Crested Butte has my vote for Best Butte on the planet, any season of the year! I have been in love with The Butte for about four decades! (Could it possibly have been that long?!)
The first time I saw Crested Butte, I was a kid with a new driver’s lisence in the 70’s. It was love at first sight, and I have been in love ever since! Back then it was a funky hippie town with more big dogs than condos. Skiing over spring break was the start of my love affair with The Butte. My husband and I have spent many summers at The Butte for the best mountain biking and hiking anywhere in the world! No wonder it is the birthplace of mountain biking! And the wildflowers - what an unbelievable tapestry of larkspur, columbine, Indian paintbrush, and every hue imaginable. Camping at “Oh Be Joyful” trailhead is pure joy!
In autumn, the aspens are the best in the state!. My favorite is the western descent down Kebler Pass, which goes from Crested Butte to Paonia. Famous photographer John Fielder describes the view of The Dyke as “One of the most beautiful aspen vistas on the planet.” Winter at the Butte is amazing!
The drive from Denver has none of the crowds of I-70 and some incredible scenery of the Collegiates along the way. The Butte in winter has something for everyone! I have tackled it at various times from green cirlcle to black diamonds and it has never disappointed. I have missed the Butte in winter. My husband and I have been volunteer ski instructors for disabled kids for the past 15 years and have not had time to get back to The Butte. This year we are not teaching and we want to take our own kids to Crested Butte and renew the love affair, and introduce the next generation to the best Butte on the planet!
http://denver.yourhub.com/KENCARYL/Stories/Promotions/Crested-Butte-X-Card/Story~163523.aspx
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The mountain-biking advocacy group had a banner year in 2006, adding nearly 300 new members and initiating several trail-building projects designed to give members more room to roam.
Credit for increasing the membership base goes in large part to five GHORBA-sponsored skills clinics that gave more than 250 participants an opportunity to meet club members and gain more confidence in off-road riding.
“There’s a huge demand for skills clinics,” GHORBA president Michael Lutomski said. “Most of the demand is from beginners, but there’s also interest among intermediate and advanced riders. Mountain bikes still sell more than road bikes, but many people buy them and don’t learn how to ride safely, or they have an accident and don’t ride again.”
GHORBA also spent much of the year working to meet the increasing demand for new riding areas. Work began in August on a three-mile section of a new trail at Carl Barton Jr. Park in Conroe. An agreement with the city will allow for a total of 10 miles of trails in the 200-acre park.
“We’re also real involved in the Spring Creek Greenway Project that will ultimately one day be a trail extending from Tomball all the way to Kingwood,” Lutomski said. “It will incorporate parts of Cypress Creek and encompass about 15,000 acres of land.”
GHORBA also is working to build eight to 10 miles of single track in Burroughs Park in Tomball. A preliminary plan is in place, with construction expected to begin next year. In addition, discussions are under way with Houston city officials on construction of trails at Lake Houston Park.
As Lutomski looks ahead to 2007, trail-building will continue to be a major focus for GHORBA, which will receive guidance on several projects from trail-building experts in a January visit from the International Mountain Bicycling Association.
Drug use has been a dark cloud over professional cycling for years, but three-time Tour de France champion Greg LeMond says the riders shouldn’t shoulder all the blame.
“I don’t believe the professional cyclists who are doing it (using drugs) even want to be doing it,” LeMond said during a recent trip to Houston. “It’s just like an arms race. That’s really my argument — you have to look at the governing body. There’s always somebody you trust to police and keep the rules. If they’re not keeping the rules, they are the ones who are ultimately responsible.”
Short of a complete overhaul of how cycling is governed, LeMond says more needs to be done, such as retroactive testing and specific blood tests before a race, to catch athletes who cheat.
LeMond says he was never approached to use a performance-enhancing substance during his 13-year pro career.
“I was incredibly fortunate to come into cycling when I did,” he said. “I never saw a need to have to do anything. I don’t know what it would have been like to turn professional in 1995 or ‘96. I want to believe that I have the ethics and morals that would have kept me from doing it.
“I can’t judge riders who are faced with it now. If the system’s corrupt, either you get out or you’ve got to keep up.”
