December 8th, 2011 — Biking, Clothes and Gear, Swim Bike Run
Too many people think about the design which was made popular in the 1800’s for womens bicycles. These had a low sweeping top tube to accommodate a dress. These days there is no longer a need for the low top tube. There is however, still a need for a different design in the bike. This is because of the way a woman’s body is different from a man’s. There are a few different things to keep in mind when buying a bike as a woman. This will prevent you from buying a bike which will be okay. By keeping a few different things in mind, you will be able to buy a bike which will be great.
Anatomy of a Woman
Before buying that unisex bike, keep in mind how a woman’s body id different from a man’s. Women have a shorter torso, longer arms and longer legs than a man. This is something which should be kept in mind when buying womens bicycles. The right bike will be designed to meet the specific needs of a woman. This should be accomplished without any modifications being done to the bike after it has been purchased.
The Angle of the Seat Tube
Because women have longer legs than men, womens bicycles should accommodate for this fact. This means having a seat tube which is almost completely perpendicular to the ground. This allows for a longer distance between the seat and the pedals. Having the right angle on the tube allows a woman to be able to easily reach the pedals and not have her knees in her chest. The seat can also be pitched to create a perfect angle to reach the handle bars.
The Right Length Top Tube
The right womens bicycles will have a top tube which will bring the handlebars closer to the seat. This is because the woman’s torso is shorter. The closer bars will also allow a greater angle on the front fork. This will increase the wheel base for a steadier ride. This is important as all of the changes which are made should be in tandem to allow for a better ride. Some manufacturers will make one change without regarding the angles and lengths for the rest of the bike. This is a mistake seeing as it will cause for a bad ride and can even lead to accidents.
Careful for Toe Overlap
One danger which is common in womens bicycles is the danger of hitting the front wheel with your toe. This can happen when the wheel is too close to where you are pedaling. This is a danger when you are traveling at slow speeds, but can still cause serious injuries. If the manufacturer has not compensated for the possible overlap, you may want to consider buying a shorter crank. This will cause you to have to pedal faster because your feet are closer to the crankshaft, but you will at least be free from danger. Better yet, simply buy a bike which has accommodated for your safety.
Photo Credits: richardmasoner
Originally posted 2010-03-29 03:02:58. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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December 4th, 2011 — Biking, Swim Bike Run
Bicycling is something which has been growing in popularity lately. Many people have been taking to the sport purely for race biking. This has been fueled by a higher interest in such televised races as the Tour de France. Many people have found an interest in how the sport has changed over the years. This includes the science behind the bicycles, the clothing which is worn and the fuel which is used to power the cyclists.
The First Races
It was not a long time after the invention of the bicycle that race biking was invented. This seems to be a natural progression seen most anywhere. These first races were competitions between cyclists to see who could cover a preset course spanning from one city to another. They started in the mid to late 1800’s. These are the races which have grown into such races as the Tour de France as well as races in Italy and Germany. The races which have gained recognition include ones which are on American soil as well. Every country has been responsible for creating some of the best cyclists the world has ever seen.
The Science of the Bicycle
The first bicycles used for race biking were nothing more than conversions of the standard bicycle. They used steel frames and thick rubber wheels. Everything about the bike was heavy right down to the chains which were used. Nothing about the bicycle was comfortable at this point and there were not as many gears being used for such things as climbs. Over the years, lighter and more durable metals have been found to build bikes from. There has also been a switch in the effectiveness of the brakes and the contours of the frame itself.
Even the handlebars have undergone a complete revolution. The original handlebars used for race biking were little different from the regular handlebars. The shape eventually included an extension which rolled under. This allowed the cyclist to grab lower and create a more aerodynamic shape. The handlebars which are used today even include a brace which can be used for resting the forearm and elbows while racing. This allows you to have good aerodynamics while taking pressure off of the back muscles. The rider uses skeletal support to ride the bike and be in greater comfort for a longer period of time.
Better Fuel for Greater Performance
Outside of the bike itself, the fuel which is involved in race biking has undergone many changes. It used to be the only thing racers would bring along with them was good old water. These days there are formulas which will replace enzymes lost during the race. You can even stow away packs which will give you carbs and food replacement for long term races. The one thing which has not changed here is the use of water to hydrate. Water has still been found to be the best way to keep your body going even after you have been racing for hours on end.
Photo Credits: mikebaird
Originally posted 2010-03-28 10:59:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 24th, 2011 — Biking, Swim Bike Run
One thing many people look forward to every year is a good bike trip. There are others who have yet to take a trip of this nature. The good news is there are so many destinations for the cyclist you can always find a fun and challenging location to travel to. Cycling trips are fun whether you go as a group, alone or with your family. Being adventurous has never been so much fun as when you are able to combine your passion for cycling with your passion for travel.
Cycling Clubs
The biggest reason why many people join cycling clubs is for the big biking trip they take at least once a year. This is a great idea if you are single. You will be able to meet other people who share your passion for biking. You will also be able to visit places which you might not have been inclined to go to on your own. Choose a club which goes on the amount of trips you would like to go on every year. Also you might want to find out where the club goes every year. Join clubs which are going to the kind of places you would choose to go by yourself.
