I Love Bicycling is a website that is geared towards cycling for beginners with road cycling tips, training articles, nutrition tips, weight loss, how to’s and bike repair articles.
A collection of women’s cycling t-shirts ranging in humor and color. We can’t ride our bikes all the time but these funny cycling t-shirts are a way to take the image of the bike with you wherever you may go be it work, to a cycling event, or just out with your friends. Check them out and choose your favorites to buy!
A collection of funny cycling t-shirts ranging in humor and color. We can’t ride our bikes all the time but these funny cycling t-shirts are a way to take the image of the bike with you wherever you may go be it work, to a cycling event, or just out with your friends. Check them out and choose your favorites to buy!
The chopper style handlebars and the banana seats ARE cycling for cyclists born in the 1970’s but why they disappeared is a mystery. If you’ve never lifted a wheely before in your life, the Stingray can hold one for blocks. The coaster brake can be locked up and because you’re low to the ground and the seat is so versatile, you could skid sideways safely on almost any surface. They were reliable and could do distances. They had it all.
Today’s bikes are targeted for each discipline whether it be dirt track BMX, mountain bikes, or road bikes. The performance of each type is superior to the Stingray, but nothing combined the spirit of cycling or brought more bikers together than the iconic Stingray. If you can get your hands on one, you have a real piece of American history.
You’ve probably heard about the Gran Fondo by now — but what is a gran fondo? Any Italian can tell you what a Gran Fondo is but you probably won’t get a straight answer from most American cyclists but it’s no real surprise. The first real “Gran Fondo” in North America was held only a few years ago. Many of today’s “Gran Fondos” have nothing but the name in common.
It’s like a marathon for cyclists. The riders at the front compete for the win, the riders in the middle go for a personal record, and the riders in the back aim to beat the cut-off time. So what is a Gran Fondo? A Gran Fondo is a personal challenge where each participant does his or her best.
Unless you’re a trained athlete, racing is not a good participation sport. Traditional bike racing differs from a Gran Fondo in one specific area. If you get dropped from the bunch you ride back all by yourself. You’re either in or you’re out.
A Gran Fondo is designed to solve the participation issue by making a bike race more like a marathon. Rather than racing against other cyclists, you use the Gran Fondo to challenge yourself against the clock. The distance is usually tough enough to make you proud of simply finishing.
A real Gran Fondo has a competitive element — all riders are individually timed with a timing chip and the event provides the rankings based on time from start to finish. The rider is timed against the clock and then compared to the other competitors to determine placement. Technically speaking, if you don’t have a chip, you’re really not riding in an authentic Gran Fondo, no matter what it’s called.
Gran Fondo events typically range from between 30 to 100-mile routes (48-160 kilometers). The 100-mile routes are where the titles are earned and the rules are simple. Each 100-mile route has four chip-timed sections. The lowest cumulative time of all four sections decides the day’s winner across any of 10 categories. Individual event placings are equal to points for series standings. First place on day one takes one point, second place two points, etc. Cyclists must attend at least three events to qualify for a title and standings are determined by adding the three lowest scores together, with the lowest score winning.
The full route of a Gran Fondo is required to be marked in such a way that it can be ridden by someone without a cue sheet and is not familiar with the area. Gran Fondo organizers provide distance signs that indicate length and gradient of key climbs. If you are given or in possession of a cue sheet or map to orientate, you are not riding in an authentic Gran Fondo.
Difference in course control also means that a real Gran Fondo is much more expensive than an organized group ride. In Italy for example, course control is done by volunteer marshals. In North America, only police officers are allowed to direct traffic and closing roads is expensive.
While thorough road closures are desirable, they are rarely possible. Moderated traffic is very important to providing cyclists the right of way. In North America, every traffic light and stop sign has to be manned by a police officer in order to overwrite traffic rules in favor of the rider. If you have to stop at lights and stop signs, you are likely not riding in an authentic Gran Fondo, no matter what they call it.
Authentic Gran Fondos are few and far between in the United States. If you want to get picky about it before you register, ask the organizer to provide the three key elements of timing, controlled traffic, and course signage.
Technicalities aside, the American version of the Gran Fondo is more like a party than a competitive event. It is sometimes referred to as a cyclosportive. It does however incorporate some of the authentic Gran Fondo characteristics depending on the planning of the event.
You should expect generic Gran Fondos to have a mass-start and fall somewhere between a race and a casual group ride. It should be complete with with race numbers, aid stations, and course marshaling. Only a few participants will realize a realistic chance at crossing the finish line first. Others will be content to just complete the distance. Racing licenses are typically not required and insurance should be provided through event organizers and covered in registration fees.