If you are looking for a last-minute gift idea for the cycling enthusiast on your holiday shopping list, head to BicycleGifts.com.
Started four years ago by Laura and Richard Kuhlman out of their Illinois home, the family business offers a host of trinkets, memorabilia and jewelry for the hard-core cyclist and weekend rider.
“We started with a ride journal that my wife created, and a one-item Web site didn’t work well, so we started adding things,” Richard Kuhlman said. “The whole philosophy was to do something different. We didn’t want to do mugs and water bottles. We keep searching out different items.”
I discovered the company while perusing the expo at the Hotter’n Hell Hundred back in August. The items that caught my eye were really sweet vintage cycling posters.
“The original posters we get from a number of sources overseas, and I buy some from private collections,” Richard Kuhlman said. “We’ve started publishing reproductions of our original posters, and that’s becoming our biggest single item.”
If an item can’t be shipped in time for the holidays, a gift certificate can be sent via e-mail. Check it out at www.bicyclegifts.com.
Steve Sievert covers cycling for the Chronicle. cycling.notebook@earthlink.net
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4417119.html
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It’s been a long and at some points grueling season for adventure racers Greg and Denise McHale, but everyone knows success doesn’t come easy, and this past season was certainly successful for the Yukon duo.
As part of Team Supplierpipeline, the McHales joined with Ontario teammates Bob Miller and Scott Ford for a fourth place finish at Primal Quest, the largest adventure race in the world, earlier this year in Utah.
Following Primal Quest, the team took a few months off from international competition as Greg battled a staph infection he suffered from a leg injury in Utah. In October, they returned to action at the Extreme Adventure Hidalgo in Mexico.
A four-day, 300-kilometre stage race, Hidalgo offered the typical adventure course of running, trekking, mountain biking, rope work and paddling – although the paddling portion had its own local twist.
“We paddled local Mexican boats,” explained Denise. “They were very tippy. I think it’s entertainment for the locals.”
Thankfully, the McHales had been in the same type of boat before, so it wasn’t too much of an adjustment. Up against some tough pro teams, including rival Nike PowerBlast – a team the McHale’s have publicly vowed to beat before they retire – Team Supplierpipeline finished second overall, ahead of Nike.
The only team ahead of them boasted a local Mexican athlete, so they certainly had an edge in the navigation portion of the race.
Greg and Denise agreed the toughest portion of the race for the Canadian crew was probably the mountain biking.
“Living in the Yukon, we’re not always able to be out on trails,” Greg explained. “So we’re going from a spinning machine to racing in the mountains. It’s certainly difficult.”
A second-place finish and $12,500 in the books, the McHales were able to return home for just three weeks before they headed to a second race in Mexico at the end of November.
The Nuevo Leon Outdoor Challenge took place in the surrounding area of Monterrey, hosting the top international teams in the world. Run by the same director and in the same format as the Hidalgo race, Nuevo Leon provided Greg and Denise with the chance to challenge themselves against some tougher opponents.
While Hidalgo featured six good professional teams, the second event had close to a dozen top teams. Unfortunately for Team Supplierpipeline, bad luck would strike in the mountain biking stage, en route to a third-place finish.
They had four flat tires on the last 20 kilometres of Stage 2. At that point, the top five teams were within five minutes of each other and the Canadians lost an estimated 20 minutes on that section, which they couldn’t make up.
“On Day 3, we had another flat tire and Denise fell off her bike and scraped her face,” said Greg. “It was just really unfortunate.
“The first-place team and I think even the second-place team, neither of them had a flat tire all race. That’s just the way it goes.”
Overall, said Greg, they still had a better race at Monterrey.
“We didn’t place as well, but I think we were fitter.”
“I think we pushed hard at the appropriate times,” added Denise. “We were trying to find that balance of pushing as hard as you can, but not going so hard you’re going to pay for it later.”
Not only were they pleased with their personal performances, but the McHales returned home knowing they accomplished another goal – beating Nike in both Mexico races.
“(Beating Nike) happened a little bit earlier that we expected, so we’re happy about that,” smiled Denise. “It was certainly on the list of things we wanted to accomplish.”
As good as it felt to come out ahead of Nike, Greg was adamant it’s a friendly rivalry between the two teams.
