How to Prevent Saddle Sore: Tips for Heavy Riders
By Joan Bishop Denizot

There are several reasons why cycling can be a good exercise for heavy people. Cycling is not only a fun outdoor activity but it is a low impact exercise that cyclists can do at their own pace without straining their joints. However, like all cyclists, heavy riders can be at risk of suffering from saddle sore.

Saddle sore is a skin disorder usually found in the area of the body such as the inner thighs and the perineal region that are in contact with the bicycle seat. It can be quite uncomfortable and even painful. This has been a common problem among cyclists regardless of weight. However, those who go for long rides and those who are a bit on the heavy side are more prone to experiencing saddle sore. To avoid it, experienced riders share these tips.

Seat height is one factor to consider. When buying your bike, try giving it a test ride to see whether the seat is set properly. A seat that is too high will pull your body further into the saddle as you reach for the pedal. This causes excessive pressure that may lead to saddle sore. A seat that is too low on the other hand, does not allow your legs to support your body and may put too much pressure on your crotch which also increases the risk of having saddle sore.

You can have the seat height adjusted just at the right height where you can actually sit upright and place both feet on the ground for balance. The right seat height can lessen the pressure on your sit bones and crotch area reducing the chances of chaffing.

The width of the saddle can also contribute to experiencing soreness. If the saddle is too wide, you might experience increased pressure in the crotch region which causes chaffing that leads to saddle sore.

While it is essential to wear a good pair of padded cycling shorts, experienced riders warn about wearing thick shorts. These tend to bunch up along the sides of the saddle and hold in sweat. The longer you are in these shorts and with the sweat accumulating in your crotch area, the higher the risk of skin irritation that leads to soreness. It may also cause bacteria build up that leads to infection in the chaffed area. It is recommended that you wear a chamois that does not have a seam in the middle of the shorts to prevent unwanted rubbing. Some riders suggest applying chamois cream but you might want to consult your doctor which would be good for you especially if you have sensitive skin.

If you can manage to stand on the pedals for brief 10 seconds to relieve pressure on your seat, try doing so. This can also help allow blood to circulate along your seat area.

Remember that saddle soreness is common among cycling enthusiasts regardless of weight and length of cycling experience. But it is something that can be prevented so you can enjoy your cycling to fitness and health.

Whether you are an average sized rider or a heavier one who wanted to try biking for recreational purposes, commuting, or losing weight, Zize Bikes for a line-up of custom made, extra sturdy bicycles for everybody that can support ALL riders of ALL sizes (up to 550 pounds).

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Be Aware and Be Seen While Cycling at Night
By Meagan J Deacon

Even if you ride your bike to work, chances are you've never had to ride at night. Even when you had to stay late at work you probably hitched a ride home instead of riding your bike. Your reasons for this were good ones! Without the right gear, night riding is as terrifying as it is dangerous. Until you get used to it, riding at night can be scary. But there are steps you can take to ease into it, safely.

Tips for Cycling at Night:

• Tip #1: Choose a Lighted Path

Many bike paths keep their lights on well into the night, making them suitable for bicycle commuting well past when the sun goes down. Finding a lighted path means a cyclist doesn't need much more gear to be able to ride at night. Be sure to read the signs before entering to find out if the lights run all night or if they have an automatic cut-off time.

• Tip #2: Wear Clear Glasses

Plenty of cyclists own snazzy and functional eyewear. But if you're used to riding during the day, they probably have dark lenses. When searching for those perfect glasses, you probably wondered why anyone would want anything but sunglass lenses. The reason is clear. Clear is the best choice for night riding. If you don't have a pair of clear, cycling-specific glasses, a pair of basic safety glasses will work just fine.

