Charity bike rides make for such a rewarding way to spend a few hours, a day, a weekend, or more, because they bring so many benefits to so many people.
When we talk about cycling for charity there are usually two ways you can get involved - the first is to enter an organised charity bike ride event, and the second is to do your own thing!
Organised Charity Bike Rides
In terms of the number of participants, organised charity bike rides will always attract more people across the space of a year. For me, a keen cyclist, there are several reasons why this is the case.
Charitable bike rides are highly organised events; they have marshals and volunteers to help you out should something go wrong, and to point you in the right direction when you're unsure of the route. Most importantly for me is the chance to use major roads without having to worry so much about traffic. Some charity bike ride organisers will go so far as to close the route roads completely, whilst others will set up recommended diversions for other road users. Not having to worry so much about the traffic around you makes a charity bike ride so much fun, because you can relax and enjoy yourself!
Another reason why I like charity bike rides so much is because you know you're helping out by participating. If you can have a fun day out, and know that you're doing some good, it makes cycling even more rewarding. Why not make the most of a highly organised event and benefit from the additional satisfaction you get from completing the course?!
There are also the health benefits: cycling is a very good cardiovascular activity, and if you cycle regularly that's even better. Some participants in charity bike rides make the mistake of thinking they can handle the route without prior training - on some easier rides you may find this is OK, but for longer rides it's not advisable. Firstly because you can injure yourself, and end up doing more harm than good, and secondly because you may not be able to finish the course, thereby jeopardising your sponsorship (if applicable).
The final great benefit I see with charitable cycling events is the community involvement. Not only are these events a great way to get out and meet new people from your community, they're a great boost to the community too. Community spirit really reins when everybody comes together for a good cause!
Individual Cycling for Charity
Of course, not everybody wants to be a part of a highly organised event, sharing the road with hundreds, possibly thousands, of other cyclists! Cycling as an individual in the name of charity is also a popular and fun way to do some good.
If you're considering cycling across your country, or continent, it takes a lot of planning and hard work - you can't just set out one day! Carefully choosing your charity in advance is essential, and it's best if you actually get their backing because this could help you out with getting sponsorship, both in terms of raising money for the charity, and raising money for your expenses. Whether you're participating in an organised charity bike ride, or are cycling independently, you'll find charity bike rides are rewarding and worthwhile experiences!
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When we talk about cycling for charity there are usually two ways you can get involved - the first is to enter an organised charity bike ride event, and the second is to do your own thing!
Organised Charity Bike Rides
In terms of the number of participants, organised charity bike rides will always attract more people across the space of a year. For me, a keen cyclist, there are several reasons why this is the case.
Charitable bike rides are highly organised events; they have marshals and volunteers to help you out should something go wrong, and to point you in the right direction when you're unsure of the route. Most importantly for me is the chance to use major roads without having to worry so much about traffic. Some charity bike ride organisers will go so far as to close the route roads completely, whilst others will set up recommended diversions for other road users. Not having to worry so much about the traffic around you makes a charity bike ride so much fun, because you can relax and enjoy yourself!
Another reason why I like charity bike rides so much is because you know you're helping out by participating. If you can have a fun day out, and know that you're doing some good, it makes cycling even more rewarding. Why not make the most of a highly organised event and benefit from the additional satisfaction you get from completing the course?!
There are also the health benefits: cycling is a very good cardiovascular activity, and if you cycle regularly that's even better. Some participants in charity bike rides make the mistake of thinking they can handle the route without prior training - on some easier rides you may find this is OK, but for longer rides it's not advisable. Firstly because you can injure yourself, and end up doing more harm than good, and secondly because you may not be able to finish the course, thereby jeopardising your sponsorship (if applicable).
The final great benefit I see with charitable cycling events is the community involvement. Not only are these events a great way to get out and meet new people from your community, they're a great boost to the community too. Community spirit really reins when everybody comes together for a good cause!
