#12 Bicycling & Racing

Want to achieve trophies and medals, your bicycle can be you key to many races. In many communities, bicycle races are one of events that held in the year. 

To participate in a race you need to check many aspect of you bicycle and your own body. Bicycle is a human powered device and therefore your body build must be adequate for bicycle race. The first thing you need to pay attention to is your fitness. You will need to beadle a lot to achieve the speed you desire. In order to be fit, you will need to practice using a treadmill and monitor your heart as well. Asking for a professional trainer is mandatory to overlock your abilities.

Once you are fit to race, you will need to tweak your bicycle. First, you need to have either a road or a racing bicycle because they are the lightest. Reducing your bicycle weight is important to maintain a high speed and easy beadle. 

Last advice is to be modest and not to think about racing as competitions but as a chance to enjoy a great hoppy and sport. You will be the winner for believing in that.

#11 Bicycling in the street

One of many features of bicycling is commuting. You can reach many places and exercise in the same time. However that is not the case in some streets. Many motorist are unaware of bicyclist right to use the streets as well as them while some ignore their right and put them in danger. 

There many education programs designed for both bicycles and motors on how to use and share streets in a safe manner. Using your hand to indicate where you want to turn and wearing a helmet is vital. In addition to that, your bicycle must be equipped with light refelectror to show that you are in the street. Keeping the distance of three feet between a bicyclist and a vehicle is one of these roles. Its your responsibility as well as the motorist to bare in mind that and not ignore it.

For those who are afraid of using their bicycles in street there are other option available. Some street has either a lane for bicyclist to use. That will reduce the risk of sharing street with a car. 

In the end if you couldn't use your bicycle in the street, the best way is to use the side walk.

#10 Bicycling in the rain

Many of us don't like getting out in the rain. Rain can ruin your cloth and hair. For those of us who don't have any transportation other than their bicycle that can be a little challenge. Imagine yourself riding your bicycle in the rain, what would you do to make yourself dry as possible and arrived safe? Thinking about using your umbrella will be the worst thing you can do. Not only you will lose you balance but it won't be an efficient way to remain dry for a longer period of time.

The best way to ride your bicycle in the rain without ruining your cloth and insure your safety is by wearing a rain coat. Rain coat can make sure you stay dry while riding your bicycle in the rain and it dose not need any effort to hold it like an umbrella. It also the most effective way to stay dry for a long period of time no matter what the weather was. 

Bicycling in the rain will become more fun when wearing your rain coat and you will like going out in the rain more often afterwords. 

#9 Bike locks

Bike Locks

Bike locks are indispensable. You cant possibly use your bicycle outside and leave it without a lock. There are many locks out there but how to choose what is best for you? To select the best the lock for your bike you need to ask yourself how often I leave my bicycle outside and where?

If you were a collage student and use your bicycle in campus most of the time, the best lock will be the wire bike lock. They are light and affordable and do the job perfectly. The reason why they are perfect on campus because the campus provide more security to you bicycle ,so you will only need a light lock to lock your bicycle.

If you were a commuter who leave his bicycle outside a supermarket or the library in the city, you will need U lock. U locks are heavier than wire locks and they are shaped like the letter U and they are made completely of steel. They provide excellent protection against theft but they are expensive and heavy in the same time.

In regard for brands, most brand are good as long as they made from good materials. There is a rating that can help you choose the best level of security your bicycle have but in general, I think that you can decide what is best for you base on you usage of your bicycle.  

#8 Storing your bicycle

In you busy schedule, you will find yourself too busy to use your bicycle. Its ok but you should pay attention to where you keep your bicycle. Many amateur bicyclist made a big mistake leaving their bicycles outdoor for a long period of time. That can severely damage your bicycle and cost a lot of money to repair and maintain.

A regular bicycle contains several parts made from plastic or rubber. As you know plastic and rubber reacts to all weather conditions wither it was humid, worm or cold. Theses parts will worn off quickly and will require to be changed and that will cost you so money. For instant, the brakes and the tires weather fast under humid, worm condition and if  you left your bicycle out in the sun for more than a week, they will became hard and in bad condition.

