Bicycle Safety in Urban Areas by Tonio Rodriguez

I recently went to visit a friend in the Dallas Texas area in a little city called Garland. I must say that the south is a lot different than up north when it comes to bike riding. I brought my Urban Beach Cruiser with me on this trip, as my friend told me that Garland doesn't have too many hills.

I found that the drivers in general do not respect bicycle riders. Many drivers swerved at me and signaled that I was number one several times. Here are some tips for staying alive in urban areas:

1) Try and drive your route before you leave. I am notorious for taking off on my bike in any direction and biking for hours on end with no specific route. Although this can be enjoyable, it can also put you at risk, as many areas (especially in the Dallas area) do not have sidewalks and the lanes are extremely narrow. Finding a good route that has sidewalks or at least extra wide lanes can keep your daily bike ride from becoming a harrowing experience.

2) Wear a helmet. I know they don't look cool and they mess up your hair. Even in 100 degree weather you should wear a helmet. Lexco puts out several good helmets that have vents in the top to let your head cool.

3) Bring water or know where the water spots are. I personally do not like to bring a bicycle water bottle. I have tried carrying a fanny pack before, but I really don't like the extra weight. If you are able to drive your route previously then you can spot drinking fountain or even a house that you might be able to steal some water from their hose. If nothing else works, I have placed a small plastic bag with some money so that I can stop at a gas station to buy some water.

4) Carry a tire repair kit. There is nothing worse than getting a flat tire when you are miles from home. I recently bought an under the seat Pedro's Blowout Bag wear I carry patches and a repair kit. I definitely prefer the patches over the Slime Cannisters that some people use. Innovations has also put out a tire repair sealant that can be handy for emergencies.

5) Plan for the time. I personally do not like riding at night. People are crazy drivers during the day, and when it gets dark outside, things only get worse. I have a friend who swears by his Planet Bike Headlight, but I prefer to be home before dark.

6) Get a bell or horn. This is not exactly a necesity, but I don't like to keep saying "excuse me" a hundred times as I ride along. My personal favorite is the Incredibell XL. This is a common bell that that police officers use. This is a good way to warn those pesky runners to get out of your way. (Really I just enjoy watching them jump when I ring my bell).

If you are looking for a place to buy any of the products mentioned in this article check out (coltonindustries.biz) or (justbicycles.com)

Obviously this is not a full list of everything that will keep you safe, but this is a pretty good list. Keep your head up and the wheels turner and maybe I'll see you out there.

About the Author

Avid bicicyle rider.

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Mountain Bike Maintenance

MBR Bookwatch, Feb, 2005 by Diane C. Donovan

Mountain Bike Maintenance
Mel Allwood
Firefly Books
4 Daybreak Lane, Westport, CT 06880
155297734X $26.95 1-800-387-5085 www.fireflybooks.com
If there's only one at-home reference needed for your mountain bike's maintenance, make it Mel Allwood's Mountain Bike Maintenance: The Illustrated Manual, a virtual bible of explicit, user-friendly details on the care of any mountain bike. Allwood's an expert mountain bike mechanic, but explains that these bikes are surprisingly simple in design, and easy to work on. Chapters detail minor adjustments ranging from brakes to 'transmission', cable-cleaning and chains and speeds, and include plenty of black and white and color photos for clear detail throughout. Highly recommended.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Midwest Book ReviewCOPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group

Discover the Might of Dirt Bikes!

Dirt bikes are considered ruler of the motorcycles. Quite agile and rough compared to the rest of the clan. Generally, dirt bikes are used to conquer rough terrains. It is used in competitions to determine the most brake race survivor. In a race like this, categories which are dependent on the age and gender of the riders as well as the courses are used. The rules on dirt bike racing are presented to give racers key pointers on what are allowed to be done and what are prohibited. In this kind of rule, points are exacted to every rider. These points are tallied based on the finish order of the participants. Then it is tabulated. After tabulation, the organizers announce the awardees and champion of the race.Racing is a perilous and unsafe sport, this is the reason why organizers of such race require their riders to be sound and fit for the race. In order for a rider to qualify as a bonafide race contender, he must first be a licensed rider. Annual licenses are available at the race site itself. For the minors to be admitted, they need parental or guardian signature. Dirt bike racing rules necessitate high quality racing equipments to avoid fractures, limp, collision and fatal accident. In connection to the proclamation of the winner, dirt bike racing rules include prizes and awards. Often, the depth of the Expert Men's payout is to the discretion of the promoter whereas the Expert Women’s payout is out of 40% deep. Regularly, 75% of the cash payout minimum is given to the winner. Dirt bike racing rules also include awarding of trophies, plaques and ribbons. Dirt bike racing is a contact sport that can take away lives thus extra-protection and precaution must be taken into consideration. The might of dirt bikes not only include the ecstatic feeling to be superior than the rest of the contenders. On one hand, it can also mean your life. It is always preferable to be prepared in life’s struggle same way as we have to prepare to achieve total security and protection in cases of dirt bike competitions. This race can be bloody, debilitating and very challenging however, you must protect while conquering the roughest terrains you dare not imagine!Dirt bike racing is a race for the survivors, a race for the bravest individual in the route nevertheless, protection is needed to preclude risks and elemental drawbacks, use gears and state-of-the accessories in order to grab the chance to be the champion of this deadly game!
About the AuthorFor Comments and Questions about the Article you may Log - on to http://www.aftermarketmotorcyclepartsnow.com Source: ArticleTrader.com

A bicycle built for you

Just in time for summer, cycling manufacturers are offering up more women-specific products, from bikes to gear and clothing. Whether you want to finish a 100-mile century ride for charity, tool around town, compete in a triathlon or head for the mountains, these options will get you rolling.