Unless you have your heart set on an authentic Italian Gran Fondo, you’re more likely to get a North American version. Charity organizations have embraced the Gran Fondo concept as a way to raise money for cancer, diabetes, and a wide range of other causes.
Now that you know the answer to “What is a Gran Fondo”, what’s the harm in taking a scenic, challenging ride in the country with hundreds or thousands of other cyclists ranging from pros to eighty-year-old cyclists? Mix in mechanical and medical support, feed zones with sandwiches, fruit and drinks, traffic control and enthusiastic supporters; you can’t miss with any Gran Fondo. The organizers of any kind of Gran Fondo are to be applauded for bringing organized cycling events to the masses. If you get a chance to sign up for one — do it.
Dempsey plays Dr. Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy and has had starring roles in several films. Dempsey is also a passionate, competitive cyclist. He is very involved in cycling and started the Dempsey Challenge as a fundraiser for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at the Central Maine Medical Center in his native state. The Dempsey Challenge features a bike ride with distances of 10, 25, 50, 70, and 100 miles. Pro cyclist Levi Leipheimer attends the event every year.
Before her big break on Friends, Jennifer Aniston at the age of 19, was actually a New York bike messenger, which she has since labelled her “toughest job”. She hasn’t lost her love for cycling and still cycles regularly.
Matt Damon is a devoted cyclist. He’s completed the 68-mile Cape Argus Cycle Tour in South Africa on a tandem bike with his brother Kyle Damon. At one point Damon was to portray Lance Armstrong in an adaptation of his biography “It’s Not About The Bike”. But it remains debatable whether the film will ever make it to the screen.
Texas natives Matthew McConaughey and Lance Armstrong have long been buddies, sharing miles and miles together. It’s been noted that McConaughey — even though McConaughey was at first pissed at Lance after all the scandal — now defends him.
Clooney has a house at Lake Como, the same place Lance lived when he was training for the Tour. George hits the trails regularly on his mountain bike. He also gathered publicity for a bike ride with none other than Bono, around the Irish countryside.
There’s likely more pictures of Hugh Jackman riding a bike on the internet than almost any other celebrity. He tools around London, or anywhere else on a movie set when he can get his hands on a bike of almost any type.
The Brokeback Mountain star is another Hollywood heavyweight who professes to being addicted to fitness, which includes time on a bicycle in both California, New York, and wherever celebrity life takes him.
Seven years ago Jonathan Vaughters (former professional racing cyclist and current manager of the Cannondale Professional Cycling Team) accompanied Senator John Kerry for a bike ride in Colorado. Vaughters said that “Kerry is the real deal—fit, fast, confident. If he races in his category, he’d be one of the top riders in the U.S.”
Drummer and lyricist for the rock group Rush, has bicycle toured in several Africa countries and wrote about one of these tours in “The Masked Rider.”
Pink (aka Alecia Moore) is definitely no slacker when it comes to riding her bike. She rides for sport with her family and to run errands. The singer makes a point of riding bicycles instead of using a horse drawn carriage, which she is part of a PETA campaign against.
The former lead singer of Talking Heads is in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, but he’s equally involved in cycling. Byrne wrote the 2009 book Bicycle Diaries and has used the bike as his primary transportation around New York City for years. “There’s a certain amount of freedom involved in cycling,” Byrne told The Guardian. “You’re self-propelled and decide exactly where to go.”
Singer Sheryl Crow climbed Alpe d’Huez in 1 hour 37 minutes. If that’s not enough to convince you that she’s a serious cyclist nothing will. Additionally, she’s also a cancer survivor like Lance, and in fact was engaged to him at one point.
Some celebrities are often spotted around town cycling for the fun of it – nothing serious, just relaxing as they either cycle by themselves or treat fortunate others or kids to a ride.
Barack has been known to enjoy leisurely rides along the shores of Lake Michigan and around Martha’s Vinyard with his family. Obama evidently bicycled more when he lived in Chicago before becoming the POTUS.
George W. gets after it on the bike quite regularly such as at the Warrior 100K which highlights the bravery and sacrifice of warriors and recognizes organizations that support America’s veterans.
Often spotted with kids in trailers.
Has been spotted in Melbourne and London tooling around town on bicycles. According to the terminator: “Anyone who doesn’t ride a bike is a sissy boy.”
Used cycling to recover from an injury on the set of Star Wars.