Furthermore, the frame and the chain are made of steel or aluminum and they are heart of you bicycle. An excessive humidity outdoor for a long period of time can cause rust in multiple location that will either ruin your bike for ever. You can not undo rust to your bike so its vital to keep it way from  humidity. Tires, brakes and chain can be replaced for a price but the frame is you actual bicycle so always remember to keep out of humidity.

In conclusion, these  were the problems that can ruin your bicycle outdoor if you left it outside for a long time. If you found yourself busy or unable to use your bicycle for some time try to store at your home in a dry, shaded and ventilated area. It will be better to store you bicycle than pay more money in restoration or even buy a new one. 

#7 Types of Bicycles, which one to choose?

So, you have decided to buy a bicycle. Now you need to identify what preference of a bicycle suite you. The first step to get to know what kind of bicycle fit you is to ask yourself this question “What I am going to do with my bicycle?” There many specs and characteristics that made every type unique. To start elaborating that concept we need to know learn about these types what they meant to be used for. 

Bicycles come in many different types based on the train. If you need a bicycle that is heavy duty and can over come many off road obstacles then mountain bike is what you should be looking for. The design of the mountain bike helps it become more durable on rough trains like off road or even if you used on the road. Its equipped with suspension coil that absorb shocks of rocks and sharp curved. Mountain bike tires tent to be spiky and wide. The reason why they are like that is to prevent any objects to puncture the tire. In addition to that, mountain bikes are heavy in general. The need to be slightly heavier than any other bike to take more rough usage.

Road bicycles are the complete opposite of the mountain bicycles. The tent to be softer and lighter to bring more speed on the road. The structure of the frame is thin to allow the bicyclist to pedal easier. Tires are also thin and smooth to provide less attraction on the road and therefore more acceleration. 

Hybrid bicycles set between Mountain and Road bicycles. From its name, its a mixture between both types providing more durability and speed in the same time. The structure of the frame is light but it has the same width as the mountain. You can miss distinguish between a mountain bike and a hybrid bike because they look alike but with some differences. Hybrid bikes have road bikes tires and some time a special tires that have been made specifically to them. These tires will provide the speed and the durability you need to either commute or to explore in the same time.

With all said, the only thing is left is the price matter. Depending on the quality of the bike, brand and type you should set your budget.  Bare in mind that the most expensive type of all bicycles are the hybrid ones because they combine two types in one. In the end, you are the one who will decide which is type is perfect to you so choose what you will use the most and invest your money on it.

#6 How to protect your bicycle?

In any investment we made protecting it is the most important thing. Your bicycle is your investment and you don't want to waste the money you have spent on it. 

The most important thing you need be attention to is there are many bicycle robbers out there and because of that you will need to protect your bicycle from any theft attempt. 

Locking your bicycle is the right thing to do but what if locking your bike was wrong in the first place. Before locking your bicycle you will need to know your surrounding and where you want to lock your bike at. Avoid secluded location where its dark and pick a public location where people walk all the time. Locking your bicycle there will be safe because if someone tries to steal your bike there is a big chance that either one of your friends around walking near by who can catch him. In addition to that make sure you lock your bike to a post not a tree or a sign. You don't want to heart the tree or getting a ticket from locking your bike to a sign. 

Where you lock is important but also how to lock your bicycle is more important. Many bicyclist don't know how to lock their bicycles probably. The best way to lock your bike is to make sure that the frame is locked around the post. Also, if you had a quick release lock on your tires make sure the lock goes by the tires and the frame. In that why, you are preventing your tires from theft too. 

In the end, the most important thing is not to leave your bike at night of for a long period of time. If you had to leave it, tell a friend to look out for your bike and keep an eye on it till you come back for it. 

#5 Bicycle Maintenance

Everything requires maintenance. Your home, car or bike will need from you some attention and care once in a while and so your bike. There some tips I want to share about how to keep your bike in tip top shape. 

