Viva Velo!

Passionate about cycling

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Finding The Best Triathlon Bike

The triathlon is one of the most challenging sporting events for any athlete. In fact, you cannot claim to be a 'complete athlete' without at least one triathlon event under your belt. In order to attain the desired results, one has to start serious training months before the actual date of the event. In addition, it is also important to use the right tools and the most important one in this case is the bike. So after purchasing your tri clothing and shoes, how exactly do you find the right bike?

First and foremost, it is important to understand that tri bikes come in different sizes. This means that you can't just pop in a bike shop and pick up the first bike that pleases you because you might end up with a bunch of regrets and more so if the store does not have a return policy. If you are not too sure about what size is best for you, then it would be a good idea to make inquiries. Ask the person at the store to recommend the best bike for you taking into account your body type and physical abilities.

If it is your first time to participate in a triathlon, you might have to get a bit of advice from the pros. Approach people who have participated in this type of event before and ask them to give you recommendations for the best bike brands. Seek advice from a good number of tri-athletes and not just one or two people. If you find more than three people recommending the same type of bike then consider going for it. You can also visit online triathlon forums to ask for advice from veterans; you will definitely find the answers you need here.

Another very important factor to consider when purchasing triathlon bikes is comfort. If you want to register a good time on your triathlon race or maybe even win it, then you will need to have a very comfortable bike. Is the handling right for you; does the saddle feel right; do the pedals feel right on your feet? These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself before buying a tri bike. It is important to note that size -- which was mentioned earlier -- is just one aspect of comfort and not the only determinant.

Triathlon bikes are sort of like shoes, the more you move around with them, the more you get used to them. Therefore, once you buy yours, take it out for numerous rides so that you can fully understand it. This will enable you to handle the biking portion of the triathlon easily on the actual day of the event.

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Landscape And Scenery: The Best Cycling Routes In UK

Britain’s mild climate and beautiful summer makes it great for a wide variety of activities that range from sightseeing to beach holidays. Travelling on two wheels—cycling, that is—is another great activity that one can take during this time. There are great cycling routes across the country that can be taken. Here are some of the best.

First up is the Tudor Trail in Kent. This is an excellent family cycle route that one can take with the significant other with children in tow. It is mostly free of traffic as one leaves Tonbridge. From there on, it is an enjoyable ride through the beautiful Haysden Country Park before passing through the wonderful village of Chiddingstone. The route also takes its riders through to Hever Castle, which is a great place to visit.

The Bath to Reading route in the UK is one of the most beautiful landscapes one can find in the country. The route starts from the historic city of Bath, with its colonnades and crescents, and ends along the canal at Marsh Benham. In fact, it goes along the Kennet and Avon Canal, which makes for a lovely time. It is quite a long ride, however, taking up to ten hours.

One of the best cycling routes in Britain is the Way of the Roses. It starts at Morecambe Bay and ends at Bridlington Bay. It is a very difficult route, though, and takes up to three days to complete. It is a coast-to-coast route, however, and one gets to see the breadth of what England has to offer. It takes its riders through the county of Lancashire, Yorkshire, Forest of Bowland, and Yorkshire Wolds before reaching the North Sea.

One of the easiest and most beautiful cycling routes in the country is the West London Thames Ride. It is a brilliant way of getting out of the crowded city. It starts at Kingston and goes through to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace, ending at the former racecourse at Hurst Park. A total of two hours is required for this route, and by the time one is through to the end, traffic will seem like a million miles away.

There are many more routes that one can enjoy in the summer in the UK. Cycling through the countryside is an activity that has been picked up by many in the recent years, and it is with good reason: the landscape is beautiful and the routes are extremely scenic. The routes mentioned above are the cream of the crop.

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Flying.

Nikon FM2 Sigma 28-70mm Kodak Portra 400

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It was an extremely wet weekend of racing in North Bend, WA

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Some Triathlon Training Tips

How you train for a triathlon will be decided based on how many you have done and how fit you are. If this is your first triathlon, guidance focuses on preparing for the challenge of competing in three types of races back-to-back. More experienced triathlon competitors will be honing their skills.

