The New Kid on The Block

Finaly, I bought a Folding bike! Bought on the Dec 7, 2008. Can't wait to test it out during this coming Bike Tour. It's best for touring because it is a chromoly with 20" wheel & rear rack. Weigh approximately 11.8kg. So, it is on the heavy side. What the heck! It's for touring! The only modification that I've made (at the moment) is changing the chainring from 53T to 39T. So it's ready for the hill. And it took me 30~50sec to fold it.

Webber breaks leg in bike crash

Formula One driver Mark Webber has broken his leg after colliding head-on with a car while riding a bike at his own charity event in Tasmania.

The Australian, 32, who drives for the Red Bull racing team, was airlifted to hospital where he underwent surgery on a broken right leg.

"The surgery is complete, a pin inserted and the recovery begins," said the event's director, Geoff Donohue.

The accident happened south-east of state capital Hobart on Saturday.


Webber was taking part in the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge, a 250km endurance event consisting of mountain bike riding, kayaking and trekking on the Australian island.

He was riding a bicycle along a road near historic Port Arthur when he collided with a four-wheel drive vehicle at 1240 local time.

"Mark's in good spirits," said Donohue. "The broken leg is the injury, and beyond that, he's in really good shape.

"He has a little bit of a graze on his left forearm, but he has had full scans and everything else is clear.

"He'll be in hospital for at least three days, for sure under a week. I was speaking to him before the operation, and he was already thinking about his rehabilitation."

Sergeant Jon Ford, of Tasmania Police, said: "We received reports of a collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle on the Fortescue Bay Road on the Tasman Peninsula.

"He was airlifted from the scene by helicopter and taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital where he is now being treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries.

"He suffered a broken leg and other injuries and is reported to be in a stable condition."

Webber, who is also a BBC Sport columnist, finished 11th in the Formula One drivers' world championship standings this year.

Red Bull have already begun testing ahead of the 2009 F1 season. The team's next testing session is scheduled to take place in Jerez, in southern Spain, from 9 December.

"That date obviously will be an issue," said Donohue.

"But I suspect that as soon as Mark is able to fly, they will be keen to get him back to Europe.

"They will have people working out his rehab program now with a view to getting him up and going as soon as possible."

Source: BBC Sport/ Motorsport

Folding Bike Touring Anyone?

I think touring on folding bike must be more convenient & comfortable. And we can carry more stuff if use it together with the Lightweight Bike Trailer! Anyone?

Source: YouTube

Why Are Folding Bikes So Useful?

We have all seen them, those small-wheeled bicycles whizzing around congested city streets during the rush hour. Suited city gents wearing a cycle helmet with a briefcase strapped to the back luggage rack. When you see them arrive at the train station, you realise they have had the benefit of a bit more time in bed. Then they fold their bike up to a ridiculously small size and tuck it in a corner of the carriage. When they get to their place of work, it is a matter of folding the bike up again and popping it under their desk.

Folding Bikes are a serious part of the daily commute for many people. Not only do they speed up the journey, they help with fitness and of course, they are much more environmentally friendly than driving a family sized car to and from the station car park.

It is not only commuters who find a folder useful. Caravanners and users of RV's are able to arrive at their campsite and then easily tour the local area by bike. For people who use boats, on the sea, river or canal, the compact size of a folder means that they can easily stow it away on board. And, of course, a folder doesn't need a rack on the back of the car; it just goes in the boot.

Those of us who experience urban living, in apartments without parking facilities, will also benefit from a folder. No carting the mountain bike up stairs, or having to leave it chained up outside.

Just because a folder is built to fold up it doesn't mean that there has to be a loss of strength, or they are only confined to high quality tarmac roads. A Moulton, considered to be a Rolls Royce of bikes, held the speed record of 51mph. Airnimal produce high specification folding mountain bikes. An Airnimal Chameleon was ridden to Bronze in the World Triathlon Championships. Bike Friday are a popular US producer of folding bikes and their range even includes a folding tandem and a folding recumbent.

For many the Brompton epitomises the classic folding bike. You will see more of these coming of a busy commuter train than any other model. They feature a unique feature whereby the rear wheel flips underneath to form a stand.

New designs are coming through which are more and more unconventional and eye-catching. The Strida, which weighs just 22 pounds, is rustproof and completely greaseless since it uses a Kevlar belt for propulsion instead of a conventional chain. It looks like a triangle with a seat sticking out just below the apex. The Strida has won several design awards. For those who consider the time taken to fold the bike, there is the Mobiky Genius. Designed in response to the demands of a modern urban environment the Mobiky Genius features one of the fastest and easiest folds of any bike on the UK market. It also rides and handles perfectly in congested streets.

If you are thinking of a bike, but have to consider the difficulties of housing and securing a full sized version, have a look at the range of folders that are available first.

Source: StreetDirectory.com/Health&Food/RecreationPrograms by Craig Summer / photo from ridethisbike.com & bikecommuters.com

Wanna be like Johan Bruyneel?

