes to suit every rider. Their models feature heavily in the world class competitions around the world with mountain bikers on every continent using Giant bikes during competition, training and their leisure riding. But biking beginners can use Giant mountain bikes as well as professionals. Kids of every ability can ride a Giant bike.

Giant offer two ranges of children’s bikes. One range is designed for little children who have never ridden before. For children that have never ridden a bike before, there is a range for them. For kids with a bit more experience there is a range of Giant bikes designed for fun and transport.

First Bike
For first time riders there are three bikes suitable for children. The L’il Giant is a tricycle that comes in blue, red, pink or silver and safety is key. balance is aided with the training wheels and parents can keep some control over the bike with the back pole. For little girls there is the PUDD’N range which has two bikes for different levels. There is a lovely basket on the front, removable training wheels and 16” wheels to help first time riders with their confidence. The junior version has smaller wheels at 12” and stabilisers. The final model is the Animator range. This is the boy’s version of PUDD’N and is painted in much more masculine colours and the basket has been removed. Again, the Animator bike comes in a Junior and original size to accommodate children of all ages.

Sport Bikes
The MTX and Taffy ranges are Giant’s bikes for children with more riding experience. The MTX comes in 125 and 225 versions with the former riding on 20” wheels and having 6 speed gears. The 225 has 18 speed gears and 24” wheels. The frame on both bikes is made from Alux aluminium technology and feature a suspension fork. Taffy is the female version of the MTX bike. Like the MTX there is a 225 and a 125 series with the 125 having smaller wheels and fewer speed gears with the 225 having more gears and taller wheels.

Your riding performance will increase with the quality of Giant mountain Bikes. Your child will enjoy riding their bike and you will be happy that it is keeping them fit.

Where are the Best Mountain Bike Trails?

Friday, September 18th, 2009

A mountain bike vacation is a fantastic way to get pleasure from the magnificent scenery of America and to get some exercise in the open air. There are wonderful mountain bike trails everywhere in the world, but here we will look at the very best in the continental US. For those who are athletic and fit, mountain bike vacations are a fantastic way to spend time with your friends or to make new friends as you ride. You could stay in a variety of rooms, hotels or hostels depending on which you prefer and how much you can pay. You will surely remember this vacation for years.

Mountain Bike Trails – Where to Find the Best Ones

Great mountain bike trails can be found all over America so there will almost certainly be many suitable ones in the area you live. This includes mountain trails but also other pleasant locations. For those looking for adventure or folks with mountain bike experience there are lots of exhilarating, beautiful and possibly rougher tracks to follow.

Mountain bike tracks may be discovered all over the US, wherever you are living. Wonderful mountain bike riding trails are not just found on mountain ranges. Actually, just about all rough, scenic tracks can offer exercise and thrills for even the most experienced biker. However, due to the geological formations in the area, the very best mountain tracks are located in the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest but can also be found in states close to and including North Carolina in the Southeast. Some excellent trails can be found in the Pacific Northwest which include Black Diamond, the Coal Mine trails in Washington, American River Bike Path, Northern California and Deschutes River Trail in Oregon. The National Trail in Arizona is a tough trail for more experienced riders as is the tough, twelve mile long trail in Utah known as the Slick Rock Trail.

States in the Western part of America are clearly better for trails with a higher elevation but the Southwestern locations are gaining in popularity with bikers as they have also gained an enviable reputation for superb accommodation. Several highly regarded rides here in the US include Bent Creek Asheville North Carolina, the Blankets Creek Bicycle Trail, Woodstock Georgia and the Colorado Trail Breckenridge.Although it is very satisfying to complete these rides the objective is to enjoy yourself and to get some vigorous exercise, there isn’t any point in overdoing it, you do not have to finish the whole trail if you are not up to it.

A famous mountain trail we must bring up is the longest mountain bike trail in the world. It is the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route which is more than two thousand miles long from Canada to Mexico. Where it passes through the mountainous parts of Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Idaho it is a tough trail, as there are parts that have steep climbs and downward gradients.

Conclusion

For people who are full of energy and fit a mountain bike vacation is a great way to get pleasure from the wonders of nature and get lots of first-rate exercise in the open air. Enjoyable vacations are not going to cost a lot and will provide a fine adventure without breaking your budget

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Mountain Biking Repetitive Strain Injury Advice

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

Mountain Biking and indeed cycling in general is one of the most popular sports in the world. Part of its appeal comes from the fact that cycling can be done for fun, exercise, sport, or in a functional capacity such as commuting to work. However, if you don’t take necessary precautions, cycling can lead to quite nasty pains in injuries, especially for mountain bike riders who often ride quite aggressively. Here we examine the causes and preventive measures for 3 of the most common cycling-related injuries.

Wrist Problems. A great deal of the force that is transmitted to the bike when you go over bumps travels up through the wrists. What’s more, as your upper body weight is usually pushing down on your wrists, they can often be put under a lot of strain and become inflamed or injured.Having quality suspension on the front forks of the bike will reduce a lot of the pressure, or if you cannot have suspension, make sure the forks have shock absorbing qualities like you find on the Trek Madone.

Backside Pain. This is one of the most common complaints and is basically a result of repetitive pressure on the gluteus maximus (backside) muscle and surrounding sensitive areas. It is in every rider’s interest to address backside problems as soon as they can quickly become quite serious and even lead to problems with fertility. Buying a decent bike saddle is the number one thing to do and you should test ride one for a good few miles before you buy one. You can also purchase specialised cycle clothing such as padded shorts which act to dampen the effect of harmful pressure.


Knee Injury
. Another issue faced by lots of riders is pain in the knees, which they often experience after a long cycle. If you lock out your knees when you are cycling this can cause problems, but most often knee problems are a result of the bike. Try making sure all your bike components have shock-absorbing qualities, such as Zipp wheels which reduce the amount of force transferred through the knee joint.