Extreem Bike Sport

Mount Puntang Challenge 2009

2009-02-28T13:34:00.011+07:00

Whats on July in West Java, 1ndonesia?


festival gunung puntang 2009

Some activities in MOUNTAIN PUNTANG Challenge 2009 will be broadcast live via internet. The organizers deliberately brings the high-technology (Satellite) in this forest.

Certainly, the position from START to finish MTB downhill can be witnessed via the internet. So friends DH lovers(downhill), around the world can witness this historic moment. Friends with the mountain bike community where ever, whit this direct broadcast facility you can watch together this event with the Cafe, Public, Internet Cafe, Ect ... how cool is that?

PReSS MEDIA CENTER Friends of journalist who participated in the activities covered MOUNT PUNTANG Challenge 2009, will be equipped with internet facilities (HOT SPOT) with high speed. So that the distribution of news can be sent to their Office center. PHONE MOBILE, MEDICAL TEAM Support, SAR, SECURITY MOUNT PUNTANG Challenge 2009. Some mobile phone operators will strengthen signal.

So that all participants, visitors can continue to communicate. In addition, the strength of the signal, strongly support efforts to follow the safety, security and supervision activities MOUNT PUNTANG Challenge 2009. So, when something happens, the mobile phone communication can help victims of evacuation, with the support of team communication ORARI / RAPI.

Consider it as an invitation to all readers.
Be There.... coz 1ndonesia was a dangerously beautifull

The Right Bike for You

2009-02-27T01:51:00.010+07:00

Now that you have decided to buy a bike, which type should you pick?

Trail bikes or light-duty mountain bikes:
Similar looks and features as mountain bikes, but usually not as light, rugged, nor expensive as real mountain bikes. This bike is fine for trail and road use but won’t take the abuse mountain bikes can. Ideal for commuters, family and recreational riding.

Comfort bikes:
Similar to light mountain/trail bikes, but with less distance between seats and handlebars, a higher front end for more upright seating. Usually have shock-absorbing seat posts for seat comfort, some have flexible, shock absorbing handlebar stems or telescoping, shock absorbing front forks, wider, softer saddles, and wide pedals. Ideal for comfortable recreation, trail, commuter users. Very popular with adults wanting more comfort and more upright seating.

Mountain bikes:
Have rugged stronger components and frames, intended for rougher, off-road riding in rugged terrain, over rocks and logs, but are often used on-road. Have fat knobby tires for more traction and cushion, flatter-profile handlebars for a more leaned-over seating position, very low gears for easier hill climbing. Some have suspension systems for greater shock absorption. This bike is for riders wanting the off-road experience on a bike.

Road, touring, and comfort bikes:
Built for pavement riding, increased aerodynamics, and speed. Have smoother, narrow tires, turned-down handlebars, and often skinny saddles. For riders wanting more speed, to ride longer distances, or a more aerobically intense workout. Road models are usually lighter with a slightly shorter wheelbase length for more nimble, quick response. Touring models have a longer wheelbase, increased road-shock absorbency, and various threaded eyelets for attaching carrying racks and bags.

Hybrid or cross bikes:
Combines mountain-bike seating and handlebar position with wider tires on road-bike diameter wheels. Excellent for use on both pavement and dirt trails, but not intended to be a great road bike or mountain bike. Some have shock seat posts and handlebar stems and either straight-across handlebars (causing riders to lean slightly forward), or cruiser bars curving back towards the rider (who sits more upright). More expensive models have front telescoping shock absorber forks. This bike is enjoyed by serious and recreation riders riding more on pavement who want more nimbleness and speed.

Cruisers:
Fat tire bikes. Usually heavier bikes with one speed and coaster brakes, or multi-speed with hand brakes, wide tires, upright handlebars and seating position. For road, boardwalks and riders who want a bike “like I had as a kid!”

How to Not Get Hit by Cars

2009-02-23T11:48:00.004+07:00

How to Not Get Hit by Cars

The Right Cross: This is one of the most common types of collision or potential collisions. A car is pulling out of a side street, parking lot, or driveway on the right. Either you’re in front of the car and the car hits you, or the car pulls out in front of you and you slam into it.

How to avoid this collision: Get a headlight. Lights make you more visible, even in daylight. Honk. Get a bell or a horn and use it. Slow down so must that you’re able to completely stop if you have to. Move left. The farther left you are, the more likely the driver will see you. Also, you have more room to maneuver by moving even farther left or by speeding up and getting out of the way.

The Door Prize: A driver opens his door right in front of you. You run right into it if you can’t stop in time. To avoid this collision, ride to the left far enough that you won’t run into any door that opens unexpectedly.