Athletes

Even if you are already athletic, a triathlon is different from any single sport. You work many different muscle groups in a short span of time. These changes are considerable. How do you adjust from cycling to swimming? Breaking rhythm and switching to a new rhythm is an important skill.

Beginners

Anyone who has never tried a triathlon before should seek as much advice as possible, especially if this person is relatively new to endurance racing. The demands on your body will be tremendous. Not only do you have to switch from one sport to another, but you have to be able to fix your own bike on the road if it breaks down, and prepare your body to be fuelled for a long race. Even knowing how much water you can take in or the right foods and how much to eat when you get the chance or before the race is important.

Individuals who have done this kind of thing many times recommend setting tangible goals, but this is something you should always do when training for any kind of race. Set small goals and give yourself time to meet them little by little. Remember that some of your goals are not about speed, they are about technique. They have to do with how quickly you can put a chain back on, or teaching your body to swim in a lake, not a pool. The temperature will be different from that of a public pool and there will even be waves from boats and wind.

Also, try racing from one leg to another in practice time, not just training in one sport at a time. Especially as you near race day, find out what it feels like to switch from one type of movement and set of conditions to another.

Realism

Be realistic with yourself. If you want to do well, think about doing well compared to your last triathlon time or, if this is your first triathlon, doing better with every training session. Don't just consider how quickly you complete a leg but also how well you recover after rigorous training sessions and how much stronger you are becoming.

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The Importance of Cycling with a Helmet

Cycle helmets are a necessity for anyone who cycles. These objects are responsible for protecting the head. Much research has proven that over half of all brain injuries may be prevented with helmet use. When a helmet is worn, close to 55 percent of injuries can be stopped. It is especially important that young riders wear these items. When parents wear helmets while cycling, they set a good example to children and pass the habit on.

How to Select Cycling Helmets

There are numerous helmets on the market. While making a selection, a person must make sure that it is safe. A good helmet will be approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.  It must fit securely as well. The helmet should not move more than one inch in any direction. For cycling with long hair, a ponytail hole may be helpful. Cycling helmets must also provide proper visibility. The straps should not prevent clear vision. Choosing a bright colour for the helmet will help other cyclists or motorists notice the rider.

Importance of Wearing a Cycling Helmet Correctly

In order for the helmet to be useful during an accident, it must be worn correctly. To begin, the helmet must be flat on the head.  The chin straps must be worn below the chin, not along the jaw. The helmet must cover the top part of the forehead. If the item is too loose, sizing pads may provide a better fit.

If the helmet is tilted to the front, the back of the head becomes vulnerable to injury. A helmet that tilts back is also troublesome. This leaves the sides and front of the head vulnerable as well. To correct the problem, the chin straps should be tightened. If this does not solve the problem, a smaller helmet may be necessary.

How to Maintain Cycle Helmets

If a helmet becomes damaged, it must be replaced. It should also be replaced every five years as well. A helmet should never be stored in a hot place. It must be carefully cleaned with mild soap and water.

A cycle helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment available. It can help to avoid injuries to the skull, brain, and spinal cord. Since cycle accidents can happen at any speed, it is essential to wear it correctly.  Studies have shown that a person who wears a helmet is 14 times more likely to avoid a fatal accident. It is vital to replace damaged or old helmets. In the end, the sport of cycling is safest when a person wears a helmet.

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Types of Bicycle Wheels

When you prepare to buy new bicycle wheels, think about why you need them. What is wrong with the old pair? Was there an issue to do with quality, or were they for a purpose you do not use your bike for? Bicycle wheels are designed for specific types of cycling or for a certain range of purposes. What range do you fit into with your cycling habits? Also, the type of bike you own and the tyres you plan to use will affect your selection of wheels. Keep all of the following thoughts in mind either to buy new pieces or to select a new bicycle.

Off-Road or Road Biking

The width of your tyres differs between these two sorts of cycling. Mountain bikers require heavier, wider tyres than road bikers. Remember width when choosing wheels.

Also, it is less important to be light as a mountain biker than that your bike can handle the landing and hard use it will be subjected to. Road racers and speed cyclists, however, are relying on lightness plus durability to get them from the bottom to the top of a hill faster than the other guy. 