Take Care When Traveling Alone
If you decide to go on a biking trip alone, there are a few things you should do to stay safe. Always bring some form of communication with you. This can be something as low-tech as a cell phone. It can even be something as advanced as a GPS tracking device. The most important part is that you have some way of allowing other people to be able to find you should you become injured or lost.
A good biking trip should always be well planned. This means choosing a route before you leave and making sure you know all markers to look out for. Some people prefer to load their route into a GPS navigational system which can be attached to the handlebars. This will help to keep you from getting lost and also can act as an indicator of your location if you should become injured.
Always pack enough food, extra money and plenty of water in case you are not able to get to a water source at some point in your journey. Do not plan on stopping somewhere for refills without a backup plan. This will avoid additional problems.
Getting the Family Involved
There are many different biking trip destinations which are great for the whole family. This is a great way to reconnect with your family and share your passion for biking. You will be able to share extraordinary landscapes as you cycle. You will also be able to share your experience when you stop for breaks and when you stop for the night. For families not ready to travel by bike, bring your bikes on a car trip and stop to take rides on picturesque destinations. You can also take day trips from the home.
Photo Credits: orangecountyparks
Originally posted 2010-03-26 10:46:44. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 22nd, 2011 — Swim Bike Run
Here is a brief glossary of terms used in triathlon training and triathlon racing.
70.3 - This term is used to describe a Half Ironman race distance, which is a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike an 13.1 mile run.
140.6 – This term is used to describe an Ironman distance, which is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run.
1/2 IM - This term is used to describe a Half Ironman race distance, which is a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike an 13.1 mile run.
1/2 Mary – This term describes a half marathon, or a 13.1 mile run.
10k - This translates to 6.2 miles.
2 a Day - This is a term referring to completing two workouts each day.
40/30/30 - This is a term referring to calorie percentages for carbs, proteins and fats.
5k - This translates to 3.1 miles.
Aero Bars - These are handlebars on a bicycle that face forward and that have places where you can place your elbows. These aero bars make it possible for triathletes to maintain a more comfortable and more aerodynamic position on the bike.
Aerobic Exercise - This is a term used to describe any type of exercise that is performed at a moderate level of intensity over an extended period of time in order to maintain a slightly elevated heart rate. Swimming, biking or running for long periods of time at a moderate pace are also considered to be aerobic exercises.
AG - This is an acronym for Age Group.
AHR – This is an acronym for Average Heart Rate.
Anaerobic Exercise – This is an initial phase of exercise, or it can be used to describe short, intense bursts of exertion such as in jumping, sprinting and weight lifting.
Anaerobic Threshold – This is the exercise intensity level at which lactic acid is being produced more quickly than it is capable of being metabolized, meaning that it begins to accumulate within the blood stream.
Aquabike - This is the swimming stage followed by the biking stage without a running stage.
AR – This is an acronym for Adventure Racing.
AT – This is an acronym for Anaerobic Threshold.
ATP - This is an acronym for Annual Training Plan.
Basal Metabolic Rate – This is the amount of energy that is expended while you are at rest in an environment that is neutrally temperate in a stage where your digestive system is currently inactive, requiring approximately 12 hours worth of fasting, known as the post absorptive state.
Base – This is the solid foundation for fitness that you use to build speed and power.
Bike Porn – This is a slang term for photographs of brand new bicycles that colleagues and team mates pass around for showing off.
BMR - This is an acronym for Basal Metabolic Rate.
Photo Credits: jimmyharris
Originally posted 2009-11-23 03:50:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 14th, 2011 — Biking, Swim Bike Run
Handicap - Handicap races are quite popular in Australia, in them, the racers start at different points on the track based on their performance. “Scratch Men” are the fastest of the riders, and start at the traditional starting line and “out markers” are the rest of the riders and depending on their speed can get up to a 250 meter head start.
Hang On - To hang on means to be able to just barely keep up with a group.
Headset – On a bicycle frame, the headset is described as being the area where the handlebar, the fork, and the stem are fitted to.
Hook – This is a maneuver where the back wheel of the bike is moved to the side in order to prevent another rider from passing.
Hooks - On handlebars that are turned down, the hooks are referred to as being the curved areas.
Individual Pursuit – This is a type of two rider race. In individual pursuit, the riders start at opposite sides of the track, and pursue each other until one rider manages to overtake the other, or they travel from 3,000 up to 5,000 meters. If neither rider catches the other the winner is based on speed.
Interval – A method for wearing out other riders by alternating between resting and hard bursts of speed.
Jump - This is described as being an abrupt spurt of speed that tends to turn into a sprint while cycling.
Keirin – This is a single motorbike variant of motor pace racing from Japan. Up until the last lap, riders compete to position themselves in the slipstream of the motorbike. The motorbike leaves the track slightly before the final lap and the riders then sprint to the end of the race. This is a popular sport for pari-mutuel gambling in Japan. Keiren is also an acceptable spelling of the same concept.
