‘Cycling’ Category
» posted on Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 at 2:04 am by James Morley
Sidi Cycling Shoes
For over 50 years Sidi has made quality sports shoes. This dedication to creating the finest products combined with a adoration of cycling has made Sidi into the finest maker of cycling shoes. Sidi has been producing cycling shoes since the seventies and sells more shoes to the professionals than all other brands put together. When you buy Sidi cycling shoes, you know that you have bought the best available.
When you purchase a cycling shoe, you cannot underestimate how crucial this piece of equipment is. Think about it: Whether you are training or racing, you cannot afford to be in pain. You need shoes that will help you to endure the road ahead. Your shoes should ensure your peak performance. They have to be comfortable and they must be strong. You are in it for the long haul; you should demand nothing less of your footwear. Sidi Cylcling Shoes are in it for the extensive haul. You can not be the selection of the professionals without being cutting edge. Sidis workers are stays ahead of the innovation curve.
Of course, any biker who is serious enough to acquire top quality equipment is serious enough to wish for the proper shoe. Sidi cycling shoes cover the needs of various enthusiasts. Whether you are doing road work, mountains, or a triathlon; whether you are going in awful weather or keeping it indoors and spinning, Sidi has a shoe for you.
Sidis top end shoes are made of a carbon composite material for lightweight and durability. But each Sidi cycling shoe is made to a superior standard that includes top resources, a robust sole, proper support, and a comfortable heel. On a 100 mile ride, you will be thanking yourself for purchasing the best shoes. Any weakness in your bike or your gear will be become apparent.
As you work your way up the Sidi produce line, you will be amazed at the attention to detail. It is this attention to detail that will pay off on those extensive training runs or in competition. Odds are, if there is a foot problem that you have discovered, Sidi found it first and has taken care of it.
So when you think of Sidi cycling shoes, dont think of something merely to cover your feet. Dont even think of these shoes like you would a running or tennis shoe. You should be thinking of this shoe the same way that you think about your cycle. This will be the difference between keeping up with your cycle mates and falling behind. This will be the difference between setting a new personal distance record and packing it in early. This will be the difference between winning and losing. Your competition has the best, shouldnt you?
LikeRelated Posts:
post a comment | filed under Cycling | tags: apparel, bicycle, bike shoes, bikes, Cycling, footwear, shoes, sidi, sidi mountain, sidi shoes, Sports, sportswear
» posted on Monday, September 21st, 2009 at 1:33 am by PJ Williams
Biking In The Bluegrass State
Kentucky has some unique geographic interests that can make for some awesome bike riding. First of all, this state is home to the world’s largest and longest cave system. It also has the longest navigable streams and waterways in 48 states. On top of all that you will find the two largest manmade lakes east of the Mississippi here. Spectacular scenery is just an added bonus to your ride.
There’s a great bike trail in Corbin suitable for riders of all experience levels. It starts out nice and easy, headed predominantly downhill to Laurel Lake. Then it travels around the lake incorporating a few minor climbs and some switchbacks before entering an 8-mile run to the Holly Bay Marina. The final 4-mile stretch will bring you to the Corbin City Dam. A second trail in Corbin-the Cane Creek Trail-offers fresh scenic views with a bit more technical difficulty for riders who want more of a challenge.
Capital View Trails near Frankfort have something for every rider. The trails are well-maintained and quite popular with locals. So be prepared for some heavy bike traffic. Beginners can use the first section that runs along a deer trail down to the creek. From there on out, the trail becomes more challenging with large sinkholes, steep hills, fast descents, rock gardens, ramps and drops.
If dry, dusty terrain amid small hills without the steep grade is more your style, the Canal Loop not far from Paducah is the trail to try. This trail creates a loop incorporating 11 miles of trails including branches you can follow to add variety and distance to your excursion. For speed lovers and beginners, this is a very attractive trail!
Jenny Ridge near Murray is a fairly technical and steep trail that will challenge intermediate to experienced bikers. It’s about a 31-mile loop from Golden Pond to Canal Loop. Since it’s not well-traveled, you don’t have to worry about crowding on the trails. Be prepared to cross a few streams and enjoy some outstanding views of Kentucky Lake.
Iron Furnace Cave Run Lake near Morehead is a very challenging trail for experienced riders. It’s 9 miles of steep climbing with lots of switchbacks. Make sure your bike is in good shape to handle the climb. You’re rewarded at the top with spectacular views of Cave Run Lake. Enjoy the descent on your way back down!
Twelve miles of trail near Louisville offer more variety for riders of different experience levels again. The Cherokee/Seneca Trail incorporates tight trail sections, stream crossings, mud, roots to circumvent, and some fast drops. Be sure to watch for pedestrians, though, as this trail is also used by hikers!
Kentucky has beautiful rolling hills just waiting for you to experience for yourself. Hopefully these trails will give you a starting point at exploring all that this state has to offer. Happy trails!