“They’re not only fantastic athletes, but fantastic people as well. You can’t hate them too much.”
At home and back on the job now, after taking a couple of weeks to enjoy the lighter side of Mexico, the duo is trying to figure out their next move.
While this racing season is over, it’s only a few months before the 2007 scene gets hopping. However, there’s no rush for the Yukoners, insisted Denise.
“We’re taking at least a few weeks off. I can’t wait to work out once a day like a normal person and relax a little more. You really need that break. You have to let go a little bit and not worry about it too much.”
One thing the McHales are sure of is that the next race they enter will have more kilometres. There’s an expedition race in Argentina in March that they’re aiming for.
“It’s 550 km, so that’ll be good,” said Greg. “After two kind of sprint races, it’ll be good to get back to a longer race.
“I think we surprised ourselves in those two races, how well we ran. But I think we like expedition ones more. Unsupported is better than supported.”
“I like (expedition races) because they’re a little bit slower,” added Denise. “They’re not as as stressful, so I feel like I can keep up with the guys more.”
Team Supplierpipeline is definitely planning to return to Primal Quest next summer as well, although the dates and location have yet to be announced. All they’ve heard is it’s outside of North America in 2007.
After Primal Quest, they hope to get one more mid-summer race in before heading back to Mexico next fall.
“This was definitely our best season, so we’re starting to see more potential,” said Denise. “Before this year, we were at the front end of the mid-pack and there was always kind of a gap between us and the top pack. Now, we’ve really closed that, which is exciting. We’re not finishing 12 hours behind anymore.”
“Now, we’re beating those teams we’ve idolized over the past five years,” added Greg.
Meanwhile, on tap locally, Greg and Denise will once again be organizing the Yukon Adventure Challenge, a 24-36 hour race geared toward both beginner and elite athletes. There is no date for the 2007 event yet, but the course has already been set and it’s apparently a lot more scenic than last year.
http://www.whitehorsestar.com/Sports/index.php
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For us who are still young enough, we really haven’t discover yet how frustrating it is to become paralyzed/disabled or impaired after leading an active and normal life. Or for those of us who haven’t gotten into serious injury that impaired our motor skills, we really have no knowledge how devastating it could be to lie helpless and immobile. Sometimes, for those who have experienced this kind of physical pain and anguish over being paralyzed, the frustration is doubled when paralysis prevents them from ever doing their favorite sport or activity.
I do love biking. As a child I would go on late night biking around our village just to feel the exhilaration of experiencing a different kind of freedom. Biking gives me a sense of awareness over every part of my body being alive and active. I dread the day that I’ll grow old enough or be paralyzed and unable to ride a bike anymore! Oh, but it is dreadful to be deprived of the pleasure of riding a bike, again!
It’s quite good to note then that some people are appreciative of the bike for the paralyzed, reported on the BBC news on November 15, 2004, like Eleanor Freewheeling has expressed at http://ewheeling.over-blog.com/article-17631.html on November 23, 2004.
According to the BBC news, people paralyzed by spinal cord injuries could soon be able to go out biking.
The ‘bike’ is a sort of tricycle which scientists say, works by stimulating the legs electrically. This bike will not only provide a means of transport and recreation, but should also stop muscle wastage and could provide more mobility for the disabled user.
This technique considered as FES (functional electrical stimulation) tricycling has been developed by teams from University College London (UCL) and the University of Glasgow. FES involves stimulating paralyzed muscles by passing short pulses of current through electrodes on the skin. A stimulator synchronizes the stimulation with the pedal position while the person has a ‘throttle’ to control how much stimulation is applied - rather like a motor bike with the legs as the engine.
Within a year, we should be expecting the availability of this device, dubbed as the ‘recumbent tricycle’. Professor Nick Donaldson, one of the members of the team said that this device will help get the impaired people back into exercising safely. This will do them a lot of good since these disabled persons may not be open to the option of exercising, yet. The only current way being applied to wheelchair-bound persons’ in order to exercise the paralyzed muscles is by electrical stimulation. But it was not much fun to just stimulate the muscles during special sessions.
