DIY Cycling » lifestyle

Pulling a Bike Trailer: Take Your Family Along for the Ride

Frank — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 02:46:45 +0000

Getting our Joyrider Ready for a Ride

If you are searching for a fun, interactive way to include your family in an exercise routine, a bike trailer may be the perfect solution. With your little ones securely in tow, you can benefit from a demanding bike ride outdoors while enjoying the fresh air.

As long as you can ride a bike, you can pull a trailer. The trailer provides additional resistance, creating a more effective workout than simply biking alone. Pulling a trailer is especially beneficial for your legs, helping to tone and shape (something every new mom can appreciate!). You are sure to incinerate calories while having fun.

Most bike trailers have a seating capacity for two children, with a standard weight limit of 100 pounds. Basically, any child from 1 to 5 years of age can ride. Children are safely buckled in with a 5 point harness. Be sure to find a helmet that properly fits, as childhood is the time to teach bike safety. We are currently using the Schwinn Joyrider Bicycle Trailer and Jogging Stroller, and love it.

Our boys love “go go going!” as our two year old says. They can literally ride as long as I can pedal, or until we switch the trailer to my husband’s bicycle. We purchased an additional coupler for less than $10. This allows for virtually seamless transfer of the trailer without taking the back wheels off to move the equipment. We often go to a local park with miles of paved trail, and spend the evening riding. Then the boys play while we recuperate from the ride.

The Chariot CX2 is top of the line in the bike trailer world. Sleek and stylish, it provides a smooth and effortless ride on 20’’ rear wheels and suspension system. Conversion kits are also available for the CX2 to convert it into a jogging stroller, cross country ski trailer, and hiker. Weather is no deterrent, as the CX2 comes standard with a 2-in-1 weather cover, providing sun and precipitation protection, as well as functioning as a bug guard. The spacious cabin comes with removable fleece liners, perfect for cold weather. In the summer, these are easily removed. The rear storage bag has specialized compartments for your wallet, cell phone, and keys. The fabric of the chassis is photo-luminescent for added visibility, and a strobe light kit is available for additional visibility. Basically, the Chariot CX2 is the best you can get.

A more affordable quality option is the Burley Bee trailer. A simple trailer, the Bee has standard features such as a 5 point mesh harness, washable mesh seat bottoms, a 2-in-1 weather and bug guard, reflective trim, and a safety flag. The Bee is lightweight and easy to move, at less than 20 pounds. It is perfect for the novice rider.

Pulling a bike trailer is an enjoyable way to exercise that involves your family. By getting your kids involved, you are teaching them a lifelong appreciation for exercising, specifically cycling, and encouraging them to be physically fit. Perhaps the most beneficial aspect they’ll acquire is a love of the outdoors. Be safe, and have fun!

4 Ways to Enjoy Cycling Today

Frank — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:10:14 +0000

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 Lagging Behind | 6 Easy Ways to Increase your Cycling Speed

6 Easy Ways to Stay in Shape During the Off-Season

Frank — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:03:45 +0000

How many of you keep riding throughout the winter months? An honest answer please.

For most of us snow, ice, rain and the cold are just enough to keep us out of the saddle for a few months. Without fail, we find ourselves grumbling once we actually step back on.

How do you stay in cycling shape throughout the winter then?

Take a Spinning Class

Lots of local gyms offer spinning classes, and they’re usually fairly inexpensive. This is a perfect way to keep riding, using all of your muscles and meeting people who love to ride.

Take up an Indoor Sport

Playing racquetball, joining an indoor soccer league, or just finding an indoor basketball court are great ways to stay in shape. Not only do you get a cardio workout, you also have fun while doing it. In my opinion, any workout you do should be fun.

Use a Trainer

Not too hip on going to a spinning class? Would you rather stay at home? Get a trainer! They can be found for all price ranges (though keep in mind – you get what you pay for). Now you can watch movies while you ride! Just don’t ride into the TV. . .

Try FitDeck

If you haven’t tried FitDeck, you really should. Inspired by the workouts done by the Navy Seals, FitDeck gives you a completely new workout every time. Here’s how it works: You have a deck of cards, and several sets of rules. You choose a framework, and then flip over the cards. Your workout is random and different every time. Available decks include: Bodyweight, Pilates, Yoga, Stretch, Prenatal, Postnatal, Travel, Office, Combat Sports, Firefighter, Navy Seal and many more. It’s definitely worth a look.

Yoga

What better way to relax and work out indoors than Yoga? Stretch and put your mind at ease during the cold winter months. This is also the perfect time to build Yoga into a habit to continue year-round.

Suck it Up and Ride

Want to stay in shape when the weather’s bad? Quit whining and ride anyway! There are plenty of products to help keep you comfortable during cold, wet rides. Just make sure you stay safe.