Red Light of Death: You stop to the right of a car that’s already waiting at a red light or stop sign. They can’t see you. When the light turns green, you move forward, and then they turn right, right into you. To avoid this collision, don’t stop in the blind spot. Simply stop behind a car, instead of to the right of it. This makes you very visible to traffic on all sides.

The Right Hook: A car passes you and then tries to make a right turn directly in front of you, or right into you. They think you’re not going very fast just because you’re on a bicycle, so it never occurs to them that they can’t pass you in time. To avoid this collision, don’t ride on the sidewalk, ride to the left, and glance in your mirror before approaching an intersection.

The Right Hook Part Two You’re passing a slow-moving car on the right when it unexpectedly makes a right turn right into you, trying to get a parking lot, driveway or side street. To avoid this collision, don’t pass on the right. If a car ahead of you is going only 10 mph, then you slow down too, behind it. Look behind you before turning right.

The Left Cross: A car coming towards you makes a left turn right in front of you or right into you. To avoid this collision, don’t ride on the side walk, get a headlight and wear bright colored clothing. Slow down.

The Rear End: A car runs into you from behind. To avoid this accident, ride on very wide roads or in bike lanes or on roads where the traffic moves slowly; also, get a rear light and a mirror.

The Crosswalk Slam: You’re riding on the sidewalk and cross the street at a crosswalk and a car makes a right turn right into you. To avoid this collision, slow down, get a headlight and don’t ride on the sidewalk in the first place.

Wrong Way Wallop: You’re riding the wrong way. A car makes a right turn from a side street, driveway, or parking lot right into you. They didn’t see you because they were looking for traffic only on their left, not on their right. Don’t ride against traffic. Ride with traffic, in the same direction.

Avoid Busy Streets: One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they start biking is to take the exact same routes they used when they were driving. It’s usually better to take the streets with fewer and slower cars.

Ride As If You Were Invisible: Assume that motorists don’t know you’re there and ride in such a way that they won’t hit you even if they don’t see you.

Mountain Biking ; The Basics

2009-02-20T04:09:00.003+07:00

Learning more about mountain biking will help you enjoy the sport more. Knowledge is key to having the right bike and equipment for your ride.

If you want a good way to spend time outside having fun, then you may want to try mountain biking. If you are looking for a fun adrenaline rush, then going very fast down the side of a mountain can be great fun, but it is also dangerous. If you are careful and take precautions, though, it is a sport that the whole family can enjoy.

Mountain Biking Styles
There are three styles of mountain biking. The three different styles include cross-country, free riding, and downhill biking. The styles are somewhat similar to each other, but they each have different skills that are needed. The mountain biking style that you want to do will determine what kind of bike that you need to purchase.

Where to Mountain Bike
Mountain biking is usually done on an unpaved surface. You can find many different areas throughout North America that have specially designed biking trails for you. It is important to check with your local park before you just take off down a trail to make sure that you know the rules and regulations that they have.

There are also groups that you can join to compete against and ride with. It is easy to find a group via the web or in your local paper. You can even ask at your local bike shop if they know of any groups. You can find groups for any experience level - from beginner to more advanced.

Basic Mountain Bike Component Identification Guide

1. Bar-ends 2. Brake levers 3. Cassette 4. Chain 5. Chain stays 6. Chainrings 7. Crank arm 8. Down tube 9. Front brake calipers 10. Front derailleur 11. Front hub 12. Front quick-release skewer 13. Front tire 14. Front wheel 15. Handlebars 16. Head tube 17. Headset 18. Headset top cap & bolt 19. Headset spacers 20. Inner tube valve 21. Integrated shifters 22. Pedals 23. Rear brake calipers 24. Rear derailleur 25. Rear hub 26. Rear quick-release skewer 27. Rear tire 28. Rear wheel 29. Removable face plate 30. Saddle 31. Seat collar 32. Seat post 33. Seat stays 34. Seat tube 35. Spokes 36. Stem 37. Suspension fork 38. Top tube 39. Water bottle bosses

Great Biker
To be an accomplished mountain biker, you must first build up your stamina and endurance. If you are racing, then you will want to add a lot of practice and ambition to the mix. Just as with any other sport, mountain biking takes practice to get good at. If you are just beginning, you will have to practice and take those bruises and spills until you get better. There is no way around it.

Mountain Bike Selection
Depending upon what kind of bike riding you will be doing, your bike choice revolves around that fact and your personal desires. You can find bikes in many different price ranges, shapes, and styles, which makes it somewhat overwhelming to find the right one for you.

The internet is a great place to start your bike search. It is easy to compare prices and look at different features of bikes on the internet because there is not stress. You will want to try out the bike before you purchase it, though, so you may have to go to the local bike shop for that. When trying out a bike, you will want to consider the comfort, fit, and how it is made and geared to help you make the best decision for you.

Safety First
Riding a mountain bike can be very dangerous because you are riding on uneven terrain. It is important that you wear a helmet no matter where your riding and elbow and knee pads to help keep yourself safe. If you choose to ride in a wooded area or are going to be following other riders, then you may want to consider adding some goggles to your equipment to help keep your eyes safe. Safety should be your top priority in preparing and riding.

Equiptment For Mountain Biking

2009-02-20T04:05:00.001+07:00

The categories of equipment for mountain bikes include a great number of subcategories. These subcategories include the bikes, frames, accessories, biking apparel, and even the separate components that make up the bikes. There are a number of items that you can get for mountain biking, so it is imperative that you know what you want. You first need to determine what kind of biking that you do. Do you mountain bike for fun or are you into it for racing? If you have just started your mountain biking adventure, then your first purchase will need to be a bike that will meet your needs and wants.

Clothing that is specially made for mountain biking is much looser than the other clothing made for cycling. The difference between mountain biking apparel and other biking apparel is very noticeable and easy to see. All kinds of cycling have one thing in common, however, and that is helmets. Helmets should be worn anytime you are on your bike. This will help to protect your head from the many hazards that may be on the trail.

There are accessories that can help make your biking safer for you, too. One of these accessories is mountain bike lights. If you are going to be riding at night, then you will need some kind of lighting on your bike, whether it is LED lights or other lights. Lights enable mountain bikers to enjoy the trail at any time of the day or night.

You can find your mountain bike supplies at your local bike shop or online at many different bicycling retailers. You can find everything that you need-from knee guards to full body guards to helmets to other apparel and accessories. The shops will be able to assist you to find mountain biking gear for any level of rider, from the casual to the more extreme enthusiast.

Protective gear is essential in mountain biking, especially. It will help you to withstand the rigors of mountain and downhill racing. Many different body armor pieces help to protect different parts of the body to make sure that you will be protected if you have an accident. This gear is specially made to protect you without taking away from the experience and fun of mountain biking.

The most important thing that you need to purchase to help keep yourself safe is a biking helmet. A helmet can keep you alive in this sometimes dangerous sport. No matter how small the race, biking helmets are required to help keep you safe. To keep your hands free from burns or blisters, you may want to choose some gloves. They serve a functional use as well, because they help to give you a much stronger grip on the handlebars for maximum control.

Mountain biking demands comfortable clothing. Most races occur during the summer, so shorts and t-shirts are the most commonly seen clothing, but during the winter months, you may see pants and sweatshirts. You are sure to find the perfect clothing to ride in no matter what time of the year to help you be comfortable and to look cool.

Benefits and Losses of Biking

2009-02-20T03:25:00.001+07:00

Benefits

The physical exercise gained from cycling is generally linked with increased health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is second only to tobacco smoking as a health risk in developed countries, and this is associated with many tens of billions of dollars of healthcare costs. The WHO's report suggests that increasing physical activity is a public health 'best buy', and that cycling is a 'highly suitable activity' for this purpose. The charity Sustrans reports that investment in cycling provision can give a 20:1 return from health and other benefits. It has been estimated that, on average, approximately 20 life-years are gained from the health benefits of road bicycling for every life-year lost through injury.

Bicycles are often used by people seeking to improve their fitness and cardiovascular health. In this regard, cycling is especially helpful for those with arthritis of the lower limbs who are unable to pursue sports that cause impact to the knees and other joints. Since cycling can be used for the practical purpose of transportation, there can be less need for self-discipline to exercise.

Interestingly, it has been found that despite toning the leg muscles, cycling actually causes buttocks to lose tone and muscle.

Cycling while seated is a relatively non-weight bearing exercise that, like swimming, does little to promote bone density. Cycling up and out of the saddle, on the other hand, does a better job by transferring more of the rider's body weight to the legs. However, excessive cycling while standing can cause knee damage. It used to be thought that cycling while standing was less energy efficient, but recent research has proven this not to be true. Other than air resistance, there is no wasted energy from cycling while standing if it is done correctly.

Cycling on a stationary cycle is frequently advocated as a suitable exercise for rehabilitation, particularly for lower limb injury due to the low impact that it has on the joints. In particular cycling is commonly used within knee rehabilitation programs.

Injuries
Cycling is seen by some to be an inherently high-risk, dangerous activity although use of appropriate safety equipment can reduce risk of serious injury. In the UK, fatality rates per mile or kilometer are slightly less than those for walking. In the US, bicycling fatality rates are less than 2/3 of those walking the same distance. For a child cyclist the rate per mile or kilometer travelled is around 55 times that for a child occupant of a car, while the fatality and serious injury rates per hour of travel are just over double for cycling than for walking (due to the reduced travel time), in the UK. It should be noted that calculated fatality rates based on distance for bicycling (as well as for walking) can have an exceptionally large margin of error, since there are generally no annual registrations or odometers required for bicycles (as there are with motor vehicles), and this means the distance traveled must be estimated.

Most cycle deaths result from a collision with a car or heavy goods vehicle. However, a very high proportion of non-fatal injuries to cyclists do not involve any other person or vehicle.

A Danish study in 2000 concluded that "bicycling to work decreased risk of mortality in approximately 40% after multivariate adjustment, including leisure time physical activity". This conclusion is open to various interpretations.
Injuries (to cyclists, from cycling) can be divided into two types:
• Physical trauma (extrinsic)
• Overuse (intrinsic).

Acute physical trauma includes injuries to the head and extremities resulting from falls and collisions. Since a large percentage of the collisions between motor and pedal vehicles occur at night, bicycle lighting is required for safety when bicycling at night.

The most common cycling overuse injury occurs in the knees, affecting cyclists at all levels. These are caused by many factors:
• Incorrect bicycle fit or adjustment, particularly the saddle.
• Incorrect adjustment of clipless pedals.
• Too many hills, or too many miles, too early in the training season.
• Poor training preparation for long touring rides.
• Selecting too high a gear. A lower gear for uphill climb protects the knees, even though your muscles are well able to handle a higher gear.

Excessive saddle height can cause posterior knee pain, while setting the saddle too low can cause pain in the anterior of the knee. An incorrectly fitted saddle may eventually lead to muscle imbalance. A 25 to 35 degree knee angle is recommended to avoid an overuse injury.

Overuse injuries, including chronic nerve damage at weight bearing locations, can occur as a result of repeatedly riding a bicycle for extended periods of time. Damage to the ulnar nerve in the palm, carpal tunnel in the wrist, the genitourinary tract or bicycle seat neuropathy may result from overuse. Recumbent bicycles are designed on different ergonomic principles and eliminate pressure from the saddle and handlebars, due to the relaxed riding position.

Note that overuse is a relative term, and capacity varies greatly between individuals. Someone starting out in cycling must be careful to increase length and frequency of cycling sessions slowly, starting for example at an hour or two per day, or a hundred miles or kilometers per week. Muscular pain is a normal by-product of the training process, but joint pain and numbness are early signs of overuse injury.

Cycling has been linked to sexual impotence due to pressure on the perineum from the seat, but fitting a proper sized seat prevents this effect. In extreme cases, Pudendal Nerve Entrapment can be a source of intractable perineal pain.
Some cyclists with induced pudendal nerve pressure neuropathy gained relief from improvements in saddle position and riding techniques.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has investigated the potential health effects of prolonged bicycling in police bicycle patrol units, including the possibility that some bicycle saddles exert excessive pressure on the urogenital area of cyclists, restricting blood flow to the genitals. NIOSH is investigating whether saddles developed without protruding noses (which remove the pressure from the urogenital area) will alleviate any potential health problems.

Despite rumors to the contrary, there is no scientific evidence linking cycling with testicular cancer in men.

Andy Pruitt, director of the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, wrote a book about diagnosing, treating, and preventing cycling-related injuries. Andy Pruitt's Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists

Air pollution
One concern often expressed (both by non-cyclists and some cyclists) is the thought that riding in traffic exposes the cyclist to higher levels of air pollution, especially if he travels on or along busy roads. This has been shown to be untrue, as the pollutant and irritant count within cars is consistently higher, (presumably because of limited circulation of air within the car and due to the air intake being directly in the stream of other traffic).

Beggining Mountain Biking

2009-02-20T03:22:00.000+07:00

Mountain bikes are among the strongest and most rugged bicycles that you can find. The reason that these bikes are so strong is that they are ridden on some very tough terrain, including steep inclines, dirt tracks, and pebbles. In most cases, mountain bikers do not ride on smoothly paved roads, rather they ride on hilly and uneven terrain that can be quite rough on a bicycle. Mountain bikers get a big thrill in riding on unpaved, rough terrain, even though this is hard on a bicycle. That is why many manufacturers have made sturdier bikes for this purpose.

The tires on a mountain bike are thicker and fatter than normal bike tires. They are also made of more durable rubber that gives the rider added traction and control on uneven surfaces.

Suspension is another very essential feature of a mountain bike. A strong suspension system is essential for a mountain bike so that the rider can better handle the ups and downs that occur when riding on uneven terrain.

Mountain bikes can be separated into several different categories that are founded upon the type of suspension that they have. The classifications are dual suspension, hard tails, soft tails, and fully rigid bikes. Rigid bikes feature a rigid fork. Soft-tailed bikes have a rear suspension that pivots on the frame. Hard-tailed bikes feature a front suspension fork. Suspension bikes have either front, rear, or dual suspension systems. These bikes also feature a shock absorber in the rear, in addition to a linkage.

Lighter weight material and materials that are more resilient are the norm for a cross-country mountain bike. You can find a cross-country bike that can weight anywhere from 20-40 pounds, depending upon your needs. An all-mountain or Enduro bike will usually be heavier than a cross-country bike. These bikes range in weight from 30-35 pounds. These bikes feature a suspension that will enable you to maneuver around hairpin turns and climb up hills much easier.

Heavier and stronger materials are used to build a free ride mountain bike. They are made to help make pedaling easier, so that you can easily move around anything that is in your way and you can make sharp turns. They weigh in at around 45 pounds, which decreases their efficiency over other cross-country bikes.

For downhill tracks or race courses, you will want to choose a downhill mountain bike. They offer you better traction than the other varieties of mountain bikes for maximum control and speed.

If short distance riding is your game, then a trial bike is probably the one for you. They lack suspension and do not have a seat or vestigial pad. They are also much lighter than other bikes for maximum speed. They weigh in at about 20 pounds.

Between mountain and trial bikes, you will find Street Mountain, Dirt Jumping, and Urban Bikes. These bikes are extremely touch and feature anywhere from one to nine gears with a chain guide for the front and rear gears.

Mountain Bike History and Types of Mountain Biking

2009-02-20T03:19:00.000+07:00

There is a lot of history and information out there in regards to the history and origins of mountain biking, with some being recognized and some that depends on who has the best firm of public relations.

Some say that mountain biking began with the Buffalo Soldiers, which was a turn of the century infantry who customized bikes to carry gear over the rough and tough terrain. They began in August of 1896, over the course of 800 miles. Their mission was simple - to test bikes for military use in the toughest of terrain.

Others say it was the Velo Cross Club of France that started mountain biking. The club was comprised of 20 young bikers from Paris, who between 1951 and 1956 developed a sport that resembles present day mountain biking.

It could have also been John Finley Scott, who was the first mountain biker in the U.S. In 1953 he constructed what he called a 'Woodsie Bike', using a diamond frame, balloon tires, flat handle bars, and cantilever brakes. He was more than 20 years ahead of his time. Even though he remained an off road enthusiast, there were many at that time who didn't share that same passion.

Today, we believe that the history of the mountain bike is most apparent in Northern California. There are a few areas that claim to be the first community for mountain biking, although each and every history book will tell you Marin County.

The sport of mountain biking has taken many twists and turns over the last several hundred years. Even though there are many that say different things about the history and the beginning, we know one thing for sure - one thing has led to another and the sport of mountain biking was born.

Types Of Mountain Biking

As a sport or a hobby, mountain biking can be split into 9 different categories. These categories are very versed in what they offer. They are:

1.BMX
BMX is a style where the bikes offer 20 inch wheels.
These bikes are commonly used at skate parks or with dirt jumps. Because of their smaller wheels and shorter wheel bases, BMX bikes are much easier to perform tricks and stunts with.

2.Cross country
This type of mountain biking involves riding your bike up and down hills. Although it's the least extreme form of mountain biking, most cross country riders are very fit and go on long rides.

3.Cyclo cross
This is a cross between road and mountain biking. These riders have to go over obstacles, cross through rivers, and race on and off the course.

4.Dirt jumping
Dirt jumping involves jumping the bike over large man made dirt jumps then doing tricks while they are in the air. These jumps are normally close together so riders can go over six or more jumps in one run, gaining a flow to give them more speed for bigger jumps.

5.Downhill
Downhill mountain biking involves racing downhill as fast as possible. This type of riding is very intense and extreme, offering riders the chance for ultimate thrills and excitement.

6.Freeride
Free riding involves finding the perfect line down the mountain using all of the terrain to express yourself. These competitions are very popular, as riders can express themselves any way they see fit.

7.Single speed
No to be confused with fixed gears, this is a form of cross country biking that's done using a bike with only one gear and fewer components. The idea with single speed is simplicity. The straight chain line will provide efficient pedaling, and the lack of components mean less mechanical problems and a lighter bike.

8.Street and urban
This type of riding involves riding in urban areas, ledges, and other types of man made obstacles. Riders of street and urban biking will do tricks as well, such as stalls and grinds.

9.Trails
Trials are considered an aspect of mountain biking, although the bikes used look nothing like mountain bikes. They use 20 or 26 inch wheels and sport small, low frames. Trail riders will hop and jump their bikes over obstacles, which requires an extreme amount of balance and concentration.

Choosing The Right Tire For Your MTB

2009-02-20T03:10:00.001+07:00

One of the most important components on your mountain bike is your tires. They grip the ground and provide the traction you need on different surfaces. Most mountain bike riders look for light weight, strength and traction in a tire and many advanced riders even have multiple sets of tires for different riding conditions.

