Things You Need To Know About Cycling

World Cycling Highlights

2008-08-18T03:31:00.000-07:00

The term "bicycle" was coined in France in the mid 1860s where these "vehicles for human transport" required a rider to balance to be able to ride. The same is true today: if you can't balance on it, you can't ride it.

The first really popular and commercially successful cycle design was a French one. Developed in 1863, it became a fashionable craze briefly. It used rotary cranks and pedals mounted to the front wheel hub. The use of metal frames in building cycles around the world reduced the overall weight and provided sleeker, more elegant designs that now could be mass produced.

Different braking systems were used depending on the manufacturer. Because of the rigid frame and iron banded wheels, the ride was often times described as "bone shaking." Cycling dropped off dramatically in the United States between 1900 and 1920.

Automobiles became the preferred means of transportation, and bicycles gradually became to be considered children's toys. By 1940, most bicycles were made for children. In Europe, cycling remained an adult activity and both commuting and racing became popular activities.

World Cycling History: Cruiser Bicycles

In the mid 1900s, there were two predominant bicycle styles for recreational cyclists in North America. Heavyweight cruiser bicycles featuring balloon tires, pedal-driven "coaster brakes" and only one gear, were popular for their durability, comfort, streamlined appearance, and a significant array of accessories (lights, bells, springer forks and speedometers).

World Cycling History: Lighter Cycles

A lot of these were imported from England and had hand brakes, thinner tires, and a three speed hub gearing system. They often also had generator powered headlights, safety reflectors, kickstands, and frame mounted tire pumps.

World Cycling History: Racing Bikes

There was an explosion in the popularity of biking between 1960 and 1980. Americans grew increasingly aware of the benefits of exercise and saving energy. Racing bikes made up the majority of sales during this time period and featured dropped handlebars, narrow tires, derailleurs gears, five to fifteen speeds, and a narrow seat

World Cycling History: Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes became available in the late 1980s and were very popular with extreme sports fans. These cycles featured heavier, sturdier frames, large wide tires, suspensions, and flat handlebars. By 2000, the sales of mountain bikes had far exceeded that of racing bikes, which by than were just used for long-distance road racing.

World Cycling History: Hybrid Bicycle

In recent years, casual cyclists have shown dissatisfaction with both the heavy mountain bike and the more fragile, sometimes uncomfortable racing bikes. Manufacturers responded with the hybrid bicycle, in effect combining the two styles into a lighter weight utility cycle, but with a larger selection of gears.

Shopping for Winter Cycling Shoes

2008-08-12T04:55:00.000-07:00

If extreme weather is freezing your feet, and you want to keep your toes nice and toasty, there are a number of high-quality winter cycling shoes on the market. Many riders are effective at layering their bodies to keep warm, but end up with frozen toes. Some of the shoes discussed below are more expensive that others, so make sure you do your homework on the internet before you buy.

Nike Winter Cycling Shoes

From head to toe, Nike Cycling offers the best designs, features, and styles. From the moisture-wicking Dri-Fit fabric, to the supple and durable synthetic leather, Nike cycling utilizes the industry's most advanced materials to provide the absolute pinnacle of performance. Lance Armstrong's keen eye has helped Nike make the very best winter cycling shoes in the world.

Kashmir Winter Cycling Shoes

This winter cycling shoe has an insulated rubber sole that is very stiff and hard. The upper is constructed of adjustable Neoprene and Pittards leather. The closure system consists of three straps with laces, and metal spikes; a spike wrench is included.

Pearl Winter Cycling Shoes

These shoes were voted best value-priced shoes by Bicycling Magazine in 2005. Their 360-degree reflective inserts are very effective in low-light conditions. Their stiff nylon I-beam outsole makes foot-to-pedal transfer of energy more efficient. The uppers are made of synthetic and mesh while only weighing less than two pounds.

Diadora Winter Cycling Shoes

Best known for its involvement in soccer, this Italian company makes a very good extreme weatherproof cycling shoe. They are equipped with Windtex membrane liners and fiberglass-reinforced nylon soles.

Sidi Winter Cycling Shoes

Sidi began using Lorica in 1992 because this synthetic microfiber has properties similar to animal leather: soft and breathable, but more resistant to water, mud, scuffing, and most other winter riding hazards. In addition, it will not rot or stretch during summer season storage.
These winter cycling shoes also contain Gore-Tex because it is completely waterproof and wind resistant. The shoe also has a thermoplastic Millennium 2 off-road race sole for high performance acceleration and feel, no matter what the temperature might be.

The Gore-Tex cuff and billowed tongue keep wheel spray and rain out, and three hook-and-loop-fastener straps tighten the shoes down so they stay snug, even if you are running one size larger than usual.

Northwave Winter Cycling Shoes

Northwave has acquired a lot of experience in producing products that perform to the highest expectations in extremely cold conditions. Their Celsius GTX is one of the few winter cycling shoes with a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex upper. It also has a thermal lining to keep your feet warm and dry, and a hook-and-loop-fastener cover that prevents moisture from seeping in.

Winter Cycling Jacket for Comfortable Rides

2008-08-04T04:51:00.001-07:00

In winter your cycling needs are different than they are in summer. First you have to change the wheels on your bikes then you have to make sure that you have the right brakes. Once your bike is sorted and you are ready to hit the road you need to make sure that you are wearing the right gear. A good winter cycling jacket is key to keeping warm and comfortable during your winter bike rides. You winter cycling jacket should be able to handle weather conditions and stay out of the way while you cycle.

Meant for Cycling

You winter cycling jacket should be one that is meant specifically for cycling. Other waterproof jackets may provide you with the warmth you need but can get in the way when you cycle. A jacket meant for cycling will have long sleeves that are comfortable for you to stand up and cycle, the sleeves will be designed in such a way that it is comfortable to do this without any tightness at the shoulders. They also have a section at the back that will cover your butt and help keep mud off your shorts.

The next thing you want to look at is the material your winter cycling jacket is made of. A good winter cycling jacket will have good breathable material that is weather proof. Weatherproof material is very important as winter rides can mean rain and unexpected sleet. You need to be prepared, you winter cycling jacket should be able to keep you warm as well as dry. You may not be able to find completely waterproof jackets but you can find water resistant ones that will do a pretty good job.

Remember that your jacket is not the only thing that you will be wearing. Layering is a very important part of keeping warm during winter bike rides. Keep spare layers in a bag wrapped in plastic just in case you didn’t wear enough layers when you set out. Although important, you should not rely totally on your winter cycling jacket for warmth.

