You have always loved cycling, but have only done it more as a hobby than anything else. However, now that you think more about it, you would like to take your love of biking to the next level, and do some bicycle racing. Thus, you need some ideas on how to get ready for your very first bicycle race.
The Pros and Cons of Bicycle Racing
The first thing you need to do before you enter a bicycle race is build your own physical stamina. You might have no problem biking a mile or two, but the real difference is that if you enter a bicycle race, it is about going a long way and quickly. Thus, you need to slowly build up your stamina by working out at the gym.
The muscles that you will need to work on are, of course, your leg muscles. Your legs will need the stamina to go long distances. If you are not sure what kinds of exercises to do, you should enlist the help of a personal trainer. Otherwise, you run the risk of overworking your muscles.
When you have successfully trained your muscles, you should practice by taking long bike rides in safe areas, preferably areas that have well-defined bike paths. Do not push yourself too much at first, but as you get better time yourself.
Another thing that you have to do is evaluate the kind of bicycle race that you would like to participate in. Would you like to race for a trophy or monetary reward? Or, perhaps you would like to race for a charity. Regardless, you will probably need to think about getting sponsors.
Training Takes Months
In order to ensure you do your best at whatever bicycle race you are attempting, you should spend several months in preparation for the race. There are cycling trainers that you can also hire to help you.
After months of preparation, the day of your chosen bicycle race is approaching. Make sure the night before the race that you eat a lot of carbohydrates, as they store energy, and you will certainly need a lot of energy!
Be Careful About Hydration
Something else you are going to need to do is make sure you are well-hydrated. Dehydration can cause many problems, so be sure that whatever you do, you keep a bottle of water at the ready if you feel yourself becoming parched. Have fun, and remember that whether or not you win or lose the race itself is not as important as the dedication you have shown in preparing for this race, and perhaps many future races that you might choose to participate in!
February 18 2008 | cycling | No Comments »
Children love riding their bikes and it is up to the parents to ensure that they always wear the proper safety gear so that no harm occurs in case of an accident. However, if safety is so important why do thousands of children each year get hurt in bicycle accidents? The reason is that they were not wearing safety gear, specifically helmets.
Parents must be diligent about making sure that their children wear the right safety gear to avoid those trips to the hospital. Head trauma is most common in biking accidents so the most important piece of safety gear that parents need to research is the helmet. Do you know what to look for in bicycle helmets so that you buy the best protective piece of gear for your child?
High Standards
When you shop for bicycle helmets, always look for a sticker with CPSC on it as this is an approval from the Consumer Product Safety Commission which inspects the biking equipment to ensure proper safety standards. Every helmet manufactured after 1999 must have the inspection sticker that illustrates its product safety so if you do not see the CPSC sticker, do not purchase the helmet.
Different Types
There are two basic types of bicycle helmets available which have past many safety inspections – a hard shell helmet and a soft shell version. The hard shell bicycle helmets have a hard fiberglass or plastic outer shell which encases polystyrene foam which cushions the head and absorbs the force of impact. The outer tough shell protects the head from any sharp object penetrating through.
The soft shell bicycle helmets do not have the outer shell but still have the polystyrene foam cushion to protect the head from impact in case of an accident. This foam layer is thicker than what is found in hard shell bicycle helmets and is covered in a special coating or even cloth.
Choosing the Right Helmet
Both the hard shell and soft shell bicycle helmets can pass inspection by the CPSC so it is a matter of both preferences as well as how it is used as to which one to purchase for your child. The softer shell is obviously going to be lighter on your child’s head while the hard shell is more unwieldy. Hard shell bicycle helmets are definitely more durable of the two available options and would be best for biking on streets and other hard surfaces.
You must bring your child with you when shopping for bicycle helmets so that you can ensure a proper fit to their head circumference. The helmet should be worn right on top of the head and the forehead should be covered. Bicycle helmets which tip backwards on the head are doing nothing protection-wise so make sure that the helmet fits snugly and will not slide around. A chinstrap is a necessity with bicycle helmets as they will prevent the helmet from falling off or sliding over the eyes obstructing your child’s view. Choose a helmet which offers adjustable foam pads on the inside which can be moved or placed as your child’s head grows. Bicycle helmets which have the capability of providing growing room are the most economical choice.
February 16 2008 | Bike Accessories | No Comments »