Biking

My Husband’s Always Outside

This guest post from Christine Beck

Ever since I met him my husband has been really into street biking and I think that’s great – it gives him something to do and keeps him active now that he’s getting a bit older. I know he likes getting to socialize that way and I like the time to myself at the house so it’s a win win, really! I worry about him, though, at this time of year when the weather gets so hot and I know he tries to stay hydrated but I hope he does a vigilant job. I try to keep the house really cold on the inside with www.shopelectricityratestexas.com/ so he’ll be nice and cool when he gets back from a workout. Tim’s great and he’s got a lot of active spirit but I sure hope he keeps an eye on himself while he’s out and about on the streets on that bike! I worry enough about cars and things like that, the last thing I should have to think about should be the hot weather!

Downhill Mountain Biking in Canada

Mountain biking is a healthy, fun way to enjoy Canada’s mountains, provincial parks and trails, making it one of the country’s most popular activities. If you’re planning on mountain biking in British Columbia or another Canadian province this summer, consider downhill riding at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in Whistler, British Columbia.

Downhill mountain bike riding is just that, riding mountain bikes downhill. Much like skiing, however, there are lifts that allow you to ride much more vertical than you would normally ride in a long day of riding. These lifts take you to the top of the mountain and the trails often have sustained stretches of downhill riding.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park offers a large selection of trails designed for all levels of riders. However, downhill riding is tough on the bike and the body. So before you head out to Whistler Mountain Bike Park or another location, make sure you have the best equipment and safety gear. In addition, riders are encouraged to warm up their bodies and skills before heading out on the trails. The best way to warm up is to ride a trail a few times before moving on the next one.

The park is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets and season passes available online.

The Real Health Benefits of Leisure Bicycling

By Pierre Zarokian

If you would really like to improve your lifestyle, add a couple of hours of an exercise routine that you enjoy. Many individuals turn to bicycling, because 20 minutes of vigorous cycling can really get the heart pumping and the blood flowing, a good sign that it’s doing good for the body. You may have heard that bicycling can be likened to running in its ability to control blood pressure, increase strength, and maintain optimum weight, however, here is a closer look at some health benefits which haven’t exactly received due limelight.

Benefits to your joints

People who are prone to joint and bone diseases such as osteoporosis can still live healthy lifestyles by consuming adequate amounts of calcium and by participating in exercises which are not too weight-bearing. Such an exercise is bicycling. Compared to running, which is weight – bearing, it makes use of equipment that makes exercising almost pain-free. The mechanism by which a bicycle works, allows for maximum blood flow to the limbs, thus improving function.

Benefits to your equilibrium

People who can ride a bicycle generally have good balancing skills. Balance is very important to one’s equilibrium. It prevents conditions such as vertigo (feelings of dizziness, or as if the surroundings are rotating quickly), thus improving one’s sense of well-being and control.

Benefits to your mood

When your body exerts a considerable amount of effort, friendly hormones are released into your blood stream. These hormones are considered your feel-good hormones, and are known as “endorphins”. When you go cycling, your body interprets the exercise as a feel-good activity, so you get a feeling of wellness and happiness all over.

Why You Should Learn How to Ride a Bicycle

By Pierre Zarokian

A lot of people dream of learning how to ride a bicycle, but one thing stops them: the fear that they’ll fall and never learn. A lot of things in life are compared to learning to ride a bike, because 100% of the time, one would first fall many times before finally learning to balance and ride on two wheels. People view cycling as an exercise, but the truth is there are many other reasons for riding a bicycle. If you haven’t begun riding these two-wheelers just yet, it’s about time. Let’s hope these reasons are enough motivation for you:

Bicycling is just are good, if not better than running.
Both running and cycling are great cardiovascular exercises. They prevent heart diseases and help you shed those extra pounds. A great sweat is not all you get – when you cycle, you get to tone your muscles, particularly muscles of your legs, calves, thighs and butt. The result is a firmer and sexier pair of legs. It’s a sign of good health and strength too.

Bicycling makes sweeter bonding and unwinding moments.
A joyride is always fun, but why be in a car when you can be on bicycles? Have the wind in your face as you race playfully with your friends, family or loved one. For an added touch of romance, go cycling around the countryside, and cap your afternoon with a relaxing picnic.

Bicycling allows you to appreciate your surroundings better.
Being confined in a vehicle sometimes makes you forget there’s a nice park in the middle of the city, and the roof of a car doesn’t exactly allow you to gaze freely at a clear blue sky and lush trees. When you’re on a bicycle, you get to enjoy your surroundings more. In fact, some people consider their daily bicycle rides a highlight, because they are get a glimpse of everything and everyone they like without having to roll down a window.