Related Posts:
» posted on Saturday, September 5th, 2009 at 3:02 am by Tabetha Luquin
Mountain Bike Tires – Which are the Best Kind?
The type of tires you use on your bike depends on its usage. Mountain bikes can be ridden on many different terrains and for different activities. You need different skills as well as different tires for many of these. If you pick the right mountain bike tires they will help your riding and make it safer.
Tires come with either an inner tube to keep them inflated or they are tubeless,but the question is which kind should you use?
The majority of tubeless tires have a thick sidewall that fits into a specific sealed-bed rim. These tires can handle rough ground so they are perfect for downhill, but the flip side is the cost.
The advantages of an airtight seal and a stable, puncture-resistant, low-pressure performance are balanced out by the high price. You also need a clean rim and tire to fit them, along with a big pump to inflate them.
If a tire has to be replaced on a trail clean conditions are usually unavailable. Even with a CO2 cartridge pump you’ll probably have to use an inner tube to get you home, where you can the repair the tire. Although large holes can mean the tire has to be written off, even though small holes can often be fixed.
Tubeless tires are heavier as well, so if you need to get quick start times and riding speeds go for a lighter tire. Tires with inner tubes are lighter and offer more flexibility. They are also available in more treads and design styles, so getting the right tire might be easier.
You can get kits now to convert a standard tire with an inner tube into a tubeless tire. They mix a latex-based filling liquid with a rubber rim strip to seal the tire and rim. You may have to top up the filler sometimes but the cost is less than buying a standard tubeless tire.
You still get most of the low pressure advantages of a tubeless tire but with a much bigger choice of rims and treads, and with only the initial kit cost and latex top-ups to pay for. They are also lighter although the same repair problems on the trail apply unfortunately.
Whatever tire you go for it is vital to replace them regularly. A blow out can cause injury and cost competitions. With the right selection and maintenance your tires will make a huge difference to your riding.
Read more about the importance of choosing the right mountain bike tires and get tips and advice on mountain bike maintenance here.
Related Posts:
post a comment | filed under Cycling | tags: Cycling
» posted on Saturday, September 5th, 2009 at 12:11 am by Pat J Walker
Iowa! A Bike Rider’s Paradise
Iowa has transformed more abandoned railroad beds into bike trails than any other state! With a variety of terrains–hilly, rocky, forests, prairies, and waterways–Iowa has something for every level of biker. Beginners will be happy to experience some of the longest paved trails anywhere in the country. You’ve just got to come and see for yourself!
Not far from Council Bluffs, families will enjoy journeying along the Wabash Trail, a 25- mile run that is pretty easy to travel and great for beginners. Along with fantastic scenic views, this route includes lots of opportunities to stop and check out the little towns and stopping points all along this trail. This is a fun, relaxing ride with lots of great interesting attractions as an added benefit.
The Sycamore Trail near Des Moines is also known as the “Brickyard.” (Because it used to be one!) Most of the trail runs along the Des Moines River for about 7 miles. However you can several miles to your ride by branching off on one of the challenging loops along the trail. The Brickyard area is very rocky and steep and technical. Part of the trail actually gets submerged under water during spring, so always ride when it’s dry. Watch out for deer on the trail as well.
Joker Racing designed the Oleson Park Trail not far from Fort Dodge, and they also provide improvements to this biking trail. Riders of all experience levels will enjoy hilly terrain and creek crossings-some wet, some dry. There is also an extremely speedy downhill area, so use caution there if you aren’t an experienced rider.
The Sugar Bottom Recreation Area near Iowa City is a network of multiple trails equaling about 10 to 12 miles. There are trails for all skill levels. They are well-marked, but most are one way so be sure to pay attention to a map or signs. The advanced trails have lots of double backs, roots, and other technical stuff. The trails are well maintained and can get pretty crowded, so be aware of those around you.
The Decorah Mountain Bike trail system is a great blend of intermediate to extremely advanced skilled trails. Steep climbs, fast descents, roots, rocks, dirt track, a variety of surfaces and terrains–you can expect to find all this and more here. This is also the site for the first MTB racing in Iowa. The approximate 14 miles of trails here will wear you out!
The Lewis and Clark Trail near Council Bluffs is a variety of trails that are not for the faint of heart! There’s plenty of technical stuff to keep you hopping–steep climbs, roller coaster descents, twists and turns, obstacles, and much more. There are plenty of trails to choose from, about 7 miles worth. If one seems too difficult, there are usually several bailout points along the way. The trails usually aren’t too busy, but watch out for hikers, especially on weekends.
With over 1,200 miles of bike trails, the state of Iowa is a mountain biker’s paradise. Hopefully the choices above have whet your appetite to experience them for yourself! Happy trails!
PJ has been riding her own bike for years and more recently, she has been riding as a family. Finding a quality, durable beginners bike wasn’t easy and the experience
