Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? Topics Fitness Food Health Natural Pamper Special Style Events Medical Directory Reader's Picks RSS Info About OHL Advertise Archive Photos Return to Mail Tribune NEWS NOW Pastor's sermon: "Violence will not have the last word" GOSIA WOZNIACKA, Associated Press TAMI ABDOLLAH, Associated Press Read Pastor's» Oregon shooter showed little sympathy in calculated killings GOSIA WOZNIACKA, Associated Press BRIAN MELLEY, Associated Press Read Oregon shooter » Our View: Gun lobby's influence exceeds its support Read Our View: Gun» Pastor's sermon: "Violence will not have the last word" GOSIA WOZNIACKA, Associated Press TAMI ABDOLLAH, Associated Press Read Pastor's» Oregon shooter showed little sympathy in calculated killings GOSIA WOZNIACKA, Associated Press BRIAN MELLEY, Associated Press Read Oregon shooter » Our View: Gun lobby's influence exceeds its support Read Our View: Gun» Not Your Granny's Bicycle That rrring-rring handlebar bell has now been replaced by a new-fangled GPS Bicycling has come a long way from the days when the choices were boys' or girls', basket or rack, and the unmistakable sound of that rrrring-a-ding bell on the handlebars. The entire industry has been transformed by the magic of technology and modern innovations have improved all aspects of comfort, safety and performance. Comment By TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON MailTribune.com By TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON Posted Mar. 3, 2014 at 2:00 AM Updated Mar 3, 2014 at 12:13 PM By TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON Posted Mar. 3, 2014 at 2:00 AM Updated Mar 3, 2014 at 12:13 PM Bicycling Websites: --> Southern Oregon Siskiyou Velo www.siskiyouvelo.org Weekly rides, racing schedules, ride maps and information Bicycle Adventures bicycleadventures.com Crater Lake Bike Tours Or... » Read more X Bicycling Websites: Southern Oregon Siskiyou Velo www.siskiyouvelo.org Weekly rides, racing schedules, ride maps and information Bicycle Adventures bicycleadventures.com Crater Lake Bike Tours Oregon Coast Tours www.strava.com Download your rides, track your progress and join challenges at no cost rideoregonride.com Search for mountain biking trails, road routes and Oregon scenic bikeways, events www.bikingbis.com/oregon-bicycle-ride-calendar 2014 Oregon bicycle ride calendar of events www.cycleoregon.com Organized group rides __ Tips for Improving Your Ride Keeping it Fresh Talk to friends about their favorite rides, join a group or get out the map and research new routes. Exploring new places to ride broadens your experience and helps keep you enthused. Conditioning—Intervals 101 Beginners can do this set twice. For more advanced riders, work up to six sets per session. 2 minutes hard — 2 min. easy 1 min. hard — 1 min. easy 30 seconds hard— 30 seconds easy 15-second sprint 5 min. easy Conquering the Climb Start at a steady pace and shift through the gears until you reach a balance between maintaining a decent cadence, about 75 to 80 rpm, and a sustainable intensity. If you go hard too early, you're likely to stay in too big a gear, which will tire you out and slow you down. The Long Ride On a long ride, pace yourself. Excited beginners can start out too fast, burning too much energy too soon. Pay special attention to food and fluid intake. If you finish a ride feeling overly depleted, you may need to make some adjustments there. Repairs on the Fly Don't wait until you're on the road to practice fixing flats and making minor mechanical adjustments. Practice changing a tire at home using the same pump and tools you take on your ride and you won't panic if you need some quick repairs along the way. » Social News Bicycling has come a long way from the days when the choices were boys' or girls', basket or rack, and the unmistakable sound of that rrrring-a-ding bell on the handlebars. The entire industry has been transformed by the magic of technology and modern innovations have improved all aspects of comfort, safety and performance. To the uninitiated, this high-tech evolution can make choosing the right bike and gear a little daunting. Local cycling enthusiasts agree that getting some advice from an expert can be the difference between an investment that sits in the garage unused and many hours of outdoor fun and exercise. "It's becoming much more specialized," says John Ford with Bear Creek Bicycle in Ashland. "There are more options now than ever before. It's so important to get a bike that's the right size and category for the type of riding you're going to do." Even though choices in bicycles and gear can be very specific, there are some basics that Medford's REI store manager Cynthia Biles suggests for a safer, more comfortable ride. "We definitely recommend the safety gear like helmets, gloves and a pair of padded cycling shorts," she says. "Just the comfort that the shorts offer in chaffing prevention can make all the difference." If you're over 16, wearing a helmet is a matter of choice, but cycling enthusiasts are a safety conscious bunch, and most agree that no matter what type of biking one favors, helmets are a smart choice. Whether it is an adjustable multi-use helmet, or one suited to a particular type of riding, a correct fit is essential. With brand names like Giro, Bell and Nutcase to name just a few, they range from $35 to $250. Proper clothing for cycling may seem like a fashion statement, but design, function and specific features can make the difference between enjoyment and misery. Whether you're a road rider, commuter or mountain biker, seasonal jackets and jerseys made of form-fitting material provide freedom of movement and have a multitude of features like reflectivity, insulation and sun and water protection. Night riding is now safer because of improvements in LED lighting. "Lighting is so important," Ford says. "The bulbs used now have longer run times and they're brighter, smaller and lighter. By law, you have to have illuminated head and tail lights, so that's a great way to improve visibility." Another high-tech boon to the serious cyclist is the use of measurement devices like the Garmin GPS (global positioning system). Ford explains, "They record heart rate, how fast you're turning the pedals, your speed, location, direction and watts, which is an energy measurement. A lot of competitive riders use them." Henry Thilemon, sales and service representative with Medford Cycle Sports, says it's wise to be prepared for the unexpected out on the road. "I recommend a roadside kit with a small multi-tool, tire levers that pop the tire off the rim and a tire pump or a little Co2 cartridge." Most importantly, he says, learn how to do minor repairs and change a tire before you leave home. "It's amazing how many people come in and buy the tool kits that don't really know how to change a tire. I'm always happy to show them how to do it." Biles, an avid rider herself says, "The great thing about cycling is that anyone can do it and there is a type of bike for everyone." Whether you love cruising along scenic highways or careening over rough and tumble mountain trails, you can bet that technology has made cycling a safer and more comfortable way to enjoy the great outdoors. By TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON MailTribune.com By TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON Posted Mar. 3, 2014 at 2:00 AM Updated Mar 3, 2014 at 12:13 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction Archive Terms of Use Privacy Policy Contact Us Advertise Careers Copyright © . Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Southern Oregon Media Group: Mail Tribune.com | Ashland Daily Tidings | Medford Nickel