Thus in developing the bike, the team was to create a system where wheelchair athletes can use from home and will be fun to use. The new tricycle can be used at home to train the muscles while stationary, or for recreation outdoors.
About The Author
Lala B. is a 26 year-old Communication Arts graduate, with a major in Journalism. Right after graduating last 1999, she worked for one year as a clerk then became a Research, Publication and Documentation Program Director at a non-government organization, which focuses on the rights, interests and welfare of workers for about four years.
Book reading has always been her greatest passion — mysteries, horrors, psycho-thrillers, historical documentaries and classics. She got hooked into it way back when she was but a shy kid.
Her writing prowess began as early as she was 10 years old in girlish diaries. With writing, she felt freedom – to express her viewpoints and assert it, to bring out all concerns — imagined and observed, to bear witness.
For additional Information about the articles you may visit http://www.wheelchairspower.com
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There is nothing like the freedom of the open road and the feel of the sheer power of your wheels. However before you rush out to try your new vehicle there are a few things to think about.
Choice of bike: if this is your first bike do not spend a large amount of money. Bear in mind that you will not be keeping your first set of wheels for long. You will do a lot of learning and need a cheap but sturdy bike to start on.
· Test driving- There are many different types of bikes so always test drive them and get the feel of the bike before you buy.
· Don’t get stuck with a ‘dud’. Try to find a more experienced friend to help you check out your purchase. Educate yourself on the bikes you like before going to the dealer or buying from a private party.
· Try to get a good used bike at first-cheaper and good for practice.
Safety: There are more accidents on the road involving bikes than ever before. To save you from a gnarly accident here are a few tips:
· Places to be careful of-intersections
· The culprits-an easy guess, cars violating your rights. They often turn out in front of you.
· How do you get hit-you are a small vehicle and people simply don’t see you. There is always a certain amount of drunk drivers.
· How to make yourself more conspicuous. Make sure that you are dressed in a colored jacket and helmet. Your clothing and helmet should have reflectors on them for night riding. Consider taking a course, this will teach you a lot of safety tips and how to control your bike to avoid accidents. Wear proper eye protection to ensure maximum vision.
· Protect yourself with; full coverage headgear, heavy boots and jacket with gloves.
Maintaining your “wheels” and looking after your bike is very important. Always keep your bike in good condition. Learn all that you can about looking after your wheels yourself and also take your bike to the shop for regular check ups and oil changes.
Choosing the right insurance: biking has its own dangers it’s part of the territory, so you will need to get some good coverage for you and your bike. Remember to shop around to find the best prices and value for money. You can check online and in your yellow pages for insurance companies.
You’re ready to hit the road: Now comes the exciting part trying out your new wheels! Try to do this on a quiet road and everyday. It is good to get a bit of practice and build up your confidence before hitting the streets. When you feel confident go out on the road at a less busy time and work up your confidence. Use a little caution at first to avoid getting into accidents.
About The Author
If you’re looking for a truck or SUV to explore the countryside, you’re thinking two wheels too many. To get really close to nature, have a blast and keep in shape, grab a mountain bike and head for the hills.
The popular “mountain bike” style was developed, as the name suggests, from bicycles designed for cruising up and down a mountain. Obviously racing down a mountainside can be a real adrenaline rush, but it can also be quite dangerous. Anyone actually considering taking on a mountain pass is advised to invest in a bike designed to accomplish such a task. With the right equipment and some common sense, mountain biking is a fun sport for the entire family.
Find your Style
There are three basic styles of mountain biking: cross-country, freestyle, and downhill. Although the styles vary in many ways, each demands a great deal of skill. Choosing your personal riding style will determine the type of mountain bike you should buy. In other words, don’t buy a heavy downhill bike if you plan on busting moves with your buddies. A lighter freestyle model is better suited for trick riding.
Hone your Skills
Every great mountain biker needs endurance and stamina. It takes ambition and, sometimes, courage to be able to conquer nature’s courses successfully. Like any sport, mountain biking also involves time and practice. Lots of practice. You can’t expect to go from riding your bike around the block, to scaling rocky hills and maneuvering through winding trails. Anticipate getting a few bumps and bruises before you’re ready to ride with the big kids.