Challenged an over-zealous reporter to a bike ride. Almost killed her keeping up with him.
More famous for his bicycle crash than as a passionate cyclist. Bono is still seen as a model of environmental causes that includes the use of bicycles.
Black Burn Airstick SL Review
Initial Impressions:
When initially holding the Blackburn Airstick SL, the lack of size and weight are what jump out at you. At only 68grams this pump is no heavy weight. It is small enough to fit into most medium sized saddle bags, and comes in a variety of colors. For a non-race situation this pump will make you question carrying C02 as your main source of emergency inflation.
Performance:
Despite the Airstick’s size, Blackburn claims it can produce 37% more stroke volume than pumps of a comparable size due to its duel chamber system. Many companies throw stats at users with non-tangible percentages, so to get to the point, does it pump!?
The answer is yes. Very well in fact. The first time I used the Airstick Sl, I was pleasantly surprised. It is by no means as efficient as a floor pump but for fixing a flat, or inflating tires after a flight while on vacation or at a race, it is very capable. Its ability to fit inside most saddle bags is a huge feature for this pump as it takes some of the worry away should a first flat happen.
I would like to mention I would classify this as a road or touring only pump. I think inflating a mountain bike tire would be painful, but do-able if absolutely necessary.
Gripes:
Despite the performance of the Airstick SL, it is not perfect. Most of these reasons stem simply because of its size! It is a presta specific pump, and is a little tricky to stay on the valve effectively. While pumping I was very aware of not to pump too erratically so to not break off the valve and be in a worse spot than I was initially. Also, because the pump itself is so small it is sometimes hard to control in the later stages of the pumping when air pressures go above 90. Blackburn claims the pump can go up to 160, but around 110-120 is difficult enough to be satisfied with that pressure. That being said as a means to get home this is plenty for most people.
Conclusion:
Overall Blackburn has made a fantastic product with the Airstick SL. It comes in many colours, has a sheik look, is a great price, and is small enough that it is unnoticeable in a jersey, or saddle bag(it does come with a frame mount also).
After 3 months of use, the pump has continued to work as intended with no issue.
However, it is not perfect as its connection to the presta valve is sometimes finicky when pressures go up.
4/5 Hearts.
US $24.99
Fixed gear bikes are fun, efficient, and trendy. They represent simplicity. Your legs are your gas, brakes, and gears. Your body and technique replace the missing parts. Fixed gear bikes are probably the purest form of cycling. Here’s the lowdown on the fixed gear bike.
Fixed gear bikes were popularized by bike messengers and bike messenger movies. One reason messengers prefer fixed gear bikes is because they provide increased control in gridlock conditions. The absence of brakes makes them seem dangerous — though it’s less dangerous than it sounds. Fixed gear bikes represent freedom — darting past everybody stuck in cars. Fixed gear bikes represent the hardcore cyclist at his or her best. Skeptics see fixed-gear bikes as antiquated or dangerous but gears and brakes have become standard for a reason — right?
Authentic fixed gear bikes have no brakes but not all fixed gear bikes are brakeless. Brakeless bikes are actually safe in the hands of an experienced rider. You slow down by slowing and locking the pedals with your legs.
Some riders add front brakes to their fixed gear bikes which makes them a little more practical and depending on where you live — legal. But adding brakes to a fixed gear bike is considered a direct insult to conformity and functionality. Trying to make it more like a traditional bike seems self-defeating.
You can ride a fixed gear bike safely without brakes once you’re used to it. Putting back-pressure on spinning cranks slows you effectively, just like a brake handle does. But in perspective, or to look at it strictly from a safety standpoint, if you break a chain, a front break can really come in handy.
While the absence of gears might seem impractical, it’s not that bad. Riding a fixed gear bike promotes better pedaling technique and strength. Road racers like them for improving form and a strong rider on a fixed gear can often out-climb a geared bike.
Trackstands are the ability to stabilize a bike without moving forward. Since the bike can pedal backwards under force, it makes it possible to keep balanced while stopped. This is useful while waiting for cross traffic for example, and is a demonstration of the skill of the cyclist. It is impressive. Nothing performs better trackstands than a fixed gear bike.
Fixed gear track bikes are designed for the velodrome. Horizontal rear-facing drop-outs, no quick release on wheels, no brakes, drop bars for most events. Steeper geometry than road bikes and handling is twitchy. Tires no wider than 25mm.
Street fixed gear bikes are designed for riding on street surfaces. Horizontal drop outs, front brake, drop-bars, bullhorns or flat bars, gears typically lower. Geometry more like a road bike and can accommodate tires wider than 25mm.