CYCLING STYLE       BEST NEW RIDE

Road ruler          Giant OCR
                   This 18.5-pound road bike is smaller, lighter and
                   easier to maneuver than most bikes with a straight
                   top tube. Made of aluminum, with a composite front
                   and rear end for a smooth, nonjarring ride, the OCR
                   Elite comes with Shimano's Ultegra components and
                   flash Xero XSR-2 wheels. Frame sizes start at XS for
                   women under 5 feet tall ($1,500; www.giantbicycles.
                   com).
Casual cruiser      Nirve Island Flower Beach Cruiser
                   This single-speed 40-pound steel bike pays homage to
                   the rides of the '50s. The retro 2-inch balloon
                   tires and padded, double-sprung seat absorb shock so
                   you can keep on pedaling without pain wherever the
                   road takes you ($260; nirve.com).
Budding triathlete  Quintana Roo Tequilo
                   A hit among women because it comes in petite 47- and
                   49-centimeter frames (for riders under 5 feet tall),
                   in addition to sizes up to 61 centimeters. The bike
                   has a 3-pound aerodynamic aluminum frame (total bike
                   weighs about 20 pounds) and a shock-absorbing carbon
                   fork, and comes fully loaded with Shimano
                   components, Profile aero bars and Formula wheels
                   ($1,795; rooworld.com).
Off-road rider      Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC Pro
                   Take on boulders, ruts and all the nastiness the
                   trails can throw your way on this dual-suspension
                   mountain bike. The design and add-ons cater to
                   women's form-fitting needs and include a shorter
                   reach to handlebars, brakes and gear shifters; a
                   5.4-pound aluminum frame (total bike weight is about
                   29 pounds); and a comfy saddle ($1,250; www.
                   specialized.com).

COPYRIGHT 2004 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

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Tips in Teaching Your Child How to Ride a Bike

by Daegan Smith

1. Determine if your child is ready to learn how to ride the bicycle. It is important that your child have to master balance. You can start by teaching your child to begin in two wheels. You can consider three methods like the assisted two wheeling, unassisted two wheeling and the training wheel. It is up to you on where you think your child will learn the easy way and consider what could be the safest.

2. The training wheel is the best and conventional way for a child to learn how to balance. It is very advisable for beginners especially for children. Training wheels are small and are intended for children. Your child might not enjoy its purpose, which is to lessen the wounds, and injuries your child can get in accidents when learning how to bike. The training wheel is best used in large driveways, quiet streets, and parks where you can leave your child alone learning even not watching him. If your child has mastered how to use it, maybe he can ride a bike even without the training wheel or your child can try a different bike.

3. It is important that you should also check what clothes your child is wearing during practices with the bicycle. You must not let him wear clothes that are long which may be caught by the wheels. Short pants or bike shorts would be advisable to your childís outfit in riding a bike. Another advice would be to tell your child to wear jackets or sweatshirts for safety in the actual teaching.

4. Always remember the safety of your child before riding the bike. Do not forget to tell your child the safety rules he must keep in mind before he takes his ride. Your child must know that wearing a helmet and a safety gear is important to your childís protection in the streets. Kneepads and bicycle gloves are also additional protective gears. It is necessary that your child will always make the habit of putting safety first before taking a ride.

5. Find the perfect place for your child to practice his biking lessons. You can go to parks or large driveways where you can let your child bike even with less supervision. It is safer to teach him where there are less people. Another way is to find a pavement that is flat, without any cracks, and holes where he can move forward without using brakes. You can make a small obstacle for your child to maneuver and learn to go in different directions.

6. Another approach that you can use is to run along with your child. If there is any small bike for your child, ride with him holding your child up. Place yourself at his back and put your arms on your childís shoulders, and let him hold the bikeís handles so that he will know how to control the bike and he will learn how to balance. Always be alert if your child is doing the right thing. If your child feels the pressure because you are riding with him, let him do the steering. Let the bike go where it will go, as long as the area is clear and safe. This could be the fastest way your child can learn.

7. Show your child how to use the brakes. Educate him that brakes are used for stopping the momentum of the bike. Most bikes intended for children have back pedal brakes. The very objective of back pedal brakes is to use the feet in stopping the bike because children do not have enough power in their hands to use the brakes. Hand brakes are not that safe for children and you have to check it regularly because hand brakes malfunction all the time. Although it has advantages in learning to balance easily, back pedal brakes are much safer and much recommended for a bike than a hand brake.

8. Let your child practice and ride the bike alone once child already knows the basics and the safety rules you taught him. Let him enjoy and have fun with his friends riding his bike.

About the Author

Daegan Smith is an Expert Internet Network Marketer. "Learn How To Make $10,717 In Less Than a Week While Quickly And Easily EXPLODING Your Network Marketing Organization Without EVER Buying a Single Lead?" http://www.internetmlmsuccess.com mailto:netmlmsuccess@aweber.com

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