So what tire is right for your mountain bike and riding style? With so many different manufactures and models to choose from which one is right for you? These are not easy questions to answer so hopefully we can provide some insight to get you moving in the right direction. Mountain bike parts are not cheap and you want to make the right decision.

Tire Construction:

Consider a Kevlar bead or folding tire - A Kevlar tire weighs an estimated 60-80 grams less then a conventional none folding tire. It does not sound like much of a weight savings but multiple that number by two and then consider the rotating weight. For an extra couple of dollar, in my opinion, it is worth spending the extra money.

Terrain and Tread patterns:

Determine where you are going to ride and how you are going to use the bike. As an example will you be riding on the local trails that are hard packed dirt or on slick rock?

* For hard packed terrain consider a narrower and smooth tire. As an example a tire that is 1.8 to 2.0 wide.

* For hard packed terrain with a good mix of rocks you might want to consider a wider and smooth tire. As an example a tire that is wider then 2.0.

* For loosely packed terrain consider a knobby tire. Choose a tire with a really aggressive pattern as this will help you gain maximum traction in the dirt. You might also want to consider tires that are designed for the front and rear of the bike.

* For muddy terrain consider a narrow tire. Narrow tires will reach the bottom of the mud and create less resistance when turning making it easier for you to move forward.

* For all terrain tires there are so many choices to consider. Many of the major tire manufacturers make very good tires that are great for all conditions.

Riders Body Size:

Consider your body size. If you are heavier you might want to consider a wider tire.

Where to buy:

You can buy your tires at a bike store, order them from an online website or from an individual sell tires posted on a mountain bike classifieds website.

The information above is a rough guide on what to consider when buying new mountain bike tires. Many bikes stores that have bikes for sale and bike parts can also give you their opinion. Talk to your friends and read online forums to see what other riders like and don’t like. The more information you have the better.

See you on the trail.

Trail and Environmental, Minimum Impact Riding

2009-02-20T00:02:00.001+07:00

Trail & Environmental Issues And Minimum Impact Riding
In most cases where trails are closed to mountain bikes, the reason is often environmental impact or social incompatibility. Environmental impact can be reduced to insignificant levels by proper trail design and by riding responsibly. Likewise, cyclists who ride in control, yield trail, and slow down when passing other trail users pose no more threat to hikers and equestrians than these groups pose to each other.

Some non-bikers have a negative image of mountain biking as the result of an interaction with an unruly cyclist. These interactions are the exception, but the negative image they create far outweighs the slow, steady progress responsible riders have made towards improving our image.

Responsible riding has as much to do with how we are perceived as a group as it does with how we actually behave on the trail. In order for mountain bikes to be a respected and viable member of the outdoor community, it is essential that patrols understand and educate mountain bikers on the importance of respecting the trail, the surrounding area, and other trail users. In other words, follow and actively promote IMBA's shared use concepts:

Respect:
• Other Visitors - Slow down & communicate when passing.
• The Land and Wildlife - Leave no trace.
• Trail Rules - Be responsible.

Environmental Issues
Trails: Trail closure to mountain biking is sometimes based on the perception that mountain bikes cause damage to trails. While it is true that particularly steep trails and those with fragile soils may not be appropriate for mountain bikes, many of the trails that are open to hiking are also appropriate for mountain biking. It is important that patrollers observe the following simple rules for low impact riding:

• Ride on open trails only - respect trail closures including seasonal or short-term closures.
• Never ride in designated Wilderness areas, which are closed to bikes.
• Don't skid.
• Don't ride muddy trails.
• Don't ride around water bars - erosion is a trail's worst enemy.
• Stay on existing trails.
• Don't shortcut switchbacks.
• "Leave No Trace" (energy bar wrappers, punctured tubes, etc.).

Patrollers should be able to tactfully explain to other mountain bikers why they should follow these rules and the consequences of breaking them. Know which trails are closed to mountain bikes and when. Be familiar with the various causes of trail erosion and proper trail building techniques. This knowledge is an important component of the NMBP's mission to educate our fellow trail users.

The surrounding area: To be respected by other trail-use groups, patrollers must take a pro-active stance on relevant environmental issues, including minimum impact on trails. Learn what the particular environmental concerns are in your riding area. Ask your local land manager to provide this information.

The fragile cryptobiotic crust that covers much of the ground in the Moab, UT area and other parts of the Southwest is good example of this is kind of concern. The Moab Mountain Bike Patrol has done a great job educating riders about the importance of staying on the trail and off nature's delicate soil builders. Take care not to disturb sensitive wildlife habitat.