Individual Cycling for Charity
Of course, not everybody wants to be a part of a highly organised event, sharing the road with hundreds, possibly thousands, of other cyclists! Cycling as an individual in the name of charity is also a popular and fun way to do some good.
If you're considering cycling across your country, or continent, it takes a lot of planning and hard work - you can't just set out one day! Carefully choosing your charity in advance is essential, and it's best if you actually get their backing because this could help you out with getting sponsorship, both in terms of raising money for the charity, and raising money for your expenses. Whether you're participating in an organised charity bike ride, or are cycling independently, you'll find charity bike rides are rewarding and worthwhile experiences!
WSD Road Bike
"WSD Road Bike" stands for Women's Specific Design Road Bikes. Women's bike sizes generally run a few sizes smaller then men's bikes, accommodating riders from about 4'10" to 5'10" in height. Road frames range from 42cm to 57cm. Taller women can often ride a men's bike, but very short women almost always need a women's bike - if for no other reason than men's frames don't come in very petite sizes.
Why is it important for a woman to at least be fitted to and test ride a women's specific bike? The biggest reason is that men's bikes have a proportionately longer "cockpit" (the distance from the saddle to the handlebards), as well as wider handlebards. This puts the woman in an uncomfortable position - as she tries to get a good grip on the handlebars, she is forced to stretch too far forward. Riding a too-long bike results in neck pain, numb hands, sore back and saddle pain. Riding stretched out puts tremendous pressure on the soft tissue of the crotch, rather than concentrating rider weight on the pelvic bones. Shortening the cockpit puts the female rider into a much more comfortable and biomechanically efficient position. Handlebars on a women's specific bike are narrower, and the bikes come with female-specific saddles which are wider than men's, to better support a female pelvis. Bike fit is crucial to rider comfort and pedaling efficiency, as well as injury prevention.
Note that not all women are suited for a women's specific bike! Some women have shorter legs and longer torsos, more like men. In those instances, a men's bike is fine (as long as she is tall enough), with the only modification necessary being the saddle and possibly a few adjustments to custom-fit the bike.
WSD Road Bike Manufacturers
All of the big bicycle manufacturers in the USA now offer road bikes designed just for women riders. The four largest are Trek, Specialized, Giant and Cannondale. Of the four, Trek and Specialized take the women's market very, very seriously. They offer women's road bikes for everyone from entry-level to racers, for all budgets and with many component groups to choose from. There might be a lack of "wow factor" with bikes from the big companies (the name just doesn't carry the status or appeal of a boutique brand) but the ride quality of the bikes is definitely world-class. Every year, there are more and more women's bikes to choose from.
It can still be difficult to get a female-specific bike from small manufacturers who only offer stock frames (not custom); that said, small "boutique" bike builders may use frame geometry that is female-friendly. Most women definitely fit better on a female-specific bike with a shorter top tube, narrower handlebars and women's saddle. Some "unisex" bikes tend to run relatively short in the top tube - so if a manufacturer you're interested in does not offer a women's bike, get sized on their bikes anyway. You may be surprised!
Of course with custom frame builders it's no problem to get a bike that will be a perfect fit for the woman rider.
The most important thing is to have a bike professionally fitted for your individual needs. There is simply no reason to ride a poorly-fitting bike.
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Source: Women's Bikes - mbikeworld.com
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"WSD Road Bike" stands for Women's Specific Design Road Bikes. Women's bike sizes generally run a few sizes smaller then men's bikes, accommodating riders from about 4'10" to 5'10" in height. Road frames range from 42cm to 57cm. Taller women can often ride a men's bike, but very short women almost always need a women's bike - if for no other reason than men's frames don't come in very petite sizes.
Note that not all women are suited for a women's specific bike! Some women have shorter legs and longer torsos, more like men. In those instances, a men's bike is fine (as long as she is tall enough), with the only modification necessary being the saddle and possibly a few adjustments to custom-fit the bike.