I've played the older version and it was fun to be a cycling manager like Johan Bruyneel. Instead of being on the team car with your walkie talkie and notebook, now you will need a PC/notebook, PS3, PS2 or PSP to run your team in front of the monitor. It's a strategy game where you will need to manage the energy of each rider in your team..i.e. when to drink, cruise or attack..whether to go for points (in the KOM) of the big prize!

Just check out the trailer. There are so much improvement made since they first release this game.


Source: Fun Game

A Brief History Of The Bicycle

The evolution of the bicycle is fascinating from a social as well as technological point of view. In fact, most of the technical innovations were made before the start of the last century, when the basic form of the bicycle that we know today was created. In the modern era, advances in materials science have been the driving force behind developments.

In 1817 the 'Hobby Horse' was invented by Karl von Drais. Made of wood, this was basically like a bicycle with the pedals, gears and chain removed - you pushed it along with your feet, but was faster than walking. To read more..

Source: Bicycle Association of Great Britain

Get faster by riding slowly

Are you a pupil of the ‘no pain, no gain’ school of training? New research says you’ll get fitter faster if you take it easy.

Sounds good doesn't it? But we're not quite saying you can get fitter by sitting on the sofa. The trick is to ride in the least taxing of your training zones, the levels of effort that actually have an effect on your fitness. Let's kick off by taking a look at them.

What are training zones?

Training zones are different levels of exertion designed to improve your fitness. What you might not realise is that it’s Zone 1, the easiest level, and not flat-out Zone 3 where you should be spending most of your ride time.

How are the training zones defined?

Zone 1: This is the endurance base from 60% of your maximum heart rate to around 78-80%. This zone builds endurance, the economical use of fats and carbohydrates for fuel and allows good technique to be practised. You'll want to spend up to 80% of your time here.

Zone 2: Where pace is moderately hard, where lactate is created from an increased use of carbohydrate but it is not hard enough to cause fatigue suddenly. This zone occurs around 79-89% of your maximum heart rate and it helps athletes judge pace, convert lactate and move at higher velocities. Aim for around 10-12% of your weekly workouts here.

Zone 3: The high intensity lactate accumulation zone is above 89-90% of your maximum heart rate. This is peak effort stuff that hurts. It provides a maximal stimulus that is, or simulates, competition or above competition pace. Spend no more than 10% of your training time here.

How to work out your maximum heart rate

To make sure you ride in the right zone, you’ll need to work out your max heart rate.

Time trial effort varies between riders but it is approximately 88-91% of your maximum heart rate for a 10-mile tiem trial, and 85-88% for a 25-miler.

To get an estimate of your maximum heart rate, you need to divide your average heart rate over 10 miles, eg 165, by 0.88 and 0.91 (187.5 and 181) and do the same for your 25-mile tiem trial average, eg 160, using 0.85 and 0.88 (188 and 181).

The average maximum heart rate of all four figures is 184, and this can then be used to calculate your three training zones:

• Zone 1: less than 78-80% of your maximum heart rate (<147)
• Zone 2: 80-88% of your maximum heart rate (149-160).
• Zone 3: above 88-90% of your maximum heart rate (>161)

How does this apply to me? I’m not a time trial specialist!

Yes, it sounds too good to be true: ride slowly to go faster. But a recent study has added support to sports scientists’ claims that spending more time exercising comfortably, rather than eyeballs-out, delivers the best results.

Researchers at The European University in Madrid spent five months studying endurance athletes and found that those who did 80% of their training in Zone 1 and only 10% in Zone 2 improved times over a set distance by 36 seconds more than those spending 65% of their training time in Zone 1 and 24% in Zone 2. Both groups did around 8% of their weekly time in the top end Zone 3.

All the athletes, whatever their Z1, 2 or 3 proportions, got faster over the five months, but the group training smarter (less effort with more precise Z1 work) got 6.9% better, while the overzealous athletes got 5.3% better. Would you not like to get 1.6% faster but do fewer work wasted sessions?

Why excessive high intensity miles should be avoided

The scientists behind this study also think that their findings turn on its head the age old theory of junk miles – that lots of low intensity training is, basically, a waste of time. Instead, it could be an excess of the harder stuff that should be avoided.

“Our data suggest that an older concept of ‘junk miles’ applies not to relatively low-intensity training but to moderately high-intensity training,” said the researchers. It makes sense: moderately hard training is difficult to recover from, but not hard enough to stimulate further adaptation.

Of course, the study isn’t saying that simply pootling about will turn you into Mark Cavendish. You will still need to push yourself well out of your comfort zone from time to time and you can’t wave goodbye to hill reps and sprints just yet. But if you’re serious about improving your time-trial best or bagging a sportive personal best, make sure that you’re spending enough time in Zone 1 between the harder sessions. ...

All you need to do now is to strap on a heart rate monitor and find your comfort zone!

Source: BikeRadar.com/Road/Fitness/Technique/ by Joe Beer

Lightweight Bike Trailer

This is new to me. I always thought that trailers are heavy and a drag. But this one from Extrawheel looks so light and easy to pull. Must be a better option than the pannier. The only question is, would it be a part of the bike or seperate item that will be charged extra when carrying on plane?