Social Issues
High speeds, reckless riding, spooking horses, unnerving other trail users - these are the most common accusations leveled at mountain bikers. It comes down to two key points: safety and respect. Patrollers should stress the importance of yielding the trail to other users. Yielding does not necessarily mean stopping. Slowing to a controlled, non-threatening speed and being prepared to stop quickly and smoothly is usually sufficient. Use common sense.

Note: One important exception is passing equestrians. Bikers should always pull over and stop or ask permission before passing horses.

Racers training for competition will want to ride fast. Some trails are appropriate for high-speed riding. Others are not. Patrollers should be prepared to suggest alternative trails where high speed riding is more acceptable.

Awareness of non-recreational land users (like ranchers) may also be an issue. Bikers need to respect crops and livestock.

Finally, do not ride on trails closed to bicycles. For various reasons it is appropriate that some trails are closed to bikes. If you feel a particular trail should be open to biking, talk to your land manager/land owner and work with them to open it.

Trailside Bike Repair Guidelines

2009-02-19T23:53:00.000+07:00

Bike Repair

A rider has "a mechanical" just a couple miles from the nearest trailhead. If warmth and daylight aren't waning, the mechanical is only an inconvenience. But add falling temperature, darkness, and less than intimate knowledge of the surrounding area and suddenly a minor inconvenience becomes a very unpleasant experience - or even a life-threatening situation.

It is important to educate the mountain biking public on the importance of being prepared for mechanical problems on the trail. Patrollers must be able to perform basic trailside bike repairs, for their own sake and for that of other riders who may need mechanical assistance.

National Mountain Bike Patrol Bike Repair Guidelines: Patrollers should be comfortable with basic bike repair tools and able to perform the following standard field repairs:
1. Flat repair
2. Chain repair
3. Derailleur adjustment
4. Saddle adjustment
5. Brake adjustment
6. Head set adjustment
7. Basic spoke and wheel repair

Training: One way patrols can learn or brush up on their bike repair skills is through a local bike shop. The local shop might be willing to donate a mechanic's expertise for a training clinic. Explaining your patrol's involvement in the cycling community will increase the likelihood of them offering training assistance. This is a great way to build a relationship with a local bicycle dealer.

An alternative is to have a knowledgeable patrol member or friend teach the group. There are a number of excellent books about bike repair available.

Legal Issues: Performing mechanical repair on another person's bike could lead to legal action if that person were to injure themselves as a result of a patrol member's actions. It is preferable to supply the rider with tools and advice to fix his/her own bike. This way the patrol member is not liable for injury as a result of the repair. In addition, the rider will learn how to do the repair himself/herself. Use common sense. If you're deep in the backcountry, or if it's getting cold/dark, or if the other rider has no mechanical ability, it's better to fix the problem yourself so that the rider can safely return to civilization. Land managers will often have a policy regarding mechanical aid.

Tool/Spare Parts Kit Contents: It is suggested that patrollers carry and be familiar with the following tools:

• multi tool
• chain tool (chain breaker)
• hex key set (Allen wrenches)
• Phillip's head & flat head screwdriver
• adjustable wrench (small)
• spoke wrench
• tire levers (2-3)
• pump (presta/schrader)
• patch kites
• tubes (presta/schrader)
• duct tape (small roll)
• zip ties
• cables (shifter/brake)
• tire boot for ripped tires

Bike Repair Publications: The following are two good books on bike repair. It is suggested that the patrol have make one or more of these books available to patrol members and trainees.

reference from:
• "Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide to Bicycle Repair"
• "Essential and Practical Trailside Repair Made Simple" Little Rose Publishing. Telluride, Colorado.

Road Bike & Mountain Bike. Whats The Difference?

2009-02-19T23:52:00.001+07:00

Serial Number locations

1 - underside of crank
2 - headset
3 - rear stays
4 - seat downtube next to crank
5 - top of crank

Bikes are one craze among the boys which they really fall for. Many men are especially fond about the custom built motorbikes. There are many kinds of bikes, and some of the most famous kinds of bikes are road bikes and mountain bikes, they are known for their specialization of their particular task. Road bikes are generally built in such a way so that they enhance the speed, and provide better mileage whereas on the other hand the mountain bikes are built to cater to the stability task. This is the major basis of differentiation between a road bike and a mountain bike. The following four areas will help to identify a better differentiation between a road and a mountain bike.

Design: Road bikes catering to the service of providing higher speed are designed in such a way that the rider’s position is present much closer to the top tube. This hunched position enables the rider to get more power from your legs and the negative impact present in this posture is that it causes much strain on the back. There is a difference present in the handle of both the bikes. On one hand mountain bikes possess wide handle bar offering more control to the rider as against the bent handle bars in the road bike. The handles in the road bike are lowered thus designed to offer more energy which in turn offers greater speed.