WSD Road Bike Manufacturers
All of the big bicycle manufacturers in the USA now offer road bikes designed just for women riders. The four largest are Trek, Specialized, Giant and Cannondale. Of the four, Trek and Specialized take the women's market very, very seriously. They offer women's road bikes for everyone from entry-level to racers, for all budgets and with many component groups to choose from. There might be a lack of "wow factor" with bikes from the big companies (the name just doesn't carry the status or appeal of a boutique brand) but the ride quality of the bikes is definitely world-class. Every year, there are more and more women's bikes to choose from.
It can still be difficult to get a female-specific bike from small manufacturers who only offer stock frames (not custom); that said, small "boutique" bike builders may use frame geometry that is female-friendly. Most women definitely fit better on a female-specific bike with a shorter top tube, narrower handlebars and women's saddle. Some "unisex" bikes tend to run relatively short in the top tube - so if a manufacturer you're interested in does not offer a women's bike, get sized on their bikes anyway. You may be surprised!
Of course with custom frame builders it's no problem to get a bike that will be a perfect fit for the woman rider.
The most important thing is to have a bike professionally fitted for your individual needs. There is simply no reason to ride a poorly-fitting bike.
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Source: Women's Bikes - mbikeworld.com
Recumbent bicycles are bicycles that allow the rider to sit leaning back, with feet up to pedal. There are a wide variety of recumbent bike styles. Since they are usually manufactured in small quantity, they tend to have very unique characteristics.
Recumbent bikes can have over seat or under seat steering. In over seat steering, the rider uses a regular handlebar arrangement. In under seat steering, the steering is accomplished using a handlebar arrangement that protrudes from either side of the seat, allowing the arms to be down by the rider's side when steering.
Recumbent bikes can also have two or three wheels. The two wheel variety are harder to control at slow speeds, as the low center of gravity makes it harder to maintain balance. Three wheelers have greater stability, and are easier to get started and stopped. When stopped, the rider does not have to remove his feet from the pedals on a three wheeler.
Three wheel recumbent bikes come in two different types. The delta variety has two rear wheels and a single front wheel. The tadpole variety is just the opposite, with two front wheels and a single rear wheel behind the rider's seat.
Recumbent bicycles are generally much safer than upright bicycles. Because they are close to the ground, the fall from a recumbent bike is from a shorter distance, and less likely to be a head first fall.
It is also more comfortable to ride a recumbent bicycle. The body is in a seated position in something more like a chair, not straddling a seat as with a bicycle. There is no weight on the arms, hands, or shoulders as one would have in a upright bicycle. With the leaned back position, the rider is free to enjoy the scenery around him without straining his neck. Recumbent bicycles are a good choice for those who suffer from chronic neck and back pain.
Recumbent bikes are not always easy to find in some parts of the country, and they are fairly expensive to purchase. If you are unable to locate a bike to try, you may find a stationery one at a local gym or YMCA.
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Recumbent bikes can have over seat or under seat steering. In over seat steering, the rider uses a regular handlebar arrangement. In under seat steering, the steering is accomplished using a handlebar arrangement that protrudes from either side of the seat, allowing the arms to be down by the rider's side when steering.
Recumbent bikes can also have two or three wheels. The two wheel variety are harder to control at slow speeds, as the low center of gravity makes it harder to maintain balance. Three wheelers have greater stability, and are easier to get started and stopped. When stopped, the rider does not have to remove his feet from the pedals on a three wheeler.Three wheel recumbent bikes come in two different types. The delta variety has two rear wheels and a single front wheel. The tadpole variety is just the opposite, with two front wheels and a single rear wheel behind the rider's seat.
Recumbent bicycles are generally much safer than upright bicycles. Because they are close to the ground, the fall from a recumbent bike is from a shorter distance, and less likely to be a head first fall.
It is also more comfortable to ride a recumbent bicycle. The body is in a seated position in something more like a chair, not straddling a seat as with a bicycle. There is no weight on the arms, hands, or shoulders as one would have in a upright bicycle. With the leaned back position, the rider is free to enjoy the scenery around him without straining his neck. Recumbent bicycles are a good choice for those who suffer from chronic neck and back pain.