Source: You Tube

KéO Bicycle Pedals Recalled

About 80,000 KéO Bicycle Pedals are being recalled by Look Cycle USA, of San Jose, Calif. The steel axle inside the pedal can break, posing a fall hazard to cyclists.

Look Cycle has received 14 reports of incidents with broken pedals, including 7 injuries which resulted in scrapes, cuts, contusions, elbow pain, and a knee injury.

The recalled bicycle pedals were sold separately from bicycles. Pedal models include KéO Classic, KéO Sprint, KéO HM and KéO Carbon. The model name is printed in white on the side of the pedal.

Date codes between January 2004 and December 2005 are included in this recall. The date code for the KéO Classic, Sprint and Carbon pedals is on a dial stamped onto the pedal. The date code for the KéO HM is on the bottom of the pedal, with the letters A through L corresponding to the month, and the numbers 4 and 5 indicating 2004 or 2005. 'Ti' pedals are not included in this recall.

The pedals, made in France, were sold by specialty bicycle retailers nationwide from January 2004 through July 2007 for between $100 and $500.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycle pedals and return them to any authorized Look Cycle dealer, or contact Look Cycle USA to arrange for shipping and free repair.

For additional information, contact Look Cycle USA toll-free at (866) 430-5665 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, visit the firm's Web site at www.lookcycle-usa.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Source: Consumeraffairs.com

Invest in Bicycle Infrastructure

Source : YouTube

Paris Brest Paris 2007

PBP- 1200km in 90 hours...Ahh!..riding in the rain or dark quiet road in the middle of night, eating junk food & sleeping by the roadside stalls etc.... How can you not love this audax ride? ... Audax Rocks!

Source: YouTube

Cycling New Zealand's South Island

Wow.. this is really inspiring! If only I have the luxury of time and money to tour like this guy..

Source: YouTube

Cycling: More Benefits Than You Think

Cycling to work or school has more benefits than you may think. Most people I know think that they would feel strange, they might lose balance, they may have to incur costs if their bike is stolen- every excuse under the sun to avoid riding bikes. However, cycling is very advantageous in more ways that one. Which includes, lowering costs through insurance, lowering travel card costs, plus the excellent health benefits of riding to work, as opposed to taking the tube.

You don’t have to be super-fit to enjoy cycling, and it’s good for you! When looking to lose weight, diets rarely work long-term, regular exercise always does. Any type of regular exercise is of benefit, but cycling is particularly good because fewer injuries occur as a result. Cycling is also a great calorie user, which has various benefits.

According to the British Heart Foundation, cycling at least 20 miles per week reduces the risk of coronary heart disease to less than half that for non-cyclists. Cycling at a gentle 12 mph on a flat road uses 450 kcal per hour. It also makes you feel younger and reduces stress. It is also claimed that cycling raises the speed of your metabolism for hours afterwards, so your body continues to burn calories even after exercise.

Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity (except when going uphill). This is beneficial to the lungs which expand to push as much oxygen into the body as possible and the heart which beats faster to transport this oxygen around your body. A strong heart and powerful lungs form the basis of general fitness. Even if you cycle only a few miles per day, your muscles will gain the benefit, usually becoming trimmer and more toned. The main muscles you use when cycling are the upper thigh muscles, backside, and calf muscles.

Exercising releases what are known as endorphins into your blood - these create a feeling of contentment and happiness, therefore helping to reduce stress. Naturally, if you cycle in pleasant surroundings - your contentment level will be even greater!

My good friend George said “no” to her travel card, and hopped on her bike instead. From my observation, it worked out well- she has saved hundreds of quid a month, plus has lost quite a lot of weight- an all round package that you cannot say “no” to.

Source: ArticleSphere.com / by Jamie Jaggernauth/ photo courtesy of austriatravel.co.uk

I Love Cycling

What a simple and yet meaningful art related to cycling. I found it on the Net and can't resist to publish it on my Blog dedicated to all of you who love to ride simply for the love of cycling. Peace!

Source: Bike Lane Diary (photo by Marla Lu/ Flickr)

World's Fastest Cyclist Hits 82.3 MPH

Sam Whittingham is the fastest cyclist on the planet, having pedaled his sleek recumbent bicycle to a stunning 82.3 mph to claim the world record for a human-powered vehicle.

The bike-builder from British Columbia bested his previous record of 81.02 mph during a picture-perfect run through the desert during the World Human Powered Speed Challenge outside Battle Mountain, Nevada.

"On the one hand, it's terrifying, but also completely exhilarating, Whittingham, who's won the competition every year since its inception six years ago, told the Vancouver Sun after taking home the $26,748 deciMach Prize for Human-Powered Speed. "It's like going down the steepest hill you can find on your bike, but you get to do that all the time."

Except Whittingham's bike is nothing like your bike. Read more

Source: Wired Blog Network

Why I love cycling holidays

My friends thought I was tragic trundling off on my cycling holidays, but now I know I was simply fashion-forward (though possibly not in those shorts). These days everyone is doing it.

