Friday, 20 November 2009
Road Bikes and the Sport of Cycling
The recent string of consecutive victories by Lance Armstrong in the Tour de France has made the sport of cycling and road bikes more popular in the public's eye. Cycling's new audience is drawn to the feats of endurance, the incredibly high speeds, and the competitive finishes. The fact that riders are able to achieve such speed and agility on such a seemingly light and flimsy machine owes to the road bikes' unique design.First of all, its light frame reduces the amount of weight riders need to carry up steep inclines. Secondly, thin tires reduce friction and improve aerodynamics, allowing the rider to reach the highest speeds. Finally, the curved handlebars encourage riders to assume a crouched position, reducing wind resistance. And while these are the basic features of a road bike, improvements can be made: lighter metals can be used for the frame or electronic gear shifters can be attached.Races can be structured in a variety of formats. The Tour is an example of a stage race in which the winner is the rider who accumulates the least amount of time by the final stage; other honors are awarded to individual stage victors, the best mountain climber, and the best sprinter. Races can also take place in a single day. These courses can range in length from several kilometers long to a relatively short circuit that is repeated. Short circuit races are called criteriums and are more popular in North American racing circles.Cycling owes its roots to a German by the name of Karl von Drais. His 1817 two-wheeled contraption relied on feet for locomotion. Improvements in later years substituted metal for his wooden frame, provided pedals, and mounted rubber tires on wheels with wire spokes. Road bikes eventually transformed shapes to accommodate new styles of riding; mountain bikes can ride on dirt trails and the BMX bike can perform tricks. And while road bikes have come to be used for a variety of activities, including leisure and commuting, their most exciting purpose remains under the skilled hands of a racer. If you would like to learn more about cycling please visit http://Specialized-Road-Bikes.com Make sure to check out the new 2010 Specialized Road Bikes, They will not disappoint! -Gabe D Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabe_D
Fun Biking Trails in the San Francisco Bay Area
Description: Many people like to bike and hike along trails that are fun but not challenging. Here are three that are popular and easy to do.When most people ride their bikes they look for trails that are scenic but are not always challenging. There are a variety of trails that meet this need where the biker can actually enjoy the ride because it is along a simple but basic trail.Here are three that will give you a leisurely trip but at the same time give you something to look towards:Los Alamitos Creek Trail If you like a scenic route with plenty of foliage and beautiful scenery you will want to try this trail. It is a multi-use trail so you will find hikers and walkers enjoying it. You will go past lakes, find a swimming lake and be exposed to natural surroundings that will make you think you are in another world. The trail begins at Almaden Lake which is a very good place for fishing and swimming. This is very near the San Francisco Bay area and Mt Tam. If you go with family or alone you can also find pleasant picnic areas around. Another interesting place to go along this trail is the swimming beach. It is small and sometimes crowded but includes a lifeguard and it is a great place to rest and relax.Coyote Hills Regional Park As you look into the main marsh you will see an interesting site of what looks like mountain peaks. They are actually the remnants of a mountain range that you see to come through this area. They were islands but the area began to fill in and became a marshland instead. What is of interest here will be the various freshwater marshes, Indian shell mounts and salt ponds. You will see wildlife in the way of birds as you go through here though you probably won't see coyotes anymore.Los Gatos Creek Trail This is a very unique trail because it goes through three cities and each one has its own personality. You will pass through urban areas but you will also have places where you will be involved with nature along the way. If you like to take in a little history as you go you could start at Forbes Mill for your entry point to the larger trail. You can stop in at the stone mill that has been turned into a historical museum. I have served on the TCC Board since 1993 and have served as previously as president in 2004-06. I have also served as Corresponding Secretary for several years representing our interests at many public meetings. I currently serve as the president of the Bay Area Trails Preservation Council where I have been board member since 1992. In 1999/2000 I founded the MMWD Watershed Citizens Advisory Committee which successfully developed our 50-year watershed protection plan. Our new website can be viewed at http://www.tamalpais.org You can also follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/tamalpais Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_Minikes
Electric Bike Conversion - The Phoenix Brute!
