Types of bikes

So, from our previous posts, you may already notice that there are various types of bikes and this post is going to show you some of those varieties. Maybe it will help you make that decision on what bike is right for you.
Many of you may not know this, but there is actually a crazy long list of different kinds of bikes, so I will just stick to mentioning a few :)

Road bikes:
Road bikes are known to have light frames and narrow, high-pressure tires. While they may be pretty uncomfortable, they are designed to be the fastest and lightest type of bike available - which definitely helps when riding up hill!

Mountain bikes:
These bikes are built for rough riding and off-road use - hence the name. They have high-performing brakes, suspension, fat tires and comfortable seats. They are very durable, but their wide tires can sometimes be a problem when travelling for a long time on flat surfaces.

Tandem bikes:
These are bikes made for two. The person in front controls steering, braking and shifting while the person in the back has limited access to brakes. The pedals are connected so that they revolve around the hub in unison. Perhaps an idea for that romantic date your planning...? Haha

Dutch bikes:
Now these bikes are seeming to make a comeback lately - there the vintage style bikes you see around. They got their name due to the fact that they originated in Holland. These bikes have a very uptight riding position and are designed for comfort not speed. They often feature a basket at the front plus mudguards, luggage rack in the back and enclosed chain and gears for low-effort riding.

Happy biking!
Sandra

Artistic Cycling

Artistic cycling is a form of bike riding that you may not be quite aware of. I know I sure wasnt before I came across it in research and I'd like to share with you guys what I learnt :)

First a little history - The first unofficial world artistic cycling world championship was held in 1888 by Nicholas Edward. Now this was primarily a publicity stunt to show off his tricks.
The first official world championships were first held for men in 1956 and women in 1970.

So - What is artistic cycling? Artistic cycling is a form of competitive indoor cycling where individual's perform tricks on fixed-gear bikes. The tricks they perform are of a similar format to ballet or gymnastics, so clearly these people have got to be pretty skilled! The tricks (or exercises, as they are professionally termed) are performed in five minute rounds before a set of judges, and can be either by singles, pairs and four or six man teams.

Here is an example of an artistic bicycle.

Now if your still curious as to how tricks are performed check out the following video (and more) on Youtube:

World Championship Artistic Cycling 2009

Pretty crazy huh! Definitely an interesting and unique sport to watch :)

Sandra

Bike riding around the world

                                   Bike riding around the world

What do u think about bike riding around the world?  

 I think it could be a great experience but a bit hard :)

Many people every year many people decide to enjoy other groups of people to take a trip around the world with their bicycle.

There are some websides as http://www.worldbiking.info/wordpress/ in which everyone can choose which kind of tour they want to do with their bikes.

Another interesting webside is http://www.worldwidebikeride.com/, in which people can choose to share with everyone their trip  and experiences during their bicycle trip around the world.

I invite you to have a look on http://www.worldwidebikeride.com/ and to read Matt story, which is very interesting and crazy :)

Do you know who is the first person riding around the world?

 Thomas Stevens (born 24 December 1854, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England, died London, 24 January 1935, aged 80) was the first person to circle the globe by bicycle. He rode a large-wheeled Ordinary, also known as a penny-farthing, from April 1884 to December 1886^. He later searched for Henry Morton Stanley in Africa, investigated the claims of Indian ascetics and became manager of the Garrick Theatre in London.

Giulia

Reasons to ride a bicycles

                                  Reasons to ride a bicycles:

 There are many different reasons for everyone to start to ride a bicycle :)
 
Firstly especially for wemen  

• ncreased cardiovascular fitness
• increased strength
• increased balance and flexibility
• increased endurance and stamina
• increased calories burne

But this is not all, if u decide to ride a bicycle instead of a car or take train there are others benefits:

1. It is an environmentally friendly mode of transport.
2. You save money on fuel (Gas, Petrol, Diesel or what ever you call it in your country) by riding a bicycle.
3. A bicycle requires comparably less maintenance.
4. Riding a bicycle is good for your health. You develop a strong heart and muscular limbs.
5. You can weave in and out of traffic.
6. Riding a bicycle is a quicker way of getting around the city. I have found that inside city, while driving automobiles, you can hardly go above 35 Km/hr. And many times you are forced to move at a crawl.
7. There are no parking problems. And you do not have to pay a toll for parking in special spots.
8. Riding a bicycle to work everyday, you do not have to set aside time for exercise as this in itself is an exercise. Thus the time saved can be used for other tasks.
9. The slow pace of travel helps you be receptive of the sights around you, which you might in all probably have missed while riding an automobile. And finally …
10. At the end of the day, you feel much better – Physically and Mentally.

 It can be also a funny moment to ride with your children or friends:) 

Giulia

Tutorial: Fixing bike chain

This is a quick tutorial explaining how to place your bike chain back onto your bike.