Location, Location, Location
Thinking of mountain biking as riding an unpaved surface. Your bike is ready to take you virtually anywhere you want to be, and many North American parks offer designated biking locations. Before hitting the trails in a park or conservatory, check for rules and regulations. There may even be trail maps available for you to bring along on your trek. Ask about local mountain biking clubs and group trail rides and competitions. You can easily find this information by asking at a local bike shop, checking the papers or searching online. Beginner to advanced groups are available, so be sure you’re joining a club that matches your skill level.
Choose your Ride
Once you’ve narrowed down your mountain biking style–cross-country, freestyle or downhill–the bike you select basically comes down to personal choice. There is a huge variety of makes and models on the market today. Compare styles, shapes and price. Be sure to consider the quality of the bike and the reliability of the manufacture, but don’t be fooled into thinking the most expensive models are necessarily the best bikes. The Internet can be a great tool in shopping for a bike, as some compare quality, features and prices for you. When you find a bike you like, ask for a test drive. A great mountain biker needs to feel as one with his or her own bike. Check for a comfortable seat and position, and be sure that the brakes and gears are suited to you.
A mountain bike can be a big investment, so ask around and do your homework before you buy.
Keep it Safe
Mountain biking on unpaved roads and through unexplored territories can be very dangerous. You literally do not know what’s lying around the corner. Always wear a helmet, wherever you ride. Elbow and kneepads and riding gloves are also good choices to help keep you safe and comfortable, and goggles should be worn if you’re riding in the woods or following a group. Finally, keep a few band-aids in your pack–just in case.
Whether you’re riding across the county, or across the country, mountain biking is a great way to see the sights and stay in shape. Wear a helmet, proceed with caution and have fun!
About The Author
Riding a mountain bike is pretty much the same as riding any other type of bike. Except for the rocks, the fallen trees, the streams and the occasional mountain. In other words, mountain biking is the extreme version of two-wheeling around the neighbourhood. It can be dangerous, so should be respected and even a little feared. If you want to hit the trails, you need to learn mountain biking skills.
Mountain biking skills involve agility, balance and stamina. Review the following list of exercises, and find a suitable place to practice. These can be don at home, at a school or park, on a bike path and ideally, at a place with a steep hill.
Sit and Spin
In other words, just go for a ride. Get on your bike and cruise around to find the best position for mountain biking. Your arms should be slightly bent. Your legs should be 70 to 90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke on the pedal, so it may be necessary to adjust your seat higher or lower.
Get used to keeping your body relaxed because when you’re on the trail, your knees and elbows should never be locked.
Feel the Pedal
While on your bike, practice moving your foot away from the pedal. Do this first while sitting on your bike with one foot on the ground, then try releasing and replacing your foot while pedaling around. If you have toe clips on your pedals, you’ll need to spend a little extra time with this exercise. There will be times on the trail that feet will have to leave the pedals. Make sure you’re comfortable with this move, before you have to use your feet to balance yourself over a bumpy path.
Switch Gears
Get used to shifting gears. You’ll use them a lot on the trails. Higher gears make the bike go faster, but it’s harder to pedal. Lower gears make pedaling easier, so you’ll use these gear positions when climbing hills. Be sure to shift to a low gear before you reach the hill, rather than when you’re already climbing it.
Drop a Curb
Ride down the sidewalk, and then find a curb that’s easily accessible. Approach the curb at moderate speed, stand up and coast right down onto the road (look for cars first!) If you want to learn mountain biking, you need to know how to handle sudden drops. Try this exercise at different speeds until it becomes second nature.
Coast is Clear
Coasting on a bike can feel like flying. Get your bike up to a reasonable speed, stand on your pedals and just cruise without sitting down. Keep your arms bent, don’t lock your knees, and try to lean your body towards the rear end of the bike. Mountain biking involves very little sitting, so spend some time coasting to get used to the feeling.
Stand and Pedal
Just like coasting, you’ll also spend a great deal of time pedaling while standing. While pedaling, simply lift your body off of the seat. Or, start off standing on the pedals then start cranking them. After you’ve mastered standing and pedaling on flat ground, practice while climbing a hill in lower gear.