Most good jackets will cost you quite a bit. Don’t skimp and look frothed cheapest one, if you are a serious cyclist then buy something that will last you more than one winter. You will need something that is of good quality as cheap jackets don’t do a good job and protect you like they should. Spend the little money and you will reap the benefits in the long term.

An Easier Ride with Weight Training and Cycling Performance

2008-07-30T00:22:00.000-07:00

Bicycling is a fantastic pastime, a fun way to stay in shape that doesn't place too much pressure on joints, making it less tiring than other forms of exercise. Beyond being a source of exercise, bicycling is a popular recreational activity on a pretty day and a preferred method of travel in many areas around the world. To increase your cycling performance, you can use other exercises in a complementary manner. Weight training and cycling performance go hand in hand.

Building Up Your Muscles

For difficult stretches of road or path, such as going up a steep incline, you need not only to be aerobically fit, but your muscles need to be strong enough to propel you upwards. Here, weight training and cycling performance are especially important. If your muscles aren't large enough, you may find it too difficult to go up a steep incline, and you may be stuck walking your bike up the path. However, weight training and cycling performance also affects the overall enjoyability of any biking experience, no matter how easy or difficult. Having stronger muscles will make any biking trip easier, and you can enjoy the outdoors much more readily.

So how does one go about combining weight training and cycling performance? The first muscles that come to mind are in the legs, such as your quadriceps and calves. The weight training equipment usually costs thousands of dollars, so you may find it in your best interest to simply pick up a low cost monthly gym membership in your area for access to all the weight lifting equipment you'll ever need. If you don't want to go to just a gym such as Gold's, you can check out the gym at your local YMCA for a more laid back atmosphere and get access to other activities such as swimming and basketball as well.

However, there is more to weight training and cycling performance than just your legs. A stronger back will make a long cycling trip more enjoyable because your back might get tired otherwise in that position. Arm, stomach, and shoulder muscles can also get tired, so you will want to work out all the muscles. Even if you don't plan on losing any weight, weight lifting can tone and build muscle and make you feel better about yourself. In fact, regular exercise is a recommended deterrent to depression, so there really isn't any reason why you shouldn't get to the gym three times or so a week. To make your cycling experience more enjoyable, try out weight lifting and cycling performance.

Trek Cycling: A Great Adventure

2008-07-29T00:34:00.000-07:00

A trekking bike used in trek cycling is basically a touring bike with upright handlebars instead of drops. The word "trek" has African roots and means a long, painful journey on foot or by oxcart.

History

The history of trek cycling began in the late 1960s in Northern California when racing down mountain trails, also known as "Repack races," caught the imagination of biking enthusiasts. The race trail was called "Repack" because of the twisting, torturous route downhill on Pine Mountain, California.

The route forced the bikers to use the coaster brakes of their bikes to such an extent that the smoking hubs had to be repacked with grease after each run. These races also gave rise to the introduction of mountain trek bikes, or the kind of bicycles that were suitable for the rougher terrain involved in trek cycling.

In the late 1970s, manufactures of road bicycles started producing specialized trek cycles. The handlebars of trek cycles used for mountain biking have a different design compared to regular bikes. Unlike the curved, dropped handlebar of road bikes, the handlebars of trek cycles are traverse mounted and straight. The first mass-produced trek cycles meant for mountain biking were equipped with 18 gears.

The brake being mounted on the frame or hub was universally adopted in the early 1990s This was along with six bolts being used for bolting the rotor or disc to the hub, as well as the system of using two bolts to attach the brake pad assembly or piston to the frame.

Trek Bicycle Corporation

The Trek Bicycle Corporation is a major American trek cycle and component manufacturer. Trek cycling's high-end bicycles are built at Trek's world headquarters in the town of Waterloo, Wisconsin, while the price-competitive models are manufactured in Taiwan or mainland China.

More trek bicycles are used in trek cycling than any other brand. Trek manufactured the Madone road bike that was ridden in three of seven Tour de France victories by Lance Armstrong.

Trek is the largest U.S. manufacturer of bicycles and related aftermarket products. They formerly supplied the bicycles for the U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling Team and Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team of the U.S.A. Trek owns several bicycle brand names in the U.S. including Klein, Lemond, and Gary Fisher, many of which are produced domestically in Waterloo.

In Europe, Trek manufactures the Villager, Diamant, and Arrow brands. Trek also owns Wrench Force, Bontrager which was a well known and well regarded manufacturer of high end bicycles in Santa Cruz, California. They are also the exclusive supplier of Nike bicycling products.

At the 2005 Dauphine Libere, Lance Armstrong unveiled the new Trek TTX time trial bike frame. Designed for maximum aerodynamic advantage and developed in just five weeks, the company used a cutting edge software program also used to design Ferrari racing cars.

The End of the T-Mobile Cycling Team

2008-07-28T04:58:00.000-07:00

As of the end of the year 2007, the T-Mobile cycling team is no more. Although the cyclist will still be biking in the near future, the mobile phone division of the German telecommunications company, Deutsch Telekom, has pulled out its sponsorship of the popular cycling team. T-Mobile will not be sponsoring any cycling teams as of the moment. In spite of the earlier announcements of T-Mobile that it will support the T-Mobile cycling team for as long as the year 2010, recent drug use allegations could have prompted the telecommunications giant into cutting off ties with the cyclists.

T-Mobile cycling team was very popular in the Tour de France for the exceptional performance of some of their top cyclists. These cyclists, who have made a name for themselves and their team, are Erik Zabel, Jan Ullrich and Bjarne Riis. Jan Ullrich won the Tour de France in the year 1997 but was not able to repeat his win in the following years, more so when Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France and consistently did so for seven consecutive years.

T-Mobile Cycling Team Doping Scandals

The main reason why the T-mobile cycling team was abandoned by the telecommunications company is due mainly to doping scandals that have plagued the team and its cyclists. The T-Mobile cycling team has come under scrutiny ever since the organizers of the Tour de France have installed higher standards for cyclists. These standards have focused more on restricting cyclists from entering the Tour de France if they have certain drugs in their systems.

The T-Mobile cycling team came under close scrutiny after one of their former therapists claim to have given Jan Ullrich a dose of the banned substance Erythropoietin (EPO). This blood booster is said to enhance the performance of the athletes. Zabel and Riis have since confessed to using banned substances but only earlier in their careers. Jan Ullrich has since retired when the issues regarding doping surfaced.

