September 2008 – Cycling Central

Running Without Injury

September 23, 2008 No Comments

Running is a healthy and fun way for many to get in shape. So why are so many people scared of it? It is good for the heart, great for the core, and cleansing to the mind. Oh and did I mention you don’t need any special equipment? A pair of sneakers and comfortable shorts is all you need.

Regardless, with the basics and simple methods there are a number of people who will stay at home, on the sofa wearing their reading eyeglasses and pajamas talking bad about the incredible benefits of running. Two of the primary complaints are injury and boredom. While boredom can easily be combated by a change of scenery, such as a mountain trail rather the treadmillnot validated.

Injury from running usually comes from one of two areas. The first is poor form and the second is overuse. These injuries can happen in any sport. There is so much research and science behind great running form now, that if someone feels they are suffering from a form related injury, help should be easy to find.

There are great programs, books, and clinics available nationwide to help understand and improve ones form. For example, keep you stride length short and increase your rate of turnover. Over striding is a major cause of knee pain because it results in a heel strike landing. Which, in turn, sends a shock up the runner’s leg, which is absorbed by the knee. A few months of this at a number of miles a week and it is no wonder a knee hurts so much.

you could be big or small, this has nothing do to with your size, the key is to focus on landing mid-foot by using shorter strides and with a higher foot turnover that will keep the pressure off the knees and redistribute it to the structurally sound skeletal body. That is only one example of how good form can help to decrease a very common sports related injury.

Another major cause of injury is over-use. An over-use injury occurs when someone goes out too strong and too long. Most runners suffer an over-use injury from being hot headed. I will never forget the doctor checking my outer hip. After a quick look, he peered at me through a pair of magnetic reading glasses and said I should take a a couple weeks off from running, stretch a lot, swim, and then get back out there. In the end he was right. I simply pushed my body too hard and too fast.

A lot of people want to be their own hero and will jump right in to a fast or long training schedule. The fact of the matter is that anybody can run a marathon if they put in the proper training and consistency. However it takes time. If you have never run before or have not run recently start with a shorter training schedule. There is a lot to be said for the ever popular couch to 5k program. Start slow, there is no rush. And if you start to fast, you might find yourself back on the couch before you know it.

Cycling Equipment

Mongoose Mountain Bike Amazing Offer

September 16, 2008 No Comments

I would never go for the traditional Raleigh, as I found Mongoose bikes so reliable. They offer In their offer you will find dual suspension bikes, jumping bikes (my favourite mongoose mountain bike) hardtail XC, comfort, commuter bikes, road bikes and hybrid bikes.

So, where is the bike comming from??

Founded in 1974 in a Southern Californian garage, Mongoose has always been an innovator. From their first product – cast-magnesium MotoMag wheels to their current crop of BMX, Mountain and pavement bikes, Mongoose is synonymous with bicycle performance.
Don’t miss the 2009 bikes: There are few recommended 2009 models you will love:
2009 Canaan Team.2009 Boot’R Team, 2009 Khyber Super, 2009 Teocali Super, 2009 Canaan Elite, 2009 Teocali Elite, 2009 Teocali Comp, 2009 Ritual(Dirt-Hi), 2009 Otero Super, 2009 Otero Elite, 2009 Ritual(Street), 2009 Ritual(Dirt),

2009 Otero Comp, 2009 Tyax Super, 2009 Sabrosa 3X8, 2009 Sabrosa SS, 2009 Tyax Elite, 2009 Fireball, 2009 Tyax Comp, 2009 Kaldi Single Women’s, 2009 Kaldi Single, 2009 Fireball 24 Boy’s, 2009 Pinn’R Apprentice, 2009 Boot’R, 2009 Nugget

There was a lot of information regarding the Mongoose Bicycles.
I like this one: They build for riders. It’s why their BMX designers aren’t wasting time watching reruns on ESPN2 – they’re out testing our new designs at the park, on the track and on the hill. It’s what drives them to cook things up like their Front Porch head tube, which lets you fine-tune the handling on our Black Diamond series mountain bikes, or Freedrive suspension technology, which eliminates pedal bob and gives you super-efficient full suspension. Experience that ultimately leads to better bikes for you.