These are just a few of the ways I stay in shape when you can’t get out and ride. That being said, there’s absolutely no excuse to do nothing!

How do you stay in shape during the off-season? Let us know in the comments!

Stop Lagging Behind | 6 Easy Ways to Increase your Cycling Speed

How Can We Make Cycling Safer For Everyone?

Frank — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:15:53 +0000

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. . .

Everyone followed a few simple rules and common sense
This could go a long way. Simple traffic rules, safety conventions and common sense actions could help bridge the gap between driver and rider, which could enable them to finally “share the road”.

Everyone paid more attention
Distracted driving is definitely an issue. Some of the closest calls I’ve been in have been because of distracted drivers. Whether they’re on their cell phones, texting, or just flat out not paying attention, distracted driving endangers everyone.

Everyone was more visible
This is along the lines of simple rules and common sense, but it is an important one. Ride with traffic, not against it. Wear visible colors, switch your reflectors out for lights, USE lights (especially when it’s dark or dusky), and stay in the lane. Most bicycle accidents happen to cyclists who started out on the sidewalk. Why? Because people in cars don’t pay attention to the sidewalk. When you make the transfer to the road, or to cross a street, you’re much less visible on the sidewalk than if you were in the road to begin with.

Everyone was more aware
As is often the case, ignorance is a huge part of the problem. People don’t realize that cyclists have their place on the road. Cyclists aren’t aware of correct etiquette (signaling, positioning, etc), and drivers aren’t aware enough to look for the signals. Ignorance is the issue, and education is the solution.

Have you had some close calls? Share them with us in the comments.
Do you have more ideas to help create cycle friendly streets? Share those too.

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(photo by faster panda kill kill)

5 Cycling Books That Aren’t Just Training and Maintenance

Frank — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:29:13 +0000

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

Bicycle Diaries chronicles the fascination of former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne as he cycles across the world. In the book he gives insight and thought about places such as Sydney, Australia; Manila, Philippines; San Francisco; and New York. He shares his thoughts on the good sides and bad sides of bicycle transportation as well as everything from urban planning to art. His love of cycling stems from the freedom you feel and have on two wheels, which has caused him to become very active in bicycle advocacy in recent years.

The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling: Build the Strength, Skills, and Confidence to Ride as Far as You Want by Edmund R. Burke

I warned that not all of these were as care free as I would have you think in the first paragraph. This is the only one, however, so don’t stop here.

As its name suggests, The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling: Build the Strength, Skills, and Confidence to Ride as Far as You Want by Edmund R. Burke is a comprehensive guide put together by two of the country’s top cycling experts. Learn how to achieve the strength, skill, and strategy you need to bike long distance. Discover how to cycle efficiently, choose the right gear, and train for a ride of any length.

The Rider by Tim Krabbe

The Rider delivers a single bicycle race, kilometer by kilometer. The book bares the sport to its essential, causing you to feel like you are actually a part of the race. As far as the book is concerned, it is the race.

Cycling’s Greatest Misadventures by Erich Schweikher

Twenty-seven true stories. In this book both pros and amateurs share freak accidents, animal attacks, sabotage, idiotic decisions, eerie or unexplained incidents, and other strange occurrences. Check out the wild, unpredictable side of cycling in this book. You won’t be disappointed.

The Art of Cycling: A Guide to Bicycling in 21st-Century America by Robert Hurst

Robert Hurst covers everything there is about riding a bike on America’s modern streets. His piece-by-piece account of cycling will make you want to ditch your car. His practical tips and insights share not only safety, but how-to and cultural interpretation. See the big picture of riding in America.

These are just 5 of the many books out there. What are some of your favorites?

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12 Bicycle Photos You Just Can’t Miss

Frank — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:00:53 +0000

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

by Paul Keleher

There's a Fixie on the Wall

by wing_clipper

Enjoying the Sunset on the Beach. . . With Your Bike

by Kıvanç Niş

Bicycle Station

by pasotraspaso

Definitely Not In A Hurry

by laffy4k

Vintage Monark | Clean and Simple

by Petteri Sulonen

Fresh Produce. . Delivered by Bike

by Vince Alongi

Transportation, Plain and Simple

by BruceTurner

Getting Into Gear

by ragnar1984

Bicycle Graveyard

by Robert Thomson

Family Outing

by kamshots

Movin' Out

by xddorox

Well there you have it. What are some of your favorite cycling photos? Let us know in the comments!

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Collapsible Bikes: Fun or Folly?

Frank — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:40:25 +0000

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

Sure it’s only a concept, but wow! It looks good. Could it really be safe? Look at how the wheels fold:

Collapsing Wheel

If nothing else, it’s a definite good start. I’ve been waiting to see bicycle production go in new directions. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t look like it’d be too easy to take apart. .

Would you ride a collapsible bicycle? Let us know in the comments!