It’s easy to learn mountain biking. You already know how to ride a bike, so now it’s time to master these additional techniques. Once you’re comfortable coasting, dropping, standing, pedaling, spinning, and switching gears, you’ll be ready to hit the trails, and tackle any challenge along the way.
About The Author
So you’re thinking of purchasing an exercise bike? Good for you! Have you found the perfect spot for it in your home? First, you must know your options. Exercise bikes have changed with the times and now you can choose from more than just an upright. There are semi recumbent and recumbent bikes as well.
It’s always a good idea to read about others experiences with the type of bike you’ve chosen, in exercise magazines or on the internet. Family and friends are always good reliable sources of information too. Why not talk with a personal trainer and ask their advice? When reading through exercise bike reviews, take into consideration they are typically rated according to their various functions, their overall construction and performance.
Exercise can be fun, and should be something you look forward to doing. Remember that as you choose what type of bike your purchasing, and always aim for something with a bit of comfort. Important points to consider; the height of the bike seat should be at an appropriate level to alleviate undo stress on the lower back, more accurately the groin area. This is yet another good reason to read as many reviews about the bike of your choice.
Many online stores will offer discounts and specials to their online shoppers. Reading through a review will give you a better idea of price and the upper hand when haggling with a sales person.
Reading a bike review is a good idea for so many reasons. Allow other peoples experiences guide you in making a wise purchase. Their opinions are invaluable when planning on spending a significant amount of money on something that will undoubtedly be a fixture in your home for many years to come.
Fitness centers and gyms have a variety of exercise equipment and bikes. If you decide that your not ready to make that purchase, consider a membership to your local gym, and use that extra space in your home for a new, smaller wardrobe. A benefit to using the bikes at the gym is versatility and changeability. Places that specialize in exercise equipment will likely have newer, higher end models from standard to electronic.
An exercise bike or membership to a gym is a really good investment, anyway you look at it. Riding an exercise bike for just a short time everyday, will make you look and feel better. It’s a great way to loose excess weight or just to help you maintain your health. Biking is good cardiovascular exercise as well. So do your heart a favor and take a ride!
About The Author
This can be a very important decision when you are buying a mountain bike. There are actually two answers to the question of disc brakes or rim brakes.
If you want better, more consistent brake performance in all conditions, disc brakes are what you should be choosing. On the other hand, if you want the lightest set up you can have and you are willing to accept small variances in brake performance, or you want the lowest price possible, rim brakes are what you should be choosing.
Over the years, mountain bikes have gone through many design changes. They started out with the original cantilever brakes, then went through the U Brake years, and are now with V Brakes. In most conditions, the V Brakes seem to work well.
In wet or muddy conditions, rim brakes will perform poorly. Over time, they can wear right through the side of your rim, causing the side of the rim to blow right off.
Disc brakes on the other hand have been around for a long time in cars but weren’t used on bikes much until the late 1990’s. There were some issues in the earlier models, although the cable actuated or hydraulic brakes of today seem to work quite well.
In terms of performance, disc brakes seem to work better than rim brakes, especially in wet or muddy areas. Disc brakes normally require less force to apply and aren’t effected by the rim or wheel condition.
Cost is an issue, as disk brake systems tend to be more expensive than rim brakes. Mechanical or cable actuated brakes are a closer match, although they will still cost more. Hydraulic brakes on the other hand cost a lot more.
When you make that final choice, weight out the above options then make your decision. Some riders prefer disc brakes, while others prefer rim brakes - making it a matter of opinion.
]]>1. Cross country
Almost all mountain bikes will fit into this category. Cross country mountain
bikes are light weight, making them easy to ride over most terrains, even up and
down hills. This is the most common mountain bike and it can be used with ease
for riding on the path or even commuting.
2. Downhill
These types of bikes are for serious bikers who crave the ultimate adventure.
Downhill bikes have front and rear suspension, strong parts, and disc brakes.
Rarely available off the shelf, most riders like to custom build their own.
3. Trials
Trail mountain biking involves a great degree of skill and is classified as the
precision riding of the sport. Similar to downhill bikes, trial riders will
often build their own bikes rather than purchase one off a shelf. Generally very
light and very strong, these bikes require a lot of discipline.