• Tip #3: Be Aware

If you thought riding in traffic in broad daylight was scary, night riding is a whole new adventure. If you're used to riding around on auto-pilot during the day, you will need to switch over to a more alert mode when riding after sunset. If this is your first trip out on a bike at night, go slow and keep your eyes open for unexpected obstacles, bumps in the road, potholes, and other obstructions. Be mindful of your position to take the weight off of your seat and put it on your feet, on the pedals. Use your legs as suspension to soak up anything you might not see with your eyes first.

• Tip #4: Overuse Reflective Tape

Make yourself as visible as possible! Add reflective strips to your bag, bike frame and the clothing you plan to be riding in.

• Tip #5: Make a Plan

The above tips are perfect for when you find yourself staring down an unplanned bike trip in the dark. Stopping at a nearby hardware store on your lunch break, using Google to find a bike path, and making sure you are covered in reflective tape will help you for an unexpected ride. To become a night riding expert, you will need to take a few more steps. One of them being, actually making a plan.

• Tip #6: Pick the Right Bike

The right bike for night riding is one that can take a beating. A road bike with old parts and fatter tires is the perfect night-time bike. Fatter tires are able to soak up unexpected bumps better than the normal tires found on racing bikes.

• Tip #7: KEEP IT SLOW!

Sayre is the leading manufacturer of reflective gear for use by athletes, military personnel and industrial safety. All of their products are manufactured in their Virginia factory and they are made using military grade materials. For more information on their reflective safety gear call 800.552.6064 or visit http://www.sayreinc.com to browse through their Reflex Reflective Safety product line.

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How to Cycle Safely on a Busy Road
By Joan Bishop Denizot

The road to fitness is from the road itself.

Bicycling or bike-riding is steadily increasing in popularity as a mode of transportation when going to school, office or work and as a means of recreation. It also opened for many opportunities for sports enthusiasts to showcase their strength and stamina in cycling competitions or bike races.

Many of the conducted studies on the benefits of cycling show that a regular routine of riding the bicycle helps reduce various health risks and problems due to our unhealthy lifestyle. First, it reduces our risk from cardiovascular diseases that include hypertension and heart attack among others. Second, it decreases the feeling of anxiety and depression that could be fatal if unattended. Lastly, it is also one of the important alternatives to lose weight. It burns our excess fats accumulated in our bodies then turns these heavy baggage to become muscles. In losing weight, it would be beneficial if the exercise is accompanied with a healthy diet like eating organic and nutritious food. It would help plenty! But how to cycle safely on a busy road? Here are some friendly suggestions for your own safety.

Keep on track. There is nothing to worry about if we follow traffic rules and regulations. Staying on a particular bicycle lane secures safety from accidents or among other incidents that might happen. Focus and spread your eyes at some of the debris, humps, parked cars and among others.

Give a hint. The importance of signals while cycling reduces incidents including crashes, bumping, and other accidents. With the proper and right hand signals, it is also advisable to wear vibrant colors to maintain visibility.

Make the best out of it. Of course, it will never be complete if you don't combine your journey with fun and enjoyment. Feel the wind and be mesmerized with the beauty of nature. There is no room for pains and aches unless we think that fitness with joy ride are best partners to be successful.

Cycling has run through many miles and it has already helped many people from various race, culture, size and shape. It has changed the way we perceive on managing our life to make it better every day. Therefore, it is not too late to include cycling as one of your daily routines. One pedal at a time and the finish line of the road to fitness is just right ahead.

Whether you are an average sized rider or a heavier one who wanted to try biking for recreational purposes, commuting, or losing weight, check out Zize Bikes company for a line-up of custom made, extra sturdy bicycles for everybody that can support ALL riders of ALL sizes (up to 550 pounds).

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How to Balance on a Bicycle
By Joan Bishop Denizot

Riding a bicycle is fun, thrilling, and exciting. It has become a common form of exercise for most people due to the numerous benefits that biking offers. This has also become a form exercise for most, in spite of their sex, age, and weight. With the increasing number of people enjoying this activity, more bicycle models have been developed and introduced in order to satisfy the growing demand of the riders.