[Gizmodo via Treehugger]

From Bicycle Couriers to Coffee Delivery: The World of Every Day Cycling

Bicycle Couriers. . In a City Near You

Frank — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:24 +0000

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).

In previous posts I’ve mentioned EcoTrack Couriers of Oklahoma City, as well as several other uses of bicycles in business. Time to bring notice to a few more:

New York Bike Messengers Association (New York City)
The NYMBA is a worker’s alliance of bicycle messengers whose mission is to “unite, represent and advocate for the bike couriers of New York City.” Not only do they act as advocates, they organize rides (often for charity) geared toward bringing bike messengers from NYC together.

Breakaway Bicycle Couriers (Milwaukee)
Breakaway Bicycle Couriers brings you great rates and deliveries by a team of cyclists who not only ride their routes, but also compete nationally. Expect fast, cheap, water-proof, co2-free service.

Godspeed Couriers (San Francisco)
Godspeed Couriers, operating since 1999, is made up of “a group of highly skilled bicycle messengers, amateur road racers, and experienced motorists who all love to be good at what they do.” They claim to bring you dependable rush-time service and won a “best of SF 2009″ award.

Velocity Bicycle Couriers (Charlotte, NC)
Velocity provides reliable, efficient, and friendly courier service in uptown Charlotte, specializing in legal offices. They’re flexible, however, willing to take on any job with a smile.

Are you a courier? Does your city have bike messengers? Let us know in the comments!

Looking for cycling services? Do you run a business that uses bicycle? Click here to check out the DIY Cycling Business Directory - Find a business or add your own business.

5 Reasons You Should Ditch Your Car and Ride a Bike

Frank — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:04:22 +0000

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:

See Things in a Different Way.
Anyone who’s spent much time on a bike knows that the road takes on a different view while on two wheels. You’re going fast enough to get where you’re going, but slow enough to be able to actually take in what you’re seeing. See houses you hadn’t seen before, storefronts you never noticed, or nature you never took the time to look at.

Get in Shape.
This one speaks for itself. On an intense bicycle ride you can burn over 1000 calories per hour. During a leisurely ride, you’ll burn more than 300. Why not get your workout AND your commute out of the way all at once?

Save Money.
Gas prices are soaring, and car maintenance fees are nothing to scoff at either. Save yourself the time and money by riding a bike. After a small investment in gear, you won’t have to spend another paycheck on gas again.

Save the Environment.
This one’s simple: Use less gas! Using less gas, means more harmful fumes and less drilling, which means cleaner air and a healthier planet. More cyclists on the road leads to less crowded streets and cleaner city air.

Stand Out from the crowd.
Take the opportunity to be different. In a world full of people dependent on their automobiles, take two wheels, see the road you’re traveling and maybe meet a person or two.

There you have it: 5 of the multitude of reasons you should ditch your car and ride a bike. Let us know why you ride your bike in the comments!

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Resources to help get you out on the road
Riding the Road: Simple Rules and Common Sense
Riding the Road: What to Bring on Your Ride
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From Bicycle Couriers to Coffee Delivery: The World of Every Day Cycling

Frank — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:28:15 +0000

Bicycle Courier

In my recent post about the comeback of Bicycle Couriers, I wrote about Oklahoma City’s Ecotrack Bicycle Couriers. This got me thinking about what other ways bicycle’s are being used in every day business and industry. After doing some research I found a few company’s using bicycles in innovative ways, as well as some food for thought in how they can be used to make our city’s more bicycle friendly.

Here’s what I found:

De La Paz Coffee Delivery

The Coffeecycle

Let’s face it, coffee is part of almost everybody’s morning ritual. And who wouldn’t want it delivered directly to them? De La Paz Coffee performs an impressive feat by delivering ALL of their coffee in San Francisco by bicycle. I’m impressed. They have a pretty sweet setup for their delivery bike too. Looks like they’ve taken a basic front rack and attached two large buckets. Pure Genius!

Meals on (two) Wheels

Many of you have heard of Meals on Wheels. But have you heard of Meals on Two Wheels?

Meals on Two Wheels takes the basic idea of Meals on Wheels (to provide hot meals to shut ins) and makes it eco-friendly.

Here’s how it works:
You sign up for the program, and they do all the rest. After you are approved for delivery, the organization provides you with a route and a trailer (A modified Burley flatbed trailer). On the trailer you have a two coolers, one for hot and one for cold foods. You then ride your route, delivering the meals.

Here’s a picture of blogger Rick Glos‘s (who writes more about his experience here) Meals on Two Wheels rig.

Meals on Two Wheels Bicycle Rig

These are the best examples I found of bicycles being used in every day industry, but I would definitely like to see more! How does your city use bicycles? How can we make them more common in every day use? Remember, more cycles = fewer accidents. Tell us about how your city uses bicycles in the comments!