Step One:  Press the rear chain derailleur down.

Step Two: Whilst holding the rear chain derailleur down, start to pull and place the loosened chain back onto the chain ring.  

Step Three: Once the chain is back on the chain ring, lift up the back wheel and then rotate the pedals twice, this is a way to check that the chain is placed onto the chain ring correctly. 

Zoe & Nathan 

Sydney bikes riding trails

Hi everyone today I am going to talk about Sydney riding trails.

FORGET planes, trains and automobiles if you want to get to know your city while having some fun, cycling is a fantastic way to travel and also a wonderful way to do not get stack in traffic!

Once you know where to begin, you'll be amazed at how many enjoyable rides there are to explore.

Everyone can enjoy to ride a bicycle...

The majority are along dedicated bike paths, free of traffic, and pass through parks, along beaches and rivers, and via breathtaking lookouts.

Some even have wonderful historic features, such as the Sydney Olympic Park track through Newington Armory and the Fernleigh path near Newcastle. Sydney Olympic Park also has hire facilities for those without their own wheels.

These rides all start an easy distance from train stations, and there's no extra charge to take your bike on City Rail trains during weekday off-peak times (outside of 6am-9am and 3.30pm-7.30pm) and all weekend. You can take your bike on the ferry for free at any time, and on wheelchair-accessible buses at the driver's discretion.

Now I am going to show you my favourite bicycle trail in Sydney:

From the Harbour Bridge to Olympic Stadium, the city's groomed for cyclists.

But there are about five best  tracks in town:

Centennial Park:

More than 700,000 cyclists visit Centennial Park each year. This is not surprising considering the parklands, which include entertainment precincts and recreational areas, span 360 hectares in the center of Sydney.

The park is open to cyclists from sunrise to sunset, every day of the year. On any given day, you will likely find a range of cruising speeds around the park pathways -- from learners to professional cyclists.

The Grand Drive is a 3,500-meter loop around the park, which includes a flat, dedicated bike path that is separated from the hordes of horse riders in the area.

Harbour Bridge to ANZAC Bridge:

This 2,600-meter route takes riders over two of Sydney’s most recognizable landmarks –- the Sydney Harbour Bridge and ANZAC Bridge.

This is a relatively easy ride that is protected from the intimidating traffic.

Birkenhead Point to Rozelle:

The Bay Run has long been a favorite of fitness fanatics jogging along the inner west's harbor foreshore. The seven-kilometer path that stretches from Birkenhead Point to Rozelle also has a cycleway. 

This perimeter of Iron Cove takes in the UTS-Drummoyne Rowing Club and rowers use the picturesque bay in the mornings.

The Bay Run passes through various parks and green spaces, which provides rest stops, as well as fitness stations.

Narrabean Lagoon Multi-use Trail:

This seven-kilometer trail is around Narrabeen Lagoon -- a popular recreation spot on Sydney’s northern beaches that welcomes more than 1,000 visitors a day.

A further 2,500 meters is currently being added to the track. It will ultimately enable riders to circumnavigate the entire lagoon.

The first stage of the project was recently awarded the state planning department’s Sydney Greenspace Award.

Sydney Olympic Park:

Sydney Olympic Park is located 25 minutes’ drive west of the city center in Homebush and has more than 35 kilometers of safe cycleways.

Plus there’s a dedicated bike path for kiddies in Bicentennial Park.

Riders have the option of three set circuits that vary in difficulty and in distance from 5,500 meters to 12 kilometers.

Bikers are also given their chance to create their own Cycle Safari -- carving a path through Sydney Olympic Park's dedicated cycleways.

All bike paths are located close to amenities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, water fountains and bathrooms. So you can easily spend the whole day riding around.Cyclists bring their own bike or hire one from a selection of mountain, cruiser and children’s bikes.

Giulia

Popularity of bike riding in Australia

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Popularity of bike riding in Australia

Is it true that bike riding is on the increase in Australia? I am not really sure, I searched for answers and my findings are very contradictory. The Australian Bureau of Statistics claims yes. Whereas professor Rissel believes that bike riding has not really increased in Australia due to population growth, he explains less people are riding today than in 1986.

Map of Sydney's extensive bike lanes.

But really it would appear that bike riding has become more popular, Sydney city has invested  $30 million on bike lanes. I’m guessing taxpayers are also hoping that bike riding is on the increase.  

One factor that could definitely increase bike riding in Australia is more lax laws surrounding helmets; Australia is one of only two countries that has mandatory helmet laws.  Let’s face it helmets are ugly, and I am not the only one who thinks so, a recent survey found that people are more likely to ride bikes if wearing a helmet is not mandatory.  Research has shown that only 10% of bike riding head injuries are prevented by helmet use.

To read more about helmet laws and the effectiveness of helmets visit helmetfreedom.org.

Zoe