Heavy riders can now enjoy a safer and worry-free riding experience due to the wide array of bicycles fit for them. These bicycles are built to ensure that falling and out balancing will not occur or will not be encountered. Custom made bicycles are also being offered to heavy riders for better fitting and right specifications. But despite the availability of these safe bicycles, one should still know the basics of bicycle riding, most specifically balancing. Some of the most helpful tips and techniques to enhance the biker's ability to balance oneself were listed below.

• Choose bicycle models with lower and wider pedals to allow for a quick and easy stopping anytime.
• Lower bicycle's seat for easy touching of the ground when accidental falls occur.
• Equip bicycle with a wide and well-padded seat to add comfort to the rider.
• Learn the techniques on proper stopping and correct braking of the bicycle.
• Ride the bicycle at a controllable speed and with enough self-esteem and confidence.
• Enjoy the ride and avoid pressuring oneself to immediately cycle at a fast pace.
• Know the several roles of the bicycle parts including the steering details and functions.
• Practice in a safe place with flat and concrete areas for an easier and smoother pacing.
• Ask for assistance or help while practicing by holding the back of the bicycle while trying to stay put on the pedal.
• Practice up hills and down hills with so much gentleness and care.
• Wear the appropriate clothes which allow moving freely, easily, and comfortably during the entire bicycle ride.
• Equip with safety gears such as helmets, knee pads, and hand gloves.
• Practice more and continue learning. Never give up!

This guide will help heavy riders achieve better balance while riding a bicycle. Moreover, the latest innovations in the bicycle models either customized or not, will ensure only the best performance during the entire biking experience. With these, heavy riders are guaranteed to have the best, most enjoyable and most satisfying ride of their life in order to achieve a fit and healthy body.

Whether you are an average sized rider or a heavier one who wanted to try biking for recreational purposes, commuting, or losing weight, check out Zize Bikes company for a line-up of custom made, extra sturdy bicycles for everybody that can support ALL riders of ALL sizes (up to 550 pounds).

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How Bright Does a Bike Light Need To Be?
By Graham Peaden

How do you choose a bike light?

1) Brightness.

The brightness of a light is measured in Lumens. To give a comparison figure a car light produces about 700 lumens. Bike lights can vary from say 15 to 1500 lumens or more depending on the light. So how do you choose the right light for your bike?

On Road Cycling

If a bike is used solely for on road cycling then the light does not need to be as bright as a bike that is used for off road cycling. Even so when riding on road you still need to be seen by all of the traffic that there is about. There can also be sections of a road which are not lit by street lights. All of these factors need to be borne in mind when selecting a bike light. For on road cycling where you might be just commuting from home to work you probably don't need a front light to be brighter than 200 lumens. If there are dark stretches along the route then maybe 400 lumens might be needed. A rear light would need a lot fewer lumens as that is more about making sure that you are seen by traffic rather than illuminating your path.

Off Road Cycling

For off road cycling a much brighter light would be needed in order to be able to see what hazards there are ahead. It is likely that there won't be any other form of lighting in the place where you are cycling and so the light that you have must provide all of the light to safely travel off road. Here you want to consider a light with a minimum of 600 Lumens but you might be safer going for 800 to 1000 lumens.

A compromise light might be one of the Lezyne lights which has a powerful "overdrive" facility which provides a very bright light for off road but has normal 200 to 600 for ordinary on road use. Such a light might be the Lezyne 600 LX Macro drive which can produce 15 - 600 Lumens for ordinary use and 900 Lumens for off road use.

Other aspects to consider in buying a bike light

2) Side on Visibility.

Another factor when travelling on roads is side on visibility. It is all well and good being very visible at the front and back but at junctions you need to be seen by traffic from the side.

Many bike lights have a "leakage" factor built in so that the light emits some light to the side of the light. It is even possible to buy lights that are specifically designed to shine to the side of the bike.

Alternatively you could rely on good bright reflective strips or lights that attach to the spokes of the bike to give high side on visibility.