Kick - A kick is when a rider makes a final push near the end of a race to attempt to pass other riders.
Lap - In a race where multiple trips are being made around a single course, a lap is considered to be just one trip around the course.
Lead Out - This is a tactic where one rider will sprint in front of another, a teammate in nearly all cases, so that the other rider is able to ride in their draft for a while before making a faster sprint to cross the finish line.
Mass Start - A race with a mass start is a type of race in which all riders start simultaneously or at the same time. This is the starting method used by miss-and-out, points, and scratch types of races.
Photo Credits: doviende
Originally posted 2009-11-16 03:45:36. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 10th, 2011 — Biking, Swim Bike Run
The bicycle rides you choose will depend on how you will be using them. When you are talking about rides, you are talking about your bike. Something people are not aware of when they first buy a bike is that there are different rides they can choose from. You can choose one which is designed for the road, for a triathlon and for mountain biking. It is a good idea to make sure the ride you choose is designed just for what you will be using it for. This is because you will find superior comfort as well as superior performance.
The Female Bike
While it is possible to buy bicycle rides which are unisex, it is a better idea for women to buy bikes which are designed just for women. This is because the frame is designed to meet the needs which are specific to women. The seat tube will be at a sharper angle to the ground in order to accommodate the longer legs women typically have. The top tube will also be shorter to accommodate the shorter torso most women have. You will even find shorter cranks to avoid your foot running into the wheel.
The Street Bike
This is the lightest of all the bicycle rides on the market. This is because you will not need a lot of reinforcement for the ride ahead of you. You will be on smooth surfaces with varying slopes. You will need the lighter bike so your energy will be directly translated into forward momentum. The street bike is also designed to give you options between riding upright and hunching down to get more aerodynamics. You should make sure the bike you choose is designed for your height. Ask a good bike shop to measure you for the right size bike.
The Triathlon Bike
The bicycle rides used for triathlons are different from the average street bike. While it is possible to ride a street bike in your first triathlon, it is not recommended as you reach higher levels of performance. This is because the triathlon bike will actually help you to be ready for the running portion of the race. The handlebars which are used by the triathlon bike will force your body to use skeletal support rather than muscular support to create an aerodynamic posture. This will make it where your back will not be tired as soon as you start running,
The Mountain Bike
The first difference you will notice in bicycle rides designed for mountain biking is their heavy reinforcements. You will also notice the shocks which are on the front and rear forks. This is important to allow you to go over the roughest terrains without causing any damage to yourself or your ride. You will also notice a difference in the gears which are used and the way in which you shift gears. Another main difference is in the handlebars and the wheels which are used. This provides you with a ride designed for abuse.
Photo Credits: Thorne Enterprises
Originally posted 2010-03-12 03:09:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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October 25th, 2011 — Biking, Swim Bike Run
A good part of understanding your triathlon training and performance is having a grasp on the lingo. Here is a guide to cycling terms that you should know in order to get the most out of your experience.
Derailleur - When gears are shifted on a bike, the derailleur is the mechanism that changes which gear sprocket the bicycle chain is on.
Devil Take the Hindmost - Devil take the hindmost is a race type in which the last rider across the finish line in each lap of the course is eliminated from the race, this type of race is also known as a miss-and-out.
Disk Wheel - A disk wheel is a spokeless solid wheel used for its aerodynamic properties, mostly in time trials but also in other types of races.
Domestique - The domestique is a rider in long races who has the responsibility to retrieve items such as water and food to pass along to their teammates from the support vehicle.
Draft - Drafting is a way to decrease a cyclist’s wind resistance by riding closely on the tail of another cyclist.
Drops - On handlebars that are turned down, the drops are the lower portion.
Echelon - An echelon is a formation used by groups of cyclists not competing with each other. By riding in a diagonal pattern with each rider downwind of the one in front of them the lead rider lowers the wind resistance of the whole group. To spread out the extra effort, members of the group take turns riding in the lead.
Field - In a race, the field refers to the main mass of riders.
Field Sprint - A field sprint usually occurs towards the end of a section of a long race, it is when riders within the main group.
Fixed Gear - Seen in track bikes, a fixed gear is what is known as direct drive, where the rear cog is linked to the chain ring, with this configuration a rider cannot coast as the pedals will spin whenever the bike moved.
Flyer - A flyer is when a lone rider makes an unexpected attack.
Force the Pace - Forcing the pace involves speeding up to force the rest of the group to speed up as well.
Full Tuck - The full tuck provides an improvement in a riders aerodynamics by having the rider assume a crouching position.
Gap – The gap is described as being the amount of time that is between riders or between groups of riders. This can also refer to working to increase a lead and widen that gap.
Granny Gear - Used for making difficult inclines, the granny gear is a name for a mountain bike’s lowest gear.
Hammer - To hammer is to ride at the very limit of an individual’s capabilities, or to ride extremely hard.
Hammered - To be hammered is to be completely exhausted.
Photo credits: Futurilla
Originally posted 2009-10-29 03:20:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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