The former T-Mobile cycling team and some of the trainers hope to continue biking under another name in the future. The team might use the name Team High Road but some changes to their roster of cyclists are to be expected.

Deutsch Telekom admits to having a difficult time letting go of their sponsorship of the T-Mobile cycling team but the circumstances have forced them to do so. The doping scandals have played a major role in the company's decision to let go of their T-Mobile cycling team sponsorship and support.

Stationary Cycling Techniques for Speed and Stamina

2008-07-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

Cycling is a sport wherein you need to go out n the roads and cycle for several kilometers to achieve fitness. Some individuals who do not wish to go out to ride can satisfy their fitness needs in stationary cycling. There are several stationary cycling techniques wherein you can vastly improve your stamina and speed for better performance.

These stationary cycling techniques not only improve an individual's capacity to ride but also help cyclists lose weight and gain endurance for longer rides. Learning some stationary cycling techniques can also help you save some time and money. Staying in one spot can also be less dangerous than going out daily on the road for a long, intensive ride.

Kinds of Stationary Cycling

There are two kinds of stationary bikes. One is the stationary bicycles which are exercise machines built with gadgets to add resistance for harder cycling. The other kind of indoor cycling is done with rollers. Rollers are cycling equipment on which a road or mountain bike can be ridden as if on a real road. The two kinds of rollers are those that require the two wheels to move while the other need sonly the rear wheel to move.

Why We Need Stationary Bike Training

Stationary cycling techniques are needed for building endurance, stamina and strength especially for professional athletes. Many of these stationary cycling techniques require alternate exercise routines with actual on the road cycling. Many professional athletes go on the road after they have warmed up sufficiently on a stationary bike or they may also cool down sufficiently after a hard ride.

This is true for those who are training hard for an upcoming race or wish to build endurance. Many athletes have specific stationary cycling techniques which are focused on hard gearing where the stationary bicycle is programmed to be hard while some also program their stationary bikes for spinning. The stationary cycling techniques usually depend on the trainer of the athlete.

For ordinary cyclists who wish to alternate stationary cycling with actual on the road cycling, you can make stationary cycling techniques work for you by building stamina and endurance through your stationary cycling techniques. Indoor stationary cycling is very advantageous during the winter months when the weather does not cooperate with the needs and desires of the cyclists. Stationary cycling techniques will help you maintain and also build your muscle power even when you can not go out for on the road cycling.

In the Winner’s Circle with the Slipstream Cycling Team

2008-07-23T05:42:00.001-07:00

For professional cyclists, cycling teams are the epitome of success. While not the same as baseball or basketball teams, they are equally important. Cycling is an independent sport, but like car racing, cyclists want their teammates to do well also. Cycling teams provide sponsorship, salaries, free gear and tournament fees. Cyclists who are not members of cycling teams will have to pay a lot of pocket to fund their own careers, but by earning a spot on a cycling team, they can sit back, relax and pedal toward victory.

One for All

In 2007, the Slipstream Cycling Team was formed in the United States. A UCI Professional Continental Team, the team is managed by Jonathan Vaughters, a professional rider himself. While many teams are owned and operated by businessmen, having a former rider in charge always helps to direct a cycling team toward the right goals: victory, not profit. The Slipstream Cycling Team wears orange and blue argyle, and is sponsored by Slipstream Sports, a sports marketing and development company. It is also sponsored by the Chipotle Mexican Grill and H30.

When the Slipstream Cycling Team first entered the Professional Continental organization, it participated in the Agency for Cycling Ethics program, a program aimed toward the elimination of doping in the sport of professional cycling. Volunteer participants are tested extensively and are given a bio-stable marker profile; in future tests, if these markers move, it is a red flag.

The rider is either sick or has been taking illegal drugs. Cyclists who exhibit changes in their profiles are unable to participate in races until the scores have returned to normal; they are also required to undergo further testing to diagnose the cause of the problem. The Slipstream Cycling Team chose to volunteer for the testing establish a solid, honest image.

The Slipstream Cycling Team was originally formed as a development cycling team in 2004, used to test both professional and amateur cyclists. The TIAA-CREF sponsored the cyclists on the team during the developmental period, and it continues to the team’s 10-17 year old cyclists who do not compete competitively.

The Slipstream Cycling Team competed on the 2007 USA Cycling Professional Tour, the 2007 UCI America Tour and the 2007 UCI Europe Tour. Occasionally, the team was also selected as a wildcard to various UCI ProTour events. In 2008, former Tour de France winners David Zabriskie and David Millar joined the Slipstream Cycling Team, along with Christian Vande Velde and Magnus Backstedt. David Millar is also slated to become part-owner of the team alongside Vaughters.

Why Should You Buy Road Cycling Shoes?

2008-07-17T02:41:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has ever tried riding their bike wearing lace up sports shoes will know what can happen if those laces get blown into your bike chain. One minute you’re biking along quite happily and the next minute you grind to a halt with your laces wrapped round the chain. If you are lucky they survive – but if you are unlucky not only will your laces snap, you can end up having an accident as well. If ever there was a case for buying proper road cycling shoes, this is it.

What Makes Road Cycling Shoes Different From Ordinary Shoes?

When you are on your bike, you generally use the front section of your foot to push down on the pedal and keep you going faster and easier. If you try using the middle of your foot you’ll notice how much more difficult it is to pedal.

Normal shoes can make an ideal pedalling position quite difficult, since they are not built for cycling. If you were to put on a pair of road cycling shoes you would notice that they don’t feel that comfortable to walk in. That’s because they are not designed to be used for that purpose.

But it’s not just the position your foot is in that makes a difference when you are wearing a pair of road cycling shoes. If you take a closer look at a pair of road cycling shoes you will see that the soles are designed to grip the pedals more firmly than a regular pair of shoes. They are also extremely lightweight and therefore make it much easier to pedal along without feeling like you have huge weights on your feet.

This is similar to all other types of clothing for cyclists. It is all lightweight because you don’t want to be carrying any more weight on your person that necessary – this is because it makes it more difficult to pick up speed as the bike has to propel more weight. Even heavier shoes can make a difference if you are racing.

Where Should You Get Road Cycling Shoes From?

Road cycling shoes should be bought from reputable dealers who stock a wide range of gear for bikers. Not all sports shops stock road cycling shoes because they tend to be a bit more specialized than some of the other items bikers wear. The best deals can often be found online, so keep your eye out for end of line specials.