Well, more people than ever, anyway.Helen Pidd has been taking cycling trips for some time. Little did she know she was one step ahead of a growing trend

Getting a breath of fresh air ... cycling is part of over two million holidays taken by Brits. Photograph: TFL

My friends thought I was tragic trundling off on my cycling holidays, but now I know I was simply fashion-forward (though possibly not in those shorts). These days everyone is doing it. Well, more people than ever, anyway.

Britons spent £120 million on dedicated cycling holidays in 2006, according to research from Mintel. The report estimates that 2.25 million holidays taken by Brits last year included some kind of cycling adventure, such as a day's bike hire or a mounted city sightseeing tour.

I have always enjoyed cycling, but until a few years ago saw it mostly as a way to get from A to B without paying for the bus. It wasn't even a hobby, let alone a mode of holidaying. Then I moved down to London and, after spending weekdays choking on fumes, was quite literally gagging for a bit of fresh air on the weekends.

At first, I - with my far hardier cycling companion and puncture repairer-in-chief - went day tripping. Then we decided to spread our wheels a little, and started our weekend trips an hour out of town from places like Bognor Regis, Oxford and Great Yarmouth, hefting our bikes on to trains and then pedalling off into the countryside. The only downside was having to call National Rail Enquiries and battling with the operators over whether we could take bikes on our chosen route. (If we both called, we would invariably be given different answers.)

One of my best holidays ever was the cycling odyssey I undertook last summer. Too wussy and annual-leave-deprived to tackle the full End to End, we decided to have a go at London to Land's End. We didn't pay tour operators to sort out our itinerary, but set off armed with panniers full of Ordnance Survey maps, a list of B&B phone numbers and a spare inner tube each.

Apart from the tantrum I had just outside Minehead attempting Porlock Hill (gradient: 25% - it was like cycling up a wall), it was a dream, albeit an expensive one. By my reckoning, the cost of 14 nights in B&Bs and youth hostels (we went a very circuitous route), lunches and dinners, and the train back to London from Penzance was about £500. Unless you can be bothered lugging a tent around, cycling holidays are very rarely cheap.

As to why they are en vogue, well, I can only answer for myself. I loved seeing the landscape change, as Berkshire became Wiltshire, Wiltshire became Somerset, and Somerset segued into Devon and then Cornwall. And without being too much of a pathetic girl about it, I was delighted to return with far firmer thighs at the end of the fortnight. I also got off on the knowledge that my holiday wasn't spewing out huge amounts of carbon - apart, of course, from the heavy breathing involved in tackling Porlock Hill.

Source: guardian.co.uk/Travel/ by Helen Pidd

Five Year Old Completes 55 Mile Pedal for Scotland

Cycle crazy 5 year old, Patrick Kiehlmann (picutred right) completed the Pedal for Scotland 2008 on Sunday 14th September. It was really encouraging to hear the support for Patrick by all who passed him, and by those he passed, on the 55 mile Cycling Scotland bike ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh. The Pedal for Scotland bike ride has plenty of refreshment stops along the way with open play areas, so it's really easy to pace yourself, and arrange to meet your mates along the way.

"Cycling is fun, great for children's health and everyone's environment. Many more children will be cycling with Patrick to and from St. Matthews Primary School as part of our daily "cycle train". Pedal for Scotland is in it's 10th year and there are already more families at Patrick's school who have asked to join in next year, the more the merrier." Mark Kiehlmann, Sustrans Volunteer Ranger.

"Both myself and the event organiser Ian Aitken met Mark and Patrick after the event and were stunned to discover that Patrick had completed the whole ride on his own. We see a lot of young children on tandems with their parents, but as far as I know there has never been anyone else as young as Patrick to complete the ride completely independently. To top it off, Mark showed us home video footage of Patrick on the last few miles of the route, where I myself was feeling ready to drop, and Patrick was still speeding along at twice the pace of everyone else. It really was quite inspirational and I'd like to offer congratulations on behalf of Pedal for Scotland to our youngest and most enthusiastic rider. Patrick's achievement really does show that more or less anyone can take part in Pedal for Scotland." Andrew Pankhurst, PR & Marketing Officer, Cycling Scotland, organisers of Pedal for Scotland.

Patrick started cycling just over a year ago, going to and from his preschool with his mate on their Islabikes. This summer we decided to try and cycle around Cumbrae for an afternoon. We were astonished when he had finished in just an hour. So we took a trip along the Fourth and Clyde Canal from Bishopbriggs to Auchinstarry Basin and back, then Patrick asked if we could go to the Falkirk Wheel. I knew then that it was very likely that he would be able to make the trip to Edinburgh on the Pedal for Scotland, celebrating cycling with over 5,000 others.

Above: Footage of Patrick on the home stretch of the ride, clearly loving it and going like a miniature steam-train

Patrick loves to cycle everyday to school in Bishopbriggs. We are working with the school, East Dunbartonshire Council and Sustrans to ensure that Patrick, and every other child, can continue to cycle on a safe route to school, away from the high pollution levels on the Kirkintilloch Road.