Mass: Heavy weight as a known fact imposes greater constraint on the speed .To move down through the mountain it is important that you go down slowly, thus it becomes a necessity for mountain bikes to use heavy weight materials so as to reduce the speed of the vehicle. With a view to make the mountain bikes heavy they even have wider tyres and they even possess many suspension systems so that the ride down the mountain becomes more manageable. As far as the road bikes are concerned, good road bikes are designed with a view to reduce the weight of the bike, they utilize materials like titanium and carbon fibre which allows strength as well as they facilitate the function of reducing weight.

Tyres: Mountain bikes have traction. These are wide and they are closed with a covering material like rubber, which increases the surface area. These features permit the rider to get more control as they are riding down the mountain. The tyres of a road bike are thin and smooth. As far as the maintenance of friction in a road bike is concerned this depends on the surface of the rubber and the skill of the rider to maintain the friction between the bike and the road.

Suspension: Road bikes are built with a sole purpose of providing greater speed; they do not possess this feature, although they have certain materials which absorb the shocks of the uneven roads. Whereas in a mountain bike, there are features like front shock absorbers and rear suspensions.

To conclude you can get a cheaper bike at a price of $200 whereas on the other hand if you are looking for custom made bikes, they can cost you more.

Outdoor Emergency Care Publications

2009-02-19T23:30:00.001+07:00

Outdoor Emergency Care Publications

First Aid
First Aid/Emergency Care Guidelines
· First aid treatment provided by a patroller can vary from giving out bandages for small cuts, to the transportation of an unconscious patient with a head injury. There is a wide range of first aid/emergency care certification levels and a number of good training organizations.

· The NMBP's policy on emergency care guidelines for patrols is as follows: NMBP individual patrollers must be certified in standard first aid & CPR (or equivalent) from an accredited source. First aid/emergency care and CPR training providers are listed at the end of this section.

· If a volunteer patrol is working with a land management agency, then each person in the patrol should be certified in the emergency care program required by that agency. The land manager will most likely be able to provide or arrange the necessary training for the patrol. In some cases, land managers may not want volunteers to administer first aid. If that's the case, then you must observe that policy.

· If the trails are on private land, and landowner permission for use by mountain bikers (and patrols) has been granted, NMBP recommends that patrol members be trained and certified in basic first aid or Outdoor First Care, and CPR.

· Advanced Levels of Certification: Higher levels of emergency care certification include Outdoor Emergency Care, Wilderness First Responder, and EMT. Some patrol members may be interested in these levels of certification (or may already be certified). While pursuing higher levels of certification is encouraged, it is not necessary for patrol membership.

· Local Protocols: If your group decides to seek a higher level of certification, make sure your treatment protocol meets the standards and requirements of local emergency facilities. This ensures uniformity of care.

· Legal Issues: Wherever there is a personal injury, there is a possibility of legal action. Most states have "Good Samaritan" laws that protect volunteers from legal action based on first aid care given as long as the first-aider acts according to the guidelines contained in his/her training. These laws vary from state-to-state. Find out what the law is in your state by contacting your local chapter of the American Red Cross, your local or state attorney's office, or your local land manager.

· First Aid Pack Contents: Most patrollers wear some type of pack such as a large capacity hydration pack (Camelbak H.A.W.G) which can be used to carry first aid supplies, tools and tubes. It is recommended that patrol members carry the following first aid items: (Note that the level of training and the local area will influence what supplies are carried).

rubber gloves (2 pr)
cravats (5)
glucose tablets
safety pins (10)
adhesive bandages (12)
knife (Swiss Army-type)*
lighter*
Kling (4 rolls)
small notebook*
ice pack
4" x 4" bandages (12)
Incident report sheets*
bug repellent*
5" x 9" bandages (2)
trauma scissors
compass*
adhesive tape
pocket mask
trail maps (10)
wire splint
1-4 oz. eye wash
water purification pills
4-oz. tube antibiotic cream
4-oz. bottle sunscreen
antiseptic towelettes
space blanket Ace bandage

* Items are not necessarily first aid specific, but should be carried by bikers.

· Note: Medication, lotions, bug repellents, salves, etc. should only be provided, never applied by the mountain patrollers.

reference from:
· Outdoor Emergency Care, Dr. Warren Bowman M.D., 1993, National Ski Patrol, (303) 988- 1111. Details comprehensive emergency care for the non-urban setting.
· Outdoor First Care, 1994, National Ski Patrol. Covers basic first aid and personal precautions for infection control.
· Wilderness Medicine, Dr. Paul S. Auerbach, M.D., 1995, Mosby Publishing. Covers management of wilderness emergencies.
· Wilderness First Aid, Backer M.D., Bowman M.D., Paton M.D., Steele M.D., Thygerson M.D., 1998, Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Covers emergency care for remote locations