Powering Up with Power Cycling Exercise Routines

2008-07-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

For many athletes, the off season is not a season of rest. It is a season of increased training, of improvement and of power. Many athletes use the off season to train harder, train faster and train longer. The season may have pointed out some flaws, or they may have become aware of certain shortcomings. In the off season, these specific traits can be improved or fixed altogether. In the world of cycling, the off season is an important season. While injured cyclists may need to take some time, healthy cyclists will have a lot to go over. Maybe their endurance needs work, or their top speed. Maybe their hills are weak or their acceleration could be stronger. Regardless of what needs to be fixed, the cure is simple—power cycling exercise routines.

Making the Most of the Break

No matter how hard they train, some cyclists just cannot improve in the off season. The reason is that their fitness plateaus. Their muscles have memorized the motions of cycling so well that they are no longer challenged. When the muscles are not challenged, they do not grow stronger. Power cycling exercise routines help to pinpoint exactly which parts of a cyclist’s body are no longer being challenged, and help to develop no ways to challenge those muscles. The art of sports science is designed to build better athletes by developing programs based on individual monitoring and test results. With these results, fitness professionals can give each individual cyclist the perfect power cycling exercise routines to improve his or her strength, speed and endurance.

Power cycling exercise routines combine physical assessments, individual exercise prescriptions, performance reviews, hardware, software and analysis. The routines can be done at home or in local health clubs, training centers or cycling shops. Power cycling exercise routines work by stressing the necessary muscles of individual cyclists, the muscles that need the most work and improvement; consequently, each cyclist is locked into his or her personal training zone ensuring that every moment spent training is of the highest quality.

For both serious athletes and amateur athletes, aerobic exercise is not enough. Running or riding a bicycle for half an hour will not challenge anyone. Instead, training needs to be applied for a specified time, at a specified intensity specific to each individual. With the use of computer programs, power cycling exercise routines help cyclists to highlight their specific intensity zones, ensuring that each cyclist is challenged. Power cycling exercise routines are so specific that they even make use of blood lactate analysis to ensure that the exercises are right for the individual. Almost every athlete is guaranteed to see immediate improvements using power cycling exercise routines.

A Directory of Michigan Cycling Clubs

2008-07-11T00:20:00.001-07:00

Michigan has been a bicycle-friendly state for over 25 years. The sport has grown so rapidly that there are now cycling clubs covering the entire state. Michigan cycling clubs are divided into eight different geographic locations.

Michigan Cycling Clubs - Region 1

Clubs operating in region one, which includes Detroit and Grosse Pointe, include the Michigan Human Powered Vehicle Association, the DTE Cycling Club, the Sisters Cycling Bicycle Club in Detroit, Miller Canfield Cyclists, also in Detroit, and the Easy Riders Bicycle Club, with headquarters in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 2

Region two is a smaller region. Cycling clubs located in region two include the Clinton River Riders in Clinton Township, and Slow Spokes Bicycle Club in Mount Clemens.

Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 3

Region three encompasses the towns of Royal Oak, Southfield, Oxford, Waterford, and Clarkston. In Southfield, cycling enthusiasts may join a number of cycling clubs, including Motive Force Loose Spokes and Team Comcast Cycles.

Royal Oak residents can look to the Wolverine Sports Club for cycling club companionship. Oxford cyclists who love the Lord will find fellowship with the Wheel Power Christian Cycling Club.The Cannondale Midwest Racing Club reaches out to Waterford residents, while the Flying Rhino Cycling Club has its home in Clarkston.

Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 4

Region four is a smallish region. It includes only the Downriver Cycling Club and the Cycling Saddlemen Bicycle Club, both in Trenton.

Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 5

Ann Arbor residents can roll their wheels with the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society, the Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition, and the Wolverbents Cycling Recumbent Bicycle Club. The latter welcomes residents from all around southeastern Michigan.

Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 6

Region six clubs include the Cascades Cycling Club in Jackson. It also includes the Tri-County Bicycle Association in Lansing.

Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 7

There are four clubs to choose from in Region seven. These include: The Chain Gang and Kalamazoo Bicycle Club, both in Kalamazoo; Three Oaks Spokes, and the Macatawa Cycling Club.

Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 8

Encompassing western Michigan and the Grand Rapids area, riders of two-seaters will want to join the Michigan United Tandem Society. Cyclists who follow the one-person-one-bike rule may join Big Rapids Bicycle Club, West Michigan Coast Riders in Fruitport, or Rapid Wheelmen Inc, in Grand Rapids.

Ferries

Because there are so many lakes in Michigan, ferries are frequently used during a biking trek. After you have planned your trip, make sure that you contact individual ferry operators for schedules and information on transporting bicycles, since policy can vary ferry to ferry.

Bridges

Planning a trek with a Michigan Cycling Club should involve a lot of attention being given to the bridges that you will cross. Some bridges prohibit bicycles, others make you wait and you will be transported at the convenience of the Authority.

Enjoy the Scenery with Long Distance Cycling

2008-07-10T01:31:00.000-07:00

The invention of the gym made fitness and exercise convenient. Regardless of the weather outside, men and women around the world can exercise whenever it fits their schedules. They can run on treadmills, pedal on stationary bikes, climb fake stairs and lift at their own paces. They can even joy group classes so they feel motivated by other people. However, gyms can also be depressing places. Aside from the occasional television attached to the wall, there is really nothing much to look at, and for many people, running or biking without really going anywhere does not feel like progress at all.

Long distance cycling, whether competitively or leisurely, can be a life changing experience. There is nothing like seeing the world on bicycle. While cities have become popular places for bicycling, it is usually not for the sake of fitness. Instead, curious, police officers and even postal workers use bicycles to get around easier, avoid traffic and go where cars cannot go. But in the country, in nations across the globe, long distance cycling is an adventure unmatched by anything else.

How It Feels to Be Alive

Across the United States, there are countless long distance cycling trails designed specifically for cyclists looking for adventure and accomplishment. These trails are not used for racing; instead, they are carefully mapped, carefully marked trails consisting of roads and paths that stretch through states intended for leisurely rides. Cyclists should give these trails credit, however—some of them take up to three months to complete. For mountain bikers, there are long distance cycling trails that weave through forests, mountains and trails, linking various national parks and mountain ranges into a beautiful tour of nature. For road cyclists, every road can be a new adventure, and almost every breathtaking site in America is even more breathtaking when seen from a bicycle. There is something magical about getting somewhere by the power of the body alone—it makes the destination seem that much more amazing.