Recumbent bikes are not always easy to find in some parts of the country, and they are fairly expensive to purchase. If you are unable to locate a bike to try, you may find a stationery one at a local gym or YMCA.
Deciding to go on a cycling tour can very well be one of the best decisions you can make. This will not only give you much needed exercise, but will also allow you to recharge your batteries by taking in the view of the country and breathing in some fresh air.Bicycle touring of any kind is an excellent way to burn calories and shed some pounds in the process. Riding and touring, on the other hand, provide you with an even more effective means of losing weight because you will be far away from your usual temptations and you will actually be more inspired because of the sense of adventure.
Among the first decisions you have to make when going on a tour is to select a destination. You will then have to choose whether to join one that is guided or follow your own instincts. Going on a self-guided cycling tour, offers more flexibility and allows you to enjoy the experience so much more. You will still receive a copy of the route, but you will be able to cycle at the speed that you prefer without worrying about staying with the rest of the group.
Companies that offer tours will provide you with a host of cycles to choose from, some of which even have GPS navigation systems that will give you a sense of security even when following unfamiliar paths. The hotel accommodations will all be taken care of as well. All you have to do is to get yourself checked in, have a good night's sleep and get ready for another day of cycling the following morning.
There are some things that you will have to do on your own. For example replacing flat tires or handling other types of repairs. You will also have to bring your bike helmet to use as these are usually not provided by the tour companies.
If you prefer a more organized plan, then opt for the guided cycling tour, which means that you will be traveling with a party of other cyclists and a couple of guides. These guides will provide you with everything you need along the way, and you will have to follow a strict itinerary along with the rest of the cyclists. Most bicycle tours usually last for about a week or so, and covers about 52 miles (60 kilometers) a day.
A BMX is a bicycle (bike) with 20" wheels. These are small wheels, and you will often see many children using them. A BMX is very easily distinguishable by the fact that there is no suspension on the forks or the rear of the bike, and that there are no gears at all. A BMX is single speed.
The name BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross, which is just like motocross, except it is a lot cheaper, and does not need money to be put into it regularly. The origin of hits name comes from racing the bike, but the BMX has been adapted since then, with new features such as Gyro's, which allow the handlebars to spin more than 360 degrees, with no cables getting twisted at all and free coasters, which allow for a BMX to go backwards with the clutch disengaged, so you don't have to pedal backwards with the bike.
These adaptations have allowed a new form of BMX riding to be evolved from racing, freestyle.
The name freestyle kind of gives away what it is, it is when you can do whatever you feel like, tricks, speed, whatever you want! Freestyle BMX can be done anywhere; you can do it on streets, finding obstacles to jump over, at skate parks, using ramps to give you enough airtime to pull off stunning tricks, or in woods, with ramps made of dirt.
All of these different aspects of BMX have been adapted over the years, and have given riders the ability to do whatever they want. Tricks are customisable, and different styles of different riders make them look better, or even worse. Tricks can be made up and names and you may even see others pulling them off soon.
In street, you can make up your own lines, jumping off a wall, to grinding a kerb, to spinning off a bank; everything is as you want it to be. You can do whatever you want, express yourself in the way you ride.
Of course, BMX is an extreme sport, so you should be very care full with it. Safety should always be your first concern, when approaching a jump, or even heading down a hill, you should be extra care full not to hurt yourself. But saying that, if you want to get good at riding a BMX, crashes are part of the learning process. And the sayings, "You always learn from your mistakes" and "If at first you don't succeed, try and try again" come into play here, if you fall off trying to land your first 360, or if you can't land bunny hops, keep trying and it will make you a much better rider. Make sure that you enjoy everything that you do, and don't scare yourself silly, just push yourself.