Source: Everyday Cycling

Ride, Sleep and Repeat

A look at Team Columbia’s schedule on Friday, the day of the 99-mile seventh stage at the Tour de France. Riders were given the schedule before going to bed. Often, before breakfast, medical teams show up unannounced to test the riders’ blood or urine for drugs or anomalies.

• 8:55 A.M. Wake up.

• 9 Breakfast is coffee, bread, croissants, eggs and cereal.

• 10 A carbohydrate-rich meal of pasta is served about three hours before the start.

• 10:45 Riders pack their bags, which are loaded onto a truck and sent to the next hotel.

• 11:15 The team bus leaves so that it arrives at the start an hour before the stage begins. On the bus, the team directors meet with the riders to plan tactics.

• 1:10 P.M. The stage starts.

AFTER THE RACE Riders return to the bus, where they clean up, change, eat and relax on the way to their hotel.

• 6 P.M. Each rider has an hour of therapeutic massage. It is also time to chat with friends and family on the phone.

• 8 Dinner.

• 10-11 Bedtime. Some riders watch TV, others read or go online. This is a time to forget about the race.

Source: The New York Times - Other Sport - by Michael Barry

Cat on touring bike

Cute huh?

Source: maremare.stumbleupon.com

Bicycling Pictures

It really requires a lot of skills not to ride the bicycle but to sit on stacks of newspapers on a moving bicycle! ...while reading!

Source : FFFFOUND!

Dubya, the cyclist!

HE MAY be the most powerful man in the world, but proof has emerged that President George Bush cannot ride a bike, wave and speak at the same time.

Scotland on Sunday has obtained remarkable details of one of the most memorably bizarre episodes of the Bush presidency: the day he crashed into a Scottish police constable while cycling in the grounds of Gleneagles Hotel.

The incident, which will do little to improve Bush's accident-prone reputation, began when he took to two wheels for a spot of early-evening exercise during last year's G8 summit at the Perthshire resort.

After a hard day's discussion with fellow world leaders, the president was looking for some relaxation. Instead, he ended up the subject of a police report in which the leader of the free world was described, in classic police language, as a "moving/falling object".

It was "about 1800 hours on Wednesday, 6 July, 2005" that a detachment of Strathclyde police constables, in "Level 2 public order dress [anti-riot gear]," formed a protective line at the gate at the hotel's rear entrance, in case demonstrators penetrated the biggest-ever security operation on Scottish soil.

The official police incident report states: "[The unit] was requested to cover the road junction on the Auchterarder to Braco Road as the President of the USA, George Bush, was cycling through." The report goes on: "[At] about 1800 hours the President approached the junction at speed on the bicycle. The road was damp at the time. As the President passed the junction at speed he raised his left arm from the handlebars to wave to the police officers present while shouting 'thanks, you guys, for coming'.

"As he did this he lost control of the cycle, falling to the ground, causing both himself and his bicycle to strike [the officer] on the lower legs. [The officer] fell to the ground, striking his head. The President continued along the ground for approximately five metres, causing himself a number of abrasions. The officers... then assisted both injured parties."

The injured officer, who was not named, was whisked to Perth Royal Infirmary. The report adds: "While en-route President Bush phoned [the officer], enquiring after his wellbeing and apologising for the accident."

At hospital, a doctor examined the constable and diagnosed damage to his ankle ligaments and issued him with crutches. The cause was officially recorded as: "Hit by moving/falling object."

No details of damage to the President are recorded from his close encounter with the policeman and the road, although later reports said he had been "bandaged" by a White House physician after suffering scrapes on his hands and arms.

At the time Bush laughed off the incident, saying he should start "acting his age".

Details of precisely how the crash unfolded have until now been kept under wraps for fear of embarrassing both Bush and the injured constable. But the new disclosures are certain to raise eyebrows on Washington's Capitol Hill.

Jim McDermott, a Democrat Congressman, last night quipped: "Not only does he break the law over here on eavesdropping and spying on our own citizens, but it seems he can't even keep to your law when it comes to riding a bike. It's another example of how he can't keep his mind on the things he should be thinking about."

Bush often takes to two wheels for exercise, after pain in his knees forced him to give up running. He regularly rides at secret service training facilities near Washington, and the G8 accident is just one in a long list of mishaps. In May 2004, he fell off his mountain bike, grazing his chin, upper lip, nose, both knees, and his right hand, while riding on his ranch in Texas. In June 2003, he fell off his hi-tech Segway scooter.

In Scotland, an accident such as the one at Gleneagles could have led to police action. Earlier this year, Strathclyde Police issued three fixed penalty notices to errant cyclists as part of a crack-down on rogue riders. Legal experts also suggested lesser mortals could have ended up with a fixed penalty fine, prosecution, or at least a good ticking-off from officers.

John Scott, a human rights lawyer, said: "There's certainly enough in this account for a charge of careless driving. Anyone else would have been warned for dangerous driving.

"I have had clients who have been charged with assaulting a police officer for less than this. The issue of how long the police officer was out of action for is also important. He was away from work for 14 weeks, and that would normally be very significant in a case like this."