The first thing you need to be attention to all the time is your tires. Bicycle tires purpose is to protect your wheels. They inflate themselves over time and if you didn't pay attention to them you may damage your wheels or lose your balance while riding you bike and fall. In order to prevent that you will need to check the air pressure regularly by either connect your tire to an air pump with a pressure gaga or by using a pressure gage separately to measure its pressure. once you found your pressure is the low, fill up your tire to the manufacturer recommended pressure without exceeding it. 

The second thing you need to do to take care of your bicycle is lubing. I have used the word lubing not greasing because greasing can leave deposit and gather dust and mud all the way and that will make your bike dirty. Lubing is important for bicycles and necessary for its chains and axises. I am using a very good brand called (White Lightning) and its just perfect.

 Applying lube also need to be rational. Excess lube will not make a difference and will splash on your cloth when you paddle.  The best timing for lubing your bicycle is either after you completed 75 mile or after a rainy day. In addition to that, add lube in small quantity if your bike squeaking or when ever having a hard time paddling. 

Last tip I recommend for your bike is cleaning it. A clean bike is a happy bike and the best way to do that is by cleaning it a damp cloth. Don't forget to remove any excess lube with a different cloth so you avoid spreading it out. 

After all, these tips are in my opinion the most important ones and if you kept doing all of them you have a long lasting bike with less money to repair. 

#4 Topeka Bicycle Hot spots

Topeka is a beautiful city and its the capital of Kansas. It has many bicyclist clubs and bicyclist enthusiasts. It is a great place to use your bicycle and enjoy a nice ride.  There are many locations that I experience bicycling at and I want to share my point view with you.

The first place I think it is the best of all places to ride your bicycle at is Lake Shawnee Park. Lake Shawnee located on the south eastern side of Topeka and has an amazing view. The park, which is around the lake is a breath taking. You can ride your bicycle around the lake and get a better view all around it for every mile you go. The trails are perfect for all kinds of bicycles whither your bike is a road or a mountain bike it will guaranty comfort ride all the way. I have been several time there in the day and the dusk and watch the sunset while riding my bicycle and it was amazing.

The second place I recommend you visit is Gage park. Gage park is smaller than Lake Shawnee park but has an advantage over it. It is located in the center of the city which dose not require you driving a longer distance to reach. You can have a smiler experience and more relaxing while riding your bicycle in it's trails.

With that all said, lets not forget the best places to visit for your bicycle care. There are two bicycle shops I recommend you to visit for all your bicycling needs. They are both locally owned and are professional in their work.

Jerry's Bike Shop is one of the best bike shops I ever visited in Topeka. The owner and his son have been in the bicycle business for thirty years and their shop located in the center of the city. They are always welcoming and sharing advices.

The other bike shop is Capp's Bike Shop which is also a great bike shop with many accessories for your bicycle. They are also kind and great with their customers.

After all, there are many places that worth visiting for your bicycle and its up to you to decide which one you like the most. Keep in mind fun and adventure are the most important parts of your bicycling journey and have a nice bicycling. 

#3 Bicycling Safety Tips

In everything, safety plays an important role in our life. Before driving your car, you fasten your seat belt. Before eating a fruit, you wash it. Bicycling safety is mandatory too. From wearing a helmet to checking your bicycle, all of these are important to insure a safe ride.

The first thing that you will need to know about bicycling safety is the helmet. Many bicyclist are not wearing helmet these days and some do. In my opinion, the bicycle can go over twenty miles per hour, wearing a helmet can be really important in that situation. If your bicycle has a problem with the breaks or the wheels, the helmet can protect your head from any collision with a pole or even the ground. In some cases though, wearing a helmet can be optional as long as you don't exceed eight miles per hour. Because at the speed you can stop your bicycle safely with no problems. 

Checking and inspecting your bicycle is vital. You can't use your bicycle without knowing its condition. There several steps you can do to make sure your bicycle is safe to operate. Wheels can be lose from continues driving and they need to be tightened. Tires also needs to be checked for sever worn and they need to be inflated to the prober air pressure. The recommended air pressure can be found labeled on the bicycle tire. Make sure your don't use your bicycle with low tire pressure. 