Long distance cycling groups combine the socialization of Spinning classes with the beauty and happiness of sunshine, fresh air and scenery. These groups are often paced according to the capabilities of the riders, and the tour guides often know exactly where they are going, how fast to get there and what to look at along the way. Numerous organizations in the United States exist to help cyclists find long distance cycling opportunities that fit their needs and dreams—all it takes is a little initiative, a lot of passion and a dedication to personal improvement.

The Kazakhstan Cycling Federation is Committed to Integrity

2008-06-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

The Kazakhstan Cycling Federation is committed to integrity on all levels. The Kazakhstan Cycling Federation does not tolerate inappropriate behavior on its athlete’s part even if that inappropriate behavior means a win for Kazakhstan.

A win that is ill gotten means nothing in the long term and recently the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation proved this commitment to integrity and good sportsmanship with it’s handling of a doping scandal. The scandal meant that Kazakhstan had to pull out of the Tour de France after it was found that one of its team members failed a dope test.

Fairness

Alexandre Vinokourov a member of the Kazakhstan Astana cycling team was found guilty of an illegal blood transfusion. Although blood transfusions are technically not illegal, in the cycling world certain blood transfusions that are unnecessary for an athlete’s health are deemed illegal.

Vinokourov had undergone such a blood transfusion that would have improved his performance and given him an edge over other cyclists. When news of the scandal first broke the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation was hopeful that it would be cleared up and asked for a hold on speculation until the test results were positive that the blood transfusion had taken place.

Minor Setback

Unfortunately for the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation Vinokourov was guilty of the illegal blood transfusion. This meant that the whole Astana team had to pull out of the Tour de France. Vinokourov was banned for a year by the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation for the offence. It was a regrettable incident but it proved that Kazakhstan was not ready to sacrifice integrity in favor of victory.

However, not all was well, the rulling given by the Federation was deemed too lenient by some quarters. Pat McQuaid, the International Cycling Union president believed that the ban should have been for two years and not one. There was talk of appealing the decision to extend the ban.

One player’s mistake has set Kazakhstan back in what was potentially an advance in the sport for the country. Hopefully the future of cycling in Kazakhstan will continue to improve. Doping scandals happen to every country and Kazakhstan handled it with as much fairness and grace as can be expected.

A future showing at the Tour de France by Kazakhstan would be an interesting race to watch to see how the team tries to reclaim its place in the cycling world. As for Vinokourov, time will only tell what is in store for him.

Kansas City Cycling with Friends

2008-06-25T00:44:00.001-07:00

Cycling in Kansas City has never been easier; the Kansas City Bicycle Club has been advocating bicycles and the use of bicycles all over Kansas. This advocacy group seeks to promote bicycles and incorporate bicycles into the transportation system. Kansas City cycling can only get better with this advocacy group campaigning for bicycling conditions to be improved.

There can only be benefits from the continued existence of this group. If you want to enjoy Kansas City cycling then you should think about joining the Kansas City Bicycle Club. It’s a great way to stay connected everything cycling related in this state.

The Best Routes

Joining the group will allow you to learn the best Kansas City cycling routes out there. The more cyclists you get in touch with the more routes you will discover. This is really handy if you are new to cycling and need some help deciding where is worth going and why. Having more experienced cyclists’ help you along can be hugely motivational.

The Kansas City Bicycle Group will also give you access to races. Races are fun to watch even if you are not thinking of competing, the excitement and the carnival air at a race is always fun t participate in even as a spectator. Who knows, after a while you might be tempted to join in too.

Cycling is most fun when you can do it with friends, a friend who will laugh with you, enjoy something spectacular with you and also help patch a tire. The sense of community in Kansas City cycling is what makes cycling in this city so fun. There is a real sense of pulling together and helping on another through a mutual love for cycling.

There’s place for everyone, you don’t have to worry about being an expert. The club’s philosophy is simple, to promote cycling and membership is open to anyone. Be eager and willing to learn and you will fit right in. This is a great way to discover the ins and outs of cycling in Kansas.

Bring friends with you and you will soon find that you are making more and more friends. When you have people with you, you are more likely to stick to the cycling rather than give up when you get frustrated. Remember why you started to get cycling, to be healthy and have fun and keep that in mind all the time while you embark on your cycling adventure.

Indoor Cycling Workouts to Improve Your Ride

2008-06-18T04:35:00.000-07:00

Indoor cycling can be a necessity for those serious cyclists who need to ride several times a week. Indoor cycling workouts can aid in improving one's ride by giving the cyclist an opportunity to ride in spite of poor weather conditions. These indoor cycling workouts can be based on how intensive the cyclist may ride on the road and what he wants to achieve with indoor cycling.

Two Kinds of Indoor Cycling

You can either workout on a stationary bike for your indoor cycling workouts or go on rollers for a more realistic ride. Stationary bikes are those that are usually used in gyms for just about anybody who wishes to exercise. These have settings that can mimic the intensity of the ride and measure how far you have gone. Stationary bikes are usually designed in a generic way and can accommodate even those who actually have no experience in cycling.

Rollers, on the other hand, are machines that require you to use a real bike. Most indoors cycling workouts for professional cyclist involve rollers. Rollers usually have three parallel cylinders on which the biker rides his bike on. The concept of a roller like this is for the cyclist to balance himself pretty much the same way he rides on a real road and pedal. Other kinds of rollers need to be attached to the rear hubs of the bike and this wheel is the one that spins. A rubber o-ring is connected to the front cylinder in order for it to spin in accordance to the rear cylinders.

Advantages of Indoor Cycling Workouts

Indoor cycling workouts can vary depending on what kind of indoor bicycle set up you have. Stationary bikes can help you achieve endurance and stamina through hard riding while free rollers usually build spinning stamina and endurance. Indoor cycling workouts also help cyclists warm up for a race or cool down after a hard ride. Indoor cycling workouts are also great for winter months when professional and ordinary cyclists need to exercise and maintain their endurance and stamina.

Indoor cycling workouts are also good at building and maintaining muscles that the cyclists need for races and long rides. Usually, cyclists have a routine that they do when doing indoor cycling workouts. These indoor cycling routines vary depending on the need and preferences of the cyclists. Most rides on an indoor bicycle last for an average of an hour.

A Century of Sports With a History of Cycling

2008-06-16T00:48:00.001-07:00

The bicycle is mankind's favorite vehicle. It's used universally across the world with nearly 1.4 billion bicycles in active use. Developed in Europe during the nineteenth century, it has been the most popular vehicle for travel for over a hundred years. It doesn't require gasoline or other fuel, and it has far superior maneuvering capabilities over motorized vehicles. People can take them over almost any type of terrain, and they are fit for both climbing hills and taking a leisurely ride through the park. Learn about all of this and more in the history of cycling.

