ride the wind.......

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

How Spoke Fail On A Bicycle

How Spokes Fail on a Bicycle -- powered by eHow.com

Monday, June 28, 2010

More about milk..

Ok, I love milk. But I'm a lactose intolerant. After I drank a cup of milk, My stomach get gassy and I'll go straight to the toilet! So what can I do about it?

The answer is SKIMMED MILK!

Skimmed milk is less likely to cause symptoms of gastrointestinal dsitress or bloating according to Dr. Phil Watson of Loughborough University!

Yeah..skimmed milk. But normally it comes in powder form and I'd still prefer the Low Fat Milk for its taste. And as long as I'm at home, I don't mind going to the toilet again and again...But no milk for me on the road, though.

Source: cycling asia magazine/ photo from healthkicker

Why Milk?

Evidence has suggested that cow’s milk can be more effective than commercially available sports drinks for recovery after both resistance and endurance exercises. Based on so far limited research, milk appears to be an effective post-resistance exercise beverage that results in favourable acute alterations in protein metabolism: acutely increasing muscle protein synthesis, leading to an improved net muscle protein balance. Studies have now reported that when postexercise milk consumption is combined with resistance training for at least 12 weeks, greater increases in muscle hypertrophy and lean mass are experienced.

There is also some evidence to suggest that milk may be an effective post-exercise beverage for endurance activities. Low-fat milk has been shown to be as effective, if not more effective, than commercially available sports drinks as a rehydration beverage. Moreover, milk is more nutrient dense for individuals who do both strength and endurance training, compared to traditional sports drinks.

Therefore, bovine low-fat fluid milk is a safe and effective post exercise beverage for most individuals–except for those who are lactose intolerant!

Source: mudphudder

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Manali - Leh Tour Update

For the last 2 months, I have been observing the weather at Manali & Leh (Himachal Pradesh & Ladakh) to decide the date for our departure. Unfortunately, even by today (mid June), it is still heavy snowing & raining in some area of which the reason why they still closing the road. In fact, 2 days ago there was a massive avalanche near Baralacha La.

Out target for the tour is on 3rd week of July and back to KL by early Aug so that we will have at least a week to rest before the month of Ramadan.

Preparation of cycling training and bicycle tour equipments are still on going. We have decided to expect the worst of the weather especially with the current climate change, so we will equipped ourself with winter gear to prepare for sub-zero weather especially at night and waterproof and light gear for chilling/ raining or hot cycling day at daytime. Still looking into the details of the routes, pit stops for food and water, especially the water points and camping sites. Hopefully by July, we'll be able to proceed with our dream rides on the highest motorable highway in the world.

Keep praying for a good weather.

Source: Photo from world66

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Bike Touring 101 (Reprise)

Lately, I have received emails from visitors to my Blog who expressed their interest in Bike Touring. Hey, it's always a pleasure to encourage people to try Bike Touring because it's simply FUN!

OK, Bike Touring is NOT for macho people who wants to go fast & furious and those who fancy light carbon bikes. Bike Touring is for ANYONE with sense of adventure who wants to explore the back roads, highlands, country sides, coastal roads, etc. It's not about the speed or distance. Instead, it's about the journey that you are to take. Whether it is 30km or 100km, along the way, you will meet and talk to people who you just met, enjoy the food at roadside, taking photographs with your friends, enjoy the beautiful sceneries, etc.

It doesn't matter if you are 25 or 65, if you are in sound physical condition and willing to take some time to prepare, you will be ok. Bottom line is, in Bike Touring, gearing & patience are more important than raw strength!

As long as you know how to ride a bicycle and are familiar with the basic operation of gear shifting and braking, then you are ready for a Bike Tour. No problemo!

For a beginner, I would advise that you don't splash your money on a new bike. Just ride your own bike whether it is a road bike, mountain bike or a hybrid. Try to fix a rear rack to your bike to carry your stuff. Then, invite your friends to join you for a short trip, maybe a day trip or an overnighter.

Once you got hooked on the Bike Touring, i.e. you don't mind riding for 5-8 hours for few days under hot sun or in the rain, getting dirty and smelly, get used to the local foods at the road stalls, then only you should consider invest in a proper Touring Bike and its accessories.

Welcome to the world of Bike Touring!