4. Jump and slalom
Slalom and jump bikes are very strong and designed for jumping, street racing,
and slalom. They offer a front suspension and use very strong components
dedicated to what they do. These bikes are very popular with the sport of
mountain biking.
Even if you are new to mountain biking, the sport can be a lot of fun. There are
several bikes to choose from, all of which depend on your style. If you are
still looking for the best style for you, all you have to do is try out several
bikes and see which one suits you the best.
Just as cross country riders are a different breed, the bikes they ride are as well. The cross country bike is completely different in many ways from other types of mountain riding bikes. The premise for cross country riders is speed. Everything about their bikes revolve with the idea of making the bikes faster and faster.
Bikes used in cross country mountain biking can be fully rigid frame, hard tails, or even full suspension frames. Through the years, the cross over to full suspension has become very popular.
The weight difference between free ride bikes and cross country bikes are considerable. You’ll be extremely hard pressed to find a bike that weighs more than 24 pounds, and even that weight can be heavy. Free ride bikes weigh close to 40 pounds, which makes the difference in weight pretty close.
If you’ve never tried cross country mountain biking, you’ll probably find it to be a break from the ordinary. Even though this type of biking involves trails, it’s normally the type of terrain that beginners wouldn’t want to ride. Involving hills and rough terrain, cross country biking offers quite the rush.
For mountain bikers everywhere, cross country is the way to go. It offers you a new assortment of bikes, new areas to bike, and a new twist to mountain biking as you know it. If you’ve been looking for a mountain biking rush, cross country mountain biking is what you need to be experiencing.
]]>In order to talk about performance bicycles, we should define the term. We all know what bicycle means, but what about performance? I think that many people tend to define the word performance as the ability to offer top performance, meaning top speeds, top maneuverability, top smooth mechanical functioning.
While all of those minor definitions certainly pertain to an overall concept of performance, I’d like to offer another view of performance as related to bicycles. Though we all want to be the next Lance Armstrong, our own best personal performance does not have to reflect world’s records for speed or distance.
In my opinion, for the non-professional bike rider, even the more serious bike rider, performance should really be an issue of finding the bike that best fits your lifestyle and this is going to include things other than top, high speed racing performance.\
The best bike for the more common user has many non-race related factors to take under consideration. How much can I spend on a bike? I have to carry my bike upstairs, will the bike be heavy to lift? There are many practical concerns that may end up making more of a difference than shaving a couple seconds of your mile.
One thing to consider is where you will be storing your bike, and where it will be kept when you ride it to various destinations. You may not want to have a flashy top of the line bike in particular parts of town anyway.
And if you want to get into the topic of non-flashy bikes, boy, could I talk your ear off. There are so many awesome things about recycling old bikes into fabulously functional and affordable new bikes!
Sustainability is the way to go. Every time we’re able to use what already exists we’re giving someone a new bike that may not be able to afford one otherwise. Or perhaps we’re merely saving a spot in a landfill where stuff he haven’t figured out how to recycle can go.
Consider all your concerns and interests surrounding the type of bike that will best fit into your lifestyle and your community. You may learn something about yourself and the other people like you living just next door.
]]>Booties
In cold temperatures, your feet are the most vulnerable part of your anatomy.
Pressure from pedaling will tend to cut off the circulation to your toes, which
can put you at a risk of frostbite. In cold conditions, neoprene booties are a
must have. They will zip over your shoes and even have a pattern in the sole
where you can cut out a piece for cleats.
Gloves
There are several manufacturers that make "lobster gloves", a hybrid glove that
separates your index finger and thumb from the rest of your hand. These gloves
are warmer than regular gloves, and the distinct index finger will allow you to
operate your shifting and brake levers.
In case your hands get cold, you should carry a pair of lightweight glove liners
will you as well. If you have to stop to take care of a problem, the liners will
protect your hands from the cold.
Glasses
Glasses that wraparound and provide maximum protection from the wind are best to
wear in the winter. You can protect yourself from debris, as well as the cold.
Socks
You should wear heavy socks although not to heavy. A sock that is overly heavy
will make your shoes tight, cut off circulation, even make your feet cold. You
should try lightweight socks, as they will keep your feet warm without bulk. If
you need an extra layer, try silk ski socks as they are very warm and also extra
lightweight.