No-one was available for comment from the White House.

Source : The Scotsman

Cycling & Barack Obama

Looks like Senator (D) Barack Obama is riding his bicycle huh. But isn't the bike is a bit too small for him? Also, the rear tires obviously need some more air. Ah, what the heck! I like this guy. In my opinion, he is the right person for the president post. Forget about that 'white-hair dude' of the Republican nominee. I'm sure that Barack and his team will bring change to Washington and hope to millions of American. After all, economically, they are really in deep shit courtesy of the Bush Administration & the Republican Party!

VIVA OBAMA!

Safe Cycling Tips

1. Do not ride on pavements unless there are signs permitting this.
2. Give lorries space and hold back -- a lorry might be turning at any corner. Never cut inside
3. Carry a good lock -- Try to lock the frame and wheels to an immovable object, preferably a bike stand
4. Cycle in different conditions -- a dry summer's day is perfect for cycling. As you discover how convenient cycling can be for everyday trips, you may find yourself cycling in different conditions.
5. Cycling at night is just as practical and brings all the same benefits as cycling by day. However there are some simple but important steps to ensure that you are both safe and within the law. Use lights at night
6. Dress for visibility by wearing bright, reflective clothing when cycling at night. A reflective jacket or waistcoat that slips over your coat will help to define your shape in the dark. Reflective patches, badges, tape and stickers can be applied anywhere on the bike or rider, and are recommended to maximise your visibility
7. Be alert at night -- it is easier to spot approaching cars because of their headlights but remember that you may be dazzled by lights on full beam
8. Ensure your bike is safe and check that your brakes, tyres, lights and steering are working properly
9. Ensure your bike is properly adjusted -- wrongly positioned saddles and handlebars are uncomfortable and inefficient.
10. Consider wearing a cycle helmet that meets current safety standards
11. Plan a route that suits your abilities if you have not ridden recently. You could also ride with someone who’s used to riding on the road to increase your confidence.

Source: Royal Kingston - Cycling

What's Armstrong's Return About?

The seven-time winner isn’t coming back just to prove he’s racing clean, or solely to raise awareness about cancer. What else is at stake?

Don’t take it from me. The entire cycling world is a bit confused about why Lance Armstrong would risk his unblemished run of seven straight Tour de France wins by returning, at age 37, to try for an eighth.

“Why is he really doing this?” wondered Marc Sergeant, director of the Silence-Lotto team of Tour hopeful Cadel Evans.

“Personally the story so far doesn't do it for me,” said Columbia manager Bob Stapleton. “But maybe it is about something bigger. He is passionate about cancer.”

But perhaps Carlos Sastre, the man whose title Armstrong will try to regain as his own, put it best. “If he wants to return, it’s because he believes he has an opportunity,” said the 2008 winner to VeloNews.

An opportunity, yes, but for what? Read more..

Source : Bicycling Magazine - By Joe Lindsey

Emergency services on bikes

FIRST-AID providers on bicycles are ready to reach crowded areas in Doha with Hamad Medical Corporation launching the new Bike Emergency Service.

“In the initial stage they will be stationed from 5pm to midnight at the Corniche, Rumaillah Park and Souq Waqif, areas which are crowded, especially during weekends,” an official of Hamad Medical Corporation’s Emer-gency Medical Services said yesterday.

The well-trained personnel would provide emergency first aid to those in need prior to the arrival of an ambulance to rush patients to the Accident and Emergency Department.

The bikes are equipped with a first-aid bag for the treatment of mild injuries, a heart resuscitation system and an oxygen cylinder. The service could be availed of by dialling 999 and reporting the injury and location of the patient.

“The number of Bike Emergency Service stations is expected to be increased in the near future to cover sports events as well,” the official said.

The new service, which has been running for two weeks now, has been described as “efficient, prompt and timely in providing emergency first aid for a number of cases”.

Source: Gulf News

How to Do a Testicular Self Examination:

For men over the age of 14, a monthly self-exams of the testicles is an effective way of becoming familiar with this area of the body and thus enabling the detection of testicular cancer at an early -- and very curable -- stage.

The testicular self exam is best performed after a warm bath or shower.
(Heat relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to spot anything abnormal)

The TCRC recommends following these steps every month (keep in mind that the point is not to find something wrong, it is to learn what everything feels like so that you will know if something changes):

• Stand in front of a mirror. Check for any swelling on the scrotal skin.
• 
  
• Examine each testicle with both hands. Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top.
• 
  
• Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers -- you shouldn't feel any pain when doing the exam. Don't be alarmed if one testicle seems slightlylarger than the other, that's normal.
• 
  
• Find the epididymis, the soft, tubelike structure behind the testicle that collects and carries sperm. If you are familiar with this structure, you won't mistake it for a suspicious lump. Cancerous lumps usually are found on the sides of the testicle but can also show up on the front. Lumps on the epididymis are not cancerous.
• 
  
• If you find a lump on your testicle, see a doctor, preferably a urologist, right away. The abnormality may not be cancer, it may just be an infection. But if it is testicular cancer, it will spread if it is not stopped by treatment. Waiting and hoping will not fix anything. Please note that free floating lumps in the scrotum that are not attached in any way to a testicle are not testicular cancer. When in doubt, get it checked out - if only for peace of mind!