Manufacturers regularly develop lighter, stronger materials than those of the previous few years, even though those previous models were marvels of technology in themselves. If you are repairing your bicycle for personal use or to take part in a race and your bicycle is several years old, think about replacing an older style wheel with a newer, lighter one, even if repairs would be easy and cheap. 

Tube or Tube-free Tyres

If you are riding on tyres without tubes, your wheels have to be prepared for this. Experts say they can be adapted, but you are better off buying the right pair of tyres for the wheels you have and vice versa. That is, if you switch to tubeless tyres because you like the way they feel better than tyres with inner tubes, it might be time to switch bikes altogether. 

The Critical Issue of Braking

Wheels are part of a system that includes rim or disc braking. You have to know what style of brakes your bicycle has before making any choices in this department. Your brakes are going to have to grab one or the other (rim or disc). 

Getting Advice

Cycling websites and bicycle shops offer information if you are still unsure about purchasing or repairing your bicycle wheels. Experts are happy to talk you through the selection.

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How to Buy Cycling Clothing

Shopping online for clothing is tricky. There are many different ways that retailers size items. If you are going to shop online, choose a website where sizing charts are included so that you can see what they mean by a particular size. It will correlate sizes with waist inches and chest width. 

There are a few approaches to searching for clothing. One is to search by brand. When a brand is good at providing other athletic wear, you know it is safe to at least try one of the same company's cycling items. Friends will provide some advice about cycling gear as well.

Another way to shop is by the item itself. Three of the basics are tops, shorts or leggings, and gloves. From there, it is a matter of deciding what styles or materials you like the sound of. Someone who already cycles a lot knows where to look for arm warmers, shoe covers, high visibility rain jackets, undershirts, and other items. 

Glasses are essential no matter what the weather is. Cycling kicks up many types of debris which could not only call a halt to a ride, but land a person in hospital. 

Shoe covers are placed over regular cycling shoes as part of a team uniform, not as part of regular cycling gear. When ordering cycling clothing, you might have the field narrowed down simply by the fact that you need specific printing done on all parts of clothing. Not all clothing suppliers can do that.

Retailers and shoppers also keep their eyes out for the latest materials which provide cyclists with the greatest comfort. These include fabrics with wicking to keep sweat away from the body, plus antibacterial fabrics. 

Although a number of general online stores sell cycling clothing among their many other retail items, the two sources for well-chosen active wear tend to be athletics shops and cycling shops. Owners here speak your language, especially the latter group, and are sure to have every accessory you need in a wide array of sizes. If you steer away from brand specific websites, you will get more choice of prices and styles.

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The Many Varieties of Bicycle

Bicycles can be used for recreational purposes, transport, and sporting activities. A cyclist should choose a bicycle depending on their needs, interests and fitness. Generally, the type of bicycle chosen should fit the kind of activity being done. There are several types of bicycle that a cyclist will be able to choose from. I will discuss some of them below:

Road Bikes

These kinds of bikes are lighter in weight than the typical bike. The riding is usually done on surfaces such as the pavement or tarmac. The bikes have a thin frame, thin tires, and flat handlebars hence their lightness. They come in different sizes therefore can be ridden by just about anyone.

Mountain Bikes

These bikes are designed for rocky roads or roads filled with gravel. With a tire change they can be used on pavements too. They are strong with shock absorbers and good brakes. They can handle mountain trails including all the rocky surfaces, bumps and ruts found there. The gears are low so as to make handling of the steeper lanes easier. They are able to handle potholes and other obstacles, therefore they can be used for commuting as well.

Recreational Bikes

Recreational bikes are best for cycling on pavements and roads. They are all about comfort and easy handling. They are most suited for riding around bike paths. Some have larger wheels for a more efficient ride.

Women's Bikes

Women's bikes are meant for those with a more typical woman's body with longer legs compared to the torso. They can be either road bikes, mountain bikes or recreational bikes. They aim to fit the correct body type and therefore have wider handle bars and seats.

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The Many Innovations Of Scott Bikes

Ed Scott initiated his brand in 1958 by targeting the ski industry with the first aluminum ski pole and continued with highly innovative products including a popular line of Scott bikes with the first mountain bike being introduced in 1986. Within a brief three years, Scott presented one of the most important advances in cycling history known as the aerodynamic handlebar. The same year the handlebar was introduced, Greg Lemond won the Tour de France in 1989 with the use of this dynamic innovation. Capitalising on earlier success, Scott manufactured a full line of full-suspension mountain bikes in 1992.

Scott bikes continued growth and accolades in the biking industry with the invention of several new bikes throughout the 90’s. One of the better known bikes became known as the Endorphin which was a carbon mountain bike that became recognised throughout the world with well-known athletes utilising the bike in the World Cup and Olympic games. Three years later in 1998, the Scott brand introduced the G-Zero, which became the lightest full-suspension mountain bike worldwide. An additional milestone was reached in 2003 when Scott produced the Genius. This bike was distinguished by a design that encompassed full-suspension with three different shock adjustable modes.

Scott bikes remains a leader in the biking industry and continues to remain on the brink of innovation with some of the lightest bikes in the industry for triathlons, long mileage travel, speed, and mountain biking.  Although Scott started with European headquarters, in 2009 the company opened a new US headquarters in Sun Valley, Idaho which was the location of the beginnings of Ed Scott and his innovative ideas in the outdoor sporting industry.

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World’s Most Beautiful Cycling Routes

Mount Baldy, California

Mount Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, is the highest peak in the San Gabriel range. Located less than 50 miles from Los Angeles, it is a favourite spot for outdoor enthusiasts of every kind, and a beautiful road for cycling fanatics to tackle. Snaking up 30km from the town of Glendora, the climb of Mount Baldy winds through beautiful woodland and onto the ridge of the mountain, affording fantastic views of the area, and on a clear day, all the way to downtown LA.

Mont Ventoux, France

Mont Ventoux, nicknamed “The Giant of Provence” is one of the most legendary climbs in the history of the famous Tour de France bike race. The mountain’s isolated position provides incredible panoramic views of the rugged terrain that surrounds it, and the charming Provençal villages of Malaucène, Sault and Bédoin all provide great bases to tackle the climb, allowing riders to wind their way past beautiful vineyards and fields of lavender before they reach the slopes of the peak. The mountain is infamous for its desolate limestone peak, and the weather station at the summit is visible from miles around.

The Stelvio Pass, Italy

The storied Stelvio Pass, located in the Eastern Alps of Italy, is the most spectacular cycling road in Europe. As the second highest paved road in Alps, the gruelling climb offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and towers over the border with neighbouring Switzerland. The climb is a mecca for cyclists every summer, and begins with a series of tough switchbacks before taking riders up and over the snowline and into the town of Cantoniera. Featuring an average gradient of 7.5%, and rising to an altitude of 2,757 metres, the Stelvio is a fearsome challenge for even the best riders, but the views make it all worthwhile.

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Cycle your way to fitness

Health Benefits of Cycling

• Cycling can help a person condition his or her cardiovascular system and greatly decrease the risk of certain heart diseases. It also gives your organs particularly the lungs which can increase a person’s overall stamina and endurance.

• Studies also revealed that moderate cycling activity can greatly improve the capacity of the immune system and makes one’s bone’s and joints stronger and less prone to fractures or breakage.

• Cycling can also help tone and trim muscles making them leaner and stronger. The process would also sculpt the body creating a more attractive, youthful personal appearance.  It can also help one lose the fat weight aspect by burning fat to fuel the exercise activity.

• The improved stamina one can get from doing such cardiovascular workout can also improve one’s performance in doing daily activities and tasks. It also raises the overall fitness level of an individual making him or her more efficient in his or her work.

• Along with other cardiovascular activities, cycling can greatly improve an individual’s response to certain metabolic conditions like diabetes.  Research also revealed that cycling can improve the body’s ability to regulate cholesterol as well as fat deposition. Some studies also indicate that improve control towards blood pressure has been seen among those who do moderate cycling activity.

• Cycling with friends and colleagues also serve as a great recreational activity that not only helps one in managing his or her anxiety or stress but also help one explore his or her surroundings. Such activities can greatly relive one from unwanted anxiety and stress.

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Are you man enough for the Chile Trail???

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We rode our bikes in to work today! It was an amazing way to start out the morning with my honey!