4 Ways to Enjoy Cycling Today
Because of our dependence on cars, cycling is not nearly as prevalent as it has been in the past. This is partially because of the inherent risks, but also because of our natural affinity to our cars. It doesn’t matter what reason you ride, there is a certain beauty to getting out to ride. If you are looking for an excuse, here are 4 ways to to enjoy riding your bike.
- Commuting
Whether you are commuting to work, the store, school or wherever, bicycle commuting can be a great way (or excuse) to get out and ride. Because you have to commute to where you are going anyway, you don’t have to make any ’special time’ to ride your bike. Build in a few extra minutes and take your bike. You’ll find that you appreciate the extra scenery and experiences that you come across along the way. - Cross Country (Mountain Biking, Trail Riding, etc.)
If you’ve never been out on a trail, now is the time. Although “Mountain Biking” is often seen as hard or challenging, it is really just as difficult as you want it to be. With a little searching, you can find a trail of any difficulty near you. Riding amongst the trees is not only great exercise, but also a great escape. - Cyclocross
Cyclocross is perhaps one of the most vigorous, dynamic and challenging forms of cycling. It combines a short course with various obstacles, terrains and challenges that will require you to dismount, carry your bike, and remount on the other side. Be prepared to be exhausted, and covered in mud. - Riding the Road
When you think of cycling, you probably thing of the typical road rider: Helmet, Spandex Shorts and a Jersey. While this uniform can make your ride more productive and comfortable, it’s not for everyone. If you’re not comfortable in this type of garb, by all means wear what you’re most comfortable in. The important thing is to go out and ride. Go on a family bike ride, a midnight bike ride, or a leisurely ride through town.
How do you like to ride? Let us know in the comments!
Stop Whining and Ride in the Snow | 4 Tips for Snow Cycling
by Frank on January 30, 2010
in Uncategorized
Photo by Shoupiest
I’ve heard it a thousand times: “I’d love to get out and ride, but it’s snowy outside!” Honestly, I’m just as guilty as the next person.
Now, as significant snowfall descends on Oklahoma for the second time this winter (unheard of!), I’ve decided that it’s time to stop whining and get out on the snow. For inspiration, I used an acquaintance who commutes by bike year round, regardless of snow or ice.
Here are a few tips to get you out on the snow:
Read more..
Choosing a Cycling GPS
By Henrik Moltke
The entrance and explosion of personal GPS units has changed the way we navigate the world. Do you own one? Have you used one. Chances are you’ve at least seen one.
What, then, does this mean for athletes? What does it mean for cyclists?
Here’s what it means: Enhancement. Sport GPS units provide athletes with the opportunity for better benchmarking, tracking and enhancement. Using them adds flexibility and possibility to your cycling workout that you never had before. You can track elevation changes, speed, routes, cadence, heartrate and tons of other variables that can affect your training.
Which one, then, should you use?
This is an important question to answer, as there are many units available. Each unit offers different features making them better for different types of cyclists. I’ll give the most popular units an overview to help you determine which GPS is right for you.
The Simplicity of Cycling
Just You and the Road
photo by Noize Photography
One of the things I love about cycling is its simplicity.
Sure, there are some concerns you have to take into account. They are, however, mostly secondary.
Cycling gives you a chance to unwind, a chance to actually take in your surroundings. It is only as demanding as you want it to be.
It doesn’t matter what kind of gear you have. It doesn’t matter what kind of bike you ride.
Do you ride a road bike? Good. A mountain bike? Good. Do you have a utility bike? Good.
Cheap, expensive, new, old. It doesn’t matter.
What matters, is that you’re out riding and for a brief moment in time, it’s just you and the road.
How Can We Make Cycling Safer For Everyone?
by Frank on October 25, 2009
in Riding the Road, Safety, lifestyle
I very often go cycling by myself, or with a small group. I also bike very frequently pulling my son in a trailer, and this always brings my most safety-conscious self to the forefront. I find myself thinking “what is this car going to do?” “are they going to see us?”
Bicycle Safety
That being said, the trailer actually makes me more visible, and I have had very few bad experiences. I have, however, had a few close calls that made me think twice.
I think that it’s safe to say that many more people would ride if they thought riding a bike was safer. How, then, can we make cycling safer for everyone? How can we do away with the machismo attitude that claims that cars own the road? Here are just a few thoughts:
Our streets would be more bicycle friendly if. . .
5 Cycling Books That Aren’t Just Training and Maintenance
It’s a fact: for all intensive purposes, books on cycling can be boring.
You’re constantly bombarded with fitness and training advice. The others are all about maintenance.
While these things are important, it’s sometimes good to step away from the technicalities and enjoy a book about cycling as much as we enjoy cycling itself.
(disclaimer: at least one of these books fits the fitness/maintenance category. . )
Here are 5 picks:
Bicycle Diaries by David Byrne
12 Bicycle Photos You Just Can’t Miss
Maybe you ride every day, or maybe you haven’t ridden years. Do you ride with your kids, competitively, for fun? Everybody rides for different reasons, which only lends beauty to cycling.
Take a moment and remember the times you’ve ridden; remember the people you’ve ridden with; motivate yourself to ride more or ride again. Let these photos remind and reinforce the beauty in cycling.
Enjoy.
Bicycle Punk
Collapsible Bikes: Fun or Folly?
by Frank on October 11, 2009
in Cycling Business and Industry, concepts
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of a collapsible bicycle are those goofy looking travel bikes with tiny wheels. And then I saw this:
Folding Bicycle
Bicycle Couriers. . In a City Near You
by Frank on September 14, 2009
in Bicycle Couriers, Bike Messengers, Cycling Business and Industry
Bicycle Couriers (also known as Bike Messengers) may not be your first thought when considering logistics or choosing a parcel delivery service. There are, however, many compelling reasons that you (or your business) should use bicycle couriers instead of other courier services (aside from the fact that most of them will even bring you your lunch).
5 Reasons You Should Ditch Your Car and Ride a Bike
by Frank on August 29, 2009
in Riding the Road, lifestyle
Ditch Your Car - Ride a Bike!
Ask yourself the question: Why do I ride my bike? or Why do I not ride my bike? Do you know the answer? Maybe it’s a simple. Maybe it’s not. Must you ride your bike, due to lack of vehicle? Or is riding a bike a conscious choice? Maybe you don’t ride a bike. Why not?
In any event, I believe it’s important to know why exactly you do what you do. In this case, why do you ride a bike? Why don’t you ride a bike? If you don’t spend much time on a bike, I challenge you (yes you) to ditch your car and ride a bike! If you do spend time on a bike, i challenge you to spend more time on it. I’ll even give you 5 reasons why:
