Biking for God and Earth: part two

2.  Recreational Uses  
   

• Exercise

Whenever you use a bicycle you get top quality exercise. Bicycling provides both strength and "aerobic" exercise. For most people it is safe and easy, putting little stress on any part of the body. For many people, running can damage feet and knees. When I had a stroke several years ago, I returned to riding a bike for exercise. I had the good sense to wear a helmet, as I had some minor balance issues. If you have health Issues, you may want to consult your physician first. I bought an exercycle after my stroke and used it while recuperating before returning to an actual bike.

• Sightseeing

     Many cities such as Atlanta have bicycle paths around the city, often as part of the rails to trails program. Rural areas may also have bicycle paths. One such path here in Florida is the Palatka to Lake Butler State Trail, and here in Palatka there is a bike trail through the Ravine Gardens State Park. Nearby Gold Head Branch State Park has a bike trail and is fond to me as my Grandfather supervised the construction of the park during the depression. In Canada the Yukon Ridge Road Heritage Trail offers a chance to visit an exciting part of North America. Prince Edward Island offers a 170 mile long trip from one end of the island to another. This trail is also along a former railbed. One reason that so many former rail beds are converted to hiking/biking paths is to preserve them so that they can easily be re-converted to rail beds.
      Shawn J. Gossman, founder of Southern Illinois Cycling Forum  has recommended Tunnel Hill Bike Trail and Rend Lake Bike Trail. He says they are both suitable for cyclists of all skill levels.

• Camping

     Camping can be combined with sightseeing or can be a separate activity, possibly in conjunction with hunting or fishing. Hint: if you are hunting bear or elk, this may not be a good idea unless you provide another way to carry any game home. Be certain that you choose a bicycle suitable for this activity. Also, choose your camping gear carefully. You need lightweight, compact, and durable gear.

• Racing and Other Competitions

     Probably the most famous (and often controversial) bicycle race is the Tour de France, a long, multistage race currently over 2200 miles long. This race has been run annually since 1903, except during the world wars of the 20th century.  Cross-country races similar to the Tour are offered all over the world, often only a few hours long and conducted for local cyclists. A different type of competition is BMX racing, which involves bikes made specifically for the sport and either cross-country or on tracks similar to tracks used for motorcross racing. BMX is often a young persons sport, but older riders also compete.
   Indoor racing on tracks referred to as velodromes has been a sport since the late 19th century and has been a part of every modern Summer Olympics except for 1912. This is a specialized event using bikes made specifically for this sport. These bikes can not be easily used for any other purpose.

• Trick Riding

     Bicycles can also be used for stunts and tricks. Some bicycles are even adapted for tight-ropes. Use your imagination, but be sure that you use a suitable bike. Consult an expert before attaching rockets or jet engines.

3.  Choosing a Bike

•    Know Why You Want a Bike

       There are many different types of bicycles. Some bicycles may be designed for very special uses and not be suitable for general use. Some bikes may be acceptable for a wide range of uses, but not great for most of them. If you want to use one for exercise and even racing on well paved streets you will choose one that you could also use to commute to work as long as you don't have to carry anything you can't back-pack. You would also be able to be a little smug when you parked it at work.

•     Be Sure of Your Budget  

        Bicycle prices cover a wide range. You can probably find a serviceable used bicycle for as little as $25. It is very easy to find bicycles priced well over $1000. For everyday purposes, a good quality new bicycle will run under $300. Better bikes will cost $500-$1000. If you are really serious, be prepared to pay more. Try to find someone knowledgeable on the subject who you can trust to advise you if you are new to the subject. If you can rent or borrow a bike similar to what you think you want you may want to try one before investing much money. You may want to find a club or other group. If the local bike store has a good reputation you will probably get good advice there.

• Find a Bike That Fits You      

       If you were planning to hike or run, you would be sure that you had the right size shoe or boot.  With the right size bike, you will be able to easily mount and ride the bike. If you are going to a good bike shop you can get help there. Good articles are available online, and there are good books on the subject. On a man’s bike, straddle the frame. You should be able to stand flat-footed with an inch or two to spare. On a woman’s bike this will not work because of the missing support. A woman may want to check the size with a man’s bike and use the same size if she really wants a woman’s bike. Women who will be wearing biking clothes often choose a man’s bike.

• Have the Bike Adjusted For You  

First, be sure that the style seat on your bike is one that is comfortable for you. Then make sure that it is at the right height and angle. Most seats can also be adjusted forward or backward. If the seat is at the right height your legs should be almost extended fully when the pedal is at the bottom. A good bike shop will do all this when you buy the bike.

• Be Sure You Have the Right Equipment  

      If you will use the bike at night, dusk, or dawn, You must have DOT approved lights and reflectors. The headlight must be white and be visible for at least 500 feet, and the taillight must be red and visible for at least 600 feet. Choose led lights, and consider rechargeable batteries. Detachable front and rear baskets are available. If you will be off-road or on long road-trips, you will want tube repair equipment and a pump. Most bikes have a water-bottle holder, or you can add one. You will need a handy bottle of water. Water holding back-packs (called camel backs) with drinking tubes are also an option. Make certain you have a proper chain, and the rims and tires are the proper ones and are in good repair. Be certain you have a good drive-chain and it is of the right length. A bike helmet is also an essential piece of equipment. When I resumed serious biking after my stroke I took a few spills and hit my head on more than one sidewalk. Because I insisted on wearing  my helmet I was not injured.