I’m not a big fan of mouintain bike but if you like you can get mountain bikes

Cycling Information

The First Tour De France: A Humble Beginning

September 14, 2008 No Comments

The Tour de France is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and famous sporting events in history. For over one hundred years, great athletes have traversed vast roads and steep mountain climbs in France for the title of world’s greatest cyclist. It’s hard to believe, then, that the historic race began as a publicity stunt for a newspaper!

In 1903, the publishers of the French newspaper L’Auto wanted to outdo the cycling race promoted by a rival newspaper. The paper’s cycling journalist, Géo Lefèvre, came up with idea to have a race throughout France, separated by stages. He discussed it with editor Henri Desgrange after lunch, and the idea took off. In January, the first ever Tour de France was announced.

However, many details had to be ironed out before the race could even begin. Originally, the race was planned to be an incredible five weeks long. Unfortunately, that proved to be intimidating to most cyclists, as only just over a dozen were willing to take on a race of that magnitude. By cutting the length severely to a total of nineteen days, more entrants were enticed to give it a try. It also didn’t hurt that participants were given a daily allowance for their efforts. The changes increased the participation in the inaugural Tour de France by four times the original number of riders, to sixty.

The participants themselves were almost exclusively French, with a handful of riders from other countries, mostly Germany, Sweden, or Italy. The riders included some personalities that captured the imaginations of French cycling fans, such as the 20-year old Lucien Pothier and experienced cyclist Maurice Garin. Many of the riders, attracted by the promise of the daily allowance, were amateur cyclists, or unemployed and simply looking for something to do with themselves. Fans also were intrigued by the sheer scope of the race, and the fact that some of the stages were so long that riders had to keep cycling on into the night.

Maurice Garin took an early lead once the race started, taking the first stage during the ride from Paris to Lyon. He held on to the overall lead, even as Hyppolite Aucouturier won the next two stages. Despite this spirited challenge, Garin won the last six stages, and the first ever Tour de France. Garin was actually quite dominant, finishing over two hours ahead of the afore-mentioned youngster, Lucien Pothier. Fernand Augereau rounded out the top three cyclists in the first race.

There was definitely a disparity in talent in the first race, as the adventurous nature of the race attracted even the most unorthodox of challengers. In fact, Garin finished over 64 hours ahead of the last place finisher, Arsene Millocheau of France. Again, this only endeared the Tour de France to those who were already intrigued by the massive race.

The 1903 installment of the Tour de France served its purpose not only by launching the overwhelmingly successful cycling championship that has lasted over one hundred years, but also by giving L’Auto the publicity and sales bump that its editors so badly wanted. During the race itself, readership of the newspaper almost tripled, as a matter of fact.

The riders themselves would continue on into the next year. Garin, Pothier, and Aucouturier would compete in the 1904 Tour de France, which was a ragtag affair marred by cheating and occasional riots by fans. All three would end up being disqualified, which kept Garin from winning his second straight Tour de France.

From such humble beginnings, an annual spectacle known the world over has resulted. Throughout the last one hundred and five years, heroes as well as villains have emerged to succeed the likes of Garin and Pothier. Almost as amazing as the athletes that compete in the Tour de France is the fact that the race itself came from such a humble and unassuming beginning, as a race organized to promote a simple French newspaper.

Cycling Training

Cycling Training for Fun and Conditioning

September 6, 2008 No Comments

Cycling can be a fun sport as well as providing other advantages. Some of the advantages may include keeping in shape, spending quality time with family, utilizing this as a diversion from stress, socializing with others, and more.