3) Connecting to your bike.

Another factor to be considered is how easy or difficult it is to connect the light to a bike. Some lights have rigid fixings and some have very flexible ones. All of them will have to stand some vibration from the roads or tracks where the bike is travelling. This is especially true of off road riding. How easy or otherwise would it be to connect the light in the dark and in the cold, when you may be wearing gloves?

4) Battery Charge time.

Depending on the light that you get you will also need to consider how long it takes to charge up. If you are using a bike for a regular commute then it might be easy to charge the bike light whilst at work. Some lights can be charged in a couple of hours, but some take as long as 5 hours to charge.

5) Discharge time.

A bike light is only as good as the time that it is switched on so another factor to consider is how long the battery is going to last. It needs to last as long as the journey that you are doing, or you will need to carry a spare light or battery depending on your light.

6) How strong / robust is the light constructed?

A bike light needs to be strong and robust. Even if it is just for commuting it is quite possible for the bike to slip over in cold slippery weather and for the light to therefore impact on the ground. It is also possible that it might get dropped when putting a light on or taking it off a bike.

7) Waterproof or watertight construction.

A bike light is going to get wet whether it is used for commuting or for riding off road. Therefore you need to consider how waterproof a light is.

Conclusion

Ultimately the choice of light is determined by the use that you need to put it to, but it is good to get a light, or two, which suits the particular use that you need it for.

For further information see [http://www.goodbikeadvice.com/bike-lights/] where there is lots of useful advice about bike products.

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Items to Include in a Bicycle Safety Kit
By Sarahbeth Kluzinski

As the season turns warmer, people are spending more time outdoors. Activities like walking, jogging, skating, kayaking, golfing, and fishing are common outdoor pastimes enjoyed by men and women of all ages and ethnicities. One of the most popular outdoor activities for people of all ages is bicycling.

As one of the oldest amusements, bike riding has taken on many new forms, and now includes a wide range of bicycles, both manual and motorized. Regardless of the type of bike you prefer to ride, be sure you are staying safe at all times. Bikers are especially vulnerable on the roads, and often times, become victims of personal injuries. This is why it is important to know and practice bicycle safety, and teach it to your loved ones.

One way to ensure you are protected on your bike is to always carry a safety kit. Bicycle safety kits can also come in many forms. You can assemble your own by choosing the general safety items and then adding in any additional items you think you might need. You can also purchase pre-assembled kits at your local bicycle store or sports shop. Continue reading to learn how to get your bicycle safety kit started.

Here's What to Include in Your Kit:

Helmet - Wearing a helmet is biking safety 101, regardless of your age. It is the first piece of safety gear to consider, and in many states, it is the law to wear one. Be sure to choose a quality helmet that is the proper size and fit.

Reflectors - Having reflectors is not only important for nighttime biking, it is also a good idea to have reflectors on hazy, foggy, or cloudy days. Reflectors can be worn as sashes and vests, or they can be attached to your bike on the front and back. They can be solar-powered or battery-powered, and they come in all different shapes, sizes, watts, and fits.

Tools - There are various tools you can add to your kit to ensure safer, easier biking in the case of an incident. The collection of bicycle tools you choose to add to your kit will largely depend on your level of biking ability, and the type of biking you'll be doing. Standard tools include a tire puncture repair kit, tire pump, and a pocket-sized tool kit, while more advanced tools may include a spoke wrench, screwdriver, and chain tools.

Water - Biking exerts energy and burns calories, so it is important to stay hydrated. Always carry a bottle or thermos of water with you when you ride.

If you are injured while riding your bike as a result of another person's negligence, it is important to contact a licensed personal injury lawyer to discuss your rights to recover compensation for your damages and losses. Be sure to act fast before the statutes of limitations runs out.

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer who can help you gain control of your life after suffering a serious bicycle injury or loss. They offer free initial consultations and never collect fees attorney fees unless they recover for you.