Trick fixies are intended for stunts that involve pedaling backwards, climbing walls, ramps, jumps, and other crazy stuff. Lots of back-pedalling. Geometry like a big BMX bike, very low gears.
Road bike conversion fixie. You can always tell a conversion because the drop outs are not rear-facing. Everything else is much the same as a street fixed gear. This is a good way to experiment with a fixed gear bike if you don’t want to shell out $700-$1000 for a dedicated fixed gear. You can’t race one of these in the velodrome because of the dropouts however.
The benefits of owning a fixed gear bike are undeniable. If you love bikes, no matter what kind, then add one to your stable. You won’t regret it.
London has proposed the floating cycling highway on the Thames river as a perfect example of thinking outside-the-box to solve deep-seated traffic and pollution problems. The new proposal challenges conventional transportation with it’s unique design because it floats entirely on water.
The idea of a bicycle race across the United States can be traced back to George Nellis. In 1887, Nellis crossed the United States on a 45-pound iron high-wheel bicycle with no gears and with pedals on the front wheel. Nellis crossed America in just under 80 days following established railroad routes.
About every ten years the record would be broken. In the early 1970’s, John Marino realized how fast a bicycle could be ridden across America and the modern movement of trans-national cycling competition had begun. Other riders started challenging Marino and by 1982 a group of these riders decided they were ready for a head-to-head race.
The first year of the RAAM, the race then was called the Great American Bike Race, four riders lined up on the pier in Santa Monica and raced to New York City. Lon Haldeman was the winner. Since that time the race has been run every year, always west to east. The contemporary RAAM now begins in Oceanside, California and finishes in Annapolis, Maryland. With its mid-June start date the RAMM utilizes the summer solstice to provide racers the maximum daylight hours.
The Guinness World Book of Records has this to say about the RAAM; “The fastest crossing of the USA by an individual, as set during the Race Across America (RAAM), was achieved by Christoph Strasser (Austria) in 7 days 15 hours 56 minutes cycling from Oceanside, California, to Annapolis, Maryland, from 10 to 18 June 2014.” In 2013 Christoph Strasser became the first person to cross the USA coast to coast in under 8 days when he finished in 7 days 22 hours 11 minutes. He had previously won the race in 2011, posting a time of 8 days 8 hours 6 minutes. The race route varies each year and Strasser’s average speed of 16.42 mph is also a record in terms of average speed, far better than his 2013 speed of 15.6 mph.”
A good rider needs a competent crew — ten or eleven members — and an RV. The crews job is to ensure that racers focus all efforts on riding. Part of the job includes pulling up beside him or her to hand them food. A typical daily meal might be a 10,000 calorie-per-day-liquid diet and about 3 gallons of water. Crew members also undress and bath racers during rest times and keep them updated on tactics and weather conditions.
Almost all ultra-endurance events have a low percentage of women, typically less than 20 percent. RAAM officials encourage women to participate and include a category for them. They know that women’s bodies are built for endurance and women have proven they’re capable of very strong performances.
Racer categories include something for everyone, similar to any other cycling event.
It’s not uncommon to encounter gravel patches, rain and hail, slick roads, sandstorms or tornadoes, and traffic jams. Two riders have been killed and one paralyzed in traffic accidents but no challenge is more taxing than the physical side. Cramps, tendinitis, and dehydration are common, especially during the race’s second half.
The biggest challenge racers report is sleep deprivation — that’s why few racers ever finish. Because there are no set stages, the winner of RAAM is typically the rider who can keep riding the longest with the least amount of sleep. Riders suffer extreme sleep deprivation going far and above what most people can imagine. Some racers hallucinate. Racers can be awake, riding, and still hallucinate or experience a reality shift. Crew and race officials are constantly paying attention to a racer’s condition. If officials or crews feel that a racer is past the safety margin they will stop the racer for a sleep break.
Anyone can register for the 2016 RAAM. Once the registration is complete and the entry fee is paid — it’s expensive at just under $4,000 — you’re good to go. The start dates are Tuesday, June 14 for Solo racers and Saturday, June 18 for Team racers. Good luck.
Science and the public in general regard older cyclists as models of exemplary ageing. It’s because they demonstrate what a difference a cycling lifestyle makes. Instead of relying on a multitude of drugs for high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other ailments, they get on their bicycles. Here are 10 ways cycling and your body change when cycling over 40.