However, like most other sports it is important that if cycling is just done on weekends or on a periodic basis, that the individual prevents serious injury. That’s why it is important that the person who is considering this athletic activity prepare with cycling training.

A good cycling training course will instruct the individual about safety measures that should be taken. In addition to being made aware of the safety measures that will enhance the cycling experience, it is important to have a certain level of physical training as well.

Safety Measures

Before taking up bicycling it is important that the individual be made aware of certain safety measures as part of their cycling training curriculum. The first primary safety measure as part of any cycling training instruction should be the wearing of a bicycle helmet.

A bicycle helmet will help to prevent the individual from suffering a serious head injury if in fact they are involved in an accident or a serious bicycle spill. The bicycle helmet should be made from a reputable manufacturer and should fit comfortably and yet should protect the uppermost part of the skull. This will protect the brain from a serious blow to the head.

In addition, it is important to wear the appropriate clothing. Therefore, loose clothing should be avoided especially during the ankle area. This will prevent the clothing from becoming tangled up in the gear or chain system of the bike.

Another important safety measure to consider when taking up the sport of bicycling is to join a bike club or ride with other individuals. This is because of the fact that there’s always safety in numbers. In addition, riding with other individuals may make the experience even more enjoyable.

One other important safety measure that should be part of your cycling training is to make sure that the bike route that is considered provides a safe environment. Therefore, it is important to avoid congested roadways or roads that have safety hazards along the way. Some of the safety hazards could include pot holes, construction zones, etc.

Cycling Training Conditioning

One other important factor to consider as part of your cycling training program is to make sure that you are healthy enough to cycle. Therefore, it is important to consult with your physician to make sure that this endeavor is in keeping with your physical capabilities.

In addition, it is important not to over do your first time out. This means that you should not overextend yourself physically but should gradually work up the physical condition to the point of being able to bike long distances. Keeping these factors in mind will allow you to enjoy the sport of cycling to the fullest!

Cycling Gear

Choose the Right Cycling Gear

September 2, 2008 No Comments

What’s the difference between cycling equipment and cycling gear? The answer is the level of experience of the cyclist. “Equipment” is a term used for the more basic types of items that cyclists need, but the term “gear” reflects a personalized approach to the necessary things a rider wants around. While cycling gear will reflect some personal preferences, there will always be some standard items that every cyclist agrees is useful.

Cycling Gear for the Best Experience

The cycling gear you choose should benefit you without holding you back. You might find yourself changing the type of cycling gear you need as your experience level increases. But whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, there are certain types of things that should make up your gear.

Bike

Of course, your bike is at the top of the list. While that may seem incredibly obvious, there is an important consideration about selecting the right bike. Certain features on their bikes are chosen by manufacturers put to reflect the skill of their riders. Matching the right bike to your level of cycling experience is an important decision.

Clothing

The next group of items that should make up every cyclist’s gear involves clothing. Starting with the top of your head, you will need a quality helmet. A poor fit increases your risks of getting seriously injured so make sure the helmet fits you properly. What you wear depends on whether you are riding for sport or on a more competitive scale. The average cyclist will be comfortable with cycling shorts and tops, while the more advanced riders need cycling skinsuits to decrease drag and improve their speed.

Accessories

Sunglasses or protective eyewear is next on the list. Since your eyes are so important, don’t cut yourself short in this area. Covering your eyes protects you from the sun’s blinding glare as well as those unexpected bits of debris that fly through the air.

Cycling gloves are a must for comfort as well as safety. Your hands need special attention, regardless of the season. They are always right out in front, on the handlebars, and are being exposed to cold, wind, rain or the rays of the sun. And if you should ever go down, your hands are usually first to make contact. Also, don’t forget to include the right kind of socks and sports shoes with your cycling gear.

The “health” of your bicycle should also be a factor in choosing cycling gear. Make up a small tool kit that includes a bicycle pump. A puncture repair kit with patches is also an excellent item to take along.