Underwear
Polypropylene is the best material here, as it is lightweight and best for
colder temperatures.
Wind protection
Moving air is the biggest cause for losing body heat. By having good wind
protection you’ll be able to vent perspiration while also protecting yourself
from windchill. You should choose pants and a jacket based on durability,
breathing, and price as these types of clothing can get very experience.
Helmet and liners
Your head is very important, as you lose 50% of your body heat through your
head. A helmet is designed to keep you cool in the summer, not warm in the
winter. A fleece liner inside your helmet will keep your head and ears warm
during winter riding.
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Finding your style
All mountain bikes are designed with several different riding styles and terrain
types in mind. You’ll need to figure out what type of riding you will be doing
the most. Smooth riding, cross country racing, mountain cruising, or lift
accessed downhill is something you need to figure out. Make sure that the bike
you select fits your personal style and not that of the sale’s staff.
Full suspension or hard tail
If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain bike is always worth the
purchase. A hard tail, without rear suspension, is much lighter weight and pedal
more efficiently, although full suspensions offer more comfort and overall
better control. You’ll want to make that decision based on your price range,
riding style, and the type of terrain you’ll be riding on the most.
Finding your favorites
Comparing mountain bikes component to component is nearly impossible, as there
are far too many combinations available. The best way to go about doing this is
finding a few components that are the most important to you and making sure the
rest or the minimums fall within your price range. You can start with the fork
then look at the wheels and rear derailleur.
Sales and seasons
During the year, the prices of mountain bikes can fluctuate quite a bit. Spring
through summer is the main buying season. If you can wait until the right price
pops up, normally in the fall and winter, you can save a couple hundred dollars.
Many bike shops will also offer discounts or other accessories if you buy from
them.
Finding a good dealer
Finding a good bike dealer is more important than finding the best price. You
should always find a dealer that cares more about selling you a great bike than
selling you a high priced one. A great dealer will have a clean repair shop and
give you the impression that you can really trust them.
Test ride
You should test ride as many bikes as you can within your price range and riding
style. You’ll find that some bikes will feel right, while others won’t. The more
bikes you can test drive, you better you’ll understand what works and what
doesn’t.
Doing the research
Product reviews and bike reviews are some of the best ways to find out about a
mountain bikes reliability and overall performance. You should always look at
what other owners and reviews think about a bike before you make that final
purchase.
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You can practice these beginning skills at a local park, school, bike path, or
simply around your house. If you can, try to find a location with a steep hill.
Get a feel for your pedals
Practice moving your foot away from the pedal, first while sitting on your bike
with one foot on the ground. Next, move on to releasing and replacing your foot
while pedaling around for a bit. Those with toe clip and clipless type foot
pedals will want to spend a bit more time practicing.
Sit and spin for position
Simply sit on your bike and pedal around. You should keep your arms slightly
bent. You should also adjust your seat height so your leg is 70 to 90 percent
extended at the bottom of every stroke on the pedal. Keep your body
relaxed, as there will never be a position where you should have either your
knees or your elbows locked.
Shifting gears
Get a feel for shifting gears with your bike. The higher gears are harder to
pedal and will go faster while the lower gears are easier to pedal and will help
you ascend hills. As you get to steeper hills, its best to shift before you get
to the hill rather than while your on it.
Coasting
You should spend a bit of time coasting while standing on your pedals, without
actually sitting on the seat. Keep your arms bent but don’t lock your knees.
Now, try experimenting with shifting your body towards the rear end of the bike.
Pedal while standing
You should get as comfortable as you can with pedaling while standing on your
bike. Try lifting yourself off the seat while standing on the pedals, then crank
them around. You should try this in higher gears on flat ground then again in
lower gears while on a hill.
Dropping down a curb
Try finding a curb where you can easily get to the upper portion of it. Practice
at a moderate speed, standing and coasting right off the curb from the upper
level to the lower level. Try this at different speeds until it becomes second
nature.
Once you practice these techniques and get the hang of them, you’ll be able to
hit the trails feeling comfortable on your mountain bike. Even though it may
take some getting used to, it’ll become second nature before you know it.