Cycling over 40 isn’t a secret science. The body is well trainable at older ages. You can start cycling at 50, 60, or beyond. From a medical standpoint there is no age limit for cycling. Forty-year-old-plus riders are more common than ever and cycling over 40 is not that much different from cycling over 20, albeit there are subtle changes.
The average body is at its peak in the late 20’s. Changes occur in part to a condition known as homeostasis, the point where the number of cells dying and the number of cells being produced are roughly equal. After this time the number of dying cells begins to surpass the body’s ability to produce new ones.
Reaching 40 is not traumatic from a cycling performance standpoint. You’ll likely not suffer from it much at all if you’re already in good shape. Most of the reasons why you and your body change are simple things that you adapt to naturally.
Overconfidence is one of the main issues in 40-year old cyclists — because you still feel fine. But when you hit 40, no matter how good you feel, there’s really no excuse not get a routine check-up by a doctor. It should include an EKG and blood pressure check under load and a blood test. A heart ultra sonic test is also advisable. Once you have those under your belt and the go ahead from your doctor you’re ready to hit the road. But just remember — you’re not 25 years old anymore. Certain changes may not be that obvious.
Physiological changes may be less noticeable than the psychological changes after 40. Decreased physical performance after you hit 40 can be more the result of inactivity, lack of goals, and a reduction in intensity than in actual physiological changes.
Here are 10 different things that you may notice from both physiological and psychological standpoints, starting off with the physical aspects first.
If you’ve been riding for more than a few years, you’ll likely have a riding log with performance times. As your heart and circulatory system ages it naturally slows down. It might not be much but it’s noticeable at 40. This typically results in a gradual tapering off of your performance times. You won’t feel like running your cardiovascular system up to the high levels that you did when you were 25. Recognize it for what it is and don’t let it bother you.
You can’t jump on your bike and blast off the line like you did at 20. Popping, creaking, and strains are more common in joints and bones. It’s nothing to be overly concerned about though — just take more time warming up. If you’re experienced on the bike, your body should tell you when it’s ready to sprint or climb.
You may have needed little recovery time after a ride at 25. But over 40 you may need to recharge after a long or hard ride. If you give yourself more recovery time between sessions, it will improve the quality of the next session. Not recovering properly can enhance the risk of injury. In addition, make sure you get enough sleep. This is a vital part of the recovery process. You can’t stay up all night anymore.
Your bladder is not what it used to be. You need to stop and pee more often cycling over 40 and it’s harder to empty your bladder completely. It’s more of an issue for men because of prostate aging but it’s not such a big issue. Just plan around it. You’ll likely stop more often for refreshments anyway because you’re just enjoying the ride more, and more refreshments equals more voiding. What goes in, must come out.
Dietary needs do not change significantly when over 40 but maintaining a healthful diet becomes even more important to overall well-being and athletic performance. Chips, candy, and ice cream may not be as palatable as it once was. Nutrition and hydration during exercise is vital for better performance and avoiding fatigue, particularly for the over 40 cyclist.
Psychologist William James sums it up like this: “As we age, time seems to speed up because adulthood is accompanied by fewer and fewer memorable events. After 40, you’ll likely notice that the weeks, days, and months zip past at a frighteningly faster rate than they did at 20. It’s accompanied by the notion that you can’t, or don’t have the time left to accomplish all of your goals.
Hitting 40 may make you notice that your internal, biological clock has slowed slightly. It’s due in part because your relation to unstoppable clocks and calendars may have become more relevant and external time suddenly appears to pass more quickly. Looking at it from a time perspective, longer rides can actually seem shorter, if that makes any sense.
The pressure on your available time seems to increase when cycling over 40. It can sometimes be hard to find the time for a decent ride. This makes you appreciate the time you have on the bike that much more. A full week working can leave you with precious little ride time, particularly in winter, and the time you do have in the week often finds you worn out from life and work. The time spent on your bike feel like unbridled freedom and you come back from a ride feeling mentally renewed.
The harsh reality is, you’re likely never going to win big at 40 years old. The oldest riders in the Tour de France tend to be in their mid- thirties and they typically do fine but unless you’re a prime example of a professional cyclist, the dreams of winning big should be put into perspective. But you don’t have to let that stop you from chasing down any youngster that dares to ride past you.
Keeping up with technology can be a misplaced characteristic. Things that still seem new to you are old-school. Fiddling with electronic gizmos is only counterproductive to you and can seem like a waste of good riding time. That fancy bike computer or phone that can do everything except wash the dishes is not that attractive to the over 40 cyclist.
One big advantage — you’re probably riding the bike you always wanted because you can afford to do so.