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8 Details Helping You Better Cope With High-Intensity Riding
By Lin Yang

1. Check and repair the bicycle:

After assembling the bike, always make sure that the height of the saddle and the spacing of the handlebar suit you. If the bike has ever fallen on the ground, you must first check every part of the bike before you ride it.

2. Check the clipless pedal:

Tighten the screws and bolt splints since the loosened screws after a long ride can result in the skewing of the splints. If the splint moves too forward or too backward, it will lead to increased pressure on the knees when you are pedaling and increase the risk of injury. When you adjust the splint to the ideal position, make a marker so that when the splint deviates you can quickly tune it back.

3. Warm up before riding:

Stretching before riding can help reduce the problem of the stiffness of muscles and joints at the start of riding. Conduct dynamic stretching for 5-10 minutes by the leg-crossing stretches and scorpion-shaped stretches to open the hips and lumbar joints.

4. Control the riding frequency:

Control the frequency between 90 and 115 per minute to reduce the pressure on the knees, especially the femoropatellar joint. The use of lower gear ratio can bring about more improvements than the high-intensity riding, but at the same time increases the risk of injuries.

5. Remember to relax the muscles after riding:

Use a foam roller, if possible, to relax muscles and reduce the muscle acid pains. In particular, the relaxation of the iliotibial band, quadriceps, and piriformis (inner muscle) can make you recover faster. Your hands certainly can also be used to relax your muscles.

6. Prepare sufficient supplies:

Riding is long-time aerobic exercise. Dehydration and physical consumption will make you fatigued quickly, which increase the risk of sports injuries. Electrolyte-containing sports drinks can help you replenish not only water but also the sodium chloride, magnesium, potassium and other minerals lost with sweats. In addition, the banana is an effective sports supply for it is rich with three kinds of sugar (fructose, sucrose, and glucose), vitamin B, and minerals, which are consumed in a large amount when exercising.

7. Take portable Tools:

Cycling is a semi-mechanical sport. Sudden equipment damages such as a blowout, components-loosening for the bump of roads are inevitable, so tire spoon, spare inner tube, portable cartridges, and tools need to be prepared.

8. Purchase an insurance:

The purchase of insurance is quite necessary for the road situation is complex. Even if you are trying to be foolproof, the accidents are inevitable. So buy a suitable insurance for yourself and then start cycling, carefree.

To know more about cycling clothing, please visit our website. [https://www.cycling4you.com]

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Dirt Bikes For Kids by Andrew Green

Can you get dirt bikes for kids?

Dirt biking has become a more popular and much more accessible pastime than it once was. The bikes, parts and accessories have become much cheaper and because of the increase in participants there are gradually more and more tracks to give it a go. It is true that dirt biking is one of the more dangerous sports you can take up and if you are already an avid dirt biker who hasn't hit the dust yet, it's almost guaranteed you will at some point.

That said, many of the accidents are through a lack of care or simply because the biker is inexperienced. There is no substitute for time on the track, and if you're one of many considering the option of dirt bikes for kids then starting them young and keeping a close eye on them is a definite advantage.

Dirt bikes for kids are widely available now; 47cc dirt bikes becoming very popular. Basically, they look exact replicas of the real sized thing but have a smaller engine and lower frame. A mini-moto can safely hold up to about 10 stone in weight.

Are dirt bikes for kids safe

As long as the bike is treated with respect and the kids have somebody responsible watching over them there is no reason why dirt bikes for kids can't be just as safe as dirt bikes for adults. Taking attention to buying the proper gear and a bike in good condition will go along way to ensuring the experience is as safe as possible.

Also, be sure to go to a well managed track will offer a little added security. If the track is in good condition and managed on a regular basis there will be less accident black spots where unpredictable and often dangerous accidents can happen. Don't, though, let your kids race around a track with older riders as this will undoubtedly lead to trouble.

Everything else about dirt bikes for kids.

