handlebar position, “Many serious road bikers adjust handlebars to be a little farther away, so they can lean forward with more weight in their hands, while many casual riders prefer a more upright position, because that’s what they are accustomed to while sitting. Whatever you are most comfortable with works.” He notes that REI (
rei.com) master bike technicians nationwide provide advice on selecting a bike, as well as free public bike maintenance classes.
Cargo Carriers
Some riders feel that shouldering a knapsack is uncomfortable, inadequate or hinders pedaling. Bikes can be equipped with cargo-carrying capabili- ties to increase usability. Whatever the length of trip, having the gear to bring along key supplies will yield more util- ity and enjoyment: Think water, food, spare tube, cell phone, etc. What about bringing home some fresh produce from the farmers’ market?
For around-town use, go with a bike trailer for frequent large loads; smaller amounts can fit into one or two front and/or back bike bags. Local bike shops can advise.
Fun Biking Tips
Looking to get more out of your wheel time? Here are some bicycling trip tips from
RoadBikeJourney.com.
Try a new route today Bring a camera along
Join a riding club and attend a bike race
Invite your spouse or a friend to be a ride buddy
Track total mileage and roads via GPS
Use a heart rate monitor and log the encouraging stats
Riding Resources USA Cycling, the sport’s national governing body, is hosting 17 national competitions with expos around the country this year in mountain, road and track categories for juniors, collegiate, open and senior divisions, plus many other local events. Visit USACycling. org to search for nearby riding clubs and and year-round events.
Since 1986, the nonprofit Rails- to-Trails Conservancy (RailsToTrails. org) has been using former rail lines and connecting corridors to expand bicycling opportunities. To date, the Washington, D.C.-based organization has converted 20,000-plus miles of rail-trails and is currently seeking to add another 9,000 miles. Its largest annual participatory event is the 335-mile Greenway Sojourn, from D.C. to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from June 17 to 24.
Many parks and recreation departments support off-road clubs that preserve and maintain biking trails, and statewide bicycling asso- ciations welcome participation. Also check for information and opportunities via AdventureCycling. org,
BicycleFriendlyCommunity.org,
BikeLeague.org,
BikesBelong.org,
ClimateRide.org,
imba.com (Interna- tional Mountain Bicycling Associa- tion) and
PeopleForBikes.org. Pedal power to the people!
Randy Kambic, in Estero, FL, is a freelance writer and a copyeditor for Natural Awakenings.
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