For more information on BMX and niche bikes visit mbikeworld.com
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The name BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross, which is just like motocross, except it is a lot cheaper, and does not need money to be put into it regularly. The origin of hits name comes from racing the bike, but the BMX has been adapted since then, with new features such as Gyro's, which allow the handlebars to spin more than 360 degrees, with no cables getting twisted at all and free coasters, which allow for a BMX to go backwards with the clutch disengaged, so you don't have to pedal backwards with the bike.
These adaptations have allowed a new form of BMX riding to be evolved from racing, freestyle.The name freestyle kind of gives away what it is, it is when you can do whatever you feel like, tricks, speed, whatever you want! Freestyle BMX can be done anywhere; you can do it on streets, finding obstacles to jump over, at skate parks, using ramps to give you enough airtime to pull off stunning tricks, or in woods, with ramps made of dirt.
All of these different aspects of BMX have been adapted over the years, and have given riders the ability to do whatever they want. Tricks are customisable, and different styles of different riders make them look better, or even worse. Tricks can be made up and names and you may even see others pulling them off soon.
In street, you can make up your own lines, jumping off a wall, to grinding a kerb, to spinning off a bank; everything is as you want it to be. You can do whatever you want, express yourself in the way you ride.
Of course, BMX is an extreme sport, so you should be very care full with it. Safety should always be your first concern, when approaching a jump, or even heading down a hill, you should be extra care full not to hurt yourself. But saying that, if you want to get good at riding a BMX, crashes are part of the learning process. And the sayings, "You always learn from your mistakes" and "If at first you don't succeed, try and try again" come into play here, if you fall off trying to land your first 360, or if you can't land bunny hops, keep trying and it will make you a much better rider. Make sure that you enjoy everything that you do, and don't scare yourself silly, just push yourself.
For more information on BMX and niche bikes visit mbikeworld.com
Wikipedia: "Bicing is the name of a 'community bicycle program' in Barcelona inaugurated in March 2007. Its purpose is to cover the small and medium daily routes within the city in a climate friendly way, almost without pollution (especially the emission of finest particulate matter), roadway noise, traffic congestion and to reclaim the urban streets with non-polluting vehicles"
Usfull things list:
- Panniers
- Sunglasses
- Stove and Fuel Canister
- Fork and Spoon
- Battery Chargers
- Food
- Cook Pot
- Lighter/Matches
- Sleeping Bag
- Bike Lock
- Extra Tubes
- Tent
- Bike Pump
- Tire Levers
- Leatherman
- Bicycle Multi Tool
- Chain Lube
- Bungee Cord
- Toiletry Kit
- Clothes and Underwear
DAHON - Vitesse P18
The Vitesse P18 is a versatile bike designed for just about any kind of terrain you’re likely to meet: think of it as a compact double road bike with faster, more nimble handling. It’s fast enough for hard training rides, yet it can also be loaded up with racks and panniers for touring. And of course it’s incredibly portable so it can be your constant traveling companion.
Bike Friday - New World Tourist
See some photo of the Fully-Loaded Touring Folding Bike
Don't Miss!!!
The industrial design influences found on the US$1,100 Trek Soho 4.0 make it one of the more intriguing urban commuters, and with the wonderful Shimano Alfine internal 8-speed rear hub, the bar has been raised on what makes a solid commuter.
Trek has always done well with its hybrid line, but there's a finicky bunch amongst newer commuters, and sometimes a perceived 'frumpy' hybrid bike just doesn't deliver. Trek's engineers did their homework with the Soho 4.0, and the finished product is delightful to look at as well to ride.
Ride handling: acceleration when it matters most
The semi-upright handlebar position works well in traffic and when transporting a backpack. Trek specced the Soho 4.0 geometry like a road bike, with nearly 73 parallel head and seat angles, which, coupled with a longer head tube and chubby 700 x 32c tyres, makes for a lively, nimble and enjoyable city bike.
The gentle swept-back Bontrager Satellite Plus arc bars make riding in traffic fun, providing confident steering while being easy on the wrists, unlike most straight bars.