Other signs of testicular cancer to keep in mind are:

• Any enlargement of a testicle
• 
  
• A significant loss of size in one of the testicles
• 
  
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• 
  
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or in the groin
• 
  
• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• 
  
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
• 
  
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts

I hesitate to mention the following list, since anything out of the ordinary down there should prompt a visit to the doctor, but you should be aware that the following symptoms are not normally signs of testicular cancer:

• A pimple, ingrown hair or rash on the scrotal skin
• 
  
• A free floating lump in the scrotum, seemingly not attached to anything
• 
  
• A lump on the epidiymis or tubes coming from the testicle that kind of feels like a third testicle
• 
  
• Pain or burning during urination
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• Blood in the urine or semen

*** Remember, only a physician can make a positive diagnosis ***

For that matter, only a physician can make a negative diagnosis too. If you think something feels strange, go see the doctor!

Finally, embarassment is a poor excuse for not having any problem examined by a doctor. If you think there is something wrong or something has changed, please see your doctor!

Source : The Testicular Cancer Resource Center

Testicular Cancer

Two athletes have put testicular cancer in the news this week.

Eric Shanteau, 24, went to the Olympics after finding out he had testicular cancer in June. He didn't qualify for the finals, but he did swim a personal best. Shortly after he returned home, Eric had the definitive surgery at Emory University Hospital. At this time, he does not need further treatment.

Lance Armstrong, perhaps the most famous testicular cancer survivor, announced this week that he will return to professional cycling. Armstrong was treated for testicular cancer in 1996. His cancer had spread to his lungs and brain. He had two surgeries. In the first, the cancerous testicle was removed and in the second, two brain lesions were removed. He then had four rounds of chemotherapy.

How common is testicular cancer?

It's the most common cancer in men between 15 and 35 years of age. There are about 8,000 new cases every year in the United States. The cure rate is at least 90 percent. It's higher if the cancer is limited to the testicle and lower if it has spread.

How is it detected?

Most often, it's detected by self-examination of the testicles. Any new lump or change should be checked by a physician.

What's the treatment?

The basic treatment is removal of the involved testicle. If cancer is limited to the testicle, this is Stage I and no further treatment may be needed. Stage II means the cancer has spread to the abdominal lymph nodes. Stage III, it's spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy is most often used to combat the spread with radiation reserved for certain cancers.

Is fertility retained with treatment?

It may not be if extensive treatment is needed. If removal of the involved testicle is all that is needed, fertility is most often left intact. Some chemotherapy results in infertility.

How is testicular cancer prevented?

It's not preventable, but if it's discovered early, the cure rate approaches 100 percent.Regular examination of the testicles is key. Experts recommend monthly exams after a warm shower. Bring any new lumps to the attention of your doctor immediately.

Source : NBC5 - Heath by Dr Mary Ann Malloy

The African Cyclist

Check out this site at http://www.theafricancyclist.com/home.html about 2 guys from Kenya who dream to become the 1st pro cyclist in the Tour de France.

"there is a saying that goes you can't bullshit your way up a mountain"

Source: theafricancyclist

R.I.P. Ian Hibell

Ian Hibell
1934 - 2008

"Sadly, Ian has died after he was he was hit by a car that was racing with another vehicle. The incident happened on the Athens-Salonika highway near Nea Erithrea, the cars failed to stop but the registration numbers was taken by witnesses and a driver was arrested two hours later. Ian died on the way to hospital. This happened around 6pm local time on the 23rd August 2008."

Source : bike-brothers

Six bicycle touring tips from Willie Weir

1. Touring bicyclists must first decide the type of trip they're planning -- either physical or cultural. He explains that you won't be able to soak up much local color if you're trying to knock out 100 miles a day.
2. Resist the temptation to buy the newest technology for your touring bike. Go for the tried and true. "The latest and greatest is going to have problems," he says. And repairs will be difficult because those hi-tech advances won't have made it to remote places you might travel.
3. Consider versatility when choosing a touring bike. Weir rides a mountain bike frame with 26-inch wheels. He says that because of the worldwide mountain bike craze, wherever you go on this planet you'll find 26-inch tires.
4. Don't bring every tool in the shop; they're heavy. Weir says to make sure you bike is in good working condition before you leave, then just carry the essentials.
5. Pack ahead of time and take all that stuff on a bike ride. Weir says that you'll often decide that you're carrying too much stuff, and you'll decide to lighten your load before leaving home.
6. Give before you take; establish a rapport with people before invading their space by taking their pictures. He says too often he sees tourists causing resentment by starting to shoot pictures in villages without really getting to know people.
   

