When it comes to cycling, cyclists have a lot of important decisions to make. Firstly, while safety must come first, cyclists need to ensure that safety does not come at the cost of speed and first place. For instance, gear and equipment that would protect the rider from a fall may be too cumbersome and create a lot of drag, so most cyclists will take the risk of falling and wear only a helmet, rather than dressing up in pads.
However, like a helmet, some cycling equipment is essential—cycling shoes, shorts, shirts. But there is one component of cycling that is often looked, just as it is overlooked in most sports. Cycling sunglasses are as integral to cycling as a helmet, not only for safety, but for the sake of winning. Aerodynamic and light, cycling sunglasses protect the cyclist yet do not hinder his or her ability to win—in fact, they usually increase the winning percentage.
The Importance of Eyesight
Many people rarely realize the importance of sunglasses. They may take them out of the summer come summertime, or take them to the beach, but unless the sun is directly overhead and it is eighty degrees outside, the sunglasses stay hidden. The reason is people do not truly understand what sunglasses do. They protect not against the sunlight itself, but the ultraviolet rays. For cyclists, cycling sunglasses provide protection all-year round. Just being outside, on the roads, is enough to risk eyesight; ultraviolet rays are there even on cloudy days.
However, cycling sunglasses protect cyclists from more than sun. Cyclists, when traveling at high speeds, can easily fall prey to the wind. Just as the wind can slow them down, it can also slow their eyesight down. A cyclist forced to squint for miles, whether from the sun or the wind, is at risk for both injury and for losing. Cycling sunglasses also protect cyclists from precipitation; when it is raining or snowing, cyclists can feel like their eyes are being stabbed. Even when the sun is not shining, cycling sunglasses have an important purpose.
Many cyclists may fear that something on their face will be more of a hindrance than a help. However, cycling sunglasses are built to not hinder at all. Sleek and sheer, they are lightweight and built to provide the largest field of sight without huge lenses. The lenses themselves even come in various colors to be matched up to different light conditions; there are even lenses available for light that may reflect off snow-covered fields.
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May 11 2008 | cycling | No Comments »
Michigan has been a bicycle-friendly state for over 25 years. The sport has grown so rapidly that there are now cycling clubs covering the entire state. Michigan cycling clubs are divided into eight different geographic locations.
Michigan Cycling Clubs - Region 1
Clubs operating in region one, which includes Detroit and Grosse Pointe, include the Michigan Human Powered Vehicle Association, the DTE Cycling Club, the Sisters Cycling Bicycle Club in Detroit, Miller Canfield Cyclists, also in Detroit, and the Easy Riders Bicycle Club, with headquarters in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 2
Region two is a smaller region. Cycling clubs located in region two include the Clinton River Riders in Clinton Township, and Slow Spokes Bicycle Club in Mount Clemens.
Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 3
Region three encompasses the towns of Royal Oak, Southfield, Oxford, Waterford, and Clarkston. In Southfield, cycling enthusiasts may join a number of cycling clubs, including Motive Force Loose Spokes and Team Comcast Cycles.
Royal Oak residents can look to the Wolverine Sports Club for cycling club companionship. Oxford cyclists who love the Lord will find fellowship with the Wheel Power Christian Cycling Club.The Cannondale Midwest Racing Club reaches out to Waterford residents, while the Flying Rhino Cycling Club has its home in Clarkston.
Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 4
Region four is a smallish region. It includes only the Downriver Cycling Club and the Cycling Saddlemen Bicycle Club, both in Trenton.
Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 5
Ann Arbor residents can roll their wheels with the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society, the Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition, and the Wolverbents Cycling Recumbent Bicycle Club. The latter welcomes residents from all around southeastern Michigan.
Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 6
Region six clubs include the Cascades Cycling Club in Jackson. It also includes the Tri-County Bicycle Association in Lansing.
Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 7
There are four clubs to choose from in Region seven. These include: The Chain Gang and Kalamazoo Bicycle Club, both in Kalamazoo; Three Oaks Spokes, and the Macatawa Cycling Club.
Michigan Cycling Clubs – Region 8
Encompassing western Michigan and the Grand Rapids area, riders of two-seaters will want to join the Michigan United Tandem Society. Cyclists who follow the one-person-one-bike rule may join Big Rapids Bicycle Club, West Michigan Coast Riders in Fruitport, or Rapid Wheelmen Inc, in Grand Rapids.
Ferries
Because there are so many lakes in Michigan, ferries are frequently used during a biking trek. After you have planned your trip, make sure that you contact individual ferry operators for schedules and information on transporting bicycles, since policy can vary ferry to ferry.
Bridges
Planning a trek with a Michigan Cycling Club should involve a lot of attention being given to the bridges that you will cross. Some bridges prohibit bicycles, others make you wait and you will be transported at the convenience of the Authority.
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May 09 2008 | cycling | No Comments »