But the strength of the 28.5lb Soho 4.0 (and there needs to be plenty at this price) lies in the bike's ability to stomp and accelerate instantly, keeping its pretty self and its driver out of harm's way. The Soho 4.0 proved itself worthy several times during our long term testing.
Frame: clean lines and smart add-ons
Don't let the satin platinum finish fool you - this is a mean street machine. Trek benefits from its engineering and research and development efforts on its high-end road and mountain racing bikes.
Trickling down from those machines is the extensive use of lightweight hydroformed aluminium which adds subtle and sexy lines to the Soho 4.0. Those clean lines are nicely uninterrupted because Trek has chosen disc brakes rather than V or cantilever brakes.
Trek also wisely provides braze-ons galore for racks, mudguards and chainguard.
One of the coolest aspects of the Soho 4.0 frame is the integrated rubber bumper, designed to protect the tapered top tube from nicks, scratches and the like.
Equipment: Shimano Alfine reigns supreme
As we mentioned earlier, the drivetrain is based on Shimano's fine Alfine 8-speed internal hub gear. The whisper quiet and nearly effortless trigger shifting is a boon at stop lights and in situations where meddling too much with looking down and trying to commandeer a bike through busy traffic is a hazard.
Trek's house brand Bontrager provides much of the finer components on the Soho 4.0, namely its Nebula deep-section aluminium rims and puncture-resistant Satellite Nebula tyres. Taking a nod from the popular (and smart) trend for commuters, Bontrager includes a reflective sidewall strip on the tyres to make the Soho 4.0 more visible to traffic from the sides at night. The larger platform pedals provided ample room for street shoes, and never once felt cheap or flexy like most stock commuter pedals.
Gearing is provided by the Bontrager Nebula 44-tooth crankset and Shimano's 18-tooth rear cog, while slowing and stopping duties are provided by Shimano's M65 mechanical discs and Tektro two-finger alloy brake levers. Our tester's hands enjoyed the ergonomically-friendly shaped grips, a trend we hope to see on more bikes soon.
Verdict: spending more and getting every penny's worth
As the average bicycle purchase climbs higher with so many art house brands entering the fray, and with no end in sight for the crazy-spendy carbon racer bikes, it's pretty cool to see Trek putting its resources into a rather hip and smart urban commuter like the Soho 4.0.
As we experienced with the similarly smart Specialized Globe Centrum Sport last year, a good commuter needs more than one speed to be really effective on a daily basis.
The Trek Soho 4.0 adds credibility to the thinking that, as the price of gas in the US creeps way above US$4 a gallon, there's really no limit to what even urban commuters can and should spend for reliable transportation.
By Gary Boulanger, bikeradar.com
There is no one "best" bike for women - it depends on the type of riding she will be doing, her fitness level, and her budget. Some bikes have the capability of being multi-sport bikes (for road, mountain and city riding), and some are very specialized (such as time trial bikes). If the cyclist has the budget for only one bike, it should be a bike that "does it all". Hybrid and city bikes are probably the best for all-around use. Although they are heavier than road bikes and not nearly as aerodynamic, they are comfortable and can be light enough to ride long distances. Some hybrids are quite heavy and designed only for bike path use; however, city bikes (which are a more road-worthy cousin of hybrids) are more and more present on century rides (100 mile rides) because of their comfort. Hybrids and city bikes are not designed for aggressive trail use, but can easily handle gravel roads or gentle hiking trails if the tires are switched out to knobby cyclo-cross tires for better traction.
Comfort bikes for women are popular with cyclists looking to cruise the bike path or ride around the neighborhood. They are strictly for fun - they are not nimble climbers on the hills, nor maneuverable and responsive as road and mountain bikes, but for a fun, gentle ride that does not blow the budget, they are great.
Although most women's bikes fit most women, there are a few out there who are particularly short, or tall, or have certain physical requirements, that are not addressed in "off the rack" women's bikes. For these women, custom bikes can be an alternative. Expensive, yes, but worth it when their personal requirements are met!
For more information on women's bikes and all aspects of cycling, please visit mbikeworld.com.