Bicycling is 101% earth-friendly.
Go green, and make Mother Earth feel you love her. Bicycling is totally safe. Bicycles don’t have those dangerous fumes that make the hole in our ozone layer bigger. So cycle for cleaner, fresher air.

Tips on Safe Bicycling Amidst Road Traffic

By Pierre Zarokian

In many cities, bicycling is not just a sport or a relaxing way to unwind – it is also considered a means of transportation. First of all, one does not need a peddler’s license to travel around the city on two wheels. And secondly, bicycles do not emit any of those fumes which slowly kill the environment. However, in order for bicycles to co-exist harmoniously with automobiles on the road, cyclers need to be made aware of safety traffic rules. If you love cycling but can’t remember all those traffic regulations, you better take a break and make sure you know them by heart. After all, they were created for everyone’s safety. Here are friendly tips to keep you and your two wheels safely running.

Be protected and reflected. Avoid broken bones or a crushed skull by wearing appropriate protective gear at all times, especially if you plan on cycling on the main road, where speeding cars and giant trucks are your neighbors. You may look miniscule in comparison to these vehicles, so wear reflective clothing to be more visible.

Learn your signals. Whether you use lights, bells or your hand, it is also crucial that you signal. When you are on the road with other vehicles, you are expected to do so. This will let other drivers know you’d like to make a turn, for instance, and will give way.

Go easy on the speed when you get to pedestrian lanes and crossroads. These are where most activity is, so they are also where the most risk for accidents is. Just because you are bicycling does not mean you can’t run someone over. Be aware of your surroundings, and remember to cooperate with traffic.

How to Get Your Toddler to Appreciate Bicycling

By Pierre Zarokian

Bicycling is definitely one of those exercises that even the youngest of kids will love and won’t ever get tired of. Little children may not understand the health benefits of bicycling, but they know that it is super fun, so that’s all that matters. Many parents are hesitant to get their young kids (older babies and toddlers) started on bicycling because of the safety issue. The answer to their worries is the trailer bike. Read on to learn how to get your young child to appreciate bicycling and get started early on a healthy life.

The first step is to introduce your little one to a trailer. It’s like a shaded cart where your child can enjoy being pulled around in. After your child gets tired of sitting there without any action, it’s time to move on to the trailer bike. A trailer bike is also known as a trail-a-bike, or a tag-along bike. Some kids as young as 2 are ready for the trailer bike, but this varies. There’s a criteria though: His or her legs have to be long enough to reach the pedals. Unlike the baby trailer, the trailer bike allows your child to help you pedal and contribute to the work instead of just sitting there. The toddler age is an age of establishing independence, so kids 2-4 years old will definitely love peddling independently from you.

It is important, however, to keep a close eye on your child while he or she explores. Kids often fall asleep when they get a refreshing dose of breeze on their faces while riding, so make sure you stop when you feel their lids are about to drop. Try to get a trailer bike that has good set of gears, so your child can come climb little hills with you and enjoy feelings of success once you’ve reached the top.

Choosing the Best Type of Bicycle for You

By Pierre Zarokian

We see people on two wheels everyday. Some go cycling to exercise and firm up their limbs and get rid of some pounds. Others have bicycles in place of cars for their daily means of transportation. And yet there are others who have a bicycle stored in their garage for their occasional nature trips to the countryside, or for little errands to the grocery down the street. To the untrained eye, they may all seem to use an ordinary bicycle. The truth is, there are various types of bicycles out there, meant for specific purposes. Here’s a primer on the most common types to help you decide on which type is best for your bicycling habits and needs.

The first type of bicycles is the standard, or the original model. It is equipped with the standard pedal breaks and hand gears, although some come with just the breaks without gears. These are the most affordable types of bicycles, because they are built with larger wheels for pleasure and occasional light exercise.

The second kind of bicycles is the mountain bike, which are a little big and have wider studded tires. These studs allow for biking on rough roads. These bikes have hand brakes and multiple gear sets, which make them conducive for both city and country riding. These bicycles are best for rough and rocky terrains and hills. Depending on style, durability and features, these bikes may be bought at least $500 up to $2000. If you like exploring terrains, whether for fitness, or for fun, this bike is for you.

The third kind of bicycles is the racing type. To satisfy its purpose, it is built for speed. Thus, it is smaller than the mountain bike. It is also lighter and has thin tires for smoother gliding. This is the kind of bicycle serious fitness enthusiasts own. It is built for heavy workout sessions and long fitness rides.

The fourth type of bicycles is the hybrid kind, which is a little bit of everything. It can be use for casual riding, or for moderate fitness, and is best for city use. It is called a hybrid because it is a cross between a mountain and a racing bike. Its multiple gears and safety features are pretty much standard.

Whatever your bicycling purposes are, it is important that you choose the right type of bicycle for your comfort, safety and convenience.