Breaks are important. You cannot reduce your speed or stop without them. Make sure they are balanced and in good condition. Test your breaks regular and make sure they are placed on the right position. 

Chains and axes are very important because they are your power transmission that move your bicycle. Make sure that they have an adequate lube on them to prevent corrosion. A well lubed chains and axes will provide you a smooth paddling and a quiet ride. Always add the right amount of lube and avoid adding to much. You don't want have excess lube splashing on your feet while paddling.

Last point I think its important is bicycling in the dark. Installing light reflector in the front and the back of your bicycle is essential and mandatory.

Always make yourself visible while riding your bike to cars and pedestrians as well. In addition to light reflector, flash light can be very useful in the dark and make an excellent visibility in the dark. They don't cost that much and they give a peace of mind while riding your bike at night.

 In conclusion, bicycle safety is not a laughing matter. It is your responsibility as a responsible bicyclist to maintain your bike. Your safety and the other around you start from you. 

#2 Bicycles Islands

Once upon a time, there was a bicycle that wanted to visit many islands. Islands that were filled with many trails, trees and green grass all the way. But it's owner and didn't know about these islands so it stayed home sad and never left it again. 

Unfortunately, this story is happening with some bicycles owners who don't use their bicycle and eventually lose their interest in that hobby. They either don't know where to go with their bicycles or they just don't care about that at all. There are many places you can enjoy riding your bicycle in such as parks.

Parks are recreational places where made for us to enjoy our time and escape the stress of the city. They are our islands as well as our bicycles. Since we where kids we grow up swinging and sliding in park playgrounds running around with our friends or making forts in its sandboxes. Now, we have grown up and so our hobbies. Playing different sports and having picnics with our friends are just one of many things we can do at parks, but riding our bicycles there has a different experience. Not only you will have a better environment to breath and relax but also to explore its trails with your bicycle as pioneer. Just imagine yourself riding your bicycle as if it was a horse and explore the uncharted trails of every park you visit. Rest under one its trees to drink water and have a little snack and then carry on your journey. Discover many creatures that are living the park and see how they live there.  These are just little thing you can do while you ride your bicycle in its paths.

Parks are available in every city and they have perfect trails. You can go to the nearest park to your home with out caring your bike on a rack behind your car or you can have a nice rack for couple of bucks and go to a lake park which is much better for sight seeing and smooth riding along the lake.  Before the sunset is the perfect time for that where you can see the sunsetting around the lake from different angles while riding your bicycle around it.

In the end, you are the one who will decide on which island you can explore with your bike. You’re after all the owner of that bicycle and it will be sad to waste the opportunity to enjoy using your bicycle there. Your bicycle will appreciate that. 

#1 Why people still use their bicycles?

Why people still use their bicycles? You may ask yourself this question when you look around in the street or the park. Is it because you have experienced bicycling before when you were younger and didn't find it interesting anymore or you just find it useless or an accessory?

 I have experienced bicycling before when I was young and ride my bicycle to many places in town. I didn't thought that I will leave my bicycle after getting my license and drive my first car. I didn't need my bicycle back then because I got a better transportation. Little by little I have forgotten about my bicycle forever. That was one of the reasons why I avoided bicycling for a long time. I felt that if bought a bicycle, I wont use it that much and I will leave it to collect dust.  Most people think the same thing about bicycling. Some of them are right but that is not entirely true.

I have started thinking about bicycling again and ask myself that question. Why people still bicycling? In my case I found that I left bicycling because I only used my bicycle for transpiration not for fun.  Sure the car will take you to many places and wont made you tired but when you think about your bicycle as hobby, your prospective will change.

Several months ago I have decided to return to bicycling and did a research about it. I have finally found the answer for my question and started a whole new experience with bicycling. Bicycling became a hobby to me and I realize that even if I have a car, I still going to enjoy bicycling more often. Thats why I chose to write about bicycling. I want to share my own experience with you and clear the doubts about it.  I also want to show you that its not useless or unnecessary to have a bicycle. It is a great hobby and sport and you will not regret owning one.