One of the premier electric bike conversion kits is the Crystalyte Phoenix Brute. This baby adds true muscle to your favorite bike. The Phoenix electric bike conversion kits are the most powerful on the market today.The model 4840 delivers a monstrous 2.6 HP. (Now remember this a bicycle, not a Ford Mustang!). The Phoenix Brute's motor is wound to churn out an outrageous amount of low end torque. As such, it can be used to pull a trailer or support a big strapping guy (or two small girls.....just kidding). The point is, of course, that it can handle the load!Like all electric bikes you can run on pure electric power, or pedal power, or both!With the Crystalyte Phoenix Brute you get super fast off-the-line acceleration, extreme hill climbing ability and plenty of power to conquer uneven or off-road terrain. The 3640 model can reach speeds up to 19 mph in 11 seconds. The more powerful 4840 can reach speeds up to 25 mph in 11 seconds! The motor is a brushless hub motor. Absolutely no maintenance is required.In addition, there are no chains, belts, gears, pulleys, or sprockets. The electric motor is connected directly to wheel hub. It takes approximately 3-5 hours to charge the battery pack.The range for the Phoenix Brute is quite decent. Using the 3640 controller, you can go 11 miles on battery power alone. The 4840 controller will increase your range to 12 miles. If you pedal some of the time, the range will increase substantially.The Brute is also customized for your needs. You choose the controller (4840 or 3640 system), throttle, front or rear wheel drive, rim size and the bicycle to attach the Brute to. This electric bike kit comes pre-wired and is simple to install.Let's take a look at some of these options individually:Rims: You can choose from 20", 24"and 26" rims. All have heavy duty 12 gauge spokes and are double walled.Throttle: You can choose from a half-twist, full-twist or thumb throttle. If your bike has twist shifters, you'll want a thumb throttle.Rear Basket/Rack: The 3640 system comes with a bike rack to hold the pannier bag, controller and batteries. The larger 4840 system comes with a rear basket to hold the pannier bag, controller and batteries.Cruise control: You simply set your speed, then release the throttle. The cruise control works just like the one in your car. Couldn't be easier!Brake inhibit: This safety feature triggers when you use the brakes. It turns off the throttle and cruise control, just like in your car.The kit also includes the Crystalyte smart charger, battery indicator gauge and keyed ignition.Electric bikes are environmentally friendly, fun to ride, quiet, cost pennies a day to charge and are a fantastic way to bypass the price at the pump! In addition, no insurance or license needed. You can ride them ride them anywhere you can ride a pedal bike. The "electric bike" classification lets you to operate without a driver's license or registration in most states. The Phoenix electric bike kits does exceed federal power and speed limits for electric bicycles, so they may be an exception to the rule. Be sure to check with your local Police Department and/or DMV before purchase.So, if you are serious about an electric bike conversion kit, check out the Phoenix Brute! Bill Boren is a market research expert who investigates and reports on topics that have proven to be of interest to major segments of the world. Further information regarding the information presented in this article can be found at http://www.electricbike-conversion.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Boren
A Child's Christmas
We all remember the Christmas we got our first bike, or the newest and latest talking doll. We remember when we first heard the truth about Santa Claus and his origins. The heart break many of us felt on hearing this news was a step we all took in the process of growing up. Christmas, we learned was about giving and sharing; about the joy of seeing someone else's joy - with no strings attached. Santa Claus, an idolized character of goodwill, gave all the good children toys and gifts to reward them for a year of good behavior.BUT! It doesn't stop with learning the truth about Santa, does it? Even after learning the facts, children still anticipate that special day when they wake up and run to the Christmas Tree to find gifts galore - for them! As they grow older they start to truly learn what is is that makes this such a special day for their parents as well.As parents we want nothing more than happy, healthy children. To see their faces on Christmas morning light up with joy to see the gifts you have selected is better than those days when, as children ourselves, we opened our own gifts. I'm not a psychologist, so I don't know what it's called, but it's so true that I would rather see my children's excitement than get almost any gift for myself. MY gift, is their happiness. I know now, why my parents went to so much trouble during the holiday season to