In the Beginning

The history of cycling is quite extensive. A variety of technological advancements during the eighteenth century allowed for a human powered vehicle to become a viable alternative to the horse for quick travel. During the 1880s, bicycles really took off, and they quickly became popular throughout Europe and later the United States. However, people quickly learned to use them in a variety of manners. In a commercial sense, postal companies used them to quickly traverse both the countryside and city streets. For recreational purposes, people toured beautiful parks and serene country roads, taking in a wide stretch of land quickly and more easily than by walking. Racing, exercising, and even military usage became common in the early twentieth century, but the history of cycling really became interesting as it became more and more popular.

In the history of cycling, bicycle racing became one of the most popular sports with the advent and mainstream acceptance of television. Beginning in the seventies and continuing through today, bicycle races as depicted in films and lengthy races such as the Tour de France have been broadcast worldwide with levels of popularity reaching football (soccer in the United States). People from around the world participate in cycling, and it's a sport that anyone can easily pick up, although very few people do train hard enough to become a world champion in it.

Finally in the history of cycling, it is useful to mention how bicycles themselves have been innovated to fill a wide variety of uses and needs. Mountain bikes are perfect for going cross country and on non-paved surfaces such as dirt pathways. Racing bikes tend to be more lightweight with much thinner tires so they have the least amount of drag (and consequently can travel the fastest on roads out of any bicycle). Standard road bikes are useful for everyday riding on roads, as the name implies. With so many events and innovations, the history of cycling stretches far beyond the outline presented here.

Becoming a Better Athlete with Cycling Training

2008-06-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

Bicycle racing is a very competitive sport. People such as Lance Armstrong (to name a very popular and recognizable cyclist) don't appear in the cycling world everyday. These professional cyclists train hours upon agonizing hours every single day. Chances are that you don't have aspirations to become a professional cyclist like Lance Armstrong, but there are steps you can take to make yourself better at cycling and perform well in more local races and charity events. Cycling training can set you on the path to become a solid cyclist and improve other aspects of your life as well.

Weight Lifting, Aerobics, and Diet

There are several aspects to your cycling training that will making your cycling performance a success. First of all, you need a healthy and balanced diet to provide the energy you'll need for lengthy cycling trips. Focusing too much on one food group or another will prevent you from having an optimum level of energy and muscle growth. Of course, eating too much will increase fatty deposits, but cycling training also includes eating enough. Not only does starvation vastly decrease energy, but it also slows down your metabolism as well, so that when you do eat, you might actually be gaining weight if you're not eating enough. Cycling training can be a great way to lose weight, but there's a healthy way for that and then there's a harmful way.

Cycling training also uses a wide variety of muscles, so you'll want to build these up with weight training. During weight training, you'll want to build up your muscles in your legs, obviously for actually cycling, arms for steering, back for posture, and even stomach and shoulders to make cycling easier on your body. You'll also get the added benefit of looking and feeling better about yourself. Toned muscles are perhaps the most desired of body traits today, and you can get them just through cycling training.

However, you'll also want to perform aerobic exercises to increase the amount of energy you can put into cycling. Aerobic exercises increase the performance of your heart and lungs, so more air can be diffused into your blood stream, providing extra oxygen for your muscles. Also, it will be much more difficult to get out of breath through regular aerobic exercise. Through a full and balanced diet, weight lifting for all of your muscles, and aerobic exercises, you can make yourself a better athlete all around. By practicing all of these, your cycling training will be very effective, but you'll also look and feel better about yourself too.

Cycling Trainers to Keep You in Shape

2008-05-28T05:22:00.000-07:00

Cycling in the summer is fun and easy, you feel motivated and the weather is inviting. In the winter it’s whole different story. Even if you don’t have severe winters where you live the cold is enough to keep you in bed and away from your bike. A stationary bike is no good if all you do is pump away with no challenge of a great hill. So what do you do? Get cycling trainers to help push you further and keep you in shape. You can hook one of these babies up to your bike and pedal away indoors with no problems.

Use Resistance to Your Advantage

Cycling trainers provide you with resistance that other stationary bikes don’t. This will allow you to feel exactly like you are going up those wonderful hills. Unfortunately there’s nothing to make you fee like you are going downhill. Cycling trainers are a device that you can hook your bike to; this is a bonus in many ways. You are used to how your bike feels and using your own bike will prepare you better for when you are out on the road again.

You can choose different programs on your cycling trainers to train yourself. You can have a spin workout if you really want to burn calories and one up or you can have structured intervals to improve stamina. Combine your cycling trainers with a weight resistance workout and you will have an amazing workout that will really work every muscle in your body.

Compatible

Cycling trainers are compatible with your lifestyle, whatever that may be. They are portable enough that they do not take up a lot of space. If you buy a model that works with magnet or fluid then you have a very quiet model that is ideal for an apartment or a place where you share accommodation. Once you have your trainer you have no excuse, the machine will give you a great workout only if you use it.

Try and use the trainer as many times as you would cycle if the weather permitted it. Keeping fit throughout the winter will give you many benefits. Among them an increased ability to cycle, you can push past your limits in a way you wouldn’t be able to without the cycling trainers. It may seem boring at first so make sure you have great music that gets you going or something fast paced and exciting on TV to watch while you work out.

Taking Part in Cycling Tours

2008-05-27T01:35:00.000-07:00

Cycling tours can be so much fun especially for those who love to bike. Depending on what kind of bicycle you have, you can either have a tour focused on smooth roads or a tour that can go off road at times. Most cycling tours take several days to complete depending on the participants in the tour. You will need to be able to know the basics of riding a bike when you go on cycling tours since most bikes have gears which you will shift according to the road you are on and the speed your group is travelling.

Kinds Of Cycling Tours

Cycling tours can last for several days while others or just a day or two. The tours that take several days to complete are usually reserved for those who have already gone on a bike tour and know what to expect. Beginners usually feel out a tour by going on one day tours. This is not a rule so if you wish to go on a longer tour, then there is nothing to stop you.

Some cycling tours also feature camping while others have accommodations at inns and motels. These are good for those who would like to have a comfortable bed to rest on at the end of the ride. There are some inns and motels that are biker friendly especially in states where cycling is customary.

Cycling tours operators may also have an agreement with some inns regarding discounts and bike storage. The cycling tours that include camping usually need special permission especially if you plan to camp out in National Forest reserves and other government land. It is better to let the local authorities know regarding the movement of your group in case of emergency.