Source : Biking Bis / photo from willieweir.com

Reload quickly

After a long ride be sure to reload your energy stores in a hurry. Otherwise, you will be sluggish and hungry for the rest of the day. So, within twenty minutes of finishing your hard ride, drink a full glass of a good carbo and protein reload drink like Metabolol. You will feel the difference in a hurry.

Source : bikyle.com- cycling tips

One Hour Design Challenge Winner!

Source : Core77 Design Blog

What the.....!!!

I guess this is what happen when you lock the wheel and not the frame. What a clever bike thief!

Source : Crank and Pedal Manila

The higher gear myth

With Around the Bay in a Day coming up everyone wants to know how to make their road bike perform better. Retailers are regularly approached by (often young male) customers who want to put “higher gears on their bike so that it will go faster”. They claim that even in top gear they are spinning their pedals so fast that they could speed up if only they could change to a higher gear. This is just plain untrue. Any rider who can spin the pedals at maximum revs in top gear on the flat for more than a few seconds at a time should be in Europe training for next year’s Tour de France.

How fast you travel is determined by the balance between how much power your body can generate and how much wind and rolling resistance you have to work against. More power or less wind resistance: you go faster. The power your legs generate has nothing to do with the gearing of the bike. It makes no difference whether you are pushing hard pedalling at 50 revolutions per minute (very slowly) or spinning the pedals at 110rpm (very fast), the power output will depend on how old you are, how fit and strong you are and how well you chose your parents. Unfortunately the only one of these which you can control is your fitness and strength, so increase your training, not your gearing.

A quick hint: An easy way to reduce the rolling resistance of your bike is to pump up your tyres. To make sure you waste as little as possible of the power of your legs lubricate your chain.

Source : Facts & Fictions- Bicycle Victoria

Cycling Tips

With the advent of 10 speed shifting, the overwhelmingly most popular choice for the 20 gears is 53 x 39 in the front with 12 - 25 in the back. In using this setup, feel free to run your 53 up to your 21t. But stay off the 23 and 25 except for very short periods. The sharp chain angle for these two cogs adds a lot of wear and tear as well as friction to the chain. And in your 39, try to stay away from your 12 and 13 tooth cogs even though this crossover is easier for the chain to handle than the wide crossovers on the big ring. For those of you running 9 speeds of 12 - 23, stay away from that 21 and 23 when you are on your 53, as well as the 12 and 13t on the 39.

Source : Bikyle.com/ photo from dkimages.com

Underground Bicycle Parking

Source : YouTube

Carrying Soap on a Bicycle Tour

Soap can end up having a considerable weight penalty on a trip if one carries 1) hand soap, 2) shampoo, 3) dishwashing detergent, 4) soap for washing clothes, and 5) a degreaser. To save weight and yet have all the soap I need, I carry a single bottle of concentrated dish detergent. It is an excellent hand soap and has anti-bacterial properties and seems to clean my hair just fine and of course works on dishes. A small amount washes my clothes without being harsh on them, and I will explain how to use it as a degreaser in the next tip.

One environmental note of warning: never discard soapy water into or use soap in a stream or lake. Instead, wash yourself and your pots away from the water and rinse away from the water too. I have found that a good swim in a creek or lake will clean the body fairly well without the use of soap. All that soap does, anyway, is to dissolve grease, and there is only a small amount of skin oil on our bodies.

Source : Ken Kifer's Bike Page : Tips and Tricks for Bicycle Touring / Photo from Bike Nerd.

Lance Armstrong Says: Commute by Bike!

Lance Armstrong can do amazing things on a bicycle (most notably, ride it very quickly up very steep mountains). Yet it turns out that, for all the individual glory he has achieved as a professional cyclist, his greatest contribution to cycling may be his promotion of the bicycle as a form of transportation and recreation. Armstrong is about to open an 18,000 square-foot bicycle store in his hometown of Austin, Texas where, apart from selling the usual bicycle products, he will "promote bike culture and bike commuting" by providing showers and a locker room, as well as bicycle storage, for bicycle commuters that lack those facilities at their offices. As Armstrong himself noted, "This city is exploding downtown. Are all these people in high rises going to drive everywhere? We have to promote (bike) commuting..."

So you don't have to have Armstrong's quads to commute to work (although it wouldn't hurt), but having him in your town certainly helps.

Mat Touring'd say...GO LANCE!!!!

Source: Trehugger.com

Cycling Tips of the day

After a long uphill, don't coast downhill without pedaling. As you climb up the hill, lactic acid builds up in your muscles and can contribute to muscle soreness. By pedaling lightly but constantly while coasting downhill (even if there's little resistance) you can help remove the lactic acid.

Source: UC Berkeley Wellness Letter.com

Street Surfer

When browsing the Net today, I found this 'funny' looking bike and wonder whether we would see it on Malaysia roads soon. (Bet, we will coz Malaysian cyclists are 'kiasu' too!) After watching the video (below), it seems to be more an 'X-treme' kinda biking rather than the 'normal' on-road or off-road cycling. Due to its 'free-styling' ability similar to the bmx, i think it will be big one day and who knows, may be we will see it in the Olympics or at least the X-Games.



Visit the website here

Source: Tasty Adventure