hide the gifts beforehand - that was THEIR part of the bargain - to see the surprise and excitement. And yes, I know now that they loved keeping the secrets beforehand and watching us children poke and prod and try to trick them into revealing what lay hidden in the locked closet.It's the surprise, the anticipation of receiving and giving the most perfect Christmas toy. The one a child has "ALWAYS" wanted! The doll, or the BB gun. The doll house or the latest gaming system. Children can't or don't need to hide their emotions. When a toy is a "hit" you know it right away and are rewarded with a huge smile, a hug, giggles, shouts of glee and best of all a hug.When I was five, I learned to ride a bike. I learned on an old, rusty, BOYS bike that my seven older brothers had all learned to ride on before me. From the day I learned how to ride this bike I yearned for a bike of my own. A GIRLS bike, shiny and new. My parents didn't have a lot of money, so, even though I asked Santa for this bicycle, I never out right asked my parents. I bet you can imaging my delight and surprise when, on Christmas morning, there - under the tree - was a shiny, blue bike with my name on it. It came complete with bell, handlebar streamers and a basket. I was overwhelmed and had to immediately go for a test drive- slippers and all. These are the kinds of memories that last a life time. Today, The Toddler Toy Bin has created some of the best toys for your younger children. They are sure to bring that special light to their eyes and years of entertainment and fun. They will almost certainly fulfill YOUR wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season and ensure that you have made a perfect choice. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Jamieson
Pocket Bike Safety For Kids
Kids find pocket bikes exciting and a whole lot of fun, but they're also motorized high speed racing vehicles. Parents must ensure extra care is taken before letting the kids operate these bikes. With the proper precautions parents are able to reduce or avoid dangerous and serious injury or death. Follow these basic safety tips at all times when letting kids ride pocket bikes.Helmet - The most important piece of protective gear you can wear is a certified bike helmet! Wearing an approved helmet may reduce the risk of serious injury or death. Ensure the helmets meet with local authorities' required helmet certification. Be sure kids always wear helmets with the chinstrap securely buckled.Full Body Riding Suit- Though knee pads and elbow pads with hard caps (plastic or otherwise) offer increased protection for adults, it is better for kids to wear a one-piece riding suit.Gloves & Boots - Making sure kids wear sock and boot when riding the bikes will protect them most serious injuries. Sneakers can also be worn till you find suitable boots for them. Never in any circumstances wear sandals or footwear that exposes parts of the feet.Age Appropriateness: Usually, pocket bikes are designed for children aged 13-16, even then, they should not be allowed to operate pocket bikes without close adult supervision. Children under 12 should never ride bikes unsupervised. However, most bike manufacturers do recommend the age appropriateness of their bikes and all local laws regarding age restrictions.Avoid Streets and Sidewalks: Make sure your kids do not ride their bikes on highways, streets, sidewalks, roads, paths, or other areas used by motor vehicles. It is illegal and a pocket bike's low profile puts the rider at great risk of being hit by a motor vehicle that doesn't see them.Local Laws and Regulations: Find out and observe all local bike laws and regulations.Understand The Power and Capabilities: Though small in size, most pocket bikes are capable of reaching high speeds. Help your kids to understand the power their bike is capable of and to be cautious of that power when riding.Don't be over-cautious till there's no room for fun. Just keep in mind that these bikes are not toys and follow these safety guidelines. Let the FUN begin. Find out more about bikes for kids, safety gears for kids and watch kids riding bikes at the hottest and fastest-growing site for pocket bikes. http://www.pocketbikeforkids.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_M.N.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Cheap T-Shirt Online Shop UK
| This section features the bestselling & Cheap T-Shirts Online Shop from Amazon.co.uk.These trend and colourful T-Shirts are premium quality and low priced . Look awesome & attractive in a Top Brands : Bravado, Fruit of the Loom, Top Gear, American Apparel , Hanes and More than 50,000 items.Absolutely amazing array of T-Shirts to selected from! Getting excited about the Discount T-Shirt you like, just click for purchase information. Enjoy Shoping and have a great day! | ||
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Converse Shoes Online
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