Dirt bikes for kids are a relatively affordable pastime for your kids. The bike itself will cost around 200 pounds or $400, and the same again for good quality and safe equipment. With a 5 litre tank dirt bikes for kids will go for miles and miles before you need to refill the petrol tank. Apart from these costs there isn't very much else you need to worry about except paying for the use of a track.

Dirt Bikes HQ, https://www.dirtbikeshq.com/, for lots of information about dirt biking.

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Avoiding Dirt Bike Accidents by Andrew Green

Is there any way I can avoid dirt bike accidents?

The quick answer to this questions is no, you will inevitably have a dirt bike accident during your time as a dirt bike racer. It's simply a matter of time, however you should be able to limit the number and severity of your accidents by the way you ride and the attitude you have when you're on the back of your bike.

Does attitude really play a part in reducing dirt bike accidents?

Absolutely, but there's a fine line that you need to be on, and riding on either side of the line can result in an accident. If you have little or no confidence then you are probably going to crash, albeit at low speed but even low speed accidents can hurt; especially if you are hit by someone who isn't doing such a low speed. A lack of confidence usually tends to mean a lack of practise so practise somewhere very quiet and gain as much confidence as you can in both your ability and your bike's behaviour.

On the other flip side of the coin, though, you can be too confident and become reckless and dangerous. This will probably lead to more dangerous accidents for you and possibly other riders around you. The trick here is to be confident but not too cocky when it comes to your riding.

Knowledge is power, even concerning dirt bike accidents.

The more you know all the factors involved in your dirt bike racing the more chance you have of dirt bike racing being a fun and less dangerous sport. Get to know your bike's abilities, your own abilities and as much as you can about the course before you start trying to break any records or win any races. This is where the fine line comes into it. If you're racing a track blind you still need to have the confidence to get out there and ride fast enough to make an impact. If possible walk around the track before and see what you're up against, even better watch some riders practising and see what they're doing; where they're going wrong and where they're doing well.

Dirt bike accidents can hurt like hell and do damage to you and your bike. If you know enough about your bike and your track and you have the right level of confidence then there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to race for years with only a few less serious accidents; but do bear in mind that accidents are basically a part and parcel of dirt bike racing and they will happen to you eventually.

Dirt Bikes HQ, http://www.dirtbikeshq.com/, for lots of information about dirt biking.

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How to Stretch Muscle Properly by Maria Clara

Here are my useful tips to properly stretch muscle and avoid pain after workout.
You have to remember the three T's, first the Temperature, a warm muscle allows increased muscle length. Time, stretching should take 30 seconds in general and finally, the Tension, you have to stretch your muscle to the point where it is slightly uncomfortable but not painful.

The reasons why we have to stretch are muscles are for our overall body benefits. Stretching can increase flexibility and joint range of motion. It can also prepare our muscle and soft tissues for ballistic activity. Stretching can also enhance our physical performance; it decreases the risk of injury and post exercise soreness. Most importantly, stretching can improve our mood and can make us feel good and focus.

Here are my guidelines on how to stretch muscle in the way:

- You do not have to overstretch it, if you feel pain stop it right away.

- Stretch slowly and with control and gradual progress.

- Be patient with your progress, you should be able to increase your strength and endurance within a period, it may be weeks or months before you can see results from what you are doing, do not over do things.

- Stop stretching if you suspect that it is coming from the joints. The feeling of stretch should only come from the muscle not to the joints.

- Remember that strength and flexibility go hand-in-hand. A strong muscle should be loose and a tight muscle is a weak muscle.

- Breath normally do not hold your breath, it may cause you to feel dizzy.

- Use the right measurement and caution when stretching the neck and lower back, these are very critical parts so be extra careful.

- Stretch those muscles that feel tight, it has to be soften up to avoid cramps.
There you go; I hope these tips became useful to you. Remember the three T's and my safe guidelines on how to stretch muscles properly.

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