Other advantages of contacting an outfit that hosts cycling tours instead of going out on your own are the route maps and tips that the guides can offer you. There are many routes and trails where some bikes are not allowed to pass through. This is especially true in some mountains where the trails need to be preserved for walking or other activities. Some trails may also be closed due to the wildlife and seasonal changes.

Going on cycling tours can build a strong bond among friends and family. It is also a great way to spend part of one's spring break or summer vacation. Before going on any cycling tour, it is best to scout around for ideal locations that are biker friendly.

Enjoy the Sun with Cycling Sunglasses

2008-05-26T04:19:00.001-07:00

When it comes to cycling, cyclists have a lot of important decisions to make. Firstly, while safety must come first, cyclists need to ensure that safety does not come at the cost of speed and first place. For instance, gear and equipment that would protect the rider from a fall may be too cumbersome and create a lot of drag, so most cyclists will take the risk of falling and wear only a helmet, rather than dressing up in pads.

However, like a helmet, some cycling equipment is essential—cycling shoes, shorts, shirts. But there is one component of cycling that is often looked, just as it is overlooked in most sports. Cycling sunglasses are as integral to cycling as a helmet, not only for safety, but for the sake of winning. Aerodynamic and light, cycling sunglasses protect the cyclist yet do not hinder his or her ability to win—in fact, they usually increase the winning percentage.

The Importance of Eyesight

Many people rarely realize the importance of sunglasses. They may take them out of the summer come summertime, or take them to the beach, but unless the sun is directly overhead and it is eighty degrees outside, the sunglasses stay hidden. The reason is people do not truly understand what sunglasses do. They protect not against the sunlight itself, but the ultraviolet rays. For cyclists, cycling sunglasses provide protection all-year round. Just being outside, on the roads, is enough to risk eyesight; ultraviolet rays are there even on cloudy days.

However, cycling sunglasses protect cyclists from more than sun. Cyclists, when traveling at high speeds, can easily fall prey to the wind. Just as the wind can slow them down, it can also slow their eyesight down. A cyclist forced to squint for miles, whether from the sun or the wind, is at risk for both injury and for losing. Cycling sunglasses also protect cyclists from precipitation; when it is raining or snowing, cyclists can feel like their eyes are being stabbed. Even when the sun is not shining, cycling sunglasses have an important purpose.

Many cyclists may fear that something on their face will be more of a hindrance than a help. However, cycling sunglasses are built to not hinder at all. Sleek and sheer, they are lightweight and built to provide the largest field of sight without huge lenses. The lenses themselves even come in various colors to be matched up to different light conditions; there are even lenses available for light that may reflect off snow-covered fields.

Good Health with Cycling Skinsuits

2008-05-21T05:02:00.001-07:00

If you want to get the maximum results out of your cycling events, then you'll want to check out a cycling skinsuit. With a skinsuit, you'll get greatly decreased wind resistance and sweat absorption, making for an easier and more comfortable ride. Recent developments have only made these features better with newer, more comfortable, and more durable materials and new manufacturing processes that cut down on costs while increasing quality. Here's a quick overview of cycling skinsuits so that you can determine if purchasing one is right for you.

Features

One of the main problems with wearing normal clothes during cycling is chafing. Because normal clothes move around and rub against your skin, they can chafe against your skin and cause rashes and blisters to occur. However, cycling skinsuits cling to your skin, so they don't rub against it. Overall, this will help prevent the majority of chafing alone, but there are other materials present which make it even more effective at making your cycling event more comfortable. For example, moisture absorptive materials soak up sweat (and dry off more quickly in the event of rain), so that the material doesn't slide against your skin, causing more chafing. Materials which allow your skin to breathe also cut down on how much you sweat by improving circulation. All of these materials help to make your ride more comfortable and increase how long you can ride without developing rashes and blisters.

Padding in cycling skinsuits helps make the ride more comfortable by absorbing some of the pressure on your joints. In combination with a padded seat, your ride can be very comfortable indeed, preventing your back from becoming sore. Also, cycling skinsuits complement cycling gloves very well, as skinsuits and gloves do the same thing but in different areas (gloves for your hands and skinsuits for your upper legs and torso).

Not only that, but cycling skinsuits are also very fashionable. They come in a huge variety of styles and colors, and you can even get them custom made with various logos and images. However, they often cost a hundred dollars or more (although there are discount models for much less than that of course). For quality or customization, you'll need to pay top dollar though. With so many benefits for cyclists, cycling skinsuits are a must-have for any enthusiast. They'll make any long cycling trip more enjoyable, so you'll be enjoying the outside more than worrying about the discomfort of a long ride.

Close for Comfort: Cycling Shorts

2008-05-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

Cycling shorts, the short, skin-tight shorts used by bicyclists around the world, have a kind of social stigma attached to them. No one wants to see old men in skin-tight pants, with every muscle, and every other body part, clearly visible through the material. But cyclists, clothing is everything. The right kind of clothing can win a race, and the wrong kind can lose a race. And cycling shorts, for all their bad reputations, are essential pieces of cycling equipment.

Comfort and Efficiency

Cycling shorts can cut down on race times, but they can also help the cyclist have a more comfortable, less injury-prone ride. Due to their skin-tight nature, bicycle shorts reduce wind resistance, but they also compress the legs which helps prevent muscle fatigue. They also protect the cyclist’s skin from friction against the bicycle skin, and whisk sweat away from the legs to cool the rider and to also prevent chafing and rashes. For these reasons, cycling shorts are worth the risk of stares and whispers for spectators.

However, cycling shorts have come a long way. In the past, the shorts were made from black wool to hide oil and grease stains. A leather patch, sewn inside the shorts in the crotch area, was intended to reduce chafing from the bicycle saddle. Now, however, bicycle shorts are made of spandex with a synthetic chamois lining throughout, and they are produced in a variety of shapes and styles to suit the needs of individual riders.

Consequently, male cycling shorts are often vastly different from the female versions, as the internal lining is often focused on different areas. The shorts also include a ring of sticky material on the hem of each leg, so the material clings to the skin and remains fixed to the same position. As a result, cycling shorts are designed to be worn without undergarments.

There are two popular variations of cycling shorts used by bicyclists. Bib shorts are held up by integral suspenders rather than an elastic waistband. Many cyclists find the elastic waistbands uncomfortable, and when certain shorts get wet they may become loose and slide down in the back. Bibbed shorts are also popular among taller riders or riders with bigger stomachs.

Baggy cycling shorts are useful for non-racing situations. While they still have a skin-tight lining on the inside, the second layer of the short is baggy, making them more socially acceptable. Baggy shorts are often more expensive than simply lycra shorts, but they definitely provide a more pleasant riding experience, especially in city environments.

Getting a Grip with Cycling Shoes

2008-04-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

Like every sport, cycling requires its own type of equipment, for safety and for success. Cycling is a sport of speed; consequently, cycling equipment must battle wind resistance while it optimizes the power of the athlete. When spectators look at a cyclist, they notice the tight-fitting shorts and shirts, the aerodynamic helmets and the small, light sunglasses—they rarely notice the shoes.

But cycling shoes are some of the most important, most integral pieces of equipment in the sporting cyclist’s repertoire, whether they are riding on the road, on a track or on a mountain. Cycling shoes are available in a variety of styles and are produced by a variety of companies, but they all have the same goal—to win.

Pedals and Pins

While cycling shoes differ depending on the type of racing, they all exhibit four key features: rigidity for the transfer of power, weight and attachments and adaptability for use on and off the bicycle. The four types of cycling, road racing, touring, mountain biking and spinning, each require different amounts of rigidity, different weights and different attachment mechanisms.

For instance, road shoes normally have no treads and the protruding attachment cleats make it impossible for the rider to walk in them. Touring cycling shoes, however, add treads and a smaller cleat so the rider can walk and cycle. Mountain bike shoes are also designed for walking, as riders may need to dismount their bicycles to negotiate difficult terrain.

Modern cycling shoes utilize a clipless pedal system, meaning the shows attach directly to the pedals for maximum efficiency. A cleat on the bottom of each shoe matches a fitting on each pedal, and cycling shoes click into place. Older cycling shoes used a toe clip and strap. The cyclist slid his or her shoes into metal cages attached to the pedals.

A toe clip would also help to hold the shoe in place, but when the rider needed to take his or her feet out of the pedals, he or she would have to reach down and loosen the strap. Not only was this time consuming, it was dangerous as well—in case of an accident, riders could not quickly dismount their bicycles. Modern cycling shoes and clipless pedals allow cyclists to release from the pedals quickly and safely.

Overshoes are also available for cycling shoes. Due to the aerodynamic nature of cycling shoes, and the materials used to make them lightweight and breathable, many are not waterproof. Overshoes are flexible coverings that can be slipped on over cycling shoes for use in wet weather. They are usually composed of rubber or synthetic materials and zip inside of the ankle. The fabric covers the soles but is not designed to be walked on, but it will include a hole for clipless pedal systems.

Pain Versus Gain: Cycling Knee Pain

2008-04-28T05:51:00.000-07:00

In the sport of cycling, knee injuries are some of the most common injuries. Cycling knee pain is often caused by iliotibial band syndrome. The IT band is a fibrous band of tissue that runs along the outside of the leg from the knee to the hip. When the band tightens and rubs across the sharp bones of the hip or the knee, severe pain can occur. For cyclists, tight and inflexible muscles in the lower extremities can worsen the condition, meaning cyclists with more muscular builds are actually more at risk for cycling knee pain.

Prevention and Treatment

Cycling knee pain is usually caused from overuse. Cyclists new to the sport or cyclists who are just beginning their spring training programs often attempt to do too much too fast, resulting in pain and injury. The first few weeks of any training program, regardless of the cyclist’s expertise, should be taken slow, with low pedal resistance. Hard riding and hill work should be limited, and stretching, especially in the lower limbs, should be added.

Cycling knee pain is most commonly caused by poor saddle height, poor crank length, excessively high gear use, poor cleat alignment or too much added leg work in the gym. Also, certain individual anatomies may make some cyclists more prone to cycling knee pain. For these individuals, added precautions should be taken regardless of the season. Some cycling knee pain is not caused by the knees at all. Week muscles in the lower back can often put extra stress on the muscles and joints of the legs; regardless of their sport, cyclists should always include lower back exercises in their weight training routines.

Cycling knee pain can be treated in numerous ways, but usually cyclists are unwilling to take a break and end up causing more injury in the long run. Cycling knee pain usually develops slowly over a number of days—it rarely happens suddenly and is usually not an emergency. Most competitive athletes have a fear of resting, yet resting is the most effective treatment of any cycling knee pain and most other cycling-related injuries. Cyclists should always visit their primary care physicians or sports medicine physicians first whenever consistent pain is felt.

Rest is the most helpful medicine for any kind of injury to the knee. After rest, rehabilitation is necessary. Cyclists should cut back their mileage and use lower gears for a few weeks. Leg work at the gym should also be reduced, but stretching should be increased. Drugs such as Tylenol or Motrin are useful for cycling knee pain, but they do not solve the problem—taking pills in order to bike through the pain is not the right use of medication.

Safety Tips for Cycling in the Rain

2008-04-24T01:55:00.000-07:00

It’s always a good idea to take proper safety measures when you are out on your bicycle. There are lots of hazards which could potentially cause you to take a spill, and learning to be careful and wear the right protective equipment all goes a long way towards making sure you stay safe whenever you are out and about on your bike.

But cycling in the rain brings with it particular hazards that you don’t experience at any other time. So, it’s worth thinking ahead and being prepared to minimise any risk of accident or injury to yourself or others.

Watch Your Speed

This is the most important aspect of cycling in the rain. However good your bike is, and however much money you spent on it, you will know that when the brakes are wet they don’t work as well as they do in the dry. This means it will take far longer for you to stop – and in the worst case scenario – for cheaper bikes that only have the most basic brake systems included on them – the brakes may actually do very little at all to help you slow down.

Make sure you always keep your speed down when you are cycling in the rain, and squeeze your brakes gently every now and again to help keep the brake pads drier. It might just make a difference that can count for a lot if you have to stop quickly.

Wear Extra Clothing

It’s always important to be seen when you are on your bike, but visibility tends to drop remarkably when it is raining. That’s why it’s worth wearing waterproofs that are brightly colored, to ensure that more people are able to see you when you are cycling in the rain.

Add reflective strips to your bike as well and make sure your reflectors aren’t chipped or broken. It’s worth using lights if it is really raining heavily, since it all helps to ensure that everyone can see you. This applies even in the middle of the day; it can become very dark when the storm clouds are building.

Perhaps the most important point to remember when you are cycling in the rain is to get off and seek shelter if you don’t feel safe enough to carry on. Don’t take shelter under trees if there is lightning and thunder